Story By: Brady Trapnell
After the first real scuffle of camp and a practice full of physicality, the Titans finished up day ten of training camp showing they are tired of hitting each other.
With only one more practice before the team travels to New York to take on the Jets, Coach Mike Mularkey said he didn’t like the events after the whistle, but his team responded.
“The juices were flowing. A little harder day, a little harder practice,” said Mularkey. “But, they responded. It was a situational period with a lot of things going on . . . I was happy that we cleaned it up and had no more pushing and shoving. It’s unnecessary . . . I don’t like it. It’s not taught. It’s not talked about. It’s not tough.”
Wednesday morning’s practice featured a run-game focus and the offensive line set the tone, opening up holes during the first team session. The offensive had it’s way early, but the defense was able to respond well towards the end of practice with good coverage and quarterback pressure.
Free-agent defensive line addition Sylvester Williams is ready to take the field for his first game as a Titan on Saturday, after another competitive practice.
“We are ready to hit somebody else man. It’s just a part of being in training camp,” said Williams. “We are brothers and grinding in the offseason. But, we are in here competing and battling everyday in the trenches. The opportunity in three days to put that effort and focus towards somebody else will be great.”
A back and forth practice featured a few great catches. And probably the catch of camp, thus far, came from wide receiver Tre McBride who is heading into his fourth season with the team. He continued his good camp performance with a diving touchdown catch out of the corner of the endzone, as a defender draped over him.
Tight end Jonnu Smith also snagged a pass from quarterback Matt Cassell, just between the hands of a defender for a touchdown. The rookie has made a few note-worthy catches over the past few days.
Coach Mularkey had a message for his rookies, as they prepare for their first NFL game.
“Try to calm the nerves. They’ll have a full day leading up to the game so don’t wear yourself out before you have the chance to perform or compete,” he said. “If they know their stuff, then the confidence is definitely better for you. If you have any doubt about what you are doing, then the nervous energy will catch you a little bit.”
Four Titans won’t be getting their first game action of the 2017 season this weekend. Coach Mularkey said that running back DeMarco Murray, wideouts Corey Davis and Tajae Sharpe and defensive lineman Karl Klug will not play.
Quarterback Marcus Mariota will, however, take the field for the first time since fracturing his fibula in week 16 of last season. He said Wednesday that he is ready to shake off the rust.
“It’s been six months since I’ve been on the field, so just going out there, having a playclock, going through the mechanics of getting in and out of the huddle and working all sorts of game-like scenarios.
“From that standpoint it is working that rust off and making sure we’re ready to go once the season rolls around . . . For me, I’ve worked hard to get to this point. I just want to go out there and get ready with the guys.”
The Titans take the field for day 11 of training camp Thursday at 8:55 a.m. at Saint Thomas Sports Park. Practice is once again open to the public.
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