Rookie Malik Willis will start as quarterback for the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, playing in place of the injured Ryan Tannehill.
Tannehill, who has started every game this season for Tennessee, missed an entire week of practice nursing an ankle injury on top of having an illness, according to the team’s official website.
Roster Moves: #Titans Downgrade QB Ryan Tannehill to Out for Sunday’s Game vs Texans
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) October 29, 2022
With Tannehill out, Willis will make his first career NFL start against the Houston Texans.
Willis was selected 86th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Liberty University. His ability to both throw and run the football allows for a more versatile Titans’ offense. Willis has the skills to break free from the pocket and get yards by using his legs, while Tannehill does not.
Willis playing Sunday will give him the opportunity to woo the Titans’ coaching staff. If he plays well, doesn’t turn the football over and wins, why shouldn’t Willis challenge Tannehill as the full-time starting QB going forward? (RELATED: ‘You Keep Poking The Bear’: Antonio Brown Slams Hosts During Interview)
Tannehill has been very average throughout his career in the National Football League. He seems to lack the “it” factor that quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen have. This has been a major reason Tennessee can’t get over the hump to play in a Super Bowl, despite consistent regular season success.
Time will tell, but Willis could have that special sauce Tennessee lacks in order to be serious playoff contenders. If Willis lights it up Sunday, the Titans could be the latest team with a quarterback controversy.