Titans Edge Arden Key Credits Will Levis' Leadership After Week 12 Win: 'He Definitely Got Us Going'

The Tennessee Titans got a much-needed victory over the Carolina Panthers in Week 12 and according to edge rusher Arden Key, the team was rallied by rookie quarterback Will Levis, who gave a speech to the team prior to the game.

If we know one thing about the Tennessee Titans in 2023, it's that they are a significantly better team at home. While home field advantage was certainly a factor in their Week 12 win over the Carolina Panthers, it wasn't the only thing that gave the Titans a boost, if you ask edge rusher Arden Key. 

Key spoke to media on Monday and credited his rookie quarterback, Will Levis, for giving him and his teammates some additional motivation, while also crediting Levis' leadership.

"Poise, poise, poised quarterback," Key said. "Will'll take a hit, sit in there and take a hit., can deliver the ball anywhere on the field. Smart, smart quarterback and he's becoming a leader. He's the one that broke us down yesterday, coming out for the game. He broke us down, not Jeff (Simmons), not the older guys that have been here.  Him, as a rookie."

Levis stepping up as a vocal leader and being able to inspire his teammates to victory is a great sign, but the men upfront on defense still deserve their due. The entire defensive line had a great day. 

That includes Key, who made the biggest play of the game when he stripped Panthers' passer Bryce Young and set the offense up for an easy score that proved to be enough to win the game.

Key had that strip-sack fumble along with two tackles while posting the highest defensive grade of the day for the Titans per Pro Football Focus. It was a truly inspired performance for Key who had been struggling recently. So, what did Levis say to help Key get back on track?

"The things he said, he got us going, he definitely got us going," Key recounted. "He brought it back to us. He said, 'In this huddle we see a lot of dogs, so go out there and play like a dog. No matter what anybody else is saying or whatever, I see a lot of talent in this group, so let's go out there and play."

Key and the rest of the Titans' pass rushers certainly played like "dogs" on Sunday and they are hoping that can give them a chance to build some momentum in Week 13 when the Indianapolis Colts come to town. Maybe Levis can give another speech.

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• HENRY HITS 9K YARDS: Derrick Henry scored two first-half rushing touchdowns and passed 9,000 yards for his career in the Tennessee Titans' 17-10 win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday at Nissan Stadium. CLICK HERE
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