Titans QB Will Levis rediscovers confidence in controversial loss to Vikings

Tennessee Titans starting quarterback Will Levis entered Sunday's Week 11 game versus the Minnesota Vikings trying to build on last week's quality performance against the Los Angeles Chargers. Not only did Levis achieve that, he arguably put forth his best showing of the 2024 season. In a game marred with controversy, Tennessee's ascending signal caller showed legitimate signs of progress.

Levis finished 17 of 31 with 295 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. The former Kentucky standout was sacked on five occasions. It was a rollercoaster game soiled by poor and controversial officiating.

The Vikings took a commanding 13-3 lead early in the second quarter after Titans safety Mike Brown was penalized for a clean-and-legal hit on a 4th-and-1 in the end zone. Instead of a turnover on downs, the Vikings were essentially gifted a touchdown via a new set of downs. Titans head coach Brian Callahan completely lost his marbles and had to be restrained by his assistant coaches on the sideline.

Levis wasn't phased. Early in the third quarter with the Titans trailing 16-3, the second-year QB uncorked a 98-yard bomb for a historically explosive TD to Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. Levis took advantage of a clean pocket (a rare occurrence on Sunday) and hit Westbrook-Ikhine in stride on a well-designed play call.

Minnesota's ensuing drive was aided by a wishy-washy penalty on Titans rookie cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. It was his second 50-50 call of the afternoon, turning a Titans fumble recovery on 3rd-and-11 into a Vikings first down and eventual touchdown. Still Levis was unphased, despite being denied an opportunity to take over possession in what should have been a one-score game.

On Tennessee's next possession, Levis appeared to hit Calvin Ridley for another explosive score, a 51-yard bomb. Not so fast. Debut right tackle Isaiah Prince was whistled for an illegal formation penalty that the commentators did not agree with. On the next play, 3rd-and-11, Levis moved the chains by uncorking a decisive throw to rookie receiver Bryce Oliver.

That drive ended in a field goal after initially reaching the end zone on the Ridley explosive gain. Ultimately, the Titans couldn't overcome shotty officiating, paired with some poor offensive play they have nobody but themselves to blame for. The Vikings prevailed 23-13.

In addition to the Brown and Brownlee Jr. calls, the Titans were penalized 15 yards for a horse collar tackle on special teams. Replays clearly indicated it was a legal tackle. All in all, Callahan's club was whistled for 13 total infractions, equaling 91 yards.

Levis wasn't perfect. At times, he held onto the football and was indecisive, an ugly trait that has made his sophomore season frustrating to evaluate. But those instances were few and far between. For the majority, Levis was confident behind a lackluster offensive line that struggled versus Brian Flores' creative and aggressive defense.

Levis created explosive passing gains, battled through poor officiating and below-average pass protection. It was an undeniable step in the correct direction. The Titans have seven games remaining in 2024. If Levis continues playing with confidence, he may still convince Callahan and GM Ran Carthon that he deserves another shot behind an improved roster in 2025.