Rookie Will Levis started at quarterback in place of the injured Ryan Tannehill on Sunday and led the Tennessee Titans to a 28-23 victory over the Atlanta Falcons with four touchdown passes, including three to wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins ... Levis was particularly effective with deep throws, as evidenced by the fact that three of Tennessee's touchdowns came on plays of more than 30 yards. That ability to throw – and complete – the deep ball exploited the risks defenses take when they load up to stop running back Derrick Henry, which could mean that the Titans will want to bring back Henry next season. ... With a short week to prepare for Thursday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Levis is all but guaranteed to start once again this week. His performance against the Falcons, however, also led coach Mike Vrabel to alter his earlier stance that Tannehill unequivocally would return as the starter once he is healthy. ... What is certain is that second-year quarterback Malik Willis looks to have little future with Tennessee. It didn't help that his first snap against the Falcons resulted in a turnover (a lost fumble). ... Tannehill was a name mentioned prominently ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline, particularly after Levis' debut. But the Titans did not deal their veteran quarterback or anyone else in the final days and hours when such moves were allowed. It was an unexpected approach after they sent safety Kevin Byard to the Philadelphia Eagles a week earlier and altered the perception of what franchise officials wanted to accomplish by moving on from Byard, one of the leaders of the defense.

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