Massachusetts native Will Levis throws 4 TDs in his NFL debut as Titans beat Falcons 28-23

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Rookie Will Levis threw for 238 yards and 4 touchdowns in his NFL debut, and the Tennessee Titans scored their most factors since 2021 in beating the Atlanta Falcons 28-23 on Sunday.

The Titans (3-4) capped an alumni weekend carrying Houston Oilers’ throwback uniforms all the way down to an oil derrick emblem at midfield with the outdated nickname in every finish zone.

Levis turned the seventh rookie quarterback to begin this season, probably the most rookies to begin within the first eight weeks for the reason that NFL merger, excluding the 1987 strike season. Six rookie quarterbacks began in that span in each 1971 and 2021.

The Titans quarterback turned the third rookie to begin within the AFC South alone, becoming a member of Anthony Richardson and C.J. Stroud. Levis joined Marcus Mariota (2015) as the one quarterbacks to throw no less than 4 TD passes of their NFL debuts — each for the Titans — for the reason that merger in 1970.

Two-time Professional Bowl defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons had two of Tennessee’s six sacks, together with a strip-sack of Desmond Ridder that the Titans become a landing. Harold Landry had two sacks as nicely.

What a second for the Levis household 💙 pic.twitter.com/0w0oIp4Cjf

— Titans (Oilers Model) (@Titans) October 29, 2023

DeAndre Hopkins completed with 128 yards and three TDs on 4 catches to match his profession excessive. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine caught Levis’ fourth TD go, a 33-yarder within the fourth. Derrick Henry additionally ran for 101 yards.

Atlanta (4-4) got here in atop the NFC South. The Falcons now have misplaced two of their previous three and dropped to 1-3 on the highway.

Ridder was evaluated for a concussion and cleared after throwing for 71 yards within the first half.

The Falcons switched to Taylor Heinicke within the third quarter. He threw for 175 yards driving Atlanta to factors on 4 of his first 5 possessions. He pulled Atlanta inside 28-23 with 3:46 left with an 8-yard TD go to Scotty Miller.

When the Falcons acquired the ball again with 2:19 left and no timeouts, they turned it over on downs.

Titans coach Mike Vrabel caught to his promise in enjoying second-year quarterback Malik Willis. He got here in on the fifth play of Tennessee’s opening sequence and promptly fumbled the snap. Calais Campbell recovered for Atlanta on the Titans 28. Atlanta was held to the primary of three area targets by Younghoe Koo.

FOURTH TD OF THE DAY @will_levis

📺: Watch #ATLvsTEN on @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/Lp2xarvRDA

— Titans (Oilers Model) (@Titans) October 29, 2023

The Titans caught with Levis, and the No. 33 decide general out of Kentucky confirmed why they traded up for him. He had extra TD passes by means of three quarters than Ryan Tannehill (two), who began the primary six video games.

Levis’ first NFL TD go was a 47-yarder to the three-time All-Professional vast receiver Hopkins late within the first quarter that put the Titans forward to remain. After Simmons’ strip-sack of Ridder, Levis capped the drive with a 14-yard TD go to Hopkins.

HELPFUL HOPKINS

By catching Levis’ first NFL TD go, Hopkins now has completed that for 4 completely different quarterbacks tying Marvin Harrison and Joey Galloway for probably the most such receptions in league historical past.

Hopkins was vast open for a 61-yard catch, placing the Titans up 21-9 late within the third quarter, changing into the primary Titans receiver with three or extra TD catches since Kenny Britt on Oct. 24, 2010, in opposition to the Eagles.

INJURIES

Atlanta defensive lineman Grady Jarrett damage a knee early and didn’t return. His substitute LaCale London went down early within the third quarter with an injured knee. Fullback Keith Smith didn’t return with a concussion. Falcons vast receiver Drake London damage a groin.

The Titans misplaced proper sort out Chris Hubbard to a concussion late within the first half. LB Joe Jones damage a hamstring and didn’t return for the second half.

UP NEXT

The Falcons return dwelling to host Minnesota.

The Titans go to Pittsburgh on Thursday evening.