In spite of the fact that it was Will Levis‘ first NFL start on Sunday, the rookie quarterback for the Tennessee Titans was astute enough to know where to throw the ball and hit DeAndre Hopkins for three touchdowns against the Atlanta Falcons.
Hopkins made a double move to go past Falcons safety Richie Grant, who was moved out of position by Levis’ pump fake, which set up the third touchdown. With 1:37 remaining in the third quarter, Hopkins was able to break through the defense and score a touchdown, bringing the score to 21-9.
Levis discovered Hopkins lined up on a crossing route with Falcons defender Nate Landman with 5:27 remaining in the second quarter. Hopkins was struck by a strike from Levis that caught him off guard before he could cross the end zone for a 16-yard touchdown and a 14-3 advantage.
Levis dropped back to find Hopkins for a deep pass that resulted in a 47-yard touchdown, giving the Falcons a 7-3 lead late in the first quarter. A.J. Terrell of the Falcons and Hopkins became entangled in the passing play, which gave the seasoned receiver enough time to get some space and catch the pass. Terrell attempted to get an offensive pass interference penalty called, but it was not.
Both Hopkins and Levis had never scored a touchdown in their careers before this one with the Titans. Due to an injury, Ryan Tannehill (right high ankle sprain) did not start; Levis took his place.
After Marcus Mariota, who had four against the Buccaneers in 2015, Levis is the second player in Titans history to record three passing touchdowns in his debut game.
Nine games had passed without a receiving touchdown for Hopkins, who ended that streak. Since Kenny Britt against Philadelphia in 2010, no Titans player has scored three touchdowns in a single game.