Turron Davenport, ESPNDec 15, 2024, 03:43 PM ET
- Turron Davenport covers the Tennessee Titans for ESPN. Turron is a former collegiate football player at Cheyney University and is a native of Philadelphia, and he has authored/co-authored four books. You can catch Turron on ESPN Radio on his show "Talking with TD" and you can follow him on Twitter: @TDavenport_NFL.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Titans benched starter Will Levis in the third quarter of their 37-27 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday after the quarterback threw his third interception of the day, a pick six by safety Geno Stone.
Levis locked onto tight end Chig Okonkwo on the play-action pass attempt across the middle. Stone played the middle of the field and read Levis' eyes, which to him to the football before taking it back 40 yards for the touchdown to make the score 31-14.
Veteran Mason Rudolph came on in relief of Levis. Rudolph had four starts this season while Levis was out with a sprained AC joint to his right shoulder. Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt intercepted a Rudolph pass that was intended for Okonkwo two series later.
The Bengals forced six turnovers Sunday, four of which were courtesy of Levis. Levis' first turnover was a fumble on Tennessee's third possession after leading the team to touchdowns on its opening two drives.
Levis finished the game 8 of 12 for 89 yards and the three interceptions and fumble lost. Rudolph finished 21 of 26 for 209 yards with two touchdown passes and the interception.
Entering Week 15, Levis' nine interceptions were the sixth most in the NFL this season. His four interceptions that were returned for a touchdown are the most by any quarterback this season.
The Titans tried to build a strong roster around Levis this season to find out if he could be their franchise quarterback.
