Will Levis, DeAndre Hopkins explain argument on Titans sideline
NASHVILLE — During the first quarter of Sunday's game between the Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium, Titans quarterback Will Levis and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins appeared to have a heated exchange on the sideline. Levis had just thrown an incomplete pass up the right sideline for Hopkins on third down. After the […]
NASHVILLE — During the first quarter of Sunday's game between the Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium, Titans quarterback Will Levis and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins appeared to have a heated exchange on the sideline.
Levis had just thrown an incomplete pass up the right sideline for Hopkins on third down. After the ball floated incomplete with a miscommunication, a very animated Levis was barking at Hopkins for a while after the offense came off the field.
Seeing Levis go after Hopkins came as a surprise to some. After all, what right does a rookie quarterback have to yell at his future Hall of Fame wide receiver?
But rather that focus on imaginary scenarios where Levis and Hopkins don't like each other, fans should take this interaction for what is is – Two passionate players holding each other to a high standard.
"We hold each other to a high standard. I allow him to express his feelings towards me and vice versa," said Levis when speaking with reporters in his postgame press conference. "I’m just getting more comfortable with my relationship with him and everyone else on the team. I’m just trying to get us in a spot to win games and if that means getting on somebody that might be how it is. Just trying to find a way to make the relationship with the person make sense to get the best outcome and that might be different from one guy to the other."
Will Levis just gets it. He gets how to handle the media. He understands his role. He handles himself with the poise and composure necessary to be an NFL quarterback. Everything about him oozes confidence and leadership, and when a rookie takes command of his team like that, he's almost certain to earn the respect of the veteran players around him. Hopkins basically said as much postgame.
"It's going to happen," said Hopkins of the interaction after the game. "He thought I was doing something and I thought he was wanting me to do something else. Obviously we didn't accomplish what we wanted to accomplish, but I love his passion. I love the way he plays the game. I wouldn't tell him to be or do anything different. Be yourself."
The relationship between Levis and Hopkins has been strong from the jump, but it will not come without growing pains. Sunday's game against the Colts was just a little blip on the radar, and the duo would later bounce back and connect for a touchdown.
Overall, a young quarterback like Levis having the confidence to go after a veteran receiver and being respected in the process is a really good sign. If anything, Titans fans should be celebrating this moment.
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