Jessica Rapfogel/USA Today Sports
Titans’ OC Tim Kelly on Quarterback Malik Willis: ‘We’re Excited About the Progress He’s Making'
INDIANAPOLIS - In the coming weeks, the Tennessee Titans will have some decisions to make at quarterback. It does appear, at least for now, that Ryan Tannehill will be back as the team's starter in 2023, and second-year quarterback Malik Willis will look to continue to build on his successes from his rookie season.
Titans' offensive coordinator Tim Kelly expressed how pleased he was with the routine Willis was getting into and the kind of energy he brings to the team.
"Malik's doing a great job coming into the building every day, having a good routine," Kelly said. "He's so charismatic, he comes in (and) pops his head in (and) has a big old smile."
Kelly also mentioned the routine Willis has been making and his professionalism throughout the process.
"It's exciting to see him in here building a routine and doing what it takes to be a professional quarterback," Kelly said.
While Willis does need to improve as a passer and in his overall abilities as a quarterback, Kelly did say how excited the organization was regarding the young signal caller's progresses.
"We're excited with the progress that it looks like he's making right now," Kelly said.
General manager Ran Carthon also spoke on the Titans' young quarterback and what he and Willis discussed in a conversation.
"The one thing I talked to Malik about was just to continue to grow as a young quarterback," Carthon said. "That's not just throwing the ball; that's not all these different things."
"Quarterbacking is more mental than it is physical," Carthon continued. "I think from that standpoint, I just talked to him about being able to lead the locker room, (and) being able to have that presence and continuing to reach out to some of the greats in our game and guys that'll help him."
Carthon also mentioned that Willis has started reaching out to other quarterbacks around the league so that they can help mentor him.
"That kind of shows who he is as a person, where he sees himself and where he wants to go."
Willis certainly showed some signs of growth during his rookie season, especially when he had to step in for Tannehill for a few games. Those positive signs of progress are important for a young quarterback's confidence, and Willis will have to continue to learn and grow within Tennessee's offensive system as he enters his second season.
