The Tennessee Titans earned a much-needed win in Week 8 with a 28-23 victory over the Atlanta Falcons that saw rookie quarterback Will Levis absolutely shine in his NFL debut.
Levis completed 19 of his 29 passes for 238 yards and four touchdowns, but it’s not like he was dinking and dunking his way through the game. In fact, Tennessee’s rookie signal-caller completed three long touchdown passes.
“This is a dream come true, for sure,” Levis said, per Paul Kuharsky. “I’ve got 12 minutes to celebrate it before we’re on to Pittsburgh, as [head coach Mike] Vrabel said… I’ve been dreaming of this moment as a kid my entire life. Even just to touch the field in a NFL game, let alone get a win, is incredible.”
Now a look at what the Titans had to say about Levis and their Week 8 win over the Falcons that improved their record to 3-4 prior to a three-game road trip.
HC Mike Vrabel
On the win:
“I think you can build off a win,” Vrabel said, per Jim Wyatt. “Now we have to recover, we have to get back, and go on the road to Pittsburgh. We know how hard that is to win, at night, on a short week. But I am excited. I am excited that we won.”
Mike Vrabel on Will Levis’ NFL debut. #Titans pic.twitter.com/gglbAabo9V
— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) October 29, 2023
Mike Vrabel says Will Levis going to the injury tent was related to hydration.
“He’s a big sweater.” #Titans pic.twitter.com/uq75AQWrAw
— Sam Phalen (@Sam_Phalen) October 29, 2023
Those guys up front know it, they have to affect the QB for us to win the game. – #Titans GC Mike Vrabel on the front four's performance vs Falcons. pic.twitter.com/YEMX1F3bgy
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) October 29, 2023
QB Will Levis
On fans booing Malik Willis:
“That left a sour taste in all of our mouths hearing those boos when he was coming on the field,” Levis said, per Jim Wyatt. “We’ve got to know that he’s going to be a big part of us going forward to win games, so let’s just come correct next time as fans and treat him correctly.
On his command of the offense:
“I was just going off my rules and what was asked of me at the position,” Levis said of checking out of plays, per John Glennon of Nashville Post. “I think that I have to thank coach Kelly and coach London for preparing these last couple of weeks. I thought the game plan was just really fitting for what we were going against and for it being my first start and everything. We have multiple ways we can open up the playbook and we showed some of that today, but props to them for putting me in position to succeed.”
On staying poised:
“The last couple of weeks, I think there were certain days where I was kind of feeling the butterflies a little bit,” he explained, per Terry McCormick of Titan Insider. “But, really just confidence and keeping it neutral, just head space and everything. I didn’t really have any of those (nervous) feelings today, so that was good.”
#Titans QB @will_levis on the emotions of his first NFL start — thanked his family, felt support from fans in the stands. pic.twitter.com/9CeDkvxQ6i
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) October 29, 2023
RB Derrick Henry
On Levis:
“He was ballin’, huh?,” Henry said. “He was playing out of his mind. It was good to see, because he works so hard. I could tell he was locked in, and we were excited to see it come together for him and the offense.”
On fans booing Willis:
“I understand fans are frustrated when we lose and it’s not going the way we all planned, but we’re all frustrated,” Henry said, per Wyatt. “We’re all a family, so it doesn’t help being booed when you’re just trying to go in there and make a play… I just feel like (the booing) isn’t needed for somebody that just came in to help us win. Malik is a great kid and a great person and he’ll do anything to help this organization win.”
Derrick Henry on the upcoming trade deadline and rumors that he won’t be traded by the #Titans. pic.twitter.com/wQb5PnTd0j
— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) October 29, 2023
#Titans RB @KingHenry_2 said the locker room vibes were great on Sunday during Reunion Weekend. pic.twitter.com/cuhrB93ZKW
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) October 29, 2023
WR DeAndre Hopkins
On Levis:
“He’s a very talented quarterback, confident,” Hopkins said of Levis. “He plays the game like he’s been here. (OC) Tim Kelly and those guys did a great job getting him prepared today.”
On fans booing Willis:
“For Titans fans, us in the locker room, we don’t appreciate the boos for Malik,” said Hopkins. “He’s on this team and he’s part of us. That’s not something I expected coming here, and I don’t think that’s very fair.”
DeAndre Hopkins said he has seen Will Levis work on the movements and fakes that impacted the defense. Hopkins gave Levis the ball after his first TD and told him, "Let's go get some more." pic.twitter.com/ZP5t85IcMx
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) October 29, 2023
OLB Harold Landry
#Titans Harold Landry said the last couple of games have been good for him because of the work he's been able to put into practice. Landry said he's feeling better and better as the year goes on. He had two sacks vs the Falcons. pic.twitter.com/NcLOueZfO0
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) October 29, 2023
DB Elijah Molden
Elijah Molden said Amani Hooker did a great job handling the communication with Kevin Byard being away. Added that Hooker got him in the right position a few times before plays. pic.twitter.com/2Iyck0qKti
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) October 29, 2023
