NEW DELHI: In an electrifying NFL debut, Will Levis, the rookie quarterback for the Tennessee Titans, showcased his immense potential by tossing four touchdowns. His performance, highlighted by deep passes that left scouts awestruck, served as a tantalizing glimpse into what could be the Titans’ future. Levis and the Titans now have a quick turnaround as they prepare to face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night, aiming to build on their recent victory over the Atlanta Falcons and prove it wasn’t just a fluke.
The Titans entered this season with a 3-4 record, and Levis’ performance came at a crucial moment as the team strives for a postseason run. Although Levis was initially buried on the depth chart, the absence of starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill due to a sprained right ankle has thrust the rookie into the starting role, potentially for the long term.Levis eagerly anticipates the Thursday night matchup against the Steelers, a game he had circled on the schedule. The Steelers have a history of dominance against rookie quarterbacks, but Levis aims to defy the trend.
“He throws that ball, it’s a pretty ball, gets there fast,” commented Pittsburgh’s defensive coordinator Teryl Austin about Levis, emphasizing the rookie’s fearlessness.
However, the Steelers will face the Titans without All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. This absence in the secondary could impact Pittsburgh’s defensive strategy.
On the Steelers’ side, starting quarterback Kenny Pickett, who was injured in their recent game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, is expected to play, albeit not at 100%. Pickett is determined to help the NFL’s 30th-ranked offense find its footing and improve their performance.
Levis’s debut, in which he threw four touchdowns, equaled the feats of Pro Football Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton in 1961 and Marcus Mariota in 2015, both of whom achieved the same milestone in their respective NFL debuts. His performance was a much-needed boost of confidence for the Titans, who snapped a two-game losing streak.
In the secondary, Steelers rookie cornerback Joey Porter Jr. will make his second consecutive start. He has impressed over the past month, earning his place on the depth chart. Porter, alongside the rest of the Steelers’ secondary, will have to contend with Levis and star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
With momentum on their side, the Titans and Levis will seek to continue their winning ways and prove that their recent success is no accident. Thursday night’s matchup promises to be a thrilling contest with both teams eager to secure a victory. Football fans can look forward to an action-packed game between two determined teams.
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