NASHVILLE – The Titans took the field for their first open practice of training camp on Wednesday at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park.
Here's a look at what stood out:
-Quarterback Cam Ward called the first practice from the offense "mid" in his opinion, but I thought he had a solid first day. Ward completed his first four passes in the 7-on-7 period, and he finished 7-of-8 in 7-on-7. Ward then went 3-of-4 in the first team period before going 2-of-5 in the final team period. On the day, I had Ward at 12-of-17 on the day in the 7-on-7 and team periods combined. He completed a bullet to tight end Chig Okonkwo early, and was mostly on target. His lone incompletion in the 7-on-7 period was a ball that sailed over the arms of receiver Calvin Ridley. He missed a few throws on the day, but also didn't make a serious mistake.
-Speaking of Ridley, he went up high to make a great catch early, and finished the day with a pair of catches.
-Running back Tyjae Spears really impressed me today with his speed and instincts. Spears busted into space with a few nice cuts, and he turned a screen thrown by Ward into a big gainer.
-Tight end David Martin-Robinson led all targets with four catches, and rookie receiver Elic Ayomanor and rookie tight end Gunnar Helm had three catches each. Helm had a chance to secure a fourth, but was guilty of a drop.
-I heard, and saw, defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons on numerous occasions during practice.
Afterward, Simmons spoke to reporters.
-It was good seeing rookie safety Kevin Winston Jr. on the field after he spent the offseason rehabbing. Winston sure looks the part, and the Titans are excited about his potential.
-Cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. had an active day, breaking up at least two passes on the day.
Brownlee made a really nice break-up on a Ward pass intended for receiver Treylon Burks. After the play, trainers converged on Brownlee, who appeared to be shaken up. In reality, he was throwing up.
-Quarterback Brandon Allen was 3-of-4 in the 7-on-7 period, and 4-of-4 in the team period, making him 7-of-8 on the day. His best pass was a dart to receiver Mason Kinsey early.
Allen talked after practice about his role, and helping Ward.
-Quarterback Tom Boyle went 4-of-4 in the 7-on-7, and 5-of-5 in the team period, making him a perfect 9-of-9 on the day.
-Sixteen Titans had at least one catch on the day.
-Running back Julius Chestnut showed some burst himself on a few runs, but he lost the handle on a trick play gone bad.
-Running back Tony Pollard showed off a nice jump-cut.
-I noticed edge Dre'Mont Jones on at least one rush.
-Defensive lineman James Lynch knocked down a pass by Allen at the line of scrimmage.
-Defensive lineman Keondre Coburn jumped offsides.
-Cornerback L'Jarius Sneed and center Lloyd Cushenberry began training camp on the team's Physically Unable to Perform list and they're not practicing.
-Fans were in attendance for the first practice.
-The team has added a new video board, and also a DJ for practices.
Next open practice: Thursday, 8:55 a.m.
