Titans Benching Will Levis in Favor of Mason Rudolph

Will Levis has long been the main focus for the Titans entering this season, as the team hoped it could gain a better understanding of the quarterback through a full year of work. As the season progressed, it appears that this assessment may have reached a conclusion, as the Titans are now planning to transition at the quarterback position ahead of Week 16, with Mason Rudolph filling in for the remaining three games.

The decision to bench Levis comes on the heels of a loss that could have easily gone the Titans' way with better quarterback play. In that game, Levis struggled significantly, completing just 8 of 12 passes for a meager 89 yards, accompanied by three costly interceptions and a lost fumble. Notably, one of those interceptions was returned for a touchdown, underscoring a tumultuous performance that has plagued him this season. Statistically, Levis has managed to complete 63.7% of his passes, totaling 1,916 yards with 12 touchdowns. However, his season has been marred by turnovers, as he has accumulated 17 total giveaways—a figure that ranks second only to Kirk Cousins for the most in the league.

Entering the season, Levis was viewed as a beacon of optimism for the Titans, especially after his impressive performance during his first NFL start last year, in which he threw four touchdowns in an upset victory over the Falcons. Fans and coaches alike had hoped that this momentum would carry into 2024, but the consistency and production expected from him have yet to materialize. The shift to Rudolph suggests not only a need for a fresh perspective at quarterback but also sheds light on what the franchise believes it has in Levis moving forward. It is clear that this team will be in the hunt for a new quarterback this offseason and that the ship on Levis has ultimately sailed. It is wise for the Titans to cut their losses sooner rather than later in order to get the ball rolling on a rebuild. Mason Rudolph will make his start at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday against the Colts in a divisional matchup.