Steelers Likely To Face Intriguing Rookie Quarterback In Week 9

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the thick of the AFC playoff race with a record of 4-2. No one is quite sure how the team has managed to win four contests, but they have scratched and clawed their way to a solid start in the 2023 campaign. Weeks 8 and 9 will see the franchise take on two AFC South foes in the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans. Neither will be easy as the Jaguars are one of the best teams in the AFC and it will be a quick turnaround to take on the Titans and Mike Vrabel on Thursday Night Football.

Like every team this time of year, the Jaguars have their fair share of injuries, but key offensive players such as Trevor Lawrence, Travis Etienne Jr., Calvin Ridley and Christian Kirk will all be good to go barring an odd in-week injury. Looking ahead to the Titans, however, Vrabel may be without his starter at the most important position on the field.

Tennessee is currently 2-4 and in last place in the AFC South. They traded up to draft Will Levis immediately after the Steelers selected Joey Porter Jr. with the 32nd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. The longterm solution at quarterback probably isn't Ryan Tannehill, so Levis will get his first shot in Week 8 to prove that he is the guy of the future for the Titans.

The Titans also have second-year signal-caller, Malik Willis on the depth chart, but it appears he will take a backseat to the rookie as Tennessee looks to get back on track in Week 8 against the Atlanta Falcons. After the out of conference matchup, Vrabel and co. will quickly have to look ahead to Kenny Pickett and the Steelers just four days later.

The scenario makes it extremely likely that Levis will get the start in Week 9 as well. There's no reason to rush back Tannehill into the lineup on a short week when he could potentially have an extra 10 days to rest up his injured ankle. The Tennessee offense has been less than impressive in 2023 anyway and Levis could end up winning the job permanently if he performs well in Week 8 against the Falcons.

Levis was one of the more highly-touted signal-callers in the 2023 draft class. It was shocking when he fell out of the first round after the other three top quarterbacks were selected within the top four overall selections. Levis played at the University of Kentucky for the final two seasons of his college career and was extremely accurate with a completion percentage of nearly 66% throughout his two years at Penn State and two with the Wildcats.

Pittsburgh is known for making life difficult for rookie quarterbacks, but that wasn't the case in Week 4 when CJ Stroud led the Houston Texans to a dominant 30-6 win over the Steelers. Head Coach, Mike Tomlin will have a short week to prepare for a guy without having a ton of professional game film to go off of. Tannehill could potentially be ready to go, but all signs are currently pointing to Levis getting the nod two weeks in a row.

Steelers Have Massive Opportunities In Weeks 8 And 9

Pittsburgh is entering a critical point in the season. The next two matchups could, not only put them at 6-2, but add another two AFC victories to their resume. The Jaguars will be a tall task to start and that's the focus for now, but with a short week immediately following, Steelers fans should keep an eye on how Levis performs in Tennessee against Atlanta.

Do you think another rookie quarterback could upset the Steelers in 2023? Let us know in the comments below!

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