NASHVILLE – Titans coach Robert Saleh conducted a zoom conference call with reporters on Monday, one day after the team's 19-16 preseason win over the Seahawks.
The Titans will return to practice on Tuesday, and team will face the Chicago Bears in a joint practice on Thursday at Vanderbilt Health Football Clinic, before preseason game No. 3 on Saturday at Nissan Stadium.
Here's a look at some of the hot topics from today's call:
-Saleh said across the board the team has work to do, while saying "we were close yesterday to having some really cool moments" on offense. Saleh said quarterback Cam Ward made good decisions, and the team was just off at times.
-All NFL teams must trim their roster to 53 players by Sunday, one day after the preseason finale. Saleh said he has a personnel meeting later today while saying there's a good number of jobs that are still wide open. "The message is really no different: You can't focus on the things that are going to happen next Sunday when cut downs happen," Saleh said. "It's: 'What are you doing today to help you be better tomorrow?' Guys just need to show up, strap up, do the best they can and trust that their best is good enough to be where they want to be." Saleh said the joint practice on Thursday will give the team more clarity. "There's a lot of positions up for grabs," Saleh said. "But at the same time, the information is damn near complete. It's a big week and there's a lot of things that can move the needle."
-Saleh said he has regular conversations with GM Mike Borgonzi, and the two are constantly talking about the roster. Saleh said the personnel staff is keeping an eye on other rosters, and players who could potentially become available during roster cuts in the next week.
-Titans rookie Carnell Tate doesn't have a catch in the preseason, even though he has been targeted five times in the two games. Saleh said Tate "has been working relentlessly to perfect his craft," and he doesn't consider his quiet start in the preseason "adversity." Saleh added: "I get that the preseason games haven't lit the world on fire, but what we have been seeing in practice is a pretty damn good football player. So, we'll continue developing him, we'll continue working with him, and hopefully everything translates once the season starts."
-Saleh said he likes how the first team offensive line has been performing, and communicating, so far. Asked specifically about rookie guard Fernando Carmona's play on Sunday, Saleh said, "I thought he did a decent job. Like all rookies, there will always be things that they can work on. But overall, I like the way he has been progressing."
-Saleh said he's hopeful running back Nick Singleton will be back at practice on Tuesday.
-Saleh said "the decision on that fourth (RB) spot is going to be a tough one" when discussing the depth of the group.
-When asked about the pass rush, Saleh said the team is not in game plan mode "where we're trying to scheme up 1 on 1s for guys to go eat." He said the team is working on technique, and fundamentals, and making sure guys are working as a group to get ready for the regular season.
-Saleh called defensive end Keldric Faulk "day to day" while saying he doesn't expect him to play in the preseason finale against the Bears after being injured last week. "But he should be fine for the opener, easily," Saleh said of Faulk.
-Saleh said defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers and receiver K.J. Osborn could return to practice on Tuesday as well. Cornerback Joshua Williams will be reevaluated at the end of the week, Saleh said.
-The Titans are 2-0 in the preseason, even if things haven't looked great at the start of the first two games. Saleh remains confident, and he made this promise: "I'll stand on the table and I can damn near guarantee it: This team is going to get better every single week. I am pleased with the fronts, o-line, d-line – those guys are going to be rock solid throughout the season. And then our young secondary, our young skill groups, those guys are going to get better and better and better. And the better they get, the faster they play. It's going to be a fun group as the season progresses."
