Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis is facing a significant change ahead of Week 16’s matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Following a dismal performance against the Cincinnati Bengals, where he was pulled from the game in the third quarter, Levis is likely to be benched. This decision comes as the Titans struggle with a disappointing 3-11 record, sitting at the bottom of the AFC South.
Levis, 25, had a game to forget on Sunday, throwing three interceptions and losing a fumble in a 37-27 loss to the Bengals. One of those interceptions, thrown to Geno Stone, was returned for a touchdown, a moment that has become all too familiar for Titans fans this season. To make matters worse, Levis’ ex-girlfriend, Gia Duddy, was in attendance, watching from a corporate box as the quarterback endured one of the worst days of his professional career.
Rudolph set to take the reins
In the wake of Levis’ struggles, the Titans are reportedly planning to start Mason Rudolph in his place. Rudolph stepped in for Levis during the Bengals game and managed to throw for two touchdowns on 26 passes. His performance has positioned him as the logical candidate to lead the team against the Colts. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that barring any surprises, Rudolph will take the starting role, marking a pivotal moment for the Titans as they look to salvage their season.
Levis’ season has been riddled with turnovers, leading the NFL with four pick-sixes. In fact, no other quarterback in Titans or Oilers history has thrown four pick-sixes in a single season. With a total of 17 turnovers, Levis ranks second in the league, just behind Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins. This alarming statistic highlights the challenges the young quarterback has faced throughout the year.
Levis’ struggles under scrutiny
The Titans have managed to secure only one victory in their last six games, a streak that has left fans and analysts questioning the team’s direction. As the season progresses, the pressure mounts on Levis, who was selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft after a standout career at Kentucky. His performance this season has not lived up to expectations, and the Titans are now searching for answers.
Levis completed 63.7% of his passes for 1,916 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions this season. While these numbers may seem respectable at first glance, the turnovers have overshadowed any positive contributions he has made. The Titans are in dire need of a turnaround, and the coaching staff believes a change at quarterback may be the first step in that process.
The impact of personal life on performance
Compounding Levis’ on-field struggles is the added pressure of his personal life. Duddy, 23, who gained fame during the 2023 NFL Draft, was seen enjoying the game despite the Titans’ poor performance. She has amassed a following of over 285,000 on Instagram and 600,000 on TikTok, capitalizing on her viral moment. Despite their split, Duddy remains in Nashville, and her presence at the game may have added to the scrutiny surrounding Levis.
One video from the game captured Duddy drinking outside the stadium with the caption, “When you’re still drunk from the night before but the show must go on.” Another image showed her with friends, all watching the game intently. It’s a stark reminder that while Levis is battling his demons on the field, his personal life continues to play out in the public eye.
Looking ahead
As the Titans prepare for their upcoming game against the Colts, the focus will be on Rudolph and how he can lead the team in a much-needed victory. The Colts, like the Titans, have had their share of struggles this season, making this matchup critical for both teams. With Levis likely sidelined, Rudolph will have the opportunity to showcase his skills and perhaps provide a spark for an offense that has been stagnant for much of the season.
For Levis, this moment serves as a wake-up call. He must reflect on his performance and find ways to improve if he hopes to reclaim his starting position in the future. The Titans organization is in a rebuilding phase, and every game counts as they look to develop their young talent and build a competitive team.
In the world of the NFL, the pressure is relentless, and every decision can have lasting implications. For Will Levis, the coming weeks will be crucial as he navigates the challenges of being a professional athlete while also dealing with the ups and downs of life off the field. The Titans’ future may depend on how well he can adapt and learn from this experience.
