Tennessee Titans starting QB Will Levis is beginning to show flashes that indicate he’s worth investing in
The Tennessee Titans picked up an exciting victory on Sunday, defeating their AFC South rival Houston Texans 32-27 at NRG Stadium. Beating the Texans in Houston simply means more to owner Amy Adams Strunk, given her family’s history with the city and the Oilers. Above all, the notable win featured another big-time performance by starting QB Will Levis.
Levis completed 18 of 24 passing attempts for 278 yards, two touchdowns, and one pick-six interception. He completed 75 percent of his throws. It certainly wasn’t perfect. Levis was sacked on eight occasions, bringing his three-game total post-injury to a historic 20 sacks. His pick-six TD was also his third of the season.
Will Levis has a Passer Rating of 109.3 since Week 10
Levis has also been sacked 20 times in that same time span
Levis became the first player since the merger to have a Passer Rating above 105 in a 3-game span when they were sacked 20+ times
h/t @bwaryeofblake https://t.co/qCIpWgEImQ pic.twitter.com/EPbFQj28YW
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) November 25, 2024
But Levis also located the explosive plays that were sorely lacking earlier this campaign, connecting with Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Chig Okonkwo for 38 and 70-yard scores. Levis also hit Calvin Ridley for a 63-yard gain on a 3rd-and-long in the first half. Suddenly, the occasional boneheaded sack or interception is worth enduring, because the Titans are still scoring 30 points and airing the ball out successfully.
Will is cooking @will_levis to @CalvinRidley1 for 63 yards!
: Watch #TENvsHOU on @NFLonCBS stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/dA41YgEffd
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) November 24, 2024
The Titans shouldn’t be considering drafting one of these lackluster quarterback prospects. Drafting early is always worthwhile, but this may not be a year where trading a top overall selection to a QB-needy team is possible, given the league-wide shared sentiments of the prospects available. Instead, the Titans should be focused on drafting the best talent available.
They could alternatively address needs at EDGE (Abdul Carter/James Pearce Jr./Jalon Walker), right tackle (Will Campbell/Kelvin Banks Jr.), or wide receiver (Travis Hunter/Tetairoa McMillan/Luther Burden). The Titans could stick-and-pick one of those premium prospects at a position of need, or trade down and still address a roster hole. They don’t need to select at No. 1 or 2 overall to do that.
Levis has played improved football since returning from injury against three quality defenses coached by Jim Harbaugh, DeMeco Ryans, and Brian Flores. The former Kentucky standout still isn’t perfect, with pocket presence and turnovers being an ongoing weakness, but he’s showing flashes. Levis is currently earning another look in 2025.