NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Dowell Loggains didn't like the feeling in the coaching box but did like what he saw after he moved to the sidelines during the Titans' intrasquad mock game Saturday at LP Field.
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| Titans offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains plans to coach Thursday's preseason opener against Washington from the sidelines. Click here for a slideshow from Tuesday's practice. |
The offensive coordinator who was promoted from quarterbacks coach for the final five games of 2012 said Tuesday that he plans to spend Thursday's preseason opener against Washington on the sidelines.
"I felt like a caged animal for a little while upstairs. I wasn't happy with the way the tempo was going early on," Loggains said. "You don't feel like you have a chance to affect it (from) upstairs. When I came down, we went down and scored twice. I felt like I couldn't affect the tempo and the attitude of the group (from the coaching box)."
Loggains worked from the sidelines as quarterbacks coach and much of the system he's designed has been with quarterback Jake Locker's attributes in mind. The high level of comfort that the two have with each other may further benefit from Loggains being on the sidelines.
"Yeah, we thought that went a little smoother in the second half of our scrimmage when he was down there, so I think we're going to continue to try and go with that method," Locker said. "We were comfortable with it Saturday and expect for that to be feeling the same way going forward."
Locker started 3-for-8 passing and finished 16-for-26, including six straight completions during the two-minute drill. The Titans started the second half scenarios with the offense getting the ball inside the 35-yard line of the defense and quickly scored on a pass that officials ruled was a touchdown to Kenny Britt, but the defense argued that the receiver had only squeezed one foot in bounds.
Loggains said the Titans may continue to explore options during the preseason and make the decision on what's "works best for myself and Jake and the rest of the offensive staff."
Defensive coordinator Jerry Gray said he plans to be in the coaching box and senior defensive assistant Gregg Willams will be on the sidelines. Gray said he doesn't have a personal preference, but did say there are some advantages to doing what he does with an aerial view.
"I think it's whatever works for the team," Gray said. "I can see what (the opponent is) bringing on the field. I know the situation right now. I don't have to wait for someone to give it to me on the earpiece. I can get the call out a whole lot faster when I'm up there than downstairs. … When I make the call, they know Jerry's making the call because he's thinking, 'This personnel is coming in.' "
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TICKETS, PLEASE:** When George Wilson signed with the Titans as a free agent this February, the Paducah native said he was excited about the opportunity play closer to home than when he was in Buffalo. Family and friends have been excited, too, as Wilson has received multiple ticket requests. The savvy veteran has developed a plan for the volume.
"I'm in double-digits for ticket requests but my mom and I have a system in place, so if I get a text message or a call, I just try to refer them to her because I want to be able to focus on the game and focus on why I'm here," said Wilson, adding that the opportunity ahead of him "feels great."
"It's my first time to really showcase why the Tennessee Titans went after me in free agency," Wilson said. "It's my first dress rehearsal for the fans and for the organization to really get a true valuation of me as a football player, so that's something I'm looking forward to and I'm eager to go against another jersey color."
REUNIONS: The Redskins have two players on their roster that were with the Titans in 2012: offensive lineman Kevin Matthews and defensive back Ryan Mouton. Matthews, son of Titans offensive line coach Bruce Matthews, is listed second at center on Washington's depth chart after playing 17 games with the Titans since joining Tennessee as an undrafted free agent in 2010. Mouton, a third-round pick in 2009, played in 36 games for the Titans.
DAY OF REST: The Titans opted to rest receiver Nate Washington and right tackle David Stewart, who has done well in his return from a broken leg he suffered against Houston last December but was dealing with some soreness. Munchak said he thought it was a good opportunity to give the nine-year NFL veterans a breather. … Colin McCarthy, Rob Bironas, Zaviar Gooden and Brian Schwenke did not practice Tuesday and are unlikely to play Thursday, nor will Delanie Walker, Kevin Walter or Robert Johnson, who are still on the physically unable to perform list.
