What we learned from Malik Willis' first career start
When the Tennessee Titans announced their intentions to start Malik Willis against the Houston Texans, varying opinions began to fly regarding the potential outcome of the rookie's first career start. There were ones fat from the realm of rationalism, either propping up the ability of Willis and his ability to wield the broken down wand […]
When the Tennessee Titans announced their intentions to start Malik Willis against the Houston Texans, varying opinions began to fly regarding the potential outcome of the rookie's first career start.
There were ones fat from the realm of rationalism, either propping up the ability of Willis and his ability to wield the broken down wand this offense requires from its quarterbacks.
And some who threw away any chance of Willis being able to play reasonable football at all. An opinion likely based on the action Willis received in the preseason and the limited, yet uninspiring mop up duty Willis partook in during the later stages of the Titans’ blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills.
But for the most part, the reasonable opinions — one that were full of logic — dominated the majority of the total number of opinions and statements given.
Those opinions were dictated by the idea of Willis having some good moments, combined with some questionable plays that would remind you just how long of a road he has to go until he’s ready to play significant regular season snaps on a consistent basis.
After his first start against Houston, it’s fair to say Willis’ performance teetered towards the opinions that expected the good and the bad.
"I think it was good, we got a W," Willis said after the game. “Yeah there are things you want back, [but] it’s my first start, so I can’t be too critical of myself.”
Going into the game, Willis wasn’t going to be asked to do too much throwing, barring any unexpected developments.
Not only because Willis still has some strides to make in terms of being able sufficiently work through the many facets that come with throwing the football — timing, accuracy, etc. — but because Willis simply wasn’t going to need to do too much throwing.
The Texans came into the game with the league’s worst rush defense, giving up over 160 yards per game on the ground.
Plus, the Titans’ defense has been stellar lately.
With that bad run defense, and a running back who simply loves terrorizing his division mates in Houston, plus a defense that’s finding its stride, it’s not surprising that the Titans were so intent on pounding the rock.
“It was his [Willis] first NFL start, on the road,” Mike Vrabel said. “We tried to do what we felt like gave us the best chance to win the football game.]
Well, at least until Houston gave them any pushback that would’ve completely changed their desired actions.
It’s the reason why Willis only had 10 pass attempts the entire game, most of which comically came in the first half.
When Willis was asked to throw though, he looked a little bit shaky.
There were times he missed throws — an easy layup to Chig Okonkwo, an open crossing route with Cody Hollister being the main target that resulted in an interception — but there were some times he looked poised and completed the necessary passes.
A safe check down to Okonkwo in the first half and an unscripted throw on the run to Robert Woods stood out as examples.
To sum it up, Willis' play was expected.
Some good, some bad. Not too high, not too low.
Willis was never going to have a record breaking day, he's still too raw and inexperienced for that to occur.
If he did have one, then we’d be talking how pivotal the Titans’ development process was and how ready Willis looks so early in his career.
But he didn't, and that’s okay.
Willis isn’t going to and shouldn’t start another game unless he's forced to do so. That much is obvious. He still needs some time learning behind the scenes and some on field reps he likely won’t receive until next preseason.
Again, barring any unexpected developments.
But Willis' start today was a good "start", all unfunny dad jokes aside.
Now, with a full game under his belt, Willis can go back to the drawing board to learn where he can improve. Which’ll lead to a much better end product when the Titans deem him ready enough to start.
"It’s really cool that they [the Titans] allowed me to go out there and be the guy for the day."
Featured image via Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
