Tag: bryce oliver

Malik Willis breaks down performance, outlook on future with Titans

After the Titans 30-27 victory over the New Orleans Saints, quarterback Malik Willis shares his thought on multiple topics.

It has been a rollercoaster ride recently for Titans quarterback Malik Willis, who currently finds himself on the roster bubble as final roster cuts loom. Coming off an uneven performance against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2, he bounced back in the finale by adding an exclamation point to his preseason.  

Against the New Orleans Saints, he flashed his potential, completing 3-of-4 passes for 51 yards and two touchdowns and adding three carries for 29 yards on the ground in the come victory. After the game, he spoke about the performance.

“I think it’s awesome. Everyone all-around, the offense, defense, special teams did all they could to pull this one out. “You see how close these games get, and I think it’s awesome we finished the way we did,” he said while being questioned after the game. 

This was followed up by a question about his connection with surging wide receiver Bryce Oliver, who hauled in Willis’ two touchdown passes. 

“I think it’s been awesome. Even just from the spring, just seeing him grow and just absorb the offense. The information that coach has been getting across and giving to all of us, just seeing him grow and make plays.” 

When asked about his third camp and how he improved under the new coaching staff. 

 “I think I’m just trying to take it day by day. And continue to work hard and handle any mishaps, learn from it, and just, and continue to grow each day.”

With cuts on the horizon and his spot uncertain, he was asked about his mindset moving forward as the Titans coaching staff had to make some tough decisions. 

“It’s out of my hands. I mean, more than anything, control what I can control as far as that goes. And just put good things on tape.” 

He definitely created some good tape on Sunday. The question will be, did he do enough? At this point, no one is sure. The Titans have been tight-lipped about how many quarterbacks they plan to carry and will definitely have some tough conversations ahead. The 53-man roster cut deadline is on Tuesday, Aug. 28, at 4 p.m.

Titans vs. Saints Player of the Game: Bryce Oliver

The Tennessee Titans defeated the New Orleans Saints, 30-27, on Sunday and WR Bryce Oliver is our Player of the Game.

The Tennessee Titans finished off a perfect preseason with a 30-27 victory over the New Orleans Saints in the last preseason game of 2024. This final tune-up saw the starters take the field after sitting out the Week 2 contest, and they appear ready for the regular season. But it was the reserves that propelled the Titans to victory.

One of the young players who made a huge impact was this week’s player of the game, Bryce Oliver.

While some may see Titans quarterback Malik Willis as the catalyst, it was the rookie receiver who hauled in two fourth-quarter touchdowns to help secure the victory. The 6-1, 214-pound undrafted rookie free agent has been a consistent threat during training camp and ended the preseason with a bang, hauling in three passes for 52 yards and two crucial touchdown grabs.

The Titans signed Oliver out of Youngstown State in May, where he tallied 147 receptions for 2,065 yards and 26 touchdowns in his career. In joining the Titans, he faces an uphill battle for a roster spot in a deep receiving corps. However, his ability to play both outside and in the slot adds to his overall value.

Oliver has been building momentum in recent days. He also appeared to steal the show at the final opening practice. That day, he led all receivers with five catches and made plays. Still, this may not be enough for him to grab a roster spot.

With DeAndre Hopkins, Calvin Ridley, and Tyler Boyd entrenched at the top of the depth chart and higher-pedigree players such as Treylon Burks ahead of him, it is an uphill climb to make the final 53. But his versatility and momentum may open some eyes within the staff or across the league.

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