sad news! In the hospital, a key player is fighting for his life.

It’s been an up-and-down start to Will Levis’ career, as is to be expected for a rookie quarterback.

The No. 33 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft from Kentucky was thrust into QB1 duties for the Tennessee Titans after Ryan Tannehill suffered a high-ankle sprain in October.

Levis was sizzling in his starting debut last month, throwing four touchdown passes in a 28-23 win over the Atlanta Falcons. Levis’ performance gave the team hope and put the Titans at 3-4 on the season. However, things have taken a turn for the worse the last two games with Tennessee losing both and Levis throwing for zero touchdowns and two interceptions.

Speaking with the media this week, Levis said he wants to be a good leader, someone who leads by example, works hard and does the right things. However, he knows being a good leader isn’t easy, and he’s still trying to find ways to be that person for Tennessee.

“I think I have that innate ability to bring others with me,” Levis said. “It’s a tough job to have, but I like having the tough jobs. It’s just kind of how I’m wired, I guess, and I have to keep finding ways to be a better leader.”

Now at 3-6 on the season, Tennessee’s season is hanging in the balance, and the Titans have a touch matchup against their AFC South divisional foe, the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jags lead the division at 6-3. If the 3-6 Titans lose, their chances of making the playoffs are slim to none.

“Every game is going to be a bloodbath,” Levis explained. “But it just seems like, for those division games, you have to step up and bring your best to the table or you’re going to get kicked in the mouth.”

If Levis and the Titans are to prevail in Jacksonville, their offensive line needs to do a much better job of protecting its quarterback.

Levis has been sacked 10 times in three starts, and Tannehill wasn’t protected before his injury either, sacked 19 times through six starts. Admirably, Levis strives to be a better leader, but his leadership or lack thereof isn’t the issue right now — it’s keeping him upright. This is a good week for the pass-protection to get back on track, as the Jaguars rank No. 26 in the NFL with 18 sacks. It’ll have to if the Titans want to keep any playoff hopes alive.