The Tennessee Titans made the move everyone hoped for and expected them to on Tuesday when rookie quarterback Will Levis was named the team’s starter over veteran signal-caller, Ryan Tannehill.
There was no doubt at least a little fear that head coach Mike Vrabel might do something wacky and go back to Tannehill, but truth be told, that was never really an option after watching Levis the past two games.
Not only has Levis shown more than Tannehill did in six, he’s flashed enough to make fans and media believe he has what it takes to be “the guy” for the long haul.
“Let me clear up some things here moving forward,” Vrabel said on Tuesday, per Jim Wyatt. “Will is going to be our quarterback. We are going to go with Will. We think that is the best opportunity for our football team right now.”
Vrabel wouldn’t say for sure if Tannehill will be available this week, but he will be the backup upon his return.
“I think Ryan will progress though here this week,” Vrabel added. “And we’re hopeful he can be a back-up here for us and prepare as a starter. That’s where we’re at right now.”
As you’d expect, Titans fans were elated to officially hear it. Here’s how X, formerly known as Twitter, reacted.
Everyone is rightfully excited that Will Levis is officially the starting QB for the foreseeable future. However, this isn’t a time to shit on Ryan Tannehill, either.
He was far from perfect, but he also played a large role in bringing the #Titans back into relevancy.— Shaun Calderon (@ShaunMichaels98) November 7, 2023
It's amazing how one little spark can set a blaze on Twitter lol. Well the fire has been put out, thank God.
Will Levis is officially named the starter moving forward for the #Titans per Mike Vrabel. https://t.co/0hA8aG1TXL
— Titans Rossi! (@TitansRossi) November 7, 2023
Three AFC South teams have turned to and identified rookies as their QBs of the future, setting up the 2024 season to look this way in the division:
🏈Titans’ QB Will Levis
🏈Texans’ QB C.J. Stroud
🏈Colts’ QB Anthony Richardson
🏈Jaguars’ QB Trevor Lawrence https://t.co/KnjOTG61rS— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 7, 2023
Mike Vrabel tells the local assembled press the #Titans are going with Will Levis as the starter.
The smart move, which a lot of people seemed to think, for some reason, he would not make.
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) November 7, 2023
Was never panicked. Mike Vrabel was always going to name Will Levis the #Titans starter.
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) November 7, 2023
Titans rookie QB Will Levis has been named the starter. A huge step for the organization and it signals the end of the Ryan Tannehill era in Tennessee.
Levis put together two solid starts, and he'll get his third (of many) against Tampa.
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) November 7, 2023
It’s a new era in Tennessee. Hats off to Tannehill for a fine career resurgence in Nashville. He’s a class act and no doubt he’ll be a big help for Will Levis down the stretch. It was just time to turn the page. Exciting future ahead for Titans fans with a new stadium coming too.
— Shawn (@TitanShawny) November 7, 2023
Wise choice. I think he did it begrudgingly as he appears to not like Levis. But, I don't care about that…Glad he named him starter. @ryantannehill1 served the Titans well, but it's time to move on.
— The Shaky Artist (@TheShakyArtist) November 7, 2023
Only sensible decision that could have been made.
— Philip Russell (@phillyrussell) November 7, 2023
No duh.
Tape don’t lie.
— Austin Campbell (@bigA1208) November 7, 2023
Thanks for the memories Tannehill..Except for the one where you cost us the playoff game against the Bengals lol
— Paul DeMond (@PDemond21) November 7, 2023
QB1 pic.twitter.com/SMH4lZG4sm
— Jacoby (@JacobyFC) November 7, 2023
Mike Vrabel did the right thing.
Despite a lack of faith that he would, I am very pleased and happy that he did this.
Well done, Mike. Glad we didn’t have to play any dumb games for this. https://t.co/6vbhV97n08
— TicTacTitans (@TicTacTitans) November 7, 2023
It's was the right choice, easy choice, only choice!! I will say as much as I haven't forgiven Tannehill for the Bengals loss I give the man respect for what he did overall. He helped save the franchise at the time. Appreciation is given what he has done. https://t.co/MR1rhjlFBU
— BluEnforcer AKA Tha Truth (@TNTBluEn4cer) November 7, 2023
Best birthday gift ever. https://t.co/bSTpz1FNcC
— Austin Nelson (@austinnelson) November 7, 2023
Let's ride willy mayo season #Titans https://t.co/VUGxHnjGu4
— Joseph (@hallowhead_) November 7, 2023
It was always gonna be 8 he just loves trolling us😭 https://t.co/3LIeyTKjbk
— Drew (@lLilPennyl) November 7, 2023
