With only two preseason games going on Thursday night, the national media was able to pay extra attention to Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis — and he didn’t disappoint.
While there were certainly some miscues, the rookie quarterback flashed his impressive arm and athleticism in what was a successful preseason debut overall, completing 6-of-11 passes for 107 yards, while also adding five carries for 38 yards and a touchdown.
Adding to that, Willis was better than fellow backup Logan Woodside, who failed to get the Titans on the scoreboard in the second half and finished 14-of-24 for 102 yards and two interceptions.
“We have a lot to learn from, a lot to look at on film, but it was good to get out there again and play football,” Willis said, via Jim Wyatt of Titans Online. “I missed some things probably, and I just made up for it with my legs. I can’t continue to rely on that, but that is what the preseason is for.
“I’m going to remember the things I should have done better. But it is a learning experience – it’s the preseason, but it’s an opportunity at the same time. I just have to continue to work.”
Willis’ debut no doubt caught the attention of the football world on Thursday night. Here’s a look at the national reaction to the Liberty product’s showing in preseason Week 1.
— NFL Total Access (@NFLTotalAccess) August 12, 2022
He’s special https://t.co/142J42kMvJ
— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) August 12, 2022
It's almost like Malik Willis was a freakin' steal in Round 3
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) August 12, 2022
Ryan Tannehill watching Malik Willis pic.twitter.com/n6tUvo01nW
— Pickswise (@Pickswise) August 12, 2022
Malik Willis BALLIN
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) August 12, 2022
🗣🗣🗣MALIK WILLIS
It’s a preseason game… BUT THIS DUDE IS CRUSHING RIGHT NOW pic.twitter.com/OJRLbkT8bG
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) August 12, 2022
After a shaky opening drive, Malik Willis has settled in nicely. pic.twitter.com/xc4CXdboPV
— Jaime Eisner (@JaimeEisner) August 12, 2022
Figure the Titans use Malik Willis in goal line packages immediately. Just so strong/fast.
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) August 12, 2022
Music City Malik put on a show.
📸 @Titans x @malikwillis pic.twitter.com/RapE9r1TtT
— Liberty Football (@LibertyFootball) August 12, 2022
Ryan Tannehill watching Malik Willis ball out pic.twitter.com/KXObqmd0sJ
— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) August 12, 2022
Malik Willis' fantasy ceiling is so obvious. Went 5-38-1 rushing on just 30 snaps (roughly half a game) last night. https://t.co/3R39AxTEZ5
— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) August 12, 2022
Hey look, Malik Willis has been good all along.
Imagine that.
— Johnny Venerable (@JohnnyVenerable) August 12, 2022
I’m not sleeping well tonight if I’m an NFL GM of a QB-needy team that passed on Malik Willis this spring
— Thor Nystrom (@thorku) August 12, 2022
What I loved most about rewatching @malikwillis tape last night
-aggression from the pocket with decision making
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) August 12, 2022
😍😍😍😍😍 https://t.co/uMEQM63s1K
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) August 12, 2022
