It’s sad that this is a topic we have to discuss. The Titans’ starting QB should definitely be Will Levis. There’s only one problem, and that problem is why we are here. Per Ian Rapoport, it is believed that Levis suffered a high ankle sprain during the Titans’ loss Sunday.
The loss against the Texans also eliminated the Titans from playoff contention. With 3 games left this season, the Titans are officially in the mix for a top 10 2024 draft pick. The Titans currently hold the 9th overall pick and hold a 5-9 record along with 5 other teams. A lot of you all don’t want to hear this, but the Titans won’t gain much from winning any of these next 3 games. Even though losing out would benefit the team more going forward, that’s not going the be the mindset amongst the players and coaches. Coaches are either trying to keep their jobs or get a promotion. As far as the players, they are either looking for bigger roles or trying to put together the best game tape possible in order to get another contract. We know the coaches are going to put the best players on the field that makes the most sense. With that being said, let’s talk about who makes the most sense as the Titans starting QB at this point.
Will Levis
Like I said, Levis should definitely be the Titans’ starting QB. He hasn’t done anything but give the team and the fan base hope after taking over for Ryan Tannehill after he was sidelined with a high ankle sprain earlier this season. Since his near flawless debut against the Atlanta Falcons on October 29th, Levis has a 3-5 record as the Titans’ starting QB. He has thrown for 1,792 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions.
I’m not saying that he’s the Titans franchise QB, but he is the guy that the Titans are going to build around for the foreseeable future. He has nothing else to prove this year. Levis has shown growth on the field as a player and a leader. He also has shown a level of toughness that you want to see in a franchise QB. I’m sure if there was a legitimate reason for Levis to play through his high ankle sprain, he would do it with no discussion. Right now, the team needs to protect their investment. I don’t expect the Titans to subject Will Levis to any further harm with the team out of the playoff picture.
Ryan Tannehill
I’m going to be very blunt when I talk about Ryan Tannehill. First, I truly do appreciate what he has done for the Titans over the last 4 years. Tannehill came in and not only kept this team afloat, but he helped the Titans get within 1 win of going to the Super Bowl in the 2019/2020 season. Tannehill is also partially responsible for one of the most heartbreaking post season losses in Titans history after throwing 3 game changing interceptions against the Cincinatti Bengals. Things went downhill for Tannehill since that loss. Tannehill suffered a high ankle sprain against the Chargers last season which sidelined him for the year. Tannehill would come back this season looking to get back to his 2019/2020 form, but what we got was a veteran QB who’s best days are behind him.
Before losing his job and getting sideline with another high ankle sprain, Ryan Tannehill was 2-4 record as the Titans starter. He threw for 1,128 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions. Although his ineffective play was largely due to the Titans poor offensive line play, Tannehill could not do much of anything to protect his self. This version of Ryan Tannehill is a statue in the pocket. He can no longer extend plays or create plays outside the pocket. Ryan Tannehill is a quality backup at this point in his career. He’s also on the last year of his contract with the Titans.
For you Ryan Tannehill stans out there, it’s time to let go. It makes no absolute sense for Ryan Tannehill to take another snap under center for the Titans unless he is all that they have. Why would anyone want to put Tannehill back through the foolishness? If you love Ryan Tannehill, you should want him to go out in peace not in pieces. I’m sure the coaching staff understands this and will not disrespect Tannehill by asking him to stand behind the worst offensive line in football and eat bullets in meaningless games. Ryan Tannehill isn’t close to hitting any incentives on his contract. He isn’t having a pro bowl caliber season nor are the Titans in contention for the playoffs. Last, Ryan Tannehill isn’t putting any asses in seats at Nissan Stadium. There’s literally no justified reason to play him.
Malik Willis
Yea I know “Malik isn’t a starting QB”, “Malik isn’t even a backup QB”, “Malik should be in the XFL”, and all the other foolish things people say about him. At the end of the day, neither me nor you don’t know what he’s going to be. I’m sure the coaches and GM have a better feel for what Malik is going to be. Unlike us though, the coaches and GM actually have to see it through with him. Malik makes the most sense to be the starter for the rest of the season. This isn’t tank talk or any of that foolishness you think it is. This is me thinking about what move I would make if I was the head coaches of the Titans.
Look, Malik was drafted as a project and has looked like a failed project more times than not. The Titans invested a 2022 3rd round pick in Malik Willis. A 3rd round pick isn’t something you want to do away with unless the situation reaches a point of no return. It’s not at that point yet with Malik. While Malik lacks a lot of what you want in an NFL QB, his physical abilities make him an interesting player to work with. He’s the most physically gifted QB on the Titans’ roster. His arm strength is right up there with Will Levis. He’s faster and more elusive than Will Levis as well. We don’t even need to compare him to Tannehill when it comes to this.
Malik is still young and has a ceiling. We don’t know what that ceiling is, but we damn sure have to find out before we wash our hands with the kid. If Malik goes out there and looks like a functioning QB, the team doesn’t have to worry about looking for a backup QB for at least another 2 years. In those 2 years, the Titans could choose to sign an undrafted free agent QB and develop him in the background. If Malik stays consistent in his inability to function as an NFL QB, the Titans will lose out and have a higher draft pick going into 2024. No harm can be done by starting Malik.
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