NASHVILLE – The Titans took the field for their second open practice of training camp on Thursday at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park.
Here's a look at what stood out:
-The defense. From start to finish, I thought the defense set the tone in today's session. Defenders were consistently in the face of the quarterbacks, and they picked off two passes on the day. I heard the defense chirping all day, and for good reason.
-Linebacker Cody Barton continues to make plays. Barton picked off quarterback Cam Ward on the first play of 7-on-7, and he nearly got him again for what would have been a pick-6 on the last play of the period as Ward tried to connect with tight end David Martin-Robinson. Barton intercepted the rookie twice during the offseason as well. With three picks so far, it's safe to say Barton looks very comfortable in the defense.
-Rookie safety Kevin Winston Jr. has only practiced twice with the team since being drafted third overall, but man, I've already been impressed by him. Winston, sidelined during the offseason while recovering from a torn ACL, took the ball away from tight end Josh Whyle for what I'm ruling an interception. Sure, it could be ruled a catch/fumble, since Whyle initially had possession of the Brandon Allen pass. There's no disputing Winston ripped it away for a turnover before the two went to the ground. It was an eye-catching moment.
-Ward was under duress a good part of the day, with rushers in his face. It forced him into some incompletions, and having to get rid of the ball faster than he wanted to on several occasions. Ward was 5-of-8 in the 7-on-7 period, and 4-of-6 in the team drills, making him 9-of-14 on the day, with the interception. Through the first two days of camp, I have Ward at 21-of-31 with the pick in the 7-on-7 and team periods combined. Ward threw a dart to Van Jefferson early, and found him again later.
-Allen was 5-of-7 with the INT on Thursday, going 2-of-3 in the 7-on-7 and 3-of-4 in the team periods. Allen is now 12-of-15 with an INT through the first two days of camp. Allen fired a nice strike across the middle to receiver Treylon Burks.
-Quarterback Tim Boyle was 5-of-10 in the 7-on-7 and team periods combined on Thursday, making him 14-of-19 over the first two days of camp.
-Receiver Tyler Lockett led all pass catchers with three receptions on Thursday, including some short grabs he turned into bigger gains.
-Van Jefferson, James Prochee II and Xavier Restrepo had two catches each.
-Chimere Dike had a catch, and at least one drop.
-Running back Tyjae Spears continues to look faster to me.
-Running back Kalel Mullings has a good combination of size and speed.
-Now, back to the defense.
-Edge rusher Dre'Mont Jones was active, and looked fast sprinting to the football.
-Edge rusher Arden Key blew one play up, and was excited about it.
-I noticed rookie edge rusher Femi Oladejo several times on rushes on Thursday.
-Defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons could be seen – and heard – all day. He let the offense know the defense was winning.
-Safety Xavier Woods broke up a Ward deep ball intended for receiver Calvin Ridley late in the session, but Simmons let everyone know the play would've ended earlier with a sack. He's probably right.
-Cornerback Jermari Harris had a nice pass breakup on the sideline.
-Coaches praised cornerback Roger McCreary for being in a great spot on a Ward pass to Lockett.
-Linebacker Anfernee Orji nearly got the ball out on a run by Mullings, who lost firm control of the ball quickly before gathering it back.
-Cornerback Amani Oruwariye had a nice break-up late.
-Edge rusher Jihad Ward, signed earlier on Thursday, practiced for the first time, in No. 53.
-Receiver Colton Dowell did not practice on Thursday.
-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.
Next open practice: Saturday, 11 a.m. at Nissan Stadium.
