Tennessee Titans need more out of Malik Willis
NASHVILLE — When the Tennessee Titans (7-8) take the field against the Dallas Cowboys (11-4) on Thursday night, rookie quarterback Malik Willis will again be under center. Beating Dallas has no impact on Tennessee's ability to make or miss the postseason. But the potential of a sixth straight Titans loss should be motivation enough to try. […]
NASHVILLE — When the Tennessee Titans (7-8) take the field against the Dallas Cowboys (11-4) on Thursday night, rookie quarterback Malik Willis will again be under center. Beating Dallas has no impact on Tennessee's ability to make or miss the postseason.
But the potential of a sixth straight Titans loss should be motivation enough to try.
Willis has struggled mightily in his three starts for injured starter Ryan Tannehill. In his most recent appearance, the third-round pick completed 60.8% of his passes for 99 yards and an interception. It is no secret that he is clearly not ready to start in NFL games, but Tennessee's injury situation has left them no choice.
The question is how much progress is Willis actually making?
Willis' progress is minimal, at best
No one would succeed at a high level in the Titans offense that the team is currently fielding, to be fair.
"Being quicker with progression, not holding on, not waiting things out, knowing that you don't have all day, and being good operationally," coach Mike Vrabel said of Willis' outing against the Houston Texans (2-12-1). "He made some good decisions, some really good decisions to pull, when to give it, and when to extend.
"I thought when he was decisive he was able to get to some guys. Unfortunately, Chig (Okonkwo) put the one on the ground and dropped it, but he got to Bobby (Robert Woods) and got to Nick (Westbrook-Ikhine) on third-and-long. He was able to get to (Robert) Woods in a zone. There were some things there that were good, but then obviously I just want him to continue to progress."
The only way for Willis to continue to develop is by playing.
Titans starters will be few and far between against Dallas
Balancing valuable game reps for growth and what Tennessee is about to trot out in front of the rookie against the Cowboys is a serious challenge.
Vrabel ruled out right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere on Wednesday, meaning left guard Aaron Brewer will be the only available starting offensive lineman that the Titans started the season with. Pass protection has been a struggle all year long. Running back Derrick Henry is also currently listed as doubtful.
All are valid excuses, but Willis still needs to be able to produce more.
"You're in a situation where you have to help both tackles in passing situations," NFL Films analyst Greg Cosell told me. "When you have to do that, that really makes it difficult for a young quarterback who at this point in time is not really a timing, anticipation player. (Willis) can't compensate for that."
Willis is being thrust into a professional sink-or-swim scenario on a team that has been drowning for the last five weeks.
Featured Image: USA TODAY Sports.
