QB Will Levis, TEN (1 Viewer)

[BobbyLayne]

NFL Draft Files
Will Levis over the last 3 weeks:

748 passing yards
5 passing TDs
2 interceptions
53/78 passing (68%)
7 big time throws
9.6 yards per attempt

The #Titans do NOT need to go QB in the 2025 NFL Draft. Give him more time.

x.com

x.com

The most encouraging thing about last week was "only two sacks." Levis has been sacked 37 times in 9 starts.

 

[Bri]

NFL Draft Files
Will Levis over the last 3 weeks:

748 passing yards
5 passing TDs
2 interceptions
53/78 passing (68%)
7 big time throws
9.6 yards per attempt

The #Titans do NOT need to go QB in the 2025 NFL Draft. Give him more time.

x.com

x.com

They need to see him do more n more.
I'm encouraged. I'm not sold.
Push him and show us more.
I think they should beat the injured Jags. Well beat them because his record stinks.

As Carl Banks said about someone else- He's still a thermometer not a thermostat. Lead them!
He's weird with his social media dancing and the mayo stuff. He's definitely tough and works out a lot and...idk but he's gotta have the fellas follow him.

Skoronski audibled protections last week which was Mason Rudolph's job. I'm not even wholly sure how that's working but they showed hand signals misread and early snap and Skoronski explaining to other OL after so..let's do that. Call the right protection adjustments at the LOS or get hit. I bet he learns quick that way.

 

[Faust]

TURRON DAVENPORT
Per @NextGenStats Will Levis has completed 72.6% of his passes against split-safety coverage this season, the 6th-highest mark in the NFL. Jaguars use spilt safeties 51.9% of opposing dropbacks this season, the 4th-highest rate in the NFL but haven't done so much today.

x.com

x.com

 

[Bri]

He took a shot today and seemed to hurt his shoulder but he played the second half.

I think we'll wait for an update later in the week but pain killer play thru it seems like a plausible guess for the game.

 

[Bri]

He took a shot today and seemed to hurt his shoulder but he played the second half.

I think we'll wait for an update later in the week but pain killer play thru it seems like a plausible guess for the game.

“I've been playing through it all year and I made it worse through that hit,” Levis said. “Shot it up [at halftime], played through it. Still able to play, but not fun.”
Per Nashville post

 

[Stat Correction]

With Jayden Daniels on bye. I subbed in Levis 501 in a plus matchup. Charb kept me alive, but will likely end up losing a must-win this week.

Shoulder or no shoulder, I will never start Levis again, even if he miraculously becomes the next Peyton Manning.

I'm done....

 

[Bri]

Levis didn't seem concerned of his shoulder in the interview video.
Sprained ACL but not near as bad as last time

 

[Bri]

Levis off the injury report so good to go

 

[Faust]

Geno Stone jumps Levis' pass and takes it for pick-six TD

Titans' Will Levis benched for Mason Rudolph after committing four turnovers vs. Bengals

 

[Bri]

Levis was 8 for 12 with three INTs and a fumble. His eighth in eleven games.

The crowd cheered as Rudolph came in and gave him a standing ovation.

The latter point is really something for the organization to chew on.
There may be multiple ways to take that happening but none of them are favorable for Levis.

 

[Mitchie]

Levis was 8 for 12 with three INTs and a fumble. His eighth in eleven games.

The crowd cheered as Rudolph came in and gave him a standing ovation.

The latter point is really something for the organization to chew on.
There may be multiple ways to take that happening but none of them are favorable for Levis.

Honestly I don't blame the crowd or think that matters all that much in the grand scheme of things, what does matter is his play which seemed to be progressing and now clearly isn't. Maybe his shoulder is hindering his play but no way for us to know. Titans will have to decide if they give up on him completely or bring in a quality vet and let them compete next year.

 

[Bri]

2027 is when the new stadium is to open.

The GM (it's a triumvirate) took over a team two years ago with much of the same problems it has now.

He drafted Levis.
Decision to fire Vrabel was the owners BUT there was contention between the trio and Vrabel.
Decision to hire Callahan was GMs choices and approved by owner.

Callahan's record hasn't been good. Many didn't expect it to be good.

Daddy Callahan was to fix the OL and is a commodity but they're not better. Why? Him? GM giving him not good enough players?

ST have been horrible with negative highlights on shows and social media. Despite clamoring for the coach to be let go, he was not. The GM did noticably add multiple players for ST help but their play has only been acceptable recently. ST coach has made a few comments I'm sure he'd want back.

The last three home games have had significantly more visiting than home fans and that's been widely reported.

Levis' Mayo commercials have been somewhat negative.

Levis' memes were especially negative with even other QBs mistakes being compared to him ie pulling a Levis.

The GM has claimed to clear dead weight from the prior GM for a first year dead cap of 60ish mil. Roster turnover was very high.
Year two he made the same statements and similar dead cap causing some to discuss but you cut your players.

Depending on the person you ask- Henry and Byard's, and Hopkins' departure were negative, neutral, or positive.

Ernest Jones was traded for at a steal of a late pick. He was then traded for LB Baker and a 5th. GM was praised all over media. It came out Baker visited as a free agent and they had issues. He didn't play for a few weeks. Played a couple weeks, one good one awful- then they decided to sit him.

Cedric Gray was a supposed steal in the draft (again national news) but he barely practiced this summer due to injuries that had people questioning his commitment and hasn't played much.

Signing CB Baker and Brownlee in fifth were tremendous moves.

College T drafted 2023 in top 10 but he plays G. College T drafted 2024 was considered a RT by many. He looked like he had "it" at LT but he hasn't done well lately.

Every single drafted or signed player to replace NPF as the RT has not.

Sweat was a beast that fell due to "issues" and he's awesome and is this a fell in their lap pick or a great pick.

The DC is a magician and outstanding hire.

*********
There's a lot to consider but the success (and $) of NFL teams is usually tied to-
QB aka "face of the franchise"
Coach
GM
Fan impression
Media impression

The latter two are usually tied to the first three.

This off-season will be hugely about the new stadium. Usual thoughts plus "make a good impression to get fans to pay more."

With much of above- the owner (or trickle down to GM or coach) must decide whether to start anew or stay the course.

My opinion is Levis not being the guy is one of the easier choices above.

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

I had hope but Levis just may not be the guy. I do think that coming in under one coaching regime and then having a new coaching regime is probably not the best for a young QB.

 

[Bri]

Via TD
Brian Callahan admitted the negatives outnumber the positives for Will Levis. He'll weigh it into the decision to move forward with Levis at QB. But Callahan remains convinced there are a lot of positives.

 

[Bri]

1045TheZone
·
10h
Callahan says he isn’t ready to make a decision with Levis as the starter moving forward

 

[InDitkaWeTrust]

I had hope but Levis just may not be the guy. I do think that coming in under one coaching regime and then having a new coaching regime is probably not the best for a young QB.

Very underrated comment, here. Young QBs need consistency in regime to build both trust and confidence. Heck, traded starting caliber vets tend to struggle going into a new regime with an entirely new offense. I'm in line with the Callahan coach speak. I'd like to see more from Levis. Whether that means signing a vet for 2025 and letting him sit and mature or rolling with him as the starter, I don't know. I suspect that decision may be a make or break for Callahan and his regime, though.

 

[Mitchie]

Via TD
Brian Callahan admitted the negatives outnumber the positives for Will Levis. He'll weigh it into the decision to move forward with Levis at QB. But Callahan remains convinced there are a lot of positives.

Think have to stay positive for now, let Levis finish out the season imo, get more info on him maybe he can finish a high note.

 

[JohnnyU]

If I couldn't stand him at UK I'm sure Titan fans can't stand him either, but I could be wrong. His decision making was bad in college, and it's bad in the NFL.

 

[Bri]

If I couldn't stand him at UK I'm sure Titan fans can't stand him either, but I could be wrong. His decision making was bad in college, and it's bad in the NFL.

I swear for more than thirty years I've been saying coaches can coach up a ton of things but a dramatic change in decision making isn't one of them.
I think it's a big problem with the athleticism obsessed NFL. If it's not wheels then the QB better have an arm that can throw the length of the field or some absurdity.
I remember Pennington's noodle arm and Marino's lack of mobility. Also Tannehill supposedly didn't have an arm.
I do not know that some random D1 kid that won a lot of game in 4th Q isn't better than Levis or Jeff George or Ryan Leaf or whoever.

Taamu being league MVP or offensive player of the year a few times in spring leagues- that's what I want. Ya have whatever issues, ya work it out, then go to the NFL. He never got a sincere chance in the NFL. I was always shocked because he also worked out with NFL WRs and what more do you want?

Adrian Martinez was who? This year but oh I liked his presence in the UFL. Then in Jets camp, same thing. Ya definitely get leader and poised vibes from him. No he's not gonna play over Rodgers but Rodgers has glowing quotes about him too and he could surely play now.

(Teams seem ignorant how valuable a tradable second QB is which is odd)

So suppose Taamu or Martinez stink. Ok then their team or the Rock or Moose contact the Jets and say what more can we do? He was MVP etc. Jets say he's gotta do XYZ and work with an NFL QB coach. So then the UFL teams hire a former NFL QB coach. Year or two Martinez returns to the NFL. Both leagues would benefit greatly.

But...start with a poised leader. We're all talking the elite of the elite college players so can that be the prerequisite moreso than kneeling and throwing thru goalposts or running a 40 time

 

[Bri]

Via TD
Brian Callahan admitted the negatives outnumber the positives for Will Levis. He'll weigh it into the decision to move forward with Levis at QB. But Callahan remains convinced there are a lot of positives.

Think have to stay positive for now, let Levis finish out the season imo, get more info on him maybe he can finish a high note.

I don't think the staff can survive that.
If Mason can have them playing decent then maybe a coached up player(s) does well or a drafted player(s) does well and they can go into the end of season review with something to discuss.
I think they need a talking point in their favor because there's a lot against them.

If Levis rocks to close the season- yeah that would work too, but I wouldn't put my eggs in that basket (again)

The DC had the top defense for half a year and the top passing defense still yet he has a ton of journeyman, late picks, and PS players. He absolutely shines for a review meeting. They can lose by 50 for next four games and he probably still shines.

Daddy Callahan- at the moment- his reputation is far better than the results. They can say his distinguished career, we're gonna put faith in him.

Ran and Callahan are new-ish and idk what leg they've got to stand on. I don't think Levis can help them unless he absolutely plays great for four games.

 

[Bri]

I take this as "done".

glennonsports
#Titans' Callahan: Explains that team has made changes because of game performance at positions like RT, PR/KR, etc. .... That's what enters into question of potentially benching QB. Are you holding him to the same standards?

glennonsports
·
10m
#Titans' Callahan: Potential benefit of moving away from Levis is that guys in the locker room want to feel that all players are held accountable.

 

[JohnnyU]

It's the mayonaise I tel you!!!!

 

[Bri]

He complimented Levis for how he's handled everything and said that's part of the learning process too.
Presser ongoing but it still sounds like he's done.
That was probably good coach speak to do a little maintenance on Levis ego because coaches do appreciate effort and hardwork

 

[JohnnyU]

He complimented Levis for how he's handled everything and said that's part of the learning process too.
Presser ongoing but it still sounds like he's done.
That was probably good coach speak to do a little maintenance on Levis ego because coaches do appreciate effort and hardwork

I thought since he graduated from that amateur thin white string for a headband to a more professional headband his play would improve. I guess not.

 

[Mitchie]

(Rotowire) Titans head coach Brian Callahan said the team will spend the next two days evaluating whether Levis, who was benched in Week 15, or Mason Rudolph will start Sunday's road matchup against the Colts, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: Levis was benched during Tennessee's 37-27 loss to the Bengals in Week 15 after accounting for four turnovers (three interceptions and one lost fumble). He otherwise completed eight of 12 passes for 89 yards and zero touchdown. Rudolph looked more competent, if unremarkable, in relief of Levis, completing 21 of 26 passes for 209 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, while also rushing twice for 14 yards. In order to properly divvy up first-team reps, the Titans may make an official decision at the quarterback position for Week 16 prior to Wednesday's practice.

 

[TartanLion]

He complimented Levis for how he's handled everything and said that's part of the learning process too.
Presser ongoing but it still sounds like he's done.
That was probably good coach speak to do a little maintenance on Levis ego because coaches do appreciate effort and hardwork

I thought since he graduated from that amateur thin white string for a headband to a more professional headband his play would improve. I guess not.

I thought Mettenberger had promise with his tache and headband but apparently he was ahead of time. Not really fair considering how well Minshew did on this front only a few years later

 

[JohnnyU]

He complimented Levis for how he's handled everything and said that's part of the learning process too.
Presser ongoing but it still sounds like he's done.
That was probably good coach speak to do a little maintenance on Levis ego because coaches do appreciate effort and hardwork

I thought since he graduated from that amateur thin white string for a headband to a more professional headband his play would improve. I guess not.

I thought Mettenberger had promise with his tache and headband but apparently he was ahead of time. Not really fair considering how well Minshew did on this front only a few years later

One thing for certain, the headband that Levis used to wear served no purpose. It was about one inch wide and looked liked he cut it from a pair of his tighty whities.

 

[Bri]

He complimented Levis for how he's handled everything and said that's part of the learning process too.
Presser ongoing but it still sounds like he's done.
That was probably good coach speak to do a little maintenance on Levis ego because coaches do appreciate effort and hardwork

I thought since he graduated from that amateur thin white string for a headband to a more professional headband his play would improve. I guess not.

I thought Mettenberger had promise with his tache and headband but apparently he was ahead of time. Not really fair considering how well Minshew did on this front only a few years later

A lot of Levis comparisons to Mettenberger. Joking aside he is a fine example of fine drafting and the opposite of what I was saying earlier.
Sixth round, learn the ropes, give him a shot, some good many bad, thanks for the memories. Very fluid and easy to relate to and teammates to work with and all that
Drafting a QB in the first (or second and claiming he's a first that fell) is different.

Mettenberger and Levis are not so dissimilar players. Levis can run better and is clearly stronger but questionable decisions and you can tell that what matters most to them is showing off the big arm.

I still don't think Malik and Richardson are all that different but third versus first round is quite different

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

I know the QB class isn't supposed to be THAT this year but I have a hard time seeing them NOT take a QB. I'm still optimistic that Levis could improve year #2 under Callahan but it seems like a risk that the Titians might not be willing to take-at least I feel like the modern NFL solution is to get a new QB anytime one struggles or maybe Levis just doesn't have it. The other option here is to sign a vet QB like Darnold and draft a WR in rd1 and worry about QB another day (if we assume they sign Darnold and he's a hit)

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

IMHO, Rudolph is the correct start here but they might be in mini tank mode and they want to start Levis so they don't accidentally win.

 

[travdogg]

IMHO, Rudolph is the correct start here but they might be in mini tank mode and they want to start Levis so they don't accidentally win.

I see no point in starting Rudolph. Levis still only has 20 starts, and while its mostly bad, there is some ability there, maybe he can be a long-term backup or something. I'm not sure Rudolph is a much better passer (if at all) and he's certainly less mobile. Why not play out the string with Levis?

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

I'm a doomer. I'm not really sure what giving Levis 3 more starts will do. I guess the best case scenerio is that he balls out and it makes them rethink their QB plans (drafting a QB and/or signing a bridge) but I just don't really see that happening. Do what Carolina did and bench Young, he seemed to come back better after a breather.

 

[wlwiles]

I'm a doomer. I'm not really sure what giving Levis 3 more starts will do. I guess the best case scenerio is that he balls out and it makes them rethink their QB plans (drafting a QB and/or signing a bridge) but I just don't really see that happening. Do what Carolina did and bench Young, he seemed to come back better after a breather.

I wanted this same thing to happen earlier, but it's too late now. Bench him for a month, then bring him back, and if he has a decent game or two then we'd all have a chance to sell him and get off the train but now we're stuck holding him into 2025 when God knows what might happen

 

[JohnnyU]

Probably career backup going forward.

 

[Faust]

Source: Titans making QB change for Week 16, benching Will Levis

 

[Faust]

Bill Barnwell
Era-adjusted by @pfref, Will Levis was having the 16th-worst season in NFL *history* in terms of taking sacks. (Minimum: 250 PA)

Titans have 39 drives with at least one sack this year. They've scored TDs on two of those 39.

Cannot win in the NFL playing that way.

x.com

x.com

 

[Bri]

Bill Barnwell
Era-adjusted by @pfref, Will Levis was having the 16th-worst season in NFL *history* in terms of taking sacks. (Minimum: 250 PA)

Titans have 39 drives with at least one sack this year. They've scored TDs on two of those 39.

Cannot win in the NFL playing that way.

x.com

x.com

GM built the OL

 

[Jacob's Ladder]

Which was worse, his play or that mayonnaise commercial?

 

[Bri]

Fowler is wonderful. His report on Titans switching to Rudolph closes with a question and didn't read as definitive to me. It seemed unlike his usual.

Pressers soon as yesterday was a day off. I think clarity will come soon

 

[Bri]

Bill Barnwell
Era-adjusted by @pfref, Will Levis was having the 16th-worst season in NFL *history* in terms of taking sacks. (Minimum: 250 PA)

Titans have 39 drives with at least one sack this year. They've scored TDs on two of those 39.

Cannot win in the NFL playing that way.

x.com

x.com

GM built the OL

Reports still that Latham should move to right and Titans should draft a LT.
That hasn't died off since the draft. One could definitely excuse his first game as jitters and his week 10 on as rookie wall. He sure looked the part in between and most every OL guy on Twitter was praising him then too.

I find it hard to understand that many same guys are saying he should move to the right and isn't made for left. Do I believe what you said at this point or that point?

This all comes with the uncomfortable Bill Callahan stuff. He's a guru so why do they stink? Skoronski and Latham are as good as you're gonna get on paper. Cush was a pro bowl caliber C. We can debate the right side but Callahan should have had the left side rocking imo. It can't be that drafted top ten linemen stink. There is an enormous accountability point here. I do not know who is wrong-scouts, personnel, GM, coaching etc.

Then we get into some that believe in Levis to some degree(could be minimal doesn't have to be he's a star) and blame the OL. This chicken or the egg scenario. This isn't uncommon for young QBs, it's just the Titans turn and they have to decide who is to blame.

 

[jm192]

Managed to trade him in my SF dynasty ~1 month ago. I got a 2nd and a 4th. The guy was competing and really needed the QB depth.

Felt ecstatic to get anything out of him a month ago. Even better now.

 

[Bri]

Gotta watch this. It's not Levis related but I must share it.

x.com

x.com

 

[Bri]

Confirmed Rudolph starter, if anyone hasn't seen

 

[Faust]

Benched Will Levis: Still believe I can be Titans' franchise QB

 

[Bri]

Benched Will Levis: Still believe I can be Titans' franchise QB

Actually he said "here or elsewhere"

That had to be so hard for him.
He's a real nice guy, a good kid, but there's not much room for niceness to matter. Just...we don't often see the cuts and benchings. They're just announced. I felt bad for him a bit today.

 

[Mitchie]

Started the year with so much promise too, I could see Cousins being a good fit in Tennessee, maybe he's washed but maybe he isn't, and could leave the door open for Levis to get another shot at some point.

 

[Bri]

Titans OC

x.com

x.com

I swear this guy watches Ted Talks on PR.

 

[oswizzle]

Those Mayonnaise commercial doing the splits finally caught up with Will

 

[Bri]

Levis and Rudolph will play week 18.
Coach sounded fair sounded reasonable- if Mason had won the last two games, he'd play but since he didn't, they'll both get time.
*******
Coach has been rumored as staying in 2025 but with some (forced) staff changes per Ian.

He looked confident and comfortable for the first time in weeks. Maybe I missed it as he got a little more and a little more stressed each week? He had a different vibe today.

Vrabel and Mularkey were both fired when they were expected to remain.

The Titans owner is very routine, very predictable and ol Bud taught them that this is best for everyone so it's probably like fifty years they've been doing this:
Amy(acting owner) has a call with HC and GM every Tuesday.
At the end of the season, the ownership group has an exit interview with any and every boss- including GM and HC.
(Every boss is to do same with their workers)

Kenneth Adams IV is a very impressive man, exceptionally highly respected in NFL circles. He has represented the league in legal matters and led committees. Not to mention he has grown up as Bud's son.
The other family members don't lack knowledge either.

So the bosses will be presented with facts in a professional manner. I have no idea how. Let's assume spreadsheets and a big table and guy standing giving a presentation.
The head coach and GM triumvirate (Titans have three, one acting) must act how you imagine they should act and- just like you if your boss did this- must have an answer for everything and be accountable.

Mularkey and Vrabel had arrogance that did not go over well. Mularkey turned the team around. Vrabel was coach of the year recently. Two widely reported issues with them were that they refused to fire their OCs. Less commonly discussed- they didn't own bad player moves and decisions. (JRob can be added here too)
The family isn't unaware of bad picks and bad trades and (imagine growing up the children of an owner) all. They just want accountability, how they'd do it differently in the future, and how they'll fix it.
We also know this because their exit interview process has been adopted by other teams and it was once presented at a league meeting for others to follow.

I think Callahan is in the right professional place to rock that meeting. I think his different vibe today was also probably getting himself in the right frame of mind. He too growing up in the NFL probably has him well aware too.

I don't at all get the vibe of Mularkey or Vrabel.

The special teams have been record setting bad and the last few weeks have been normal. Not good but normal. There is some progress. Fans have been calling for Callahan to fire the ST coach for a long time. Facts in a meeting probably dictate that but he's self aware so he probably counters with the improvement and facts of his own.

He could similarly be fired but I don't see it. The arrogance of Vrabel and Mularkey, the stupid heh laugh arrogant people do when you point out a mistake, wanting more control when they should get less...Callahan is none of these.

As I've said 100k times, reports or not, ya don't know if the Titans are keeping anyone til the exit interview is over. Rumors and reports have been wrong more often than right. I think Callahan nails this exit interview.

I think the GM is gone and I don't even really see how he's kept. Any typical standard he hasn't met. He's a good dude. He's also grown up in the NFL. He's very likable yet bossy has a great vibe about him. Maybe he can be humble and present himself accountable and they give him another year.

The Titans have around thirty free agents and a high pick and a new stadium coming. Besides the GM not meeting standards, this is commonly thought as an enviable scenario for a potential new GM.

The triumvirate- idk...it's a well thought out system, no doubt, but they're not winning. I don't know if they keep the system or all three guys or what.

Long post, there's no Titans thread, but usually people need to know why the year end news is so contrary to great reporters reports. This process has to happen and matters greatly.

 

[Faust]

Titans say Will Levis to start, still plan to play Rudolph too