Tennessee Titans starting quarterback Will Levis entered Sunday's Week 15 showdown versus the Cincinnati Bengals having earned some goodwill in recent weeks. After a disastrous start to his sophomore campaign, Levis had played quality football in Tennessee's past handful of games that had convinced some he'd be Brian Callahan's starting QB in 2025.
All of that came undone in a truly horrid showing against the Bengals. Levis was benched by Callahan midway through the game in favor of Mason Rudolph and the Titans lost 37-27. Questions about Levis' future will rightfully start arising again this week.
Titans bench Will Levis in Week 15
Levis completed 8-of-12 passing attempts for 89 yards, zero touchdowns, three interceptions, and one lost fumble. He consistently put the ball in harm's way and shot himself in the foot. Recurring turnovers have been a season-long problem.
Levis' first turnover occurred on Tennessee's third offensive possession. Having scored two touchdowns on the opening two series', the Titans were looking to keep their red-hot start going. Instead, Callahan called a peculiar option-play on 3rd-and-13 and Levis fumbled the keeper.
The worst was still to come. The Bengals converted the ensuing possession to a TD and tied the game at 14 apiece. On Levis' next opportunity, he threw a 3rd-and-7 pass right to Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt. The throw was so inaccurate that it was unclear if it was intended for Tyler Boyd or Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. It's worth noting Titans left tackle JC Latham was called for a false start on the previous play that made it a more difficult down-and-distance scenario.
The Bengals also converted that Levis turnover into seven, taking their first advantage (21-14) of the afternoon. They would never relinquish that lead. It somehow got worse. Levis' very next throwing attempt was an overcooked, inaccurate rocket to Westbrook-Ikhine that bounced off one hand and into the waiting arms of Bengals rookie cornerback Josh Newton. The Bengals converted a field goal, taking a two-score lead into halftime on the back of those three first-half turnovers.
After Tennessee's opening possession of the second half ended with Levis taking a sack on 3rd-and-18, his most egregious interception arrived on the next possession. Levis, refusing to go through his progressions, threw an ill-advised ball into the middle of the field. Bengals safety Geno Stone intercepted it and returned for a pick-six touchdown, busting open Cincinnati's lead to 31-14.
That was Levis' final snap. He was benched for Rudolph, who finished 21-of-26 with 209 yards, two TDs, and one interception. Tennessee's fuse may be running short with Levis' repeated errors.
Following this nightmarish performance, the Titans may enter the sweepstakes for a new starting quarterback in 2025.