NASHVILLE – Titans coach Robert Saleh conducted a zoom conference call with reporters on Monday, one day after the team's 26-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts.
The Titans will return to action this Sunday at Nissan Stadium vs the Cleveland Browns.
Here's a look at some of the hot topics from today's call:
-Saleh credited Titans special teams coordinator John Fassel and his staff for scheming up a successful blocked punt against the Colts, "with a pretty good twist game in the middle." Saleh noted linebacker James Williams Sr. and running back Julius Chestnut came in full speed to block the punt, which was picked up and returned for a touchdown by edge Femi Oladejo. "We were able to execute the play perfectly," Saleh said.
-Speaking specifically about Oladejo, Saleh said he brings a lot of "strain, violence and a lot of effort" with his play on defense. Saleh said Oladejo "will be a solid player in this league" because of his work ethic, and how he handles himself in practice and meetings.
-Saleh acknowledged the team's offense has been "hit or miss" this season. Saleh said the team needs to do a better job of converting third downs, and finding explosive plays and improving execution is key.
-Saleh praised safety Amani Hooker, who had an interception early, and nearly another late. "I love that dude, man," Saleh said of Hooker. "When you look at Hook, his instincts and where he ends up on the field … he is so instinctive, and he's always around the ball. … He's a ball hawk, he's an eraser. He's an elite communicator and he executes his technique at a very high level. … He's a heck of a football player."
-Saleh acknowledged quarterback Cam Ward "has things he has to improve on. … It is not all on the quarterback, but he is the face of the offense and he has to play at a higher level." Saleh said Ward did some good things against the Colts, however, and he and the offense took advantage of opportunities that were given to him.
-Saleh said Sunday's game was the best for the team's defensive front, following a day when the defense tallied six sacks. Saleh said John Franklin-Myers came to life, and Jermaine Johnson "had his best game by far." Saleh said defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons is special in so many ways, "and the things he does, I marvel at every week … He is incredible."
-When asked about cornerback Alontae Taylor's status moving forward, Saleh said, "we'll discuss it as a staff and make a decision that is best for the team moving forward." Saleh did not elaborate on the decision to make Taylor one of the team's inactives.
-Cornerback Joshua Williams, who started in place of Taylor on Sunday, "did a really nice job" while saying there are some things he has to clean up, Saleh said.
-Receiver Carnell Tate caught six passes for 70 yards, including his first career touchdown catch on Sunday. Saleh said Tate is improving, and the game is slowing down for him. Saleh described one play when Tate executed a play where "he looked like a top 5 pick," and that play alone should have given everyone signs that he is trending in the right direction by the way plays. "And on top of it," Saleh said, "he's gaining confidence."
