NASHVILLE – The Titans took the field for their second open practice of training camp on Friday at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park.
Here's a look at what stood out:
-I'd not planned on leading this off for the second straight day with receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Can't put all the focus on just one guy, right? And while plenty of guys stood out on Friday, Hopkins made a highlight-reel play early and he put himself right back at the front of these observations. On the first play of one-on-one vs DBs, Hopkins made a spectacular catch while working against defensive back Kristian Fulton, who was in tight coverage on the play. Still, Hopkins manage to come down with the football as he landed on the ground. I was fortunate enough to have my iPhone camera ready, so I posted the video below. The catch has already spread like wildfire on social media – when I published this story, the video had already been viewed over 1.7 million times. It was part of a busy day for Hopkins.
It turns out Hopkins has seen the video himself ...
-Ryan Tannehill threw the pass to Hopkins, and it was just part of what was another impressive day for the team's starting quarterback. I charted Tannehill completing his first 10 passes, and had him completing 16-of-19 on the day in 7-on-7 and team periods combined.
-Quarterback Malik Willis wasn't quite as sharp as he was on Day One, when he completed his first six passes. I had Willis at 6-of-11. His best throw of the day came during early in the 1 on 1s, when he displayed nice touch, but he was high on a pass intended for Tre'Shaun Harrison and he threw behind receiver Mason Kinsey in a team period.
-After a perfect 6-of-6 in 7-on-7 and team periods on Wednesday, quarterback Will Levis was 5-of-9, and he threw the first interception of camp on a ball that was behind Harrison.
-It seems line outside linebacker Arden Key is in the backfield on just about every snap. I noticed Key plenty of times again today. Afterward, Key joked that he thinks he had seven sacks in practice. The Titans aren't in pads, of course, and defenders won't actually be able to sack QBs in practice. Still, Key has looked explosive.
-The most competitive period of camp came in the 1-on-1 period with the WRs and DBs. That's when Hopkins made his impressive catch, but other guys stood out as well. Receiver Mason Kinsey had two catches in this period, using some nice footwork and technique to get open. Receiver Chris Moore showed good fight on a reception, and Kearis Jackson, Treylon Burks showed up with catches, too. Defensive backs Chris Jackson and Fulton made some nice break-ups with good coverage.
-Kyle Philips had another good day – he had a nifty move and catch in the 1-on-1s, and made several other grabs as well, including a deep ball down the middle in a team period. But Philips also later let a catchable ball escape his grasp in traffic.
-Tight end Chig Okonkwo got wide open during an early team period, when Tannehill also found Philips, Racey McMath, Moore and Hopkins open.
-Moore had a good day, as he got open and made a one-handed catch in a team period on a deep ball.
-Cornerback Tyreque Hill recorded the first interception of training camp, as he's the guy who picked off Levis.
-I mentioned Chris Jackson earlier. I noticed him a few times today, including once in coverage on a ball that Hopkins ended up catching out of bounds.
-Running back Julius Chestnut made a nifty move to avoid a defender in a tackling period, and he also juked a defender on a run that really got fellow running back Derrick Henry excited. Henry, in fact, ran toward Chestnut and they celebrated with mid-air collision.
-I mentioned Fulton earlier. Coach Mike Vrabel complimented Fulton after today's session, saying he showed up in shape and ready to go.
-Veteran offensive lineman Chris Hubbard, who signed with the team this morning, was on the practice field in No 66. I spoke to Hubbard after practice, and shot a quick video of him on the practice field.
-Kicker Trey Wolff was a perfect 8-of-8 in a field goal period, making kicks from 33, 37, 40, 43, 45, 48, 33 and 50 yards. The 43-yarder went off the left goalpost, and fell over the crossbar. Wolff is now a perfect 14-of-14 in camp. Kicker Caleb Shudak, who was a perfect 6-of-6 on Wednesday, did not kick in the special teams periods today.
-Tackle Jamarco Jones and tight end Josh Whyle did not practice on Friday.
-Defensive lineman Tyler Shelvin left early with a trainer.
-Outside linebacker Harold Landry talked to reporters after practice, and raved about how good he feels.
-Henry also talked to reporters, and he raved about how valuable and underappreciated running backs are in the NFL.
-Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk was on hand for today's practice, along with Kenneth S. Adams IV from the ownership group.
-Former Titans linebacker Tim Shaw was on hand for today's practice.
Next open practice: Saturday, 9:15-11:15 a.m.
