NASHVILLE – The Titans took the field on Wednesday for their fifth open practice of training camp.
Here's a look at what stood out:
-The Titans practiced in pads for the second day in a row.
-Quarterback Cam Ward started out faster on Wednesday, completing 3-of-4 passes in the first team period of the day. On the first play of the period, Ward threw underneath to tight end Chig Okonkwo rather than throwing into a dangerous spot downfield. A few plays later, Ward connected with receiver Calvin Ridley on a deep ball that was a thing of beauty. Ridley did a nice job running under the ball and catching it in between defenders Darrell Baker Jr. and Amani Hooker. Ward then went 5-of-8 in the 7-on-7 period, which included a bullet to Tyler Lockett and a beautiful deep ball to Jha'Quan Jackson, who couldn't make the catch. One of Ward's best throws was a sideline route to Matt Landers. It wasn't a perfect day for Ward, however, as he was involved in a botched exchange with center Corey Levin, when the ball ended up on the ground, and he was picked off again. Ward couldn't get a lot of rhythm in the unscripted periods either, when the first team offense struggled. I had Ward at 6-of-15 in the team periods, making him 11-of-23 for the day. A funny sidenote: During a break in periods, Ward grabbed a water bottle and watered up some of the defensive linemen.
-The Titans worked a lot in unscripted periods during the second half of practice.
-Receiver James Proche II had a nice day, leading the team with three catches. Proche was on the receiving end of a Tim Boyle touchdown pass during an unscripted team period during the second half of practice.
-It was cornerback Roger McCreary who picked off Ward, on a ball deflected by linebacker Cody Barton. Barton has been a real menace in camp, and he was in a great spot to send Ward's pass further into the air, and into McCreary's hands.
-Mason Kinsey is having fun again at camp. The relentless receiver outfought a defender for the football in the end zone, and caught another Boyle pass for a score. Kinsey threw the ball into the air, and his offensive teammates went wild, celebrating with him.
-Receiver Bryce Oliver caught a touchdown on a throw from Allen. At this point, I'm going to be surprised if Oliver doesn't make the team. He's a good receiver who can help a great deal on special teams.
-Defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons sniffed out a double reverse, and blew it up in the backfield.
-Linebacker Curtis Jacobs intercepted quarterback Brandon Allen in 7-on-7.
-I probably shouldn't go any further without at least mentioning Ridley left practice early after holding his right calf during and after a play. After practice, the team said he was being evaluated. The play happened near the end of practice, just a few plays before Ridley would have been done anyway, so …
-Tight end Chig Okonkwo, receiver Calvin Ridley, receiver Elic Ayomanor, tight end Thomas Odukoya, receiver Bryce Oliver, receiver Mason Kinsey, receiver Jha'Quan Jackson and tight end Josh Whyle all had two catches in Wednesday's session.
-Running back Tyjae Spears continues to look explosive in camp. He busted off several nice runs on Wednesday.
-The offensive line opened up some nice running lane during an early 9 on 7 period.
-The Titans worked in a live tackling period late in practice, and running back Kalel Mullings got my attention with some strong running.
-Outside backer Titus Leo was also impressive in the tackling period, with a few stops and nice rushes.
-Defensive back Jarvis Brownlee Jr. had a solid practice, disrupting plays with aggressive coverage and good ball skills.
-Defensive back Kendell Brooks had a nice PBU in practice.
-Outside backer Aly Gaye batted a pass down at the line of scrimmage.
-Julius Wood had to show from restraint to keep from blowing up Gunnar Helm on a Boyle throw across the middle.
-QB Brandon Allen was 3-of-4 in 7-on-7 and 6-of-8 in the team period, making him 9-of-12 for the day, with the previously mentioned pick.
-QB Tim Boyle was 2-of-4 in 7-on-7 and 7-of-10 in team, making him 9-of-14 on the day.
-Kicker Joey Slye made kicks from 33, 37, 41, 43, 45, 48 and 52 yards out before missing his first field goal of camp, from 59 yards (it went off the right upright). Slye is now 20-of-21 in camp.
-Femi Oladejo knocked down a Ward pass at the line of scrimmage, and he probably would've recorded a strip-sack of Ward later in the session.
-Safety Xavier Woods blitzed Ward on one play, and batted the ball down.
-Gabe Jeudy-Lally had a nice PBU.
-Edge Jihad Ward had a nice break-up.
-Tight end Josh Whyle made catches on back-to-back plays late in practice.
-Chimere Dike, Bryce Oliver, Xavier Restrepo, James Proche II, and Tyjae Spears worked in the return game.
-Ward threw after practice with receivers Elic Ayomanor, Tyler Lockett and Restrepo.
-Offensive lineman Blake Hance (calf) and defensive lineman Isaiah Raikes did not practice.
-Cornerback Darrell Baker Jr. returned to practice after leaving early on Tuesday. He had a nice PBU in practice.
-Safety Kevin Winston Jr. was flagged for defensive pass interference when covering tight end Josh Whyle.
-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 Wednesday's practice.
Next open practice: Friday, 9:15.
