Will Levis to make first career start for the Tennessee Titans, per NFL reports
It’s time for The Will Levis Show in Nashville.
The second-round draft pick from Kentucky entered his rookie season as the third quarterback on the Tennessee Titans’ depth chart, but the Titans are preparing Levis to be QB1 in Week 8 of the regular season, per multiple reports out of the NFL.
On Wednesday, former Titans offensive lineman Taylor Lewan said he is “90 percent sure” Levis will get the nod over Malik Willis, the second-year quarterback prospect out of Liberty. Willis was sacked four times on fourteen snaps in relief duty for starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who suffered a second-half ankle injury two weeks ago in London.
Coming out of the Titans’ bye weekend, head coach Mike Vrabel said he expects both Levis and Willis to play Sunday versus the Atlanta Falcons in Nashville. Their position coach called it a “unique situation trying to develop two quarterbacks.“
Levis has not yet played an NFL down, in addition to missing action with an injury in his first NFL preseason.
Not the ideal situation, but it’s time
The Tennessee Titans are in a bad spot. I say that as a die-hard Titans fan. The team has an identity crisis between rebuilding/trading assets and fighting for a division title in the not-too-difficult AFC South. With two games still to play against first-place Jacksonville, earning an automatic playoff bid in the AFC’s worst division is still possible. At the same time, it’s clear the Titans aren’t built for a playoff run, and finishing in the middle of the pack will only slow the franchise’s impending makeover.
This coming Sunday, Levis will get his first audition for a role in that makeover. It’s a massive opportunity for a young QB with a head start on winning the job. However, the former Wildcat is taking over one of the worst offenses in the NFL. The Titans (2-4) average 283.5 yards and 17.3 points per game.
The Titans’ problems start along the offensive line. Only three teams–Washington, New York, and Chicago–allow more sacks per game. Levis will need to make quick decisions, be light on his feet, and get rid of the ball.
That brings us to the next problem. Levis needs wide receivers to get open. The Titans struggle in that area, too, ranking dead last in the league with only 103 total receptions this season. Veteran DeAndre Hopkins was a nice offseason acquisition, and his leadership could help Levis’ growth if the Titans stick to the plan and keep Hopkins around for the length of his two-year deal. Still, Hopkins is one target, and he is the only player on the roster with more than 170 receiving yards through six games.
The Titans have three receiving touchdowns as a team. At least it can’t get much worse?
It’s time to see what Levis has to offer.
Oiler Throwbacks
Adding to the excitement around the QB change in Nashville, Levis will debut in the Titans’ debut of the new Houston Oiler throwback uniforms.
If Levis plays well, it could be a special day in the Music City and the beginning of a new era for the Titans.
Titan Up.
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