Tennessee Titans Name Will Levis as Starting Quarterback for Remainder of Season

By Turron Davenport, ESPN | Nov 7, 2023, 02:18 PM ET

NASHVILLE, Tenn — Titans rookie Will Levis has been announced as the full-time starting quarterback for the Tennessee Titans for the rest of the season, according to coach Mike Vrabel during a news conference on Tuesday.

Levis Takes the Helm

Vrabel stated, “Going forward Will is going to be our quarterback. We’re going to go with Will, we think that’s the best opportunity for our football team right now, and see where he’s at.”

Levis filled in for Ryan Tannehill, who was recovering from a high ankle sprain he suffered against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 6. The Titans went 1-1 in the two games Levis started.

Impressive Debut

In Levis’ debut, the Titans scored 28 points, marking their highest-scoring game since the final game of the 2021 season. Levis also became only the third quarterback in NFL history to throw four touchdown passes in his first start, joining Fran Tarkenton (1961 vs. Bears) and Marcus Mariota (2015 vs. Buccaneers).

So far, Levis has completed 60.3% of his passes, throwing for 500 yards with four touchdowns and one interception in his two starts. Despite a loss, Vrabel commended Levis for his performance and handling of the game’s operations in a challenging environment against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Team Support

Vrabel informed the Titans of the quarterback change in a team meeting on Tuesday morning. Titans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair expressed the team’s unity, stating, “There’s nothing personal within the locker room. I don’t expect Ryan to act any different. I don’t expect Will to act any different. End of the day we’re just going to stick together.”

Looking for a Spark

Tannehill, who will be a free agent after this season, had been the Titans’ starter since 2019 when he replaced Mariota in Week 6. The Titans experienced success with Tannehill, going 7-3 and making a run to the AFC Championship Game in 2019. Vrabel hopes Levis can provide a similar spark for the team.

Vrabel explained the decision, saying, “Just looking for something. I think that there’s clearly something there. We want to be able to continue to work with him and progress and develop and win, and that’s how you get better, and you only get better by going out there and playing, especially at that position.”

With Levis now leading the charge, the Titans are eager to see how he will perform and contribute to the team’s success for the remainder of the season.