Callahan Evaluates Quarterbacks’ Competence in the Titans
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Titans coach Brian Callahan has spent time analyzing last season, in which the team recorded a 3-14 record. One of Callahan’s first decisions after taking over as coach was to name Will Levis as the starting quarterback.Despite selecting Cam Ward as their number one pick, Callahan is not rushing to make announcements about the starting quarterback for this season. During phase 2 of the preseason activities, the repetitions are divided evenly.
“It will probably change a little when we get to the next phase of OTAs and there are some 7-on-7s,” Callahan said on Tuesday.
The presence of the current starter and the first pick in the same group of quarterbacks could generate tension. However, so far, this has not been a problem.
Callahan praised both Levis and Ward when asking them how they are handling the competition process.
“Both have handled it very well,” Callahan said. “I am pleased with their behavior and approach. Will has done a great job improving in the areas he needed to. Cam has done a great job integrating… Both have done a good job catching up where they needed to.”
Levis worked with quarterbacks’ personal trainer Jordan Palmer in California during the offseason. Callahan mentioned at the NFL annual meeting in Palm Beach, Florida, that there were specific areas he wanted Levis to work on, as discussed in exit meetings after the season. Meanwhile, Ward is gradually getting to know his teammates and learning Callahan’s playbook.
The Titans will begin the regular season on the road against the Denver Broncos. Callahan considers it premature to name Ward as the starter, as there is still much work to be done in the next three months. Instead of focusing on the season opener, Callahan wants Levis and Ward to concentrate on what lies ahead.
“I think the most important thing for young players is to worry about the next day,” Callahan said during rookie camp earlier this month. “That’s the most important part, I think, is to stay focused on the small things and not worry about September, we worry about today’s practice, this afternoon’s video session, and then the next day.”
