HEAD COACH JEFF FISHER
(on the Oakland Raiders)
The coaches have been watching very closely throughout the offseason and throughout the preseason—they're a very talented team. They're very unpredictable, it's hard to predict what we're going to get, so we have to be prepared to adjust.
(on how much of a difference QB Jason Campbell makes on the Oakland Raiders offense)
He certainly has a good understanding, and their offensive scheme has changed. It would reflect what they're doing in Baltimore, and it's a very difficult offense—it forces you to adjust every down. They're run oriented, they have tremendous weapons that can stretch the field.
(on if he anticipates the current 53-man roster being their final 53)
We're always going to continue to try and upgrade. If there are people available we'll look at them, but for the most part this is the group that we're going to go to battle with and they're excited. They're focused and we took advantage of the extra day to get started.
(on how big of an improvement the addition of Tim Shaw and Patrick Bailey will make to the linebackers)
They're both very talented players, and have been very, very productive as far as special teams play is concerned. That was an emphasis for us when we started camp, and we made the commitment that we were going to do whatever we could and I think both Tim and Patrick are certainly going to help in that area.
(on if special teams improvement was something they were trying to put extra work into after last year)
No, it's just something we've been trying to emphasis, but knowing that there might be some opportunities at the final cut down to get better.
(on what he thinks is the biggest thing the Titans need to accomplish this week)
We have to prepare, we have to practice, prepare and take a professional approach to implementing the game plan each day on the practice field. Get the young guys ready to play, if they're going to be a part of the 45.
(on if Jason McCourty and Colin Allred did enough to earn starts against Oakland)
We've had great competition and we'll announce the starting lineup next Sunday.
(on if the year off from football played a role in Myron Rolle getting signed to the practice squad)
No, not necessarily. We saw improvement from Myron from day one through the camp, and we felt like he would benefit from some extra work. Myron is not the first player that we've drafted or had at camp that we thought would benefit from practice squad opportunities.
(on if they are going to try and keep LeGarrette Blount if he clears waivers)
Unfortunately we had to make a move on the roster to make room for both of the linebackers. So we'll see what happens.
(on if he's concerned he'll see rust from his two starting wide receivers after limited playing time in the preseason)
No, they are going to get a good week of practice under their belt. Both of them are experienced and have played before, and their legs have not been affected. They've been running routes, they just have to settle in and start catching more balls as the week goes on.
(on what he likes most about the final 53-man roster)
We're excited about it, we think we have depth; competition has created improvement in some areas. We've got young guys who are ready to step up in depth positions, like Fernando (Velasco) and Troy (Kropog). So we've got a team who knows what they're supposed to do, and they're getting anxious to play.
(on if having two games at home to start the season gives them a better chance for a fast start)
The only thing that we're concerned with is this Sunday's game; we're not looking past that. Once that's over we'll deal with the next opponent, but our focus is on the Oakland Raiders.
