Titans Bench QB Will Levis, Will Start Mason Rudolph vs. Colts
Nashville, Tenn. – The Tennessee Titans have made a significant change at quarterback, benching Will Levis in favor of Mason Rudolph for their upcoming matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.
Levis’ Struggles and Rudolph’s Opportunity
Levis, the Titans’ first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has struggled mightily in his rookie season. Through four games, he has completed just 57.8% of his passes for 652 yards, with four touchdowns and six interceptions. His passer rating of 71.3 ranks near the bottom of the league.
Rudolph, on the other hand, has limited experience as a starter but is considered a more experienced and reliable option. He spent the previous four seasons as the backup to Ben Roethlisberger with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he started nine games and completed 64.5% of his passes with 23 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Titans’ Quarterback Carousel
The Titans have been searching for a long-term answer at quarterback since the departure of Marcus Mariota in 2019. They have cycled through a number of options, including Ryan Tannehill, Josh Dobbs, and Malik Willis, but none have consistently produced the desired results.
The decision to bench Levis and start Rudolph is a sign of desperation from the Titans, who are currently 2-2 and in danger of falling further behind in the AFC South.
Impact on Titans’ Offense
The change at quarterback could have a significant impact on the Titans’ offense. Rudolph is a more conservative passer than Levis, which could lead to a more balanced approach with a greater emphasis on the running game and play-action.
However, Rudolph also has the potential to be a more efficient passer than Levis, which could open up the field for wide receivers Treylon Burks and Robert Woods.
Colts’ Defense a Tough Test
The Titans will face a tough test in their first game with Rudolph under center. The Colts’ defense ranks among the top 10 in the NFL in several key categories, including passing yards allowed and interceptions.
Rudolph will need to be at his best to navigate the Colts’ pressure and find his targets against a talented secondary led by All-Pro cornerback Kenny Moore II.
Conclusion
The Titans’ decision to bench Will Levis and start Mason Rudolph is a significant move with potentially far-reaching consequences. While Rudolph brings experience and stability to the position, he will need to prove that he can provide the spark that the Titans’ offense has been lacking.
The matchup against the Colts will be a crucial test for Rudolph and the Titans’ offense as they look to turn their season around.