Will Levis didn’t let his NFL debut go to waste. In the Tennessee Titans’ 28-23 win over the Atlanta Falcons, the rookie quarterback exploded for 238 passing yards and four touchdowns while connecting on 19-of-his-29 pass attempts. Further, Levis did not throw an interception in the outing.
Levis had not played an NFL snap before Sunday. The former Kentucky standout was even limited in the preseason due to an injured left thigh. Levis showed no signs of injury on Sunday.
For Levis, the game was a statement. After Levis received massive praise ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft, many expected the 6-foot-4 QB to be a top-10 pick. Instead, Levis slid, being forced to miserably watch 32 players be drafted ahead of him.
There weren’t 32 players in the NFL better than Levis on Sunday. Levis is only one seven quarterbacks since 1990 to throw three or more touchdowns in their NFL debut. Other names on the list include Trevor Lawrence, Marcus Mariota and Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Will Levis makes history
Levis also made history for his alma mater. He is the first former Kentucky QB to tally three touchdown passes in an NFL regular season game since Tim Couch against the Bengals on November 17, 2002. With each pass, Levis silences the doubters.
Before the season, NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter added to this doubt. Reuter predicted Levis would play in six games, starting in two of them. Reuter also projected Levis to accumulate 550 passing yards, four passing touchdowns and three interceptions, while rushing for 150 yards and three touchdowns.
Levis met Reuter’s passing touchdowns expectation in one game. Only time will tell if he will be given the chance to exceed Reuter’s other expectations. Levis started behind center on Sunday after Titans starting QB Ryan Tannehill sprained his ankle in the Titans’ 24-16 loss to the Ravens on Oct. 15. in a
Tennessee had a bye last weekend. Tannehill didn’t practice at all this week, leading Vrabel to announce a change at quarterback before Friday’s team workout. Perhaps this change will become permanent after Levis’ breakout performance.
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