In 2024, the Tennessee Titans hired Brian Callahan to be their next head coach. He walked into a locker room that featured QB Will Levis, fresh off a promising rookie campaign. Throwing 8 touchdowns compared to 4 interceptions, Levis showed competitiveness and a lively arm, so expectations were high heading into his 2nd year. Levis was expected to be the starter and with Callahan’s experience working with and improving QB’s, this looked like a potentially dynamic combination. However, those high expectations quickly dimmed, as Levis struggled with decision making and turnovers. The Titans finished the season with only 3 wins and the # 1 pick in the 2025 draft, finding themselves wondering what the future of the QB position looks like. Enter Cam Ward. After an impressive senior year at Miami, turning a 7-6 Hurricanes team to a 10-3 team that barely missed the college football playoffs, the Titans hoped he could turn the franchise around and give them a true franchise quarterback. Now that the Titans have entered into OTA’s, here is exactly why Cam Ward is going to be that man.
First, you have to think about what went wrong. Levis started off strong before Callahan took over as coach and leader of the offense. Was the problem Levis or was it the offense? The offensive scheme of the Titans in 2023, with Derrick Henry as the lead back, was more about running the ball with play action passes thrown in. But Brian Callahan’s offense features short, quick reads, where the quarterback lets his playmakers make the play. This was easy to do in Cincinnati, with dynamic options like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins surrounding quarterback Joe Burrow. But in Tennessee, the options were not as obvious, as Levis seemed to struggle early in the season with finding his top playmaker, Calvin Ridley. With no Henry to draw the attention of the defense, and no chemistry with Ridley, Levis was forced to make plays on his own, which got him in trouble more often than bailed him out. Levis also struggled to make the quick read or make the simple play. He has a big arm and tends to lean towards using it when he gets in trouble. But this tendency resulted in too many turnovers and led to too many sacks. He was sacked 28 times in 9 games in 2023, and 41 times in 12 games in 2024. While the offense line was considered one of the worst in the league, many of those sacks fell directly on the shoulders of Levis. None of these qualities seem to fit the Brian Callahan system.
Here are three reasons why Cam Ward is the better fit for the Tennessee Titans in 2025.
One of the biggest differences between Will Levis and Cam Ward is how Ward is a better fit in Brian Callahan’s offense. Callahan wants quick passes, quick reads, and to move the ball down the field naturally. Levis has a tendency to hold the ball, miss the first read, and go for the big shot down the field. However, Cam Ward’s lightning-fast release and ability to make quick reads adds to a better fit for what Callahan wants to do. One of the first things you’ll hear from Cam Ward’s new teammates is how quickly the ball flies out of his hands. Ward has the ability to make the big play but is drawing rave reviews for being an expert pocket passer who will take what the offense gives you. Levis often over-thought the process, while Ward sees, reads, and reacts. He makes the complicated situation simple, while Levis made the simple complicated.
Another difference between the two quarterbacks is their natural throwing motion. OTA’s have given us a good glimpse into both quarterback’s natural motion, as they throw without pads on and without 300+ pound edge rushers closing in. Looking at his natural throwing style, Will Levis is strong and stands tall in the pocket. While he can occasionally throw side-arm or off-balance, that’s not his natural motion. When Levis does throw off balance, it’s used when under pressure, not as part of his normal throwing motion. However, another advantage Ward has over Levis is that his natural throwing style includes side-arm and non-typical arm angles. When Ward is under pressure and forced to create, he is actually being forced into a situation that fits his natural style. Many people feel like this is when Cam Ward is at his best. Though the Titans offensive line should be improved in 2025, there are still question marks. Ward’s unique throwing style should help him avoid sacks and extend plays.
The last reason why Cam Ward is the better fit for the 2025 Tennessee Titans is the mental aspect of the position. In 2024, Levis was named the starter right away, and it looked like that pressure affected him. This was particularly true earlier in the season, where he forced plays and created turnovers, costing the Titans leads in games against the Bears and the Jets. A term that’s been used to describe Levis is that he is tightly wound. Starting off the season struggling would be the worst way for someone with that personality trait to start. He added pressure to himself, feeling like he needed to win games on his own efforts. Instead, this mentality led to more turnovers and more losses. This was true for Levis in college, as well. After losing some weapons on offense and switching to a new coordinator, Levis’ play declined in his final season at Kentucky. In contrast, one of the first things people say about Cam Ward is how relaxed he is. This cool, calm demeanor led to multiple come from behind wins in Miami, showing the poise needed when the situation got tight. Nothing seems to weigh too heavy on his mind and nothing can alter his confidence. He’s had to do nothing but prove himself his whole career. This self-belief has kept him improving his game from year to year, showing he has the skills to back up what he knows is possible inside him.
While Will Levis clearly has arm talent and, with the right team and situation, could still develop into a quality NFL quarterback. But for the 2025 Tennessee Titans to be successful, Cam Ward is the right choice to lead them.
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