The 2022 season did not go as hoped for Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis. He was selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft but found himself thrust into the lineup on more than one occasion.
The Liberty product ended up starting three games and appearing in eight overall. The results were not pretty, as he went 1-2 as a starter, including a loss to the Houston Texans. Willis completed only 50.8 percent of his passes for 276 yards and zero touchdowns compared to three interceptions. He did make some plays with his legs, rushing for 126 yards and one score.
As he heads into Year 2 after getting his feet wet as a rookie, Willis’ standing with the Titans is unknown. The team still has veteran Ryan Tannehill on the roster but they also made a move up the board via trade in the 2023 NFL Draft to select Kentucky quarterback Will Levis in the second round.
On top of the added competition, Willis is learning a new offense with Tim Kelly taking over as offensive coordinator. Despite the changes, he is a lot more comfortable now heading into his second season with the Titans.
“It is definitely different from last year,” Willis said, via Jim Wyatt of the team’s website. “Things are moving fast, and last year, it was my rookie year, and it was my first time being under center, OTAs last year. I think when you have a whole year of doing something, you just get a little more comfortable doing it.
“We’re still learning. … There’s still mistakes that are made, and we’re just trying to learn from them each day. This whole process of spring, it was really cool, getting in and learning the offense, learning our new players, and understanding how everybody learns and improves. It’s been great.” (H/T ProFootballTalk)
Right now, Willis is No. 2 on the team’s depth chart. If he wants to remain there or move ahead of Tannehill, he is going to have to perform well during the offseason as he will receive plenty of chances to display his skills.
His struggles last season, which resulted in getting benched in favor of Josh Dobbs, were likely motivating for Willis. While still very new to the NFL, his standing on the Titans is a wobbly one, as his presumed replacement was selected only a year after he got to the team.
But, he isn’t concerning himself with that. He is focusing on only things that he can control.
“It’s a results-based business,” Willis said. “It doesn’t matter what I think, it doesn’t matter what you think, it just is. I am just focusing on what I can control.
“I have just been trying to take it one play at a time, and one day at a time. … And that’s just my main focus, understanding each play is not going to be great, but make the best of it what you can, and learn from it what you can.”
Results-based business is right. Willis has the right mindset as he will do whatever he can to cement his status on the roster. More good showings in training camp in a few weeks and eventually preseason games would go a long way to accomplishing that.
