Tennessee Titans 2022 third-round pick and quarterback Malik Willis got his first taste of the NFL on Thursday night in the preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens.
Willis played the entire first half, completing 6-of-11 passes for 107 yards, while also adding five carries for 38 yards and a touchdown. He came in for two plays in the second half before being relieved by fellow backup, Logan Woodside, but not before pulling off another impressive scramble.
Willis’ night wasn’t without some hiccups, as he missed a few throws, almost tossed a pick-six, and held on to the ball for too long on a few occasions.
That said, it was a good night overall for the rookie. He flashed both the athleticism and arm strength we heard about coming out of college, and most importantly, he looked like he belonged.
Check out some of the best plays from Willis’ preseason debut, which included a pair of impressive scrambles, a deep ball to wide receiver Racey McMath, and a sick sidearm throw from across his body to complete a pass to tight end Tommy Hudson.
TD scramble
Malik making plays! 👀 @malikwillis
📺: Watch #TENvsBAL on @WKRN pic.twitter.com/bpJHuRof27
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) August 12, 2022
Deep ball to Racey McMath
Malik to McMath 😁 @ohrae17_
📺: Watch #TENvsBAL on @WKRN pic.twitter.com/RvLz6mIilg
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) August 12, 2022
Sick sidearm throw
Malik's got the sidearm too⁉️ @malikwillis
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/gpJoMEZZaM
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 12, 2022
A dart to Mason Kinsey
Malik Willis dart to Mason Kinsey for 20 yards #TENvsBAL pic.twitter.com/ydcOLruAVe
— Justin Graver (@titansfilmroom) August 12, 2022
Another impressive scramble
Malik Willis evades pressure so naturally. This appears to be his last play of the night #TENvsBAL (again sorry for the Baltimore broadcast) pic.twitter.com/aeyxK2jLhO
— Justin Graver (@titansfilmroom) August 12, 2022