NFL Analysis

9/19/24

4 min read

Will Levis' Viral Turnovers Are Rough, But There's Hope For Him Still

By Tyler Brooke

NFL Analyst
Sep 15, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans Will Levis (8) leaps over New York Jets defensive end Will McDonald IV (99) and fumbles the ball during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Will Levis has gone viral for the wrong reasons this season, but the Tennessee Titans quarterback still has a chance to be a long-term starter in the NFL.

The Titans are 0-2 after disappointing losses to the Chicago Bears and New York Jets to start the season. Levis has struggled mightily in those first two games, posting a 67.3 passer rating with two touchdowns and three interceptions.

Levis' worst moment came in Week 1, gifting the Bears a lead they would hold onto for the rest of the game with a baffling throw, resulting in a pick-six.

The Titans quarterback made another terrible decision last week, which resulted in head coach Brian Callahan yelling at him from the sidelines. Levis took the on-field criticism like a champ and downplayed the interaction with reporters after the game.

Levis' decision-making has to improve for him to take a step forward in 2024, but it's not the main reason the second-year quarterback is struggling to find consistency.

Titans Must Improve Their Pass Protection

Levis has made some unacceptable decisions during the last two weeks, but his offensive line isn't doing him any favors.

Levis has already been under pressure on 32-of-73 dropbacks this season, the third-most in the NFL. Only Deshaun Watson and Bo Nix have been pressured more times, but they've had at least 90 dropbacks.

Right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere has had a particularly rough start to the year. He's been credited with 11 pressures, including two sacks, in the first two games of the season by PFF.

That pressure rate is leading to all kinds of issues for the passing game. Teams are blitzing Levis on fewer than 20 percent of his dropbacks, yet he is dealing with a 43.8 percent pressure rate. It's a frustrating part of Tennessee's offense because Levis shows great zip and placement when can throw from a clean pocket.

The Titans also need to stay committed to their run game. Despite averaging 5.0 yards per carry and ranking 11th in rushing DVOA by FTN Fantasy, the Titans only rank 15th in total rushing attempts.

A more reliable running game would open up play-action concepts for Levis. He was particularly effective on play-action passes in 2023, posting a 100.8 passer rating with four touchdowns and just one interception.

Can Levis Still Be a Starting Quarterback?

Despite all of the negative criticism around Levis, there's still a path for him to remain a starting quarterback.

The biggest trait that will keep Levis around is his arm strength. Levis can throw the ball with velocity all over the field, and he has the fearlessness to believe he can make any throw. He also has a well-built frame at 6-foot-4, 229 pounds, combined with the competitiveness to take off and lower his pads to finish runs for first downs.

Despite the decision-making that's gone viral, Levis still takes decent care of the football. He's tied for 15th in the league with just two turnover-worthy plays.

The size and arm talent will always make Levis a coveted quarterback with upside, but it's far too early for the Titans to pull the plug on him.

Brian Callahan is just two games into his tenure as Titans head coach and should be given a full season with Levis to see what he can do with the former Kentucky Wildcats gunslinger before fans start to call for a replacement under center.

Tags: Tennessee Titans, Will Levis

Tyler Brooke

NFL Analyst

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