The debut of an NFL quarterback is dependent on a variety of things. Some quarterbacks are drafted and expected to be starters from the beginning. Some quarterbacks are drafted, developed, and then play in a game.
Aaron Rodgers sat behind Brett Favre for seven years before becoming the star he is today.
But sometimes a rookie quarterback gets thrown into his debut before he’s really ready. The starter goes down with an injury, even a minor one, and he has to take over the game.
Over the last three years, 13 rookie quarterbacks selected in the top 100 of the NFL draft have a starting debut in the NFL. Only two of them won the first game they ever started: Malik Willis and Will Levis.
In the past three years, there have been 13 top-100 pick QBs to get their first start in their rookie season
The only winners? Both of the Titans, somehow pic.twitter.com/M68nQarsAJ
— Easton Freeze (@eastonfreeze) August 30, 2024
Willis was traded to the Green Bay Packers as part of the Titans’ trimming their roster, but it was also an effort to give him a better shot at playing in a game. But in Week 8 of the 2022 season against the Houston Texans, Willis threw for 55 yards and rushed for 12, leading the Titans to a 17-10 victory.
Levis got his first start in Week 8 of 2024. He threw for 238 yards and four touchdowns, was sacked twice, and rushed for 11 yards on his way to a 28-23 win over the Atlanta Falcons.
Willis has a ton of potential, which is why Ran Carthon wanted to send him somewhere he knew he’d get a better shot to play. Levis earned the official starting position for the Titans with his play last season.
Being a quarterback in the NFL is hard, but the Titans have managed to produce two rookies capable of winning in their starting debut.
