Tag: mason rudolph

Titans’ Brian Callahan sticking with Will Levis for now

Will Levis will remain the Titans quarterback for now

Will Levis could not have drawn up a worse start to his sophomore campaign. The Tennessee Titans quarterback was roughed up again in Sunday’s loss to the Green Bay Packers as the team dropped to an 0-3 record.

The former No. 33 overall pick in 2023 completed 26-of-34 for 260 yards and two touchdowns. However, Levis threw two interceptions, including another pick-six and was sacked eight times.

While Sunday’s loss was not entirely on him, Levis has shown little through the first three games that would convince first-year head coach Brian Callahan that he is the long-term answer under center.

While the completion percentage is up from last year, Levis has already thrown more interceptions and been sacked half as many times this season than in nine games as a rookie.

Despite the struggles, Callahan will stick with Levis for now.

“We got to play better around him,” the Titans head coach said via Paul Kuharsky. “I’m not going to overreact to an interception, those things happen. Guys throw picks. We just can’t give it to the other team. We keep giving up points the other way. It’s killer; it’s hard to overcome. We’ve not played a complete game in any phase at any point yet. We’re capable of way better than what we’ve put on the field the last three weeks. No one’s coming to save us, so we gotta figure it out.”

We knew this year would be predicated on the development of Will Levis. So far, the Titans have not seen the progression they would like from the second-year quarterback, who has made killer mistakes in all three games.

If Levis continues to play this way, you have to wonder if Callahan will give backup quarterback Mason Rudolph a look to try to win a game or two, which would mean the end of Levis’ time in Nashville.

Still, if the offensive line does not show much improvement, it likely will not matter who is under center.

Justin Fields doing his best Mason Rudolph impression through 3 games

Justin Fields is making the quarterback decision far more complicated after three straight wins.

All offseason long, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields stayed focused. Despite all information saying he couldn’t win the starting job over a healthy Russell Wilson, he kept quiet. Fields continued to work hard and prepare as if he would be the starter.

And now he is.

Fields is now 3-0 as the Steelers starting quarterback this season and 7-2 going back to his last nine starts. As Wilson’s calf injury continues to keep him sidelined, we are reminded of an ankle injury that kept Kenny Pickett sidelined last season. During his absence, Mason Rudolph came in and won games. This forced head coach Mike Tomlin to leave Pickett on the bench with he was healthy and keep playing Rudolph.

Now we see Fields playing the role of Rudolph in the 2024 version of this drama and Wilson is Pickett. At this point, Tomlin would be a fool to sit Fields down regardless of Wilson’s health until Fields does something to warrant getting benched.

This week the Steelers hit the road again to take on the 1-2 Indianapolis Colts.

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Justin Fields has a perfect chance to ‘Mason Rudolph’ the Steelers starting QB job

If Justin Fields plays well, the team could be forced to keep him the starting quarterback.

According to Pittsburgh Steelers beat writer Gerry Dulac, the Steelers plan to start quarterback Justin Fields this week against the Denver Broncos and next week at home against the Los Angeles Chargers. This is to allow quarterback Russell Wilson to fully heal from the calf injury he’s dealt with most of the offseason.

Fields started last week and won against the Atlanta Falcons. Fields was in no way spectacular but he took care of the football, executed the game plan and played well enough to win. Fields accounted for 213 total yards including 57 on the ground and had a 91.1 quarterback rating.

Fields didn’t sway us last week with his play but with two more games to get comfortable in the system and expand his production, this could really change. Last season we saw backup Mason Rudolph play well enough down the stretch to keep a healthy Kenny Pickett on the bench and Fields has a perfect opportunity to do the same.

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Where does Titans’ Mason Rudolph stack up among other back-ups?

Tennessee Titans quarterback Mason Rudolph comes in high on the Bleacher Report’s rankings of back-up quarterbacks.

The Tennessee Titans have been retooling their roster at every level and the results through the preseason have been evident. One of the most talked about camp battles was between quarterbacks Malik Willis and Mason Rudolph for the backup role behind starter Will Levis.

Though Willis did show improvement, in the end, it was not enough to beat out Rudolph.

While the results of that competition may not be a complete shock, the subsequent trade of Willis to the Green Bay Packers added another layer. Many expected Rudolph to seize control of that spot after signing with the Titans as an unrestricted free agent during the offseason.

So where does he fall in league-wide rankings? Bleacher Report recently sought to answer that question by ranking all of the league’s backups, with Rudolph checking in at No. 8.

Rudolph is similar to (Jake) Browning, but he helped lead the Steelers to the postseason last year. Remember that the former has far more league experience than the latter, which may have been a factor in those critical late-season games, one of those contests between the Bengals and Steelers.

Rudolph may not be a starter, but the strong-armed quarterback from Oklahoma State might hold the most important role for the Titans behind Levis.

On top of his on-field abilities, Rudolph has shown an off-field demeanor to help mentor the young quarterback. He has also shown the aptitude to take control of this offense and should be able to generate wins and keep the offense flowing if Levis misses time.

When you look at his age, talent, and understanding, it is clear why Rudolph was a target. He profiles as an average starter, but an outstanding back-up. It’s something that is a must in this new offense behind a young quarterback.

Now that Rudolph is in that position, it’s up to the Titans to keep him in the fold long-term, in a role that he was meant for.

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What were the Titans’ quarterbacks final numbers during training camp?

A look at how each of Tennessee’s quarterbacks performed throughout training camp.

The Tennessee Titans headed into training camp knowing Will Levis was their starting quarterback. Every move Tennessee made in the offseason, from hiring head coach Brian Callahan to signing receivers Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd in free agency to upgrading the offensive line, the Titans are all-in on Levis.

A new regime also meant that Tennessee would likely look for a different backup quarterback. Malik Willis struggled during his first two seasons, and neither the current general manager (Ran Carthon) nor Callahan drafted him.

Another move Tennessee made was signing veteran quarterback Mason Rudolph. Rudolph gave the Titans some protection in case Levis was injured or struggled. Rudolph started 13 games throughout five seasons in Pittsburgh.

While it appeared Tennessee signed Rudolph as a backup, Callahan made it clear that Rudolph and Willis were competing for the job. The two have played well this summer, but Rudolph has certainly looked like the experienced veteran.

How have all three quarterbacks performed in training camp?

Jim Wyatt of Titans Online was present every day of training camp and has the final stats for all three quarterbacks during team periods, 7-on-7 drills, and the two joint practices with the Seahawks.

Will Levis – 159-of-245 overall (64.9%), with 8 interceptions (53-of-76 in 7-on-7, 106-of-169 in team periods)

Mason Rudolph – 125-of-157 overall (79.6%), with 2 interceptions (38-of-47 in 7-on-7, 87-of-110 in team periods)

Malik Willis – 90-of-139 overall (64.7%), with 4 interceptions (29-of-45 in 7-on-7, 61-of-91 in team periods)

It’s important to note that Levis often went against Tennessee’s first-team defense.

A quick look at Levis’s stats shows eight interceptions. However, it’s important to remember that Levis is entering his second NFL season with nine career starts.

Titans’ third-round pick named cut candidate

Malik Willis could be nearing the end of his time in Nashville.

The Tennessee Titans have one preseason game left on Sunday before the coaching staff will trim the roster down to 53 players next week. As such, players vying for roster spots hope to do the same with other teams before the regular season begins.

For the Titans, the backup quarterback debate may have already been resolved when the team signed veteran Mason Rudolph in free agency. The 29-year-old has the track record and the experience to become an invaluable resource to starting quarterback Will Levis.

Then, there is Malik Willis. The former third-round pick has been inconsistent in his first two years, which likely contributed to the Titans’ decision to go out and get a safety net in Rudolph.

Willis has looked noticeably improved in camp and preseason, but he still could find himself on the outside looking in.

In line with that logic, Bleacher Report’s David Kenyon recently published his “1 Player Each NFL Team Should Cut Before the 2024 Season” list and has identified Willis as a cut candidate.

Here is his analysis:

Just cut the cord. I’d still take a gamble on Malik Willis’ potential, but Tennessee doesn’t need to spend a roster spot on him. The team is clearly committed to Will Levis with Mason Rudolph as the obvious backup.

Hopefully, another team will give Willis a shot as their backup, but the Titans do not need to keep three quarterbacks on their roster, given the depth needs at other positions on the roster.

The 25-year-old figures to, once again, get some runway in Sunday’s preseason game in New Orleans, which could be tape for his next team.

Seahawks fall to Titans 16-15 in preseason Week 2

Seahawks fall to Titans 16-15 in preseason Week 2

Another week, another low-scoring defensive affair from Mike Macdonald’s Seattle Seahawks. Unfortunately for Seattle, their ability to cross the 15-point threshold was not enough for the win this week, as they fell 16-15 to the Titans in Nashville.

The Seahawks started strong. After punts on their first two possessions, they marched 84-yards in only eight plays, taking an early 6-0 lead thanks to Sam Howell’s 23-yard strike to Easop Winston Jr. Unfortunately, kicker Jason Myers missed the PAT. It was a strong night overall for Myers, who did his best to keep the Seahawks in a position to win, but sadly that missed extra point loomed large.

Tennessee scored right before the half, but Sam Howell led the team on one final scoring drive to close out the second quarter to go into intermission with a 12-7 lead. However, Tennessee played keep-away from the Seahawks in the second half.

The Titans outright dominated time of possession, 37:49 to 22:11 as the defense simply could not get off the field. And when the offense was on, they could not remain on. Seattle finished with only 239 yards as a team.

Late magic almost went their way, after safety Ty Okada picked off Malik Willis on third down, giving the Seahawks one final chance. PJ Walker got Seattle in position for a 50-yard field goal from Myers, who did connect to give the Seahawks a 15-13 lead with 1:55 left in the game. Unfortunately, just like last December, Seattle’s defense could not get a stop from Mason Rudolph who led the game winning drive for Tennessee.

The Seahawks now fall to 1-1 in exhibition games this summer, and will close out the preseason next Saturday at 7:00 pm against the Cleveland Browns at Lumen Field.

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First half highlights: Seahawks lead Titans 12-7

First half highlights: Seahawks lead Titans 12-7

It has been another low-scoring, defensive affair between the Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans during their second preseason game. At the moment, Seattle has gone into intermission with a solid 9-7 lead over Tennesee.

Return man Laviska Shenault Jr. started the fireworks early. Although he was not the one to catch the ball, he laid out a perfect lead block to help give the Seahawks excellent field position to start.

Macdonald’s defense once again shined early, which was defined by a sack from linebackers Derick Hall and Boye Mafe, who brought down Titans quarterback Malik Willis on third down.

The Seahawks offense finally got things started by engineering an eight-play, 84-yard touchdown drive on their third possession. After earning only one yeard on their first two possessions, the third time proved to be the charm. Backup quarterback Sam Howell, who got the start over a resting Geno Smith, found former WAZZU alum Easop Winston Jr. for a 23-yard touchdown on a perfectly thrown ball.

However, the Titans were able to find their way on the board towards the end of the first half. After three-straight possessions ending in punts, former Steelers-turned-Titans quarterback Mason Rudolph led Tennessee on a 10-play, 78-yard drive which was capped off by a 15-yard touchdown to No. 15, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine.

But the Seahawks were not done. Sam Howell likely solidified his backup postion by moving the ball down the field 43-yards in only 0:38 seconds to give kicker Jason Myers a shot at more points. Myers connected from 48-yards out for his second field goal of the game, as Seattle leads 12-7.

Be sure to follow @TheSeahawksWire in the second half for more highlights, analysis, and updates.

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Titans QB Malik Willis is off to a strong start in his third training camp

Malik Willis is off to a strong start in training camp. He believes the best is yet to come.

Many Tennessee fans were ready to move on from Malik Willis after his rookie season. A third-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft from Liberty University, Willis appeared in three games for the Titans, completing 31 of 61 passing attempts for 276 yards and three interceptions.

Willis did not look ready to compete in the NFL. In fairness to him, going from Liberty to the NFL is a significant jump and would require patience.

In 2023, it looked like the Titans were prepared to move on from Willis, too, using a second-round pick on quarterback Will Levis. It was Levis who Tennessee turned to replace Ryan Tannehill.

When new coach Brian Callahan took over this offseason, it was clear the plan was to build around Levis. Willis’ future became even murkier when the Titans signed veteran Mason Rudolph, but Callahan made it clear that Rudolph and Willis were on equal footing for the backup job.

“It’s a competition,” Callahan said last month. “They’re going to both get a fair shake at the two-job.”

During Saturday’s practice at Nissan Stadium, Willis had a terrific practice. Callahan was impressed.

“Really pleased with Malik,” Callahan said. “I think both those quarterbacks have really done a nice job. Malik came out and had a nice day with some aggressive throws. He’s really done a nice job knowing what to do, where to go with the football. And, really pleased with how he played today. It was a good day for Malik.”

After Saturday’s practice, Sam Phalen of AtoZSports caught up with Willis, who feels like the first two years of his career have prepared him for where he is now.

“This is my third offense,” Willis said. “I’ve been able to retain the information from all three and learn the entire process. I’ve made my mistakes, but I feel like I’ve learned a lot, and I just feel more comfortable making certain decisions.”

Willis then said no one knows what he’s capable of because he simply hasn’t played enough at this level.

“Y’all haven’t seen much,” Willis told Phalen. “You can see what you can and you can make your best narrative, or best decision on what it was…But at the same time, I haven’t played a lot of football at this level.”

It remains to be seen if Callahan is being honest about Willis legitimately competing for the No. 2 job. Rudolph has looked solid, too. While it’s early, Willis looks like a much different player.

Titans quarterback Malik Willis has a strong day of practice on Saturday

A good day of practice for Malik Willis.

Malik Willis is entering his third NFL season in 2024. A third-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft, Willis started three games as a rookie and struggled.

The Titans selected Will Levis in the 2023 NFL draft as a second-round pick. He is now the starting quarterback. This offseason, Tennessee signed veteran Mason Rudolph to serve as Levis’ backup and mentor.

Where does that leave Willis entering a critical training camp?

New head coach Brian Callahan said in the offseason that Willis would have every opportunity to beat out Rudolph for the job.

“It’s a competition,” Callahan said last month. “They’re going to both get a fair shake at the two-job.”

The Titans were back on the field Saturday, and Willis had his best day of practice yet. According to Jim Wyatt of TennesseeTitans.com, Willis completed 6 of his 9 attempts on the day, earning praise from Callahan.

“Really pleased with Malik,” Callahan said. “I think both those quarterbacks have really done a nice job. Malik came out and had a nice day with some aggressive throws. He’s really done a nice job knowing what to do, where to go with the football. And, really pleased with how he played today. It was a good day for Malik.”

Sam Phelan, who covers the Titans for AtoZSports Nashville, said it was Willis’ best NFL practice.

While it was a good day for Willis, both Levis and Rudolph also had practice sessions.