Unfortunately, I did not have enough time to write a full preview column for the Steelers vs Titans game tonight. The short week threw me off and life gets in the way. You didn’t ask, but I figured I’d tell you anyways.

However, in lieu of that, I wanted to zero in on a particular player over there in Tennessee who has no book on him yet: Quarterback Will Levis.

If you’ve been following our site this week, we’ve discussed Levis’ debut performance a few days ago as well. It was very impressive for someone in his first game in the NFL, and he already outperformed what Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett has done in almost, if not every game of his career to date.

The Titans confirmed it will be Levis starting for them, and Pickett himself confirmed to the media on Tuesday that he was playing tonight, so barring some unforeseen complications, we will see Pickett vs Levis on Thursday Night Football.

Levis’ debut performance was what the Steelers were hoping they could get out of Pickett when they drafted him 20th overall last year. They haven’t yet, and whether you believe that’s because of Kenny, Matt Canada, the offensive line, or lack of execution by his peers on offense (it’s all four by the way), it’s something the Steelers are still waiting for.

Meanwhile, Levis did it with ease. But perhaps, too much ease.

The Atlanta Falcons are a good defensive team. They are similar to what the Pittsburgh Steelers hope to be (or maybe what they think they are), a team that can win games with their defense, and as long as you get a few plays from the offense, you’re all good.

Like it or not, that’s Steelers football, and Levis shredded that style the first time around.

But Atlanta failed to do one really important thing: pressure Levis.

The Falcons were not able to put nearly enough pressure on Levis throughout the game, and with time and space, Levis was able to take his shots down the field. He was far too comfortable in the pocket for any defense to stand a real chance against him.

In Pittsburgh, that should not be the case for him.

With TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith waiting to strike, the Steelers should use every opportunity they can to make Levis uncomfortable early and often at Acrisure Stadium.

Take a look at a lot of the throws Levis made, but particularly his touchdown passes. He has all day back there to wait and execute the perfect pass. If you’re the Steelers, you simply cannot allow Levis to have that kind of time. This is what you pay both Watt and Highsmith for. They need to get after him early.

If they can’t, it might be a long night in Pittsburgh.

(Featured photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)