The rookie quarterback must confirm his good performance last week with a trip to Pittsburgh.
Kick-off on the night of Thursday to Friday at 1:15 a.m.
Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3) – Tennessee Titans (3-4)
He was the attraction of the week 8. Will Levis announced his arrival in the big league with a major performance: 238 yards, 4 touchdowns, a victory and a visual impression that delighted many supporters. The rookie will now make a second start this Thursday.
And inevitably, everyone is asking the question of whether this match against the Falcons was only the beginning of a new era in Tennessee or a flash in the pan that will fade at the first difficulty. In any case, we won’t have to wait long for an answer. From this Thursday, adversity will increase by one (or several) level(x) and Will Levis will be put to the test.
Will Levis must perform in the face of adversity
Even though the Falcons’ defense isn’t the worst in the league, facing the Steelers’ squad is a much bigger challenge. Pittsburgh has made a specialty this season of making life very complicated for opposing quarterbacks. The men of Teryl Austin, the defensive coordinator, grants the 7th lowest passer-rating of the league since the start of the season. Pressure is notably one of the major elements. TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith and others have already recorded 21 sacks in 7 games (11th in NFL).
A pass-rush which also encourages people to make mistakes which often result in losing the ball. Pittsburgh is one of the teams that causes the most turnovers (15, 2nd highest total in the league behind the Jaguars). Between the interceptions (7) and the fumbles (8), the Yellow & Black are dangerous. It will be interesting to see how Will Levis handles this pressure. During the first match, his calm and decision-making impressed. Beyond his physical qualities which are almost unproven, he must now show that he is capable of performing in adversity.
Minkah Fitzpatrick absent
Especially since this defense is not flawless, it is now up to him to make the most of them. Despite the good statistics mentioned earlier, this squad still concedes a lot of yards (382.6 yards/game, 30th in the league). Will Levis will therefore be able to rely on DeAndre Hopkins (31 receptions, 504 yards and 3 TDs) or Derrick Henry (120 carries, 526 yards or 4.4 yards/carry and 3 TDs) who seem to have found color with the rookie, to move this attack forward.
The Steelers will also have to deal without Mikah Fitzpatrick who is one of the leaders of the defensive backfield. An absence that Levis could benefit from. This Thursday Night Football promises to attract attention in any case. The Titans want to string together a second consecutive victory for the first time this season, while Pittsburgh wants to put pressure on an AFC North where all teams are currently in positive form.
