NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Titans quarterback Will Levis and new wide receiver Calvin Ridley are experiencing challenges in establishing a consistent connection on the field. After Wednesday’s joint practice with the Seahawks, Ridley stood amidst a crowd of reporters, discussing his missed opportunities on deep-ball routes during team drills.
He acknowledged beating the Seattle cornerback on both attempts but admitted he failed to finish his routes effectively.
Before he realized it, quarterback Will Levis had already released the passes — and Ridley was nowhere to be found to catch them.
“My energy, man. It wasn’t there. I just wasn’t finishing,” Ridley explained. “I just have to run full speed the whole time.”
These missed chances highlight the inconsistency that has characterized the connection between Levis and Ridley throughout the first three weeks of training camp.
They have had moments of brilliance. Earlier this month, Ridley made a spectacular catch that was featured on the team’s Instagram page — a remarkable grab in tight coverage down the sideline, managing to keep both feet in bounds as he fell. In the Titans’ preseason opener, he showcased his skills with a 22-yard catch and run that set up a touchdown.
However, their partnership has been primarily marked by deep passes that have gone awry, resulting from a mix of miscommunication and timing issues.
In free agency, the Titans invested significantly in Ridley, signing him to a four-year contract worth $92 million, with $50 million guaranteed. This move underscores the team’s commitment to enhancing Levis’ supporting cast, especially with fellow wideouts DeAndre Hopkins sidelined for several weeks due to a knee injury and Tyler Boyd listed as day-to-day with a foot bruise.
Coach Brian Callahan commented on the evolving relationship between the quarterback and receiver, stating, “It’s never a linear process. There’s good and bad. Some days are great, while others require reflection on what went wrong and how to improve.”
During practice, Ridley faced difficulties against Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen, who led the NFL with six interceptions as a rookie in 2022. In three observed one-on-one matchups, Woolen decisively won two, showcasing his defensive prowess. Ridley struggled to break free from Woolen’s press coverage on a comeback route, resulting in an incomplete pass. In another instance, Woolen successfully disrupted a Levis pass intended for Ridley on a crossing route.
Levis is still adjusting to Ridley’s impressive speed on deep routes.
Last season, Ridley’s average maximum route speed was 22.11 mph, the highest among qualified receivers, according to Next Gen Stats.
“It takes some adjustment to get used to that speed,” Callahan noted. “Understanding when to release the ball and the right timing is key. There’s a lot of trial and error involved. Certain throws might not land where we expect them to. Reviewing the tape reveals just how much faster he is than many players on those routes. Adjustments in footwork and timing are necessary, and it’s a continuous back-and-forth as they work to sync up.”
While their on-field chemistry is still developing, Levis appreciates the open lines of communication between him and Ridley.
“[Just] instilling confidence in each other,” Levis said. “Being honest about whether the issue lies with one of us or both. We’re working to improve together, and our coaches, especially Coach Callahan, are helping us align on timing and the intent of each play.”
“We’ve just got to continue to keep working at it. … I know that it’s going to be a big part of our offense.”
Ridley expressed that he values the ease of discussing issues with Levis.
“That part right there I love the most,” the 29-year-old veteran told FOX Sports. “If we don’t have a solid relationship and trust in each other, we won’t be able to address and resolve those issues.”
The Titans are hopeful that this duo can forge a lasting connection that will enhance their offensive strategy.
