NASHVILLE – The Titans took the field on Tuesday for their fourth open practice of training camp.
Here's a look at what stood out:
-The Titans practiced in pads for the first time in training camp, and the defense won the day. As a unit, the defense set the tone during an early run period, and they ended up getting their hands on a bunch of footballs, including three interceptions and at least one forced fumble. On this day, the offense never really got in sync.
-Quarterback Cam Ward was 5-of-9 in the 7-on-7 period, and 6-of-17 in the team periods, making him 11-of-26 in Tuesday's session. Ward was picked off three times, including a few he'd surely like to have back. Ward took a few shots in the session, but he overthrew both Calvin Ridley and Van Jefferson. Ward threw a beauty of a pass across the middle to receiver Tyler Lockett in a team period when he went 4-of-5. In four training camp practices, Ward is now a combined 46-of-78 with five INTs so far in camp in 7-on-7 and team periods.
-Cornerback Gabe Jeudy-Lally got the first interception of the day, on a Ward pass that actually deflected off the helmet of defensive lineman T'Vondre Sweat. Ward tried to sneak a throw in underneath using a low arm angle, but it deflected off of Sweat's helmet during a teak period and ended up in Jeudy-Lally's hands.
-Safety Xavier Woods intercepted Ward on a ball in the flat, and he also showed up in run defense. The interception by Woods came after a clear communication issue with Ward and one of his targets.
-Cornerback Darrell Baker Jr. jumped up and intercepted Ward on his attempt downfield to tight end Josh Whyle. Baker landed hard at the end of the play, and he stayed down for a bit. He eventually left practice early with a trainer.
-I mentioned the defense setting the tone early, in a run period. Defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day, defensive lineman T'Vondre Sweat, edge Arden Key, linebacker Cedric Gray and linebacker Otis Reese all stuffed the run in the first period of practice.
-Whyle let a catchable ball escape his grasp early. He's having a pretty quiet camp so far.
-Tight end David Martin-Robinson, meanwhile, continues to surge. DMR caught four passes on Tuesday, and he now has 10 catches in the four open practices.
-Receiver Xavier Restrepo had his most productive day of camp, as he also hauled in four passes. One of them was a catch of 50-plus yards on a ball thrown by Tim Boyle.
-Receiver Tyler Lockett had three catches on Tuesday.
-Ridley also had three catches on the day.
-Defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons was also around the football all day, and letting offensive players hear about it.
-DB Marcus Harris showed up in the hole on one running play.
-I noticed Gray several times in Tuesday's session.
-Linebacker Anfernee Orji stopped Jermar Jefferson on one inside run.
-Defensive back Kendell Brooks had a nice PBU on a Ward throw to Whyle.
-Running back Tony Pollard had several nice runs, one after taking a pitch from Ward and sprinting to the outside.
-Arden Key provided several pressures on the day.
-I don't think there's been a practice yet where I haven't noticed rookie safety Kevin Winston Jr., who on Tuesday dislodged James Proche II from the football by being in a perfect spot.
-Proche later made a great catch downfield, and drew praise from WRs coach Tyke Tolbert because of it.
-Tight end Gunnar Helm adjusted his body well to make a nice grab.
-Edge Jaylen Harrell stuffed the run during a team period.
-Safety Amani Hooker had a nice PBU.
-Rookie receiver Elic Ayomanor showed some toughness on a catch, when he fought off Marcus Harris for the football.
-A defender (I'm pretty certain it was James Williams Sr.) knocked the ball out of the hands of Tyjae Spears, but center Corey Levin jumped on the loose ball.
-QB Brandon Allen was 3-on-3 in the 7-on-7 period, and 6-of-7 in the team period, making him 9-of-10 on the day. I now have Allen at 28-of-35 with one INT so far in camp.
-QB Tim Boyle was 3-of-3 in the 7-on-7 period, and 3-of-7 in team, making him 6-of-10 on the day. I now have Boyle at 28-of-38 in camp
-Kicker Joey Slye was 6-of-6 kicking field goals, with makes from 33, 37, 40, 45, 49 and 53 yards. Slye is a perfect 13-of-13 so far in camp.
-Offensive lineman Blake Hance (calf) did not practice.
-Receiver Ramel Keyton practiced in No. 14 after being signed on Monday.
-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.
-Former Titans linebacker Terry Killens, who was on the field for the Music City Miracle, was among the officials working Tuesday's practice.
Next open practice: Wednesday, 8 a.m.
