As the NFL offseason gets underway, teams around the league are preparing for the new season by evaluating their rosters, making necessary adjustments, and finding ways to improve on the previous year’s performance. One of the most exciting aspects of this time of year is the quarterback competition, where the future of the team is often decided. For the Tennessee Titans, the quarterback position has become a focal point of attention, as the team enters a pivotal year in their quest to return to the top of the AFC South. Head Coach Brian Callahan recently spoke to the media about how quarterbacks Cam Ward and Will Levis are handling their offseason assignments as the competition for the starting job begins to take shape. Callahan’s comments shed light on the dynamics within the quarterback room, the approach the Titans are taking to ensure success, and the high expectations placed on both young quarterbacks.
Brian Callahan’s praise of Cam Ward and Will Levis highlights the importance of this offseason for both quarterbacks. Cam Ward, a highly touted rookie out of the University of Washington, has been a standout in the early stages of his professional career. Coming into the NFL with a reputation as a strong-armed quarterback with the ability to make every throw in the book, Ward’s transition to the pro game is under close scrutiny. At Washington, he demonstrated the skill set that excited scouts, combining physical talent with a high football IQ. The Titans, however, are aware that transitioning from college to the NFL is a significant leap, and they are eager to see how Ward handles the mental and physical demands of the game at this level.
Meanwhile, Will Levis, the Titans’ second-year quarterback, is in a critical year for his development. After being drafted in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Levis showed flashes of promise during his rookie campaign, but like many young quarterbacks, he also faced his fair share of challenges. As the Titans’ coaching staff works to fine-tune Levis’ game, there is an undeniable sense of urgency for the young signal-caller to take that next step. With the starting quarterback position up for grabs, Levis understands that this is a crucial time for him to prove that he can be the long-term solution for the Titans.
Callahan’s comments about both quarterbacks reflect a sense of optimism and confidence in their abilities. “Both Cam and Will are handling their offseason assignments well. They’ve been putting in the work, staying focused, and embracing the competition,” Callahan said. The emphasis on the competition aspect is significant, as the Titans are making it clear that there are no guarantees in terms of who will earn the starting job. In many ways, this offseason serves as a proving ground for both quarterbacks, a chance for them to show that they can handle the pressure of a quarterback battle and rise to the occasion.
For Cam Ward, the learning curve has been steep but manageable. According to Callahan, Ward’s ability to absorb information and adjust to the Titans’ offensive scheme has been impressive. The coaching staff has been working closely with Ward to develop his timing, footwork, and decision-making, all of which will be crucial in determining his readiness for the starting role. Callahan noted that Ward’s natural ability to throw the ball with velocity and precision has been evident, but there’s more to being a successful NFL quarterback than just physical traits. “We’ve been really impressed with how Cam has picked up the playbook,” Callahan said. “He’s put in a lot of work in the film room and on the practice field. He’s shown great maturity for a rookie.”
Despite his natural talent, Ward still has a lot to prove. The Titans have set clear expectations for him in terms of leadership, communication, and managing the game. While it’s tempting to focus solely on his arm strength and athleticism, Callahan is quick to point out that the mental aspects of playing quarterback are just as important. “We’re looking for him to be a leader on the field. We need him to be able to make quick decisions and trust the process,” Callahan said. Ward’s ability to navigate the complexities of the NFL will be a major factor in his ability to seize the starting job.
On the other side of the competition is Will Levis, who enters his second season with a greater understanding of what it takes to succeed at the NFL level. Levis came into the league with a reputation as a powerful arm and a willingness to take risks, but he also faced some growing pains in his rookie year. Inconsistent play and a lack of support from the offensive line at times limited his ability to showcase his talents. However, Levis showed resilience and a willingness to learn from his mistakes, something that impressed the coaching staff. This offseason, the focus for Levis has been on developing a greater sense of timing, rhythm, and accuracy. Callahan mentioned that Levis has been working diligently on his mechanics, particularly his footwork and release point, to ensure he’s in the best position to make accurate throws.
In discussing Levis’ growth, Callahan acknowledged that the quarterback’s ability to overcome adversity will be a key factor in his development. “Will’s a guy who’s shown a lot of promise. He had some ups and downs last year, but he’s taking that next step. He’s been more consistent with his approach this offseason, and that’s what we’re looking for,” Callahan said. The Titans are encouraged by Levis’ progress and the steps he’s taken to address the areas that held him back as a rookie. With another year under his belt, Levis is more familiar with the Titans’ offense and the demands of being an NFL quarterback. If he can continue to build on his progress and stay focused, he could emerge as the leader of the offense.
What makes this quarterback competition so intriguing is the unique skill set that both Ward and Levis bring to the table. Ward’s natural arm strength and poise in the pocket make him a tantalizing prospect, while Levis’ combination of athleticism, arm talent, and grit gives him the potential to be a dynamic playmaker. The Titans coaching staff is tasked with evaluating which of these two quarterbacks can best execute the offense and lead the team to victory. While there is still a long way to go before a decision is made, the early returns from both quarterbacks have been promising.
As the offseason progresses, the Titans will continue to monitor the development of both Ward and Levis, providing them with opportunities to showcase their abilities in practice and potentially in preseason games. Callahan emphasized the importance of these opportunities, stating that the team will be evaluating both quarterbacks closely to see how they handle the pressure of competition and the demands of the starting job. “It’s all about consistency,” Callahan said. “We want to see which quarterback can put together a string of good practices and ultimately show that they’re ready to lead this team.”
The Titans’ decision at quarterback will have long-term implications for the franchise. The right choice could elevate the team’s offense, provide stability at the position, and help the Titans compete in a highly competitive AFC South. On the other hand, an incorrect decision could set the team back and force them to search for another quarterback in the near future. This is why the competition between Ward and Levis is so critical. The Titans are not just looking for a quarterback who can win games; they’re looking for someone who can grow into a leader and guide the team to success for years to come.
While it’s still early in the process, Brian Callahan’s comments indicate that the Titans are feeling optimistic about the direction of their quarterback position. Both Cam Ward and Will Levis are handling their offseason assignments with the right attitude and work ethic, and the competition between them is sure to push both players to reach their full potential. The coming months will be a pivotal period for both quarterbacks as they continue to develop and compete for the starting role. Whether it’s Ward’s natural talent or Levis’ grit and determination, the Titans have reason to be excited about the future of their quarterback position.
In the end, the success of the quarterback competition will be determined by which player can rise to the occasion and demonstrate that they have what it takes to lead the Titans back to contention. With Brian Callahan’s leadership and the commitment of both Cam Ward and Will Levis, the Titans have laid a strong foundation for what promises to be an exciting and closely watched battle for the starting quarterback role. The next few months will reveal which quarterback will be entrusted with the keys to the offense, but for now, both players are showing the kind of promise that could make the Titans’ future at quarterback bright.
