NASHVILLE — Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Will Levis has all the makings of a franchise quarterback. His 327 yard performance in a win over Miami on Monday Night Football was just the latest example of that.

There shouldn't be any question moving forward. The Titans have their guy and need to build around Will Levis. But what exactly should Tennessee be building?

The Titans' future may look very different from the winning teams we saw under Mike Vrabel from 2018-2021. In fact, Levis' star power could force Vrabel into making a fundamental change to his philosophy.

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Tennessee Titans football under Mike Vrabel has been all about playing physical and making as few mistakes as possible. Vrabel's winning formula involves winning the turnover battle, letting the run game lead the offense, and playing scrappy for four quarters.

The Titans like to chew clock. They like to have long, methodical drives that lean on the opposing defense while keeping the opposing offense on the sidelines for as long as possible. When Derrick Henry is at his best, the Titans will hop on his back for 30+ carries in a game.

For the longest time, this has been the Titans' identity. But there's a fundamental flaw with this approach: It leaves zero margin for error. You must have success running the ball, you cannot turn it over, and your defense can't allow explosive plays. 

But with Will Levis shining on Monday Night Football against the Miami Dolphins, there's even more reason to believe the Titans have more than just a starting quarterback in the 24-year-old. Levis is proving he could develop into one of the game's elite passers, and that alone could force Mike Vrabel to make a fundamental change to Tennessee's identity.

Titans New Identity

Today's NFL is all about quarterback play. It's a pass first league, and winning the Super Bowl is out of the question for teams without an elite signal caller.

In an era that rewards good offense and protects players more than ever, passing has never been more in. Outside of the quarterbacks, the league's biggest stars are wide receivers like Justin Jefferson, Stefon Diggs, and Tyreek Hill, and when you watch the games, that's how teams are winning.

The winning formula today is finding the right quarterback and surrounding him with enough weapons on the perimeter so that you can create instant offense. It's giving Joe Burrow targets like Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, or bringing in DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown to team up with Jalen Hurts.

Over the last four NFL drafts, 21 wide receivers have been drafted in the first round. There's a reason for that.

It has been my stance for quite some time now that the Titans need to get with the times and reshape their offense into one that prioritizes the passing game. It's time to get some real weapons to compliment DeAndre Hopkins and start valuing a player's receiving ability more than his run blocking. It's time to let your quarterback be the focal point of the offensive game plan instead of your running back. Throw the ball 35 times and push the ball down the field.

To be honest, I think what I'm describing is actually the idea scenario for Titans' offensive coordinator Tim Kelly. I don't know if the Titans have necessarily been opposed to transforming their offense in recent years as much as they have felt handcuffed by their personnel at quarterback and receiver. But with the way Will Levis is currently shining, Mike Vrabel is going to be forced to make a change.

Look no further than Tennessee's win on Monday Night Football. The Titans did not execute in any of the areas in which they typically take pride. Derrick Henry averaged a measly two yards per carry. They allowed 143 rushing yards to Dolphins running backs on 28 carries (5.1 yards per carry). The Titans turned the ball over three times, including a pick six and two fumbles in their own territory. Will Levis was hit eight different times.

Monday night was a disaster if you're going by the 2021 standard. But what happened? Tennessee's ability to create fast offense got them back into the game and allowed them to steal it. Pushing the ball down the field and offsetting mistakes with explosive plays turned into scoring 28 points on the road.

If you find a talented quarterback, you play through your quarterback, and good things usually happen. The Titans have already done the first (and hardest) part. Now it's time to change your approach to coaching and playcalling and get with the times.

Will Levis proves he has critical factor needed in franchise QB

Will Levis is the guy in Tennessee.