Story By: Brady Trapnell
On the first play of team drills on day five of Titans training camp, running back Derrick Henry was stuffed for a short gain. Shortly after, he rumbled down the middle of the field for a solid run.
That attitude persisted throughout the entire day at Saint Thomas Sports Park, as both the offense and defense made big plays. But, Head Coach Mularkey said the front-seven set the tone.
“I think the guys up front, really the front seven. Today I started the team period over, I thought they had set the tempo and we didn’t respond real well offensively,” said Mularkey. “We had two sacks the first two passes. I think the front seven, especially outside edge rushers.”
Team drills were predominantly even between both sides of the ball. But, the defense created a few turnovers. Running back David Fluellen lost a fumble, and rookie corner Adoree’ Jackson picked off quarterback Marcus Mariota for the second time in camp, juggling the ball to the ground.
Mularkey said Jackson’s consistency has stood out.
“I haven’t seen any drop off,” he said on the first-round pick. “He’s been very good every day he’s been out here. That was a good pick today.”
After not throwing an interception until the 14th practice of camp his rookie year and limiting picks last season, Mariota complemented the improved secondary.
“I think these guys have done a great job, in terms of the secondary, of making plays on the ball. It’s going to happen,” said Mariota. “I think at this point in time in camp you’re doing your best to see who can go in there, who can win that contested catch and who can go make plays. So it’s not concerning at all, it’s part of the process and part of getting ready for the season.”
A bit of injury news was the conversation at Saint Thomas Sports Park, as running back Demarco Murray recovers from tweaking a hamstring on Monday.
“We had him inside, and had him being treated,” Mularkey said on Murray’s injury. “It is not serious.”
Another injury that Titans fans hope isn’t serious happened to the fifth-overall pick, wide receiver Corey Davis. Coach Mularkey said the Western Michigan product suffered hamstring injury and they are waiting on results of an MRI.
Third-round wideout Taywan Taylor should receive more reps, if Davis is out for an extended period of time. He has been a difference maker this offseason, catching the eye of his new quarterback.
“I think he’s electric. I think he has a knack of making plays with the ball in his hands,” said Mariota. “So as much as we can, we’ve got to find ways to get him the ball and be creative about it. I think he can really be a force for us.”
The Titans will take the field for day six of training camp at Centennial High School under the Friday night lights. Practice starts at 7:15 p.m., weather permitting.
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