Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis had his ups and downs in the preseason Week 1 loss to the Chicago Bears on Saturday, but there was definitely more good than bad.
Willis looked much-improved and more comfortable and decisive than he did at any point last season, displaying better accuracy and pocket presence in the process.
He was able to lead the Titans to a pair of scoring drives, one of which he sealed with a touchdown run. The other came on a drive that started with 1:08 left in the first half and ended with a field goal.
He did have his hiccups, though.
Willis was responsible for a delay of game, an interception on a pass that was catchable but high, and he lost a fumble on a play in which he was sacked after holding the ball a bit too long.
He also missed wide receiver Mason Kinsey in the end zone on a potential game-winning drive, although he made some good throws before that to get the Titans close.
Willis finished the day completing 16-of-25 passes for 189 yards and the pick, while adding three carries for 22 yards and the score. He was sacked four times, also.
After the game, the Liberty product noted he felt better than he did last season — and it showed.
“It definitely feels different than last year,” Willis admitted, per Jim Wyatt. “Last year was my first team seeing all this stuff. And now, after a whole year seeing all the different types across the league and understanding what we’re trying to do on offense now and just what we’re expecting from each play, I think it’s been awesome to get out there and do some real live stuff.”
“I definitely felt better,” Willis added. “I was just trying to go out there and execute whatever was called to the best of my ability and make sure we get in and out of the huddle. We had a delay of game there early after that review… I’ve just got to make sure I’m staying on top of things, knowing that the ball is going to start on the ready and understanding cadence and making sure that all the guys are communicating.”
While there wasn’t a huge gap between Willis and his competition for the backup job, Will Levis, there’s no question the former had the better day overall.
As a result, Willis maintains his grip on the backup quarterback job ahead of the team’s second preseason game, which takes place next Saturday against the Minnesota Vikings.
