Will Levis, the second-year quarterback for the Tennessee Titans, is finding his stride after a difficult start to the season, highlighted by a shoulder injury that sidelined him for three games. His performance in the Titans’ 32-27 victory over the Houston Texans showcased his growing confidence and ability to make big plays. One standout moment was a 63-yard completion to Calvin Ridley, where Levis demonstrated poise under pressure, launching a deep pass despite the pocket collapsing. According to Next Gen Stats, the ball traveled 54 yards in the air, marking one of the longest air-yard completions in the NFL that week.
Levis’s development has been evident since his return from a Grade 2 AC joint sprain in November. During his recovery, he remained mentally and physically engaged, ensuring he was ready to contribute upon his return. Since rejoining the starting lineup, Levis has completed 68% of his passes, accumulating 748 yards and five touchdowns in his last three games. Titans offensive coordinator Tim Kelly has noted a “calming presence” in Levis, who has shown significant maturity in recent weeks, allowing big plays to develop naturally.
Earlier in the season, Levis was often pressured into making mistakes, such as an interception returned for a touchdown against the Texans late in the third quarter. However, this time, he shook off the error, and with the support of Kelly, who calmly reassured him, Levis quickly responded with a 70-yard touchdown to tight end Chig Okonkwo, putting the Titans back in the lead.
Levis’s improvement has been supported by a better understanding between him and his coaching staff, particularly Kelly, who tailors the game plan to Levis’s strengths. Levis has now completed eight passes of 20 or more yards over the last three games, a marked improvement over earlier in the season. Kelly has also introduced creative route concepts, like the one that led to a 38-yard touchdown for wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine.
Additionally, Levis’s connection with Ridley has flourished, with Ridley’s catch rate improving significantly over the last few weeks. Ridley, who struggled early in the season, has since found a new routine that has paid off with several strong performances, including a 143-yard game against the Detroit Lions.
As the Titans head into their next matchup with the Washington Commanders, Levis’s recent progress gives Kelly confidence that there’s still more potential to unlock from the young quarterback. With the Titans improving and Levis becoming more comfortable, the team’s passing offense is finally finding its rhythm.
