Why the Titans believe Malik Willis has taken a big step forward
With Tennessee Titans starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill at risk of missing the rest of the season with an ankle injury, it's time for rookie QB Malik Willis to grow up in a hurry. Tannehill has already been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Texans. That puts Willis, who made his first career start against […]
With Tennessee Titans starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill at risk of missing the rest of the season with an ankle injury, it's time for rookie QB Malik Willis to grow up in a hurry.
Tannehill has already been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Texans. That puts Willis, who made his first career start against Houston earlier in the season, in line to start for Tennessee this weekend.
The 2022 third round draft pick has been able to dip his toes in the water so far this season in relief of Tannehill and gain some invaluable experience. Willis has played snaps at quarterback in five Titans games so far this year, and been in the game for a total of 150 offensive plays.
150 plays may not seem like enough reps to really spark development, but head coach Mike Vrabel and the Titans' coaching staff have really pushed Willis to prepare as the starter and play his show team reps as if they were in-game opportunities. So far, they have been impressed with the progress he has made, and feel like he is up for the challenge of taking over down the stretch.
"Malik [Willis] has put a lot of work into the show team, trying to play the game, command the huddle, and do all the things that we've talked about in how he needs to try to develop during the week when there aren't a lot of reps," said Vrabel when asked about the areas he has seen Willis grow.
This comes on the heels of Willis running a full series with the Titans offense with Tannehill in the locker room on Sunday. Vrabel said after the game that Willis has been growing in how decisive he is with the football. He also bragged on the maturity of Willis as a leader and communicator.
"We try to ask them all to prepare as a starter," said Vrabel. "I know that probably isn't always the case in the National Football League when there is a starting quarterback that is in place, but he really has done that. I've seen a lot of maturity and growth in the way that – again his reps are coming in show team. We are trying to get him to act like the starting quarterback, lead that unit, communicate our language for the call that is on the card, the operation, the snap count, the cadence, whether we go on the ball the next play, and all the looks that we try to give them. I've seen a lot of maturity and growth in that regard."
The Titans will need Willis to continue his growth in those areas as the season wraps. With just three games remaining, Tennessee still controls its own destiny in the AFC South race. A win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 18 would send the Titans to the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.
For now, the challenge will be the Houston Texans on Saturday afternoon in what could be one of the coldest games ever played in Nissan Stadium. Despite Houston's 1-12-1 record, Willis is not overlooking the competition as he prepares for his opportunity.
In Willis' first career start against the Texans in Week 8, the rookie quarterback was 6-10 with 55 passing yards and an interception. The Titans were still victorious, though, riding 219 rushing yards and two touchdowns from running back Derrick Henry to a 17-10 win on the road.
Willis has dipped his toes in the water. Now it's time for him to jump in the deep end.
Image via George Walker IV-USA TODAY Sports
