NASHVILLE – The Titans hit the field on Tuesday for the first day of a two-day mandatory minicamp.
Today's practice was open to reporters.
Here's a look at some observations from today's session:
-I thought quarterback Cam Ward looked more accurate, and comfortable, on Tuesday, especially compared to last week's OTAs. In a team period, Ward made a great throw to tight end Daniel Bellinger while rolling to his right, and on the next play threw a sidearm touchdown pass to tight end Gunnar Helm. Those two plays happened during a red zone period, and I circled them both. Later, in a red zone "Call It" period that started at the 25-yard line, Ward threw three straight completions, including one to Wan'Dale Robinson for a touchdown. Ward went 13-of-22 on the day, including 3-of-6 in 7-on-7 and 10-of-16 in team periods. His day ended on a sour note, as safety Amani Hooker picked him off on the last play of practice. But overall, Ward looked pretty good. He was high on one throw to Elic Ayomanor, and probably led Tyjae Spears too much on a ball that went off his hands, but he was better. In six open practices to date, I've charted Ward at 75-of-135 in the 7-on-7 and team drills combined, with three picks.
-Chimere Dike continues his momentum from last week, leading all receivers with four catches on the day. Dike also had a touchdown grab.
-Tight end Daniel Bellinger had four catches, too, including that ball from Ward that might have been a touchdown (officials ruled he would have been tackled at the eight).
-Cornerback Alontae Taylor is feisty, and on the days he's been out there he has stood out. Taylor nearly had a pick himself, but had to settle for a PBU. He was called for a DPI earlier, but that was somewhat questionable.
-Safety Kevin Winston had two nice pass break-ups on the day, including one in the end zone on a ball intended for Bellinger.
-Linebacker James Williams nearly picked off Will Levis, and he was right there to stop Xavier Restrepo after he made a catch. Williams was very active today.
-Running backs Tony Pollard and Julius Chestnut had two catches each.
-Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky had another good day, completing his first eight passes on Tuesday. I had Trubisky at 12-of-16 on the day, and I now have him at 57-of-61 in his four offseason appearances (three OTAs, 1 minicamp).
-Dike was on the receiving end of a Trubisky touchdown pass.
-Receiver Lance McCutcheon had a touchdown grab on a Trubisky pass. Later, he got open to make another catch downfield on a Levis pass, but he was out of bounds.
-Cornerback Micah Robinson had an eventful day. In a three-play sequence, Robinson was called for defensive pass interference, he had a great break-up on a ball to Xavier Restrepo, and he gave up the TD to Dike. Robinson has given up some plays this offseason, but I like the way he competes.
-Rookie Carnell Tate caught a bullet across the middle from Ward, one of two catches on the day.
-Nick Singleton caught my eye with a nice burst after taking a handoff.
-Restrepo made one of the plays of the day when he caught a pass from Will Levis, and then sprinted into the end zone from probably 15 yards out.
-I had Levis at 7-of-13 on the day, and I have him at 62-of-95 in six open practices.
-Cornerback Jalen McMurray had two nice PBUs.
-Running back Michael Carter had a nice one-handed catch.
-Receiver Calvin Ridley had just one catch, but it was a nice, sliding grab on the sideline.
-Defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons spent the early portion of practice working with Brian Bell, assistant director, sports performance, for the Titans.
-Defensive end Jalyn Holmes and center Andre James, signed earlier in the day, both practiced.
-The Titans will be back on the field on Wednesday for the second day of this week's minicamp.
