Malik Willis is now at the helm of the Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE — Rookie quarterback Malik Willis looked as comfortable as one could expect in his third NFL start, given the circumstances. The third-round pick could only do so much for the Tennessee Titans (7-8) on Saturday as they dropped their fifth consecutive game. Tennessee has not had a win since November 17. Willis is in charge […]
NASHVILLE — Rookie quarterback Malik Willis looked as comfortable as one could expect in his third NFL start, given the circumstances. The third-round pick could only do so much for the Tennessee Titans (7-8) on Saturday as they dropped their fifth consecutive game.
Tennessee has not had a win since November 17.
Willis is in charge for the foreseeable future. Being forced to start the Liberty product is not ideal, but may be the best possible outcome in a season that is bordering on lost. The Titans have not officially shut starter Ryan Tannehill down for the season, however, as he tries to rebound from an ankle surgery last week.
Now, everyone gets to find out whether Willis can be the future of this team.
Titans cannot move forward with Willis in 2023
Sure as hell not yet, at least.
Tennessee and the rest of the NFL understood that Willis was very much a long-play at the position. Just how far away he is from functioning NFL passer is what we have seen thus far. The rookie has appeared in eight games with three starts for the Titans this season.
Willis has completed 31 of 61 attempts (50.8%) for 276 yards (4.52 yards per attempt), no passing touchdowns and three interceptions. He has run the ball 27 times for 123 yards on the ground and a rushing score.
"I was fine regardless of what you see on the stat line," said Willis on Saturday. "If you’re looking at the stat line, go worry about your fantasy team, not real life. Other than that, I feel comfortable out there. We got some plays going early, penalties knocked us off what we were doing, they knocked us off our rhythm in the second half, just turnovers."
Willis' definition of the word "fine" may do well with a dose of reality.
Willis has at least two more auditions for 2023
How much progress the young quarterback makes in that time is difficult to say.
Willis will get his fourth start for Tennessee on Thursday Night Football in a home game against the Dallas Cowboys (11-4). The contest itself has no postseason implications for either squad. The fate of the Titans postseason hopes, though, lies ahead in a Week 18 road match at the Jacksonville Jaguars (7-8) in a battle for the division title.
Should Willis prove himself more capable in this final stretch, it at least re-opens the conversation. Tennessee cannot afford to bet on Willis in the future as things stand right now.
Featured Image: USA TODAY Sports.
