Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis spent Sunday afternoon running for his life in a 20-6 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Making only his third career start, the rookie got sacked four times, and the Bucs had 13 quarterback hits. Levis completed less than half his passes for 199 yards and an interception.
It’s quite a change from Levis’ debut Oct. 29 against the Atlanta Falcons, when he completed two-thirds of his passes for 236 yards and four touchdowns.
It’s all part of the maturation process for a rookie quarterback. Titans head coach Mike Vrabel praised Levis Monday, but said things have got to change.
“We believe in Will’s toughness,” Vrabel said (via TennesseeTitans.com), “and we also believe we don’t need to challenge it as much as we have.”
The Titans’ offensive line suffered a big blow in the first half against the Bucs, when left tackle Andre Dillard left with a concussion. Injuries have taken a huge toll on the line. Dillon Radunz moved from right guard to left tackle to replace Dillard, and recent practice squad player Andrew Rupcich took over at right guard.
Radunz was already starting in place of injured guard Daniel Brunskill.
Vrabel said the team’s mission with Levis is clear, to “continue to protect him, and develop him, and have him help us.”
