Rookie quarterback Will Levis gave Titans fans a glimpse of both his electrifying potential and his costly inexperience in a nail-biting 32-27 victory over the Houston Texans on Sunday. While Levis threw for two touchdowns and 278 yards, his two turnovers and the eight sacks he took kept the game uncomfortably close. The win moves Tennessee to 5-6, keeping their postseason aspirations alive in the tight AFC South race.
Levis Ignites Offense with Explosive Plays
From the opening whistle, Will Levis demonstrated his ability to stretch the field and create big plays for the Titans’ offense. He led Tennessee to scores on their first three possessions, showcasing his powerful arm and connection with his receivers.
One of the game’s most memorable moments was a 70-yard touchdown connection with tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo in the third quarter. Although Okonkwo did most of the work after the catch, Levis delivered the ball perfectly in stride, allowing his playmaker to turn a short pass into a game-changing score. This was a prime example of how Levis’s arm talent can instantly flip field position.
The rookie’s aggressive mindset was evident throughout the day. He also found Nick Westbrook-Ikhine for a 38-yard touchdown and hit Calvin Ridley for a 63-yard bomb that set up a rushing touchdown by Tony Pollard.
Turnovers and Sacks Raise Red Flags
Despite the impressive highlights, Levis’s performance was far from perfect. The rookie’s mistakes proved costly and allowed the Texans to stay in the game. A pick-six in the third quarter shifted momentum squarely back to Houston, and a fumble earlier in the contest highlighted ongoing ball security issues for the team.
Another major area of concern was the pass protection, or lack thereof. Levis was sacked a staggering eight times during the game. While the offensive line struggled, some of the sacks were a result of the rookie holding onto the football for too long, a point emphasized by head coach Mike Vrabel. “He made some great throws, no doubt about it,” Vrabel stated. “But we’ve got to clean up the turnovers and the sacks if we want to win consistently.”
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Completions/Attempts | 18/24 |
| Passing Yards | 278 |
| Touchdowns | 2 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Rushing Attempts/Yards | 8/10 |
A Mixed Bag for the Titans’ Overall Performance
The game was truly a tale of two units for the Titans. The offense, led by Levis, looked dynamic and capable of scoring from anywhere on the field. The team’s ability to generate big plays kept the Texans’ defense on its heels for much of the afternoon.
- Explosive Plays: Levis has now completed eight passes of 20 or more yards in his last two games, a sign of a more aggressive downfield passing attack.
- Key Contributors: Wide receivers Calvin Ridley and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine were reliable targets, combining for over 120 receiving yards.
However, the defense struggled to contain the Texans’ offense, giving up several long, sustained drives. Tennessee was fortunate to hold on for the win after Houston failed to convert on a critical red-zone opportunity late in the fourth quarter.
What This Win Means for Tennessee’s Playoff Hopes
This crucial victory keeps the Titans in the hunt within a crowded AFC South. While Levis has injected new life and excitement into the offense, his development remains a work in progress. Over the last two weeks, he has shown flashes of brilliance, throwing for 573 yards and four touchdowns.
However, he has also committed five turnovers in that same span. The Titans’ upcoming schedule features tough matchups against division leaders, which will test the rookie’s ability to learn from his mistakes. For Tennessee to make a serious playoff push, they will need Levis to maintain his big-play ability while drastically reducing the costly errors.
