- Malik Willis
- #7
- Team TEN
- Pos QB
- Status AActive
-
Quiet sophomore season
Willis completed four of five passes for 74 yards during the 2023 season with the Titans. He added five rushes for 21 yards.
Analysis: Willis appeared in only three games during the season, the latest of which came in Week 8. His only pass attempts came in Week 6 in relief of Ryan Tannehill, and he otherwise spent much of his season as the third-string quarterback. With Tannehill's tenure in Tennessee almost certainly over, Willis may enter the 2024 campaign as the backup to Will Levis (foot).
Published: Sun, Jan 14 at 6:03pm by Rotowire.com
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Inactive in Week 11
Willis (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.
Analysis: Willis has served as the backup to Will Levis with Ryan Tannehill (ankle) sidelined. However, with Tannehill active Sunday, Willis will serve only as the emergency third quarterback.
Published: Sun, Nov 19 at 9:06am by Rotowire.com
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No pass attempts
Willis did not attempt a pass in Sunday's 28-23 win over the Falcons. He rushed the ball twice for four yards.
Analysis: Willis was expected to earn some reps under center alongside Will Levis with Ryan Tannehill (ankle) sidelined, though he found himself on the field for only two snaps. Given the success Levis had in producing explosive plays, it's unlikely Willis sees an expanded role in the Titans' Week 9 matchup against Pittsburgh.
Published: Mon, Oct 30 at 7:47pm by Rotowire.com
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Likely part of QB timeshare
Head coach Mike Vrabel said Friday that both Willis and Will Levis will take snaps at quarterback Sunday against the Falcons with Ryan Tannehill (ankle) ruled out for Week 8, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.
Analysis: Vrabel made similar comments about the Titans' quarterback situation earlier in the week when Tannehill's status for Sunday's game looked to be in doubt, and the coach hasn't named a fill-in starter even with Tannehill having now been officially ruled out. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Wednesday that Levis is being prepped for the start and is expected to see the bulk of the playing time behind center, and even if that comes to pass, Willis is still expected to have a role in the game…read more
Published: Fri, Oct 27 at 11:18am by Rotowire.com
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Expected to give way to Levis
Willis is a candidate to see snaps in Sunday's game against Falcons, though the Titans are preparing Will Levis to start and see the bulk of the playing time at quarterback in the expected absence of Ryan Tannehill (ankle), Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: Added clarity on the Titans' plans at quarterback should emerge in the coming days, but if Tannehill is indeed ruled out ahead of the Week 8 contest, Tennessee looks as though it'll give Levis the first opportunity to replace the veteran signal-caller. Willis has been active ahead of Levis as the Titans' No. 2 quarterback for each of the team's first six games and has made two appearances, completing four of five pass attempts for 74 yards while adding 17 yards on three carries and taking four…read more
Published: Wed, Oct 25 at 8:59am by Rotowire.com
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Enters in relief
Willis completed four of five passes for 74 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in Sunday's 24-16 loss to the Ravens. He added three rushes for 17 yards.
Analysis: Willis entered the game in relief of an injured Ryan Tannehill (ankle) early in the fourth quarter and led a comeback effort for the Titans. His stat line looks positive, though he benefitted significantly from a 48-yard catch and run from Tyjae Spears that came almost entirely after the reception. While Willis showed off some ability with his legs, he also took four sacks that ultimately stalled a long drive. The Titans will head into a bye week, which will give Tannehill the opportunity to…read more
Published: Sun, Oct 15 at 11:10am by Rotowire.com
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Will serve as No. 2 QB
Willis is active and will serve as the No. 2 quarterback behind Ryan Tannehill on Sunday versus New Orleans, Joe Rexrode of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Willis and rookie second-round pick Will Levis were competing for the top backup spot during preseason action, and it appears the former has won the job for now, as the latter is a healthy scratch for Week 1. Willis struggled in limited action last year but will be the first man up if Tannehill is sidelined again in 2023.
Published: Sun, Sep 10 at 9:06am by Rotowire.com
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Mixed bag in extensive action
Willis completed 15 of 20 passes for 211 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions in Friday's 23-7 preseason win over New England.
Analysis: Ryan Tannehill played three snaps without throwing a pass attempt, while Will Levis (thigh) was held out entirely despite saying Wednesday that he expected to be ready. Willis surprisingly ran for only 17 yards despite playing the entire night after the first drive, instead providing an entertaining mix of good and bad plays with his right arm. He and Levis have been competing for the No. 2 QB job this summer, and the winner heading into Week 1 won't necessarily retain the spot throughout the…read more
Published: Fri, Aug 25 at 8:28pm by Rotowire.com
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Showcases rushing ability
Willis completed 10 of 17 passes for 85 yards, one touchdown and one interception in Saturday's 24-16 preseason win over the Vikings. He added 11 rushes for 91 yards.
Analysis: Willis was the only Titans quarterback to take the field, and he got a lot of valuable reps in the process. His results were inconsistent, as he missed a couple of open receivers and also threw a pick, though he also showed more poise in the pocket and delivered a number of accurate passes down the field. Willis also showcased his rushing ability, providing multiple paths to big plays. He is battling Will Levis (lower body) for the backup quarterback job, and based on his work over Tennessee's…read more
Published: Sat, Aug 19 at 9:33pm by Rotowire.com
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Expects big workload Saturday
Willis is expected to be under center for the Titans for the entirety of Saturday's exhibition game against the Vikings, Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Willis' big workload comes at the expense of Will Levis, who is dealing with a lower body issue. As a result, the second-year signal caller will get an opportunity to showcase his talents for a full game. He completed 16 of 25 passes for 189 yards and one interception in Tennessee's opening preseason contest against the Bears, while adding 22 yards and one touchdown across three carries on the ground. Willis alternated possessions with Levis in that contest.
Published: Sat, Aug 19 at 8:41am by Rotowire.com
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Rotates with Levis
Willis completed 16 of 25 pass attempts for 189 yards and one interception in Tennessee's preseason game against Chicago on Saturday, adding 22 yards and one touchdown on three carries.
Analysis: Willis started but then rotated series with second-round pick rookie Will Levis, who finished 9-of-14 for 85 yards and an interception. Both quarterbacks struggled to handle the pass rush, as each was sacked four times. It's not clear what this game means for the competition between Willis and Levis behind starter Ryan Tannehill, but it seems safe to say that Willis had the better production in this game. Levis had only a six-yard carry as a runner, and he incurred four sacks on just 14…read more
Published: Sat, Aug 12 at 1:28pm by Rotowire.com
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Expected to start, rotate series
Willis is expected to start Saturday's preseason game versus the Bears, but he'll likely rotate series with Will Levis, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.
Analysis: Ryan Tannehill is still viewed as the Titans' starting quarterback, so he'll take a seat for the team's first exhibition contest. In his stead, Willis, a 2022 third-round pick, will take the field first, but he's slated to split work with Levis, a rookie second-round pick. Willis has a high upside, but he struggled in limited action last year, completing just 51 percent of his passes while throwing three picks and zero touchdowns.
Published: Sat, Aug 12 at 9:20am by Rotowire.com
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Remains backup for now
Willis remains the No. 2 quarterback in the immediate aftermath of the draft, but he will have to earn the role moving forward, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: The Titans selected Willis in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, so to call his future with the team into question appears drastic on the surface. However, after he struggled immensely in limited action as a rookie, Tennessee opted to spend an early second-round selection on Will Levis in this year's draft. Ryan Tannehill remains the clear starter for the time being, though coach Mike Vrabel said that he will let the players' performances dictate their spot on the depth chart as the season…read more
Published: Mon, May 1 at 8:01pm by Rotowire.com
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Will be backup QB on Saturday
Willis will operate as the backup quarterback behind Joshua Dobbs for Saturday's regular-season finale against Jacksonville, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.
Analysis: With Ryan Tannehill (ankle) on injured reserve, Willis drew the start Week 16, but he threw two interceptions and was benched for Week 17. While the Titans lost to Dallas last Thursday, Vrabel said he was encouraged by the way Dobbs played and is confident in the veteran's ability. Willis is a rookie third-round pick and figures to have a future in Tennessee, but barring an injury, it appears like he'll be relegated to bench duties for the remainder of the 2022 campaign.
Published: Mon, Jan 2 at 2:14pm by Rotowire.com
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Candidate to start finale
Coach Mike Vrabel is still deciding whether Willis or Joshua Dobbs will start the regular season finale against the Jaguars, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.
Analysis: The Titans went with Dobbs against Dallas on Thursday, and the 27-year-old quarterback threw for a respectable 232 yards with one touchdown and two turnovers in the 27-13 loss. Willis is more capable of making plays with his legs, but the rookie third-round pick out of Liberty failed to break triple digits in passing yards in any of his first three NFL starts. Needing a Week 18 win to make the postseason, the Titans will prioritize winning now over any future development, which could give Dobbs…read more
Published: Fri, Dec 30 at 11:52am by Rotowire.com
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Not expected to start Thursday
The Titans are expected to start Josh Dobbs rather than Willis in Thursday's game against the Cowboys, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: With Ryan Tannehill (ankle) already ruled out for the contest and likely done for the regular season, the Titans will get their first look at Dobbs, who was signed off the Lions' practice squad last week. Though the Titans are set to hold out a number of key players with an eye toward being as healthy as possible for a Week 18 matchup with the Jaguars that will decide the AFC South champion, Willis' expected absence may have more to do with his poor performance in place of Tannehill this…read more
Published: Thu, Dec 29 at 9:56am by Rotowire.com
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Getting another start Thursday
Willis is in line to start Thursday's game against Dallas with Ryan Tannehill (ankle) ruled out for a second straight contest, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.
Analysis: Tannehill won't return until the playoffs, if at all this season, and Willis' performance through the first three starts of his career doesn't inspire confidence in the Titans making it beyond Week 18. The Titans' game this Thursday is all but meaningless in terms of the AFC playoff picture, which probably explains why Derrick Henry (hip) and a slew of other key players are either listed as doubtful or out. With that in mind, the Titans could let Willis take more shots -- even against a tough…read more
Published: Wed, Dec 28 at 1:30pm by Rotowire.com
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Ugly effort in loss
Willis completed 14 of 23 passes for 99 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions in Saturday's 19-14 loss to the Texans. He added seven rushes for 43 yards and a touchdown.
Analysis: Willis drew his fourth start of the season with Ryan Tannehill (ankle) sidelined, but he struggled to get the Titans' offense moving. He averaged only 4.3 yards per attempt and his longest completion of the day went for just 14 yards. In addition, Willis threw a pair of interceptions, the first of which came on a potential game-winning drive inside Houston territory late in the fourth quarter. Positively, he did tally a 14-yard rushing score midway through the third quarter. While that hinted…read more
Published: Sat, Dec 24 at 3:45pm by Rotowire.com
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Should get at least two starts
Willis is expected to start Saturday's game against the Texans as well as the Titans' Week 17 matchup with the Cowboys next Thursday while Ryan Tannehill (ankle) is sidelined through at least Week 18 after undergoing a surgical procedure earlier this week, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Tannehill had a tightrope procedure on his right ankle after he suffered the injury during the Titans' first possession of last week's loss to the Chargers. Though Tannehill missed just one series before checking back in and finishing out the game, he didn't practice in any fashion this week after opting for surgery. Rapoport relays that a three-week recovery timeline typically represents a best-case scenario for these kind of procedures, but Schefter…read more
Published: Sat, Dec 24 at 5:40am by Rotowire.com
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Stepping in for injured Tannehill
Head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed Thursday that Willis will start Saturday's game against the Texans with Ryan Tannehill (ankle) ruled out for the contest, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.
Analysis: For the time being, Tennessee has ruled Tannehill out only for the Week 16 contest, but Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reported Wednesday that the Titans' top signal-caller is "very likely" done for the season due to a right ankle injury that is expected to require surgery. Tannehill's absence sets up Willis to make his third start of the season, including his second against the Texans, which came back in the two teams' previous matchup in Week 8. During Willis' prior two-game run as the starter,…read more
Published: Thu, Dec 22 at 11:21am by Rotowire.com
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Sees action in Sunday's loss
Willis completed three of four passes for 20 yards and gained eight rushing yards on one carry in Sunday's 17-14 loss to the Chargers.
Analysis: The rookie was pressed into action in the first quarter when Ryan Tannehill was carted back to the locker room with an ankle injury, but the Titans' starting QB was able to return to the lineup before halftime, putting Willis back on the sideline. He's gotten snaps in seven games so far this season, but Willis is still looking for his first NFL touchdown, either through the air or on the ground.
Published: Sun, Dec 18 at 6:46pm by Rotowire.com
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Plays in garbage time
Willis completed two of four passes for 16 yards in Sunday's 35-10 loss to the Eagles. He also ran the ball once for eight yards.
Analysis: Willis entered the game almost exactly halfway through the fourth quarter with the Titans down 25 points. He primarily handed the ball off to Julius Chestnut, though he did connect with Dontrell Hilliard for a gain of 10 yards and C.J. Board for a gain of six yards. Willis will remain the backup to close the 2022 season unless Ryan Tannehill becomes unavailable.
Published: Tue, Dec 6 at 7:01pm by Rotowire.com
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Back to No. 2 role
Willis will return to a backup role Sunday against the Broncos with Ryan Tannehill (ankle) active for the contest and cleared to start, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.
Analysis: While Tannehill was sidelined for the past two weeks, Willis started but handled little more than a caretaker role while the Titans leaned even more heavily into the Derrick Henry-led ground attack. Willis showed some rushing upside of his own by carrying 13 times for 52 yards in games against the Texans and Chiefs in Weeks 8 and 9, respectively, but he showed little polish as a passer, completing just 11 of 26 attempts for 135 yards and an interception. So long as Tannehill stays healthy the…read more
Published: Sun, Nov 13 at 9:06am by Rotowire.com
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Struggles in second start
Willis completed just five of 16 pass attempts for 80 yards and rushed eight times for 40 yards in Sunday's 20-17 overtime loss to Kansas City.
Analysis: Willis was thrust into another start with Ryan Tannehill (ankle) still unavailable due to injury. The rookie performed better than his mediocre stat line would suggest, as he was able to protect the ball and provide enough of a threat with his legs to allow Derrick Henry (17/115/2) to eat. Willis' inexperience showed down the stretch when he suffered a couple of drive-killing sacks while trying to extend broken plays. Ryan Tannehill was questionable leading up to this primetime loss, so the the…read more
Published: Sun, Nov 6 at 11:13pm by Rotowire.com
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Draws another start Sunday
With Ryan Tannehill (ankle) inactive for Sunday night's game against the Chiefs, Willis is in line for his second consecutive start at QB for the Titans, Turron Davenport of ESPN reports.
Analysis: In last weekend's 17-10 win over the Texans, Willis completed 6-of-10 passing attempts for 55 yards with one interception and no TDs, while adding five carries for 12 yards in a contest in which the Titans leaned heavily on running back Derrick Henry. A similar approach could again be in order Sunday if game flow allows for it, though Willis should throw more frequently than he did against Houston. With that in mind, the 2022 third-rounder is a speculative fantasy option in Week 9 against the…read more
Published: Sun, Nov 6 at 4:03pm by Rotowire.com
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Could be in line for another start
Willis took most of the first-team reps in practice this week and could be on tap for another start Sunday in Kansas City with Ryan Tannehill (ankle) listed as questionable for the contest but uncertain to be available, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: Though Tannehill traveled to Kansas City and is being treated as a game-time decision, Rapoport relays that the quarterback was "very, very limited" in practice this week after sitting out the Titans' Week 8 win over the Texans. While Tannehill plans to do everything he can to play, Rapoport suggests that there's "not a lot of optimism" the veteran signal-caller will be ready to play. With that in mind, Willis may be primed for a second consecutive start, but the Titans would undoubtedly prefer…read more
Published: Sun, Nov 6 at 6:54am by Rotowire.com
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Does little in first start
Willis completed six of 10 passes for 55 yards and an interception while adding 12 rushing yards on five carries in Sunday's 17-10 win over the Texans.
Analysis: The 2022 third-round pick didn't look ready for prime time in his first career start and failed to make an impact with his arm or his legs. Fortunately for Willis and the Titans, Derrick Henry was once again trampling the Texans defense into the dirt, and they didn't need the rookie QB to do much. Ryan Tannehill (ankle) could be ready to return next week, but if he isn't Willis will need to raise his game significantly in a road matchup against Kansas City.
Published: Sun, Oct 30 at 7:37pm by Rotowire.com
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Getting Week 8 start
Willis is expected to start Sunday against the Texans with Ryan Tannehill (illness/ankle) officially unable to play, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.
Analysis: Tannehill started each of the Titans' past 49 games, but with the veteran on the mend due to an ankle sprain and also struggling with an illness, the team will turn to the 2022 third-round pick to make his first career start. It's possible Willis could actually improve a passing attack that currently ranks 25th in the NFL given Houston's defense will have to account for the rookie's explosiveness as a runner, but it's also fair to point out Willis' struggles as a passer in the preseason, which…read more
Published: Sat, Oct 29 at 11:58am by Rotowire.com
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Prepping for possible Week 8 start
Willis took reps with the first-team offense at Friday's practice and would be in line to start Sunday against the Texans if Ryan Tannehill (ankle) -- who is listed as questionable for the contest -- is unable to play, Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com reports.
Analysis: Tannehill has started each of the Titans' last 49 games, but his availability for Week 8 is in jeopardy after he missed a pair of practices this week -- including Friday's session -- while managing a right ankle injury. According to McCormick, head coach Mike Vrabel said that the Titans will likely wait as long as possible to see how Tannehill heals up from the injury before determining the quarterback's availability for Sunday's contest, so Tannehill is seemingly trending toward a game-time…read more
Published: Fri, Oct 28 at 12:20pm by Rotowire.com
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Makes regular-season debut
Willis completed one of four passes for six yards to go along with no touchdowns and no interceptions in Monday's 41-7 loss to the Bills. He added four rushes for 16 yards.
Analysis: Willis played the final 19 minutes of the game, entering in relief of Ryan Tannehill in the midst of the blowout loss. He struggled with his accuracy as a passer -- his lone completion went to Austin Hooper -- and also lost a fumble. On the other hand, he did show his potential as a rusher, one of the factors that made him an intriguing prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft. Despite Ryan Tannehill's early struggles, Willis will almost certainly remain the backup for the majority -- if not the entirety…read more
Published: Tue, Sep 20 at 6:02pm by Rotowire.com
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Shines as rusher
Willis completed 15 of 23 passes for 131 yards, a touchdown and an interception in Saturday's 26-23 preseason win over Arizona. He added four rushes for 79 yards.
Analysis: Willis had his most impressive statistical performance of the preseason, and he delivered a few highlight-reel plays in the process. Early in the second quarter, he escaped from the pocket and ripped off a 50-yard gain on the ground, which set up a touchdown plunge from Julius Chestnut. Three possessions later, he capped off an eight-play, 60-yard drive on an impressive 14-yard touchdown throw to fellow rookie Treylon Burks during which he dropped his arm slot to fit the ball through defenders…read more
Published: Sat, Aug 27 at 9:15pm by Rotowire.com
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Slated to start once again
Willis is expected to start Saturday's preseason contest against the Cardinals, Paul Kuharsky of PaulKuharsky.com reports.
Analysis: This shouldn't come as a surprise, as the Titans have been cautious with incumbent starter Ryan Tannehill. The rookie third-round pick has had an up-and-down preseason, showing impressive flashes of talent during both of the preseason games to date while struggling with pocket awareness. Expect Willis to play a substantial amount in the first half as the Titans continue to evaluate their mobile QB.
Published: Sat, Aug 27 at 2:02pm by Rotowire.com
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Inefficient passing night in win
Willis completed seven of 17 pass attempts for 80 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions and rushed five times for 42 yards during the Titans' 13-3 preseason win over the Buccaneers on Saturday night.
Analysis: Willis started the game as expected with Ryan Tannehill getting the night off and was consistently frustrated early, as the Titans turned it over on downs and punted twice apiece in their first four possessions while gaining a total of just 34 yards. However, Willis subsequently helped lead a 13-play, 78-yard march that ended in a Randy Bullock field goal and then threw a six-yard touchdown toss to Chigoziem Okonkwo just before halftime. The rookie third-round pick took another three sacks as…read more
Published: Sat, Aug 20 at 7:56pm by Rotowire.com
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Starting Saturday night
Willis will start at quarterback in Saturday's preseason game against Tampa Bay, Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: Willis had an up-and-down pro debut in Baltimore last week, mixing highlights with questionable decisions. Coach Mike Vrabel criticized the rookie for scrambling around too much, but Willis nonetheless will play ahead of Logan Woodside again Saturday night.
Published: Sat, Aug 20 at 2:11pm by Rotowire.com
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Strong first impression in loss
Willis completed six of 11 passes for 107 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions and rushed five times for 38 yards and a score in the Titans' 23-10 preseason loss to the Ravens on Thursday night.
Analysis: Willis' night started slowly with three incompletions and a pair of three-play, five-yard drives sandwiched around a one-play possession that ended in a Julius Chestnut fumble. However, the rookie hit his stride from that point, completing six of his last eight attempts, the highlight of those throws a 48-yard completion to Racey McMath early in the second quarter on a drive that culminated in a field goal. Willis' rushing score, a seven-yard jaunt on the prior possession, was also a thing of…read more
Published: Thu, Aug 11 at 7:46pm by Rotowire.com
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Starting Thursday
Willis is slated to start Thursday's preseason game at Baltimore, Paul Kuharsky of PaulKuharsky.com reports.
Analysis: With starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill in line to sit out the Titans' exhibition opener, Willis and Logan Woodside will split QB duties, earning roughly a half of work apiece, per Jim Wyatt of the team's official site. Willis, a third-round pick in this year's draft, is getting the first shot to lead the offense and will have rookie first-round wide receiver Treylon Burks at his disposal as well.
Published: Thu, Aug 11 at 2:24pm by Rotowire.com
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