On the eve of Titans training camp, the mantra from Head Coach Mike Mularkey and the veterans: accept the high expectations, but put in the work to get there.
His team will start the process Saturday afternoon, as they take the field at Saint Thomas Sports Park in front a fan base that is energized to see what this team has to offer.
“We just have to get better as team,” said Mularkey Friday afternoon in his pre-camp press conference. “Everyday we are here, like we did in the offseason, I think we got better as a team, as individuals, as units and I don’t think that is going to change . . . It is about coming in here and don’t worry about what is being said outside this building, but worry about what is being said inside this building.”
After media predictions of 10 and 12-win seasons, winning the division and fan excitement following a six-win turn around in 2016, the atmosphere around the team is opposite from only a year ago. But, Mularkey said the team has to stay focused.
“I think it’s nice. I think it recognizes what we did last year,” said Mularkey on the high hopes. “The talk is about what we did last year but that was last year. This is a totally different year. There have been a lot of changes on this team. You just have to be careful of paying attention to that.”
Titans’ rookies and veterans all reported to camp on Friday afternoon, except for fifth-overall pick wideout Corey Davis, who is still in rookie contract negotiations. They participated in a conditioning test, which Mularkey said the results were “outstanding.”
Veteran wide receiver Eric Decker, who talked to the media for the first time since being signed in the offseason, is excited to see the pieces come together during camp.
“I feel the energy and attitude and direction that this team is going,” said Decker on his new team. “I just wanted to be a part of it. I think we have a lot of talent. We just have to figure out a way to put it on the field and capitalize.”
For veteran linebacker Brian Orakpo, who led the team in sacks last season, the way to capitalize is to put in the work.
“The mindset is to come in hear and work hard. You are going to hear a lot of that from me and the other leaders on this team,” said Orakpo. “We are going to work extremely hard to get to where we want to get.
“We understand the expectations but we aren’t even paying attention to all of that noise. It all starts with putting in the work on the field today.”
The Titans will take the practice field at 2:40 p.m. at Saint Thomas Sports Park Saturday afternoon. According to Mularkey, the first practice in pads will come on Monday.
