NASHVILLE – The Titans took the field on Saturday at Nissan Stadium for their third open practice of training camp.
It was part of 'Back Together Weekend', and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Daniel Jeremiah were among those on hand.
Here's a look at what stood out in front of a crowd estimated at 7,500 fans:
-It was Cam Ward's first time throwing a football at Nissan Stadium, and he threw it well.
Ward completed his first seven passes of practice, including a deep ball to receiver Calvin Ridley on the first play of the 7-on-7 period, which got the crowd cheering early. When the focus shifted to third down, Ward kept the momentum going, connecting with Bryce Oliver, Ridley and receiver Van Jefferson on back-to-back-to back plays. Ward was 7-of-8 in the 7-on-7 period, and when the team period started, he made plays as well. Ward completed 7-of-13 passes in the team period, including another big play to Ridley. In the 7-on-7 and team periods combined, Ward was 14-of-21. He was picked off once, but he made a lot of plays that got the crowd really excited. I thought it was his best practice of training camp so far.
Fans cheered wildly when the autograph session started. At least one fan handed Ward their kid.
-Ridley was the star of the day on the receiving corps, making four catches, including some big ones downfield. Ridley also made an incredible extended catch on a day when he consistently got open. The early Ward-Ridley connection is an encouraging sign for the Titans.
-It was linebacker James Williams Sr. who intercepted Ward, in a team period. Defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day and edge Femi Oladejo were in full pursuit of Ward, who was looking for Van Jefferson.
-The worst news of the day surrounded receiver Treylon Burks, who suffered a shoulder injury after landing hard. Burks made a great catch out of bounds, and when he got up, he immediately grabbed his right shoulder. Burks headed to the sideline, and then to the locker room. The team said Burks was being evaluated, with plans to make an announcement on his health at a later day. Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported Burks fractured his collarbone on the play, but the team didn't immediately confirm the news.
-I noticed defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons all day, rushing the quarterback and disrupting things on the line of scrimmage. One of Ward's most electrifying plays of the day came when he rolled out and threw the ball deep to Ridley for a big gainer. The crowd cheered wildly, but Simmons was in the backfield and I'm pretty sure he would have ended the play with a sack.
-Receiver Tyler Lockett was on the receiving end of a beautiful pass thrown by Ward, after he found the perfect spot to get open in the defense.
-Receiver Van Jefferson had a good day, with four catches himself, including several passes he snagged in traffic.
-Chimere Dike, David Martin-Robinson, Julius Chestnut, TJ Sheffield and Burks had two catches each.
-Rookie safety Kevin Winston Jr. continues to make plays. Winston had a nice break-up, and he was in the backfield in a hurry to make a stop.
-QB Brandon Allen was 3-of-4 in the 7-on-7 period, and 4-of-6 in the team period. Allen made some nice throws in the day himself. Part of his day was a mishandled snap, when Andrew Rupcich worked at center.
-QB Tim Boyle was 3-of-4 in the 7-on-7 period, and 5-of-5 in the team periods.
-Safety Amani Hooker was around the ball a lot on Saturday.
-Edge Dre'Mont Jones was also in the backfield a bunch.
-Defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day stuffed the run on a few occasions.
-Running back Tyjae Spears has plenty of juice in camp and he showed it off again on Saturday.
-The Titans worked a lot on third down plays, and with a silent count. The crowd made it loud several times, with encouragement from new play-by-play man Taylor Zarzour.
-Cornerback Jarvis Browlee Jr. had a nice break-up late.
-Cornerback Jalen Kimber had a nice PBU himself.
-Safety Mike Brown ended practice with a nice break-up.
-Kicker Joey Slye was a perfect 7-of-7 on the day, with makes from 34, 36, 40, 43, 47, 51 and 66 yards. Slye nailed the 66-yarder, with some room to spare.
-Receiver Matt Landers practiced for the first time, in No.83. Landers even made a nice catch.
-Chimere Dike, Xavier Restrepo, Jha'Quan Jackson, Tyjae Spears and TJ Sheffield all worked in the return game.
-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. Both players were in attendance on Saturday, however.
Next open practice: Tuesday, 8 a.m.
