The future of the Tennessee Titans’ quarterback position remains in flux after the team made the surprising decision to bench second-year signal caller Will Levis in favor of veteran backup Mason Rudolph. Despite the demotion, the 24-year-old Levis remains steadfast in his belief that he still has what it takes to be the franchise quarterback the Titans envisioned when they selected him in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
A Disappointing Turn of Events
Levis found out on Tuesday morning that he was being reduced to a backup role when he met with head coach Brian Callahan for their weekly quarterback meeting. The move comes on the heels of a mistake-riddled performance against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 15, where Levis turned the ball over four times before being pulled in a 37-27 loss.
While obviously disappointed by the decision, the mature-beyond-his-years Levis took accountability for his recent struggles, admitting he could have played better. But even in the face of this adversity, he made it clear that his confidence remains unshaken.
“I still believe that I can be the franchise quarterback for this team. I have the utmost confidence in myself and my ability to lead any team in this league.”
Will Levis, Tennessee Titans quarterback
Handling the Backup Role with Class
Rather than sulk or become a distraction, Levis is taking a day-by-day approach and focusing on how he can help the Titans succeed in whatever role he’s asked to fill. For the time being, that means doing his best to support Mason Rudolph as he takes over the starting reins.
Rudolph described the dynamic between him and Levis as “easy” thanks to the strong relationship the two quarterbacks have built. There’s a mutual respect and understanding, with both players having experienced the sting of being benched at different points in their careers.
“Obviously I’m sympathetic. I know what it feels like for the switch to be made, but we’ve always had each other’s backs. He’s been supportive, and there’s really been nothing weird about it.”
Mason Rudolph, Tennessee Titans quarterback
The Coaches’ Perspective
For head coach Brian Callahan, the decision to bench Levis was not an easy one. As a first-year head coach tasked with developing the talented young passer, Callahan poured significant time and resources into putting Levis in a position to succeed. But a lack of consistency forced his hand to make a change.
“I went back and watched a lot of things. It wasn’t for lack of coaching or pouring into, I mean we’ve given at every turn as much as we can to try to put Will in position to succeed, and he’s shown improvement. There’s a lot of things he has improved at, but there hasn’t been enough consistency at this moment.”
Brian Callahan, Tennessee Titans head coach
When asked about Levis’ long-term future with the franchise, Callahan stopped short of giving a definitive answer, choosing instead to focus on the task at hand of trying to win games and sneak into the playoffs. But he did reaffirm his belief in Levis’ abilities and potential to still develop into the team’s quarterback of the future.
Learning from the Best
As Levis looks to fight his way back into a starting role, he’s drawing inspiration from star quarterbacks who faced similar adversity early in their careers. In particular, the example set by Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young resonates with the young passer.
“It happens to some of the best quarterbacks in the history of this game. I remember the last time I got benched, I came back with a fury and put the best ball in my life the year after. So, I best see a similar thing happening for me.”
Will Levis, Tennessee Titans quarterback
Like Levis, Young was benched early on in his NFL career before bouncing back to reestablish himself as the Panthers’ unquestioned starter and franchise cornerstone. If Levis can follow a similar trajectory, the Titans’ big bet on the strong-armed Kentucky product may still pay off in the long run. Only time will tell if he gets that chance.
For now, Titans fans will have to hope Mason Rudolph can provide a spark and lead this talented roster to the playoffs. But make no mistake, the Will Levis story is far from over in the Music City. Armed with unshakable self-belief and a tireless work ethic, don’t be surprised if the resilient young quarterback forces his way back into the starting lineup sooner rather than later.
