29 October 2023 , 20:29
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Tennessee Titans gave Will Levis his first start of his NFL career after an injury to starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill, and the rookie did not disappoint.
Levis had an excellent first drive for the team against the Atlanta Falcons, being almost perfect after his first 10 throws which saw eight completions and the other two dropped by receivers. For good measure one was caught for a long touchdown to DeAndre Hopkins.
From that point on, he continued to shine, in total throwing a hat-trick of touchdown passes to Hopkins and another to Nick Westbrook-Ikhiene. It could have been even better, as Levis was let down by his receivers who had four relatively simple drops on the day.
Although Tannehill is expected to be back for their next game on "Thursday Night Football" against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Levis could be in-line to now take over the starting spot with the Titans struggling under their veteran so far this season.
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It marks a complete change for the former Kentucky five-star prospect who has had to wait until Week 8 to get his first play in the league, after a disastrous beginning to his career. Levis was the shock of the NFL Draft when he fell to the second round, after many had predicted a first round selection with some believing him to potentially be the first overall pick.
The Titans were one team who were seen as an option to select him in the top five, but passed on him in the first round and were able to select him in the second round.
After struggling to convince his offensive coaches throughout the offseason, Levis was named the third-choice quarterback after failing to beat out both Tannehill and former third-round pick Malik Willis. Named the back-up earlier this season, Willis came in as relief for Tannehill in their last game, as he struggled with Levis seemingly taking the spot from him.
Will Levis looked like the player he had been in 2021 when many believed him to be a potential number one overallLevis' traits have been there to see, after an incredible 2021 season with Kentucky under former Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Liam Coen.
In that season, Levis was unlucky to not be named a finalist for the Heisman Trophy - running a pro-style offense throughout the year with his huge frame, strong arm and passing abilities - which saw him likened to Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen.
But after a tough 2022 with a struggling offensive line, Levis was not able to replicate that and did not do enough to earn the trust of NFL scouts, which resulted in his fall to the second-round.
Throughout the offseason, Levis also drew attention to himself with some of his off-field antics. The quarterback garnered plenty of attention on social media thanks to his bizarre eating and drinking habits.
But now finally given the opportunity to show himself off on the field, Levis took his chance with four tight-window passes to receivers, including his three touchdowns to Hopkins and one to Westbrook-Ikhiene while leading the Titans offense as well as they have all season.
Levis finished his first start with 238 yards and four touchdowns to no interceptions in what was an incredible debut in the win over the Falcons.