Will Levis instant reaction in Titans preseason opener vs San Francisco 49ers

NASHVILLE -- Quarterback Will Levis took his first game action of the year on Saturday. The Tennessee Titans quarterback played two series against the against the San Francisco 49ers in Preseason Game No. 1.

It was returner Kearis Jackson that did most of the heavy lifting, however.

Two Touchdown Drives For Will Levis

After Tennessee's defense surrendered a 11-play, 75 yard touchdown drive to San Francisco, Jackson answered the call. Back to return in the new-look kickoff format with fellow receiver Jha'Quan Jackson, the former took it 63 yards to set up his offense on the Niners 30. A 15-yard penalty on San Francisco's coaching staff for sideline interference gave Levis and Co. a crack at the red zone before they'd taken a single snap.

The Titans ran the ball on the first two plays for gains of 2 and 4, respectively. Levis completed a pass to Tony Pollard on 3rd and 4 short of the sticks, but the veteran running back converted for a first down. Another Pollard run and an incompletion to Calvin Ridley set the offense up with a 3rd and Goal from the 3.

Levis took off with the ball to his right, scrambled for two yards before taking a pretty big hit from two Niners defenders.

San Francisco was flagged for a defensive hold, though, which set up the offense for a one-yard Levis sneak to make the score 7-7 in the first quarter. Levis did head out for a second series with the starting offense, getting field position at their own 36 yard line. A Pollard six-yard run, followed by a six-yard loss on a a handoff to Tyjae Spears saw Levis in his first third-and-long situation.

Levis looked to Ridley again, who hauled in the pass and took it for 22-yards and the first down.

Runs by Pollard for a combined 32 yards, a catch by Spears for another two and a defensive encroachment penalty gave Levis and the offense and 2nd and Goal from the 4. Spears promptly took the handoff to his left for the score and a 14-7 lead. Two series led to two touchdown drives.

Levis threw a total of five passes, completing four of them for 35 yards. He carried twice for three yards and the score.

Overall, Levis managed well and was the beneficiary of legitimate protection from his offensive line group on critical third downs. Taking hits like that in the preseason are ill-advised, of course. Two series and two successful red zone opportunities will gloss over all that.

Stay tuned to AtoZ Sports for more updates.

Related: Titans rookie JC Latham's path to the NFL was derailed by becoming a child actor

Featured Image: USA TODAY Sports.