Will Levis did not expect to find himself battling for the starting quarterback position with the Tennessee Titans just one year into his NFL career, but that is precisely the challenge he now faces. After a difficult season that fell short of both his and the team’s goals, Levis is competing with Cam Ward, the first overall pick in the 2023 draft, for the Titans’ QB1 spot. The ongoing competition highlights the Titans’ search for stability under center as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Levis Opens Up About the Toughness of His Current Circumstances
Despite maintaining a professional attitude, Levis has been candid about the frustration his situation brings. He acknowledged the difficulty of being in his position but remains focused on improvement and support for his teammates.
“Anyone who’s every been in my situation would agree that it sucks,”
Levis shared.
“I’m just trying to do the best I can to not let it affect me and just being the same dude every day in the building and being there for the guys however I can and just trying to get better every day.”
Developing a Positive Dynamic Between Levis and Cam Ward
Levis’ disappointment has not spilled over into his relationship with Cam Ward, who has spoken highly of his new teammate. Ward has embraced the competition and values the experience Levis brings to their quarterback room.
“He was one of the first ones to come up to me in the locker room, ready to compete and ready to get to work,”
Ward said.
“It’s been exciting to work with somebody who has played in an actual NFL football game. So to be able to take a little advice from him, it’s been good.”
This mutual respect suggests a healthy rivalry that could push both players to elevate their performances.
Levis’ Ball Security Issues Contributed to His Current Role
One of the main reasons Levis finds himself in a competition rather than firmly established as the starter is his struggle with turnovers. While he managed just four interceptions in nine games as a rookie, last season he regressed, throwing 12 interceptions over 12 games. This decline in ball security played a significant role in his falling to the second round of the draft and the Titans’ disappointing 3-14 record last year.
Offseason Work Suggests Significant Improvement for Levis
Rather than dwelling on setbacks, Levis committed to refining his skills during the offseason. He spent considerable time working with quarterback coach Jordan Palmer to improve his mechanics. Titans head coach Brian Callahan noted visible progress, especially regarding Levis’ footwork and ball control.
“I’ve seen a lot of improvement, I really have,”
Callahan said.
“I think him making the decision to go put in the work down there with Jordan was really beneficial. I got a lot respect for Jordan. I think he’s got a good program. He knows what he’s doing. It’s good off-season work. I see a real improvement in his footwork and his base. His ability to control the football has improved. I’ve been really pleased with the work that he’s put in. He’s reacted really well to the room.”
Historical Parallels Offer Hope Amidst Levis’ Challenges
While Levis’ current status sounds difficult, it is not unprecedented for promising quarterbacks to start their careers behind others. A notable example is Steve Young, who spent four years as a backup to Hall of Famer Joe Montana with the San Francisco 49ers before finally becoming a starter at age 30. Young was openly frustrated but later changed his outlook after a conversation with author Stephen Covey, known for
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
Covey helped Young see that playing alongside a legendary quarterback, coach, and franchise actually placed him in an ideal position to maximize his potential.
Overcoming Obstacles Can Lead to Great Success
After this shift in mindset, Young went on to have a Hall of Fame career highlighted by a Super Bowl victory in which he threw a record six touchdown passes. Levis now faces a similar crossroads as he works to overcome early challenges and compete against Cam Ward for the Titans’ starting role. His ability to embrace this competition and improve will be crucial to his career trajectory and the team’s success moving forward.
What Comes Next in the Titans QB Competition
The quarterback battle this offseason will test Levis’ determination and resilience as well as Ward’s readiness to step into a leading role. The Titans organization, along with their coaching staff, will closely monitor performance during training and preseason games to decide who wins the QB1 job. Levis’ offseason improvements and professional approach offer optimism, but the outcome remains uncertain as both signal-callers push to prove they belong under center in Tennessee’s plans.