Is Ryan Tannehill's starting job at risk in 2022?
For the first time since 2007, no rookie quarterback will start a Week 1 game, but that unusual reality is unlikely to last long.
Kenny Pickett is waiting in the wings for the Steelers, while Atlanta's Desmond Ridder and Washington's Sam Howell both showed promise this preseason. But, arguably no rookie quarterback produced as many highlights in the preseason than Tennessee's Malik Willis, who was drafted 86th overall in April.
Willis was 28-of-51 for 318 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in the preseason, flashing the hit-or-miss passing ability he showed at Liberty. On the ground, Willis left a serious impression. He ran for 159 yards and a touchdown on just 14 carries, averaging 11.4 yards per attempt.
It was enough to earn the trust of the Titans' coaching staff, which chose to keep him as the only quarterback behind Ryan Tannehill on the 53-man roster. While he still has plenty of room to grow as a passer, Willis' athleticism gives him an asset Tannehill doesn't have.
There is no doubt the Titans are Tannehill's team right now. The 11th-year quarterback told reporters Wednesday that he has a "burning fire" after last year's playoff loss to the Bengals, which ended with an interception that put Cincinnati in position for the game-winning field goal.
Tannehill said in May that he wasn't planning to mentor Willis this season, though he later clarified that he's in "constant communication" with the rookie. It's tough to blame Tannehill for being lasered in on his performance heading into the season. His 89.6 passer rating in 2021 was slightly below league average and his own worst mark since 2015 with the Dolphins.
If 2022 brings more of the same and the Titans need a midseason jolt, Willis is exactly the type of quarterback who can provide it.
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