Photo Credit: Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA
In Sunday’s 32-27 win over the Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis delivered a game-winning deep pass to Calvin Ridley for a 63-yard completion. The play showcased Levis’ growth in confidence and composure, as the second-year quarterback stood firm in a collapsing pocket to launch one of the week’s most impressive throws.
A New Mindset
Levis missed three games earlier this season with a Grade 2 AC joint sprain in his right shoulder. During that time, he focused on staying sharp mentally and physically to prepare for his return on Nov. 10. His recalibrated approach has been evident, with Levis throwing for 748 yards, five touchdowns, and completing 68% of his passes over the last three games.
“I was making sure I was as involved as I would’ve been if I was playing in practice and doing everything I could outside the building to take care of myself physically and mentally,” Levis said. “I wanted to make sure when I was back that I was ready to roll and in a great spot.”
Offensive coordinator Callahan credited Levis for letting big plays develop naturally, a shift from his earlier tendency to force risky throws.
Bouncing Back from Mistakes
Levis’ growth was evident when he shook off a costly interception against the Texans. Late in the third quarter, safety Jimmie Ward returned the pick 65 yards for a go-ahead score. Instead of panicking, Levis regrouped and found tight end Chig Okonkwo for a 70-yard touchdown two series later to reclaim the lead.
Callahan’s approach was key. “I just told him to flush the bad play and focus on the next one,” he said.
Building Chemistry
Levis’ deep-ball accuracy has fueled a more explosive Titans offense. In the past three games, Tennessee has tallied eight passing plays of 20+ yards, compared to just nine in his first five starts. His connection with Calvin Ridley has improved dramatically, with Ridley catching 67% of his targets over the last three weeks—a significant jump from 30% in the early season.
Ridley attributes the improvement to a revamped routine involving more practice catches and treatment. “I just was finding out what works for me,” Ridley said. “I couldn’t catch the ball at one point this year, so I caught more jugs, more tennis balls and my body wasn’t reacting how I needed, so I got more treatment and stuff.”
Since adopting his new routine, Ridley has posted 451 yards in five games, including a 143-yard performance against Detroit. He’s on pace to finish with 1,175 receiving yards, which would rank among the Titans’ best single-season totals since 1998.
Strategic Adjustments
Callahan has tailored the offense to fit Levis’ strengths, introducing route concepts that maximize the quarterback’s arm strength. A standout example came against the Texans when wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine scored a 38-yard touchdown. Callahan designed the play to deceive the defense with a pump fake, allowing Westbrook-Ikhine to get behind the safety for the score.
“We sort of made it feel like we were going try to wrap the backer in front of the safety, and we just took it vertical,” Callahan said.
Looking Ahead
Levis and the Titans face a tough challenge on Sunday against the Washington Commanders, whose pass defense ranks among the NFL’s best. Despite the test, Callahan is optimistic.
“I think there’s still another level we can get to and unlock from [Levis],” he said.
The Titans’ recent progress suggests the team is finding its rhythm, and with Levis leading the way, they hope to continue building momentum.
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This report used information from ESPN.
