Malik Willis, Titans ride strong running game to victory in Minnesota
With Malik Willis at quarterback, the Tennessee Titans came out victorious at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minnesota on Saturday by a score of 24-16. Between Willis, Julius Chestnut, Tyjae Spears, and others , Tennessee totaled 281 rushing yards on 7.02 yards per carry as a team. That performance on the ground helped Willis overcome some […]
With Malik Willis at quarterback, the Tennessee Titans came out victorious at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minnesota on Saturday by a score of 24-16.
Between Willis, Julius Chestnut, Tyjae Spears, and others , Tennessee totaled 281 rushing yards on 7.02 yards per carry as a team. That performance on the ground helped Willis overcome some early mistakes, score 17 second half points, and secure the win.
Willis finished the night 10/17 with 85 passing yards, 91 rushing yards, two total touchdowns, and an interception.
I thought Willis was a bit better early on than his first half statline (6/11, 57 pass yards, 1 INT, 23 rush yards) might suggest. Willis had two nice passes in the first quarter that were dropped by Chig Okonkwo. Both of them would have gone for first downs or more.
That being said, Tennessee's second-year quarterback had an issue taking care of the football. At the end of the first quarter, Willis had the ball knocked out for his third fumble in two preseason games. While he recovered his own fumble, Willis tried to extend the play instead of throwing the ball away, and wound up losing 11 yards on the play.
Later in the first half, Willis was intercepted by Vikings linebacker Troy Dye after he anticipated the defender staying with Reggie Roberson Jr. on a deep clearout. Instead, Willis threw the ball right at the defender, committing a bad turnover in enemy territory.
Willis needed to take better care of the football in the second half and limit his mistakes. He did just that, going 4/6 with 28 passing yards, 68 rushing yards, and two total touchdowns in the second half alone.
Defending a 24-16 lead with 5:50 to go, Willis led a nice ten-play drive to close the deal and kill the remaining time. The Titans converted two third downs along the way.
It wasn't the prettiest game and this was not the dominant performance that would have solidified Willis as Tennessee's QB2 for the 2023 season. I'd still like to see some improved production from Willis as a passer, but I think he did enough to maintain my optimism about his offseason progress.
When your quarterback is explosive with his legs and able to contribute to a successful day running the ball, it's easy for an offense to control the clock and the game. It also limits what that quarterback needs to do with his arm.
Saturday should be taken as a positive for Willis, who got some valuable experience and a refreshing win.
Will Levis leaves Titans practice with injury in Minnesota
A situation to monitor this weekend.
