The Tennessee Titans might seem to have a quarterback controversy brewing if you were to ask some of the average fans. But, head coach Brian Callahan is here to set the record straight.
When speaking to the media Wednesday, Callahan touched on the topic of second-year quarterback Will Levis sitting in favor of Mason Rudolph in order for the Kentucky product to learn and develop further.
"I'm still a big advocate of learning by doing. There's no substitute for experience. There's no better way to learn than some failure," Callahan said.
The head coach did acknowledge there's a time and a place for sitting and learning, but didn't seem to believe that time is right now for Levis.
"You got to learn those lessons. That's how you get better, fast.
"Certainly, there is a time and a place where you can learn by watching others, by stepping back out of the intensity of it ... there's things to be gained from that, but I'll always probably stand on the table for quarterbacks needing to experience and play to learn the lessons they need to learn. There's no other way to simulate it or teach it other than letting guys play."
If I'm Levis, I'm feeling pretty confident after hearing Callahan's words. Levis has been under fire these first few weeks, but that's a vote of confidence right there. It doesn't seem as though Rudolph is going to take his job that easily.
After Levis exited Week 4 early, Rudolph came in and managed the Titans to a victory which, of course, started the questions of whether or not there should be a quarterback change in Tennessee.
As of right now, that doesn't appear to be all too likely.
Did Brian Callahan clear up questions about Will Levis' job security?
Again, these are some positive and encouraging words from Callahan. They're realistic. They're logical. But, we have already seen just how frustrated Callahan has gotten with Levis at times this year. Will the first-year head coach be able to stand behind his sentiments and continue to support Levis' development?
It's a tough question to answer, because the Titans roster is actually a pretty solid one in most areas. The defense is obviously ready to win right now. The offense? Not so much.
Tennessee might even be sellers at this year's trade deadline, and they should be, however cautiously. If Callahan believes in Levis, then we're more likely to see late-season strides and even third-year improvements rather than immediate ones. And, keeping the majority of the talent on this roster is necessary, then.
If Levis continues to struggle in the ways he has to begin the year, it is difficult to believe Callahan wouldn't opt to pull him in favor of Mason Rudolph. The next four or five weeks are going to be extremely telling about this team's future and the future of Levis under Callahan.
