As the Titans Vow to Stick with Will Levis: Three Things They Need from Him
The Tennessee Titans have made a decisive move by placing their trust in rookie quarterback Will Levis, signaling a long-term commitment to his development and their belief in his potential to lead the franchise. The 2023 NFL Draft pick was highly regarded for his physical traits, strong arm, and leadership qualities, but stepping into the NFL spotlight brings new pressures and challenges.
As the Titans lean into this decision, it’s essential to identify what they need from Levis to ensure both his and the team’s success moving forward. Here are three key areas where the young quarterback must excel for the Titans to thrive with him at the helm.
1. Growth in Decision-Making and Field Vision
One of the most significant hurdles for any young quarterback transitioning from college to the NFL is mastering decision-making under pressure. The speed of the game increases drastically at the professional level, requiring quicker reads, sharper instincts, and the ability to process complex defensive schemes.
Levis, known for his powerful arm, has the ability to make throws that many quarterbacks simply can’t, but he must learn to temper that arm strength with smart decision-making. The Titans need him to:
Read defenses more effectively: As opposing teams adjust to his tendencies, Levis must improve his pre-snap recognition of defensive coverages and adapt during plays when the defense shifts. His ability to quickly assess the situation will determine whether he can make the right play or fall victim to turnovers.
Limit turnovers: The Titans can’t afford a high volume of interceptions or forced throws. Levis’ college career had some flashes of risky decisions, so he’ll need to dial back the urge to gamble. Maintaining ball security will help keep the Titans’ offense on track and reduce pressure on the defense.
Adjust to NFL speed: The Titans will need Levis to speed up his internal clock, knowing when to get rid of the ball under pressure and when to take a sack or scramble. His pocket awareness must evolve as he faces some of the league’s most formidable pass rushers.
2. Consistent Leadership and Poise
Quarterback is not just a position of skill but of leadership. As the face of the franchise, Levis needs to establish himself as a respected leader in the locker room and on the field. This doesn’t happen overnight, but there are a few areas where his leadership can quickly shine.
Composure under pressure: As a rookie, Levis will face adversity. Whether it’s a tough loss, a string of poor performances, or the general grind of the NFL season, the Titans need him to stay poised. His ability to shake off mistakes, remain calm in high-pressure moments, and rally his team will be crucial.
Lead by example: Whether it’s through extra film study, staying late for practice, or working closely with his receivers, Levis must demonstrate his commitment to improvement. Titans players and coaches alike will look for him to elevate his game in every way possible.
Instill confidence: The Titans’ offense will take its cues from Levis. A confident quarterback instills confidence in the rest of the team, making them more likely to trust him in critical moments. Building chemistry with key players like wide receivers and offensive linemen will help foster this trust.
3. Maximizing the Titans’ Offense with His Skillset
Levis was drafted by the Titans for a reason: his physical gifts and upside. The team needs to take full advantage of these strengths, but at the same time, Levis must adapt to the playbook and work closely with the coaching staff to extract the best from the offensive scheme. The Titans need him to:
Utilize his mobility: While Levis isn’t a run-first quarterback, he has enough mobility to be a threat with his legs. The Titans can benefit from his ability to extend plays, scramble for yards when necessary, and keep defenses on their heels. His mobility can also help in play-action scenarios, which the Titans have historically used effectively, especially with a strong running game led by Derrick Henry.
Develop chemistry with receivers: Levis needs to build quick and consistent rapport with his receiving corps. Whether it’s deep-ball connections, timing on short routes, or understanding where his receivers like to get the ball, this chemistry will be vital for the offense’s success. Players like Treylon Burks and DeAndre Hopkins can be game-changers, and Levis has to find ways to make the most out of their talents.
Deliver under pressure: The Titans need a quarterback who can execute in high-stakes situations. Red-zone efficiency, third-down conversions, and late-game drives will all be critical moments where Levis will be called upon to make big plays. His performance in these situations can be the difference between winning and losing close games.
The Road Ahead for Levis and the Titans
Sticking with Will Levis is a decision that signals the Titans’ confidence in his potential, but that potential must be realized through growth, maturity, and execution on the field. For the Titans to see a return on this investment, Levis must quickly develop his decision-making abilities, embrace his leadership role, and maximize the offensive talent around him.
The road to becoming a franchise quarterback is rarely smooth, but with the right development and support, Levis has the tools to succeed. The Titans, having committed to him, need to ensure he has the right pieces around him, while Levis must step up to meet the challenges of the NFL head-on. If he can rise to the occasion in these three key areas, both he and the Titans may have a bright future ahead.
