NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Practice No.12 of training camp is in the books for the Titans. Here's a look at five things that stood out from Sunday's session, the first after the team's preseason opener against the Falcons.
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Mariota's Day:** Yes, quarterback Marcus Mariota threw an interception against the Falcons. But he still hasn't thrown one in a training camp practice. Mariota went 10-of-16 on Sunday, including a perfect 4-of-4 to close out practice. He's now thrown 202 passes in camp without an interception in the 12 practice sessions. I put a star in my notepad next to three of Mariota's throws, including one to receiver Justin Hunter, who went up high in the end zone to reel in a score. Mariota also threw bullets to tight end Delanie Walker and receiver Kendall Wright during what was another solid practice for the rookie.
Bell's speech: The Titans practiced with an edge on Sunday, and players gave tackle Byron Bell some of the credit. After an early walk-through and on-field stretch, Bell sounded off to his teammates about practicing with intensity, and being physical. Bell made his plea while the group was gathered in a circle. Players responded with cheers, and then went to work with added intensity. Bell said he felt a boost was needed, and was happy to do his part. There were some big hits in practice, with two of them coming from linebacker Zach Brown.
O-line shuffling: Titans coach Ken Whisenhunt continued to do some shuffling on the offensive line, but players said they rotated in different positions more than normal on Sunday. Bell, who has worked at right tackle most of camp, practiced a good chunk of the time at left guard, and back-up guard Jamon Meredith bounced to right tackle. During one portion, Fernando Velasco filled in and played some center when Brian Schwenke was hobbled. Andy Levitre, the team's starter at left guard the past two season, told reporters he's "not reading into" the shuffling and believes it's good to have depth at every position. Bell said he'll play wherever the team needs him.
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Hey Rico:** Receiver Rico Richardson continues to make plays for the Titans. Richardson caught a 30-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Zach Mettenberger in Sunday's game, and the two hooked up again in Sunday's session. Richardson got behind cornerback Cody Riggs and hauled in a 50-yard bomb in stride. Richardson, originally signed by the Titans as an undrafted free agent, has been consistent during training camp. He could get caught in a numbers game on the back end of the 53-man roster, but Richardson has sure made his share of plays in practices.
Injuries: Cornerbacks Jason McCourty (groin) and Blidi Wreh-Wilson (ankle) didn't practice on Sunday, and neither did linebackers Yannik Cudjoe-Virgil (hamstring), Zaviar Gooden (hamstring) and J.R. Tavai (knee). All three linebackers aren't expected to play on Sunday in the second preseason game vs. the Rams. Wreh-Wilson has gone from a cast to a walking boot on his ankle, but he's not expected to play Sunday either. Safety Da'Norris Searcy missed practiced Sunday, and running back Dexter McCluster (illness) and Schwenke (foot) left practice early. Walker still hasn't had his stitches removed, but has been catching the ball. Linebacker Jonathan Massaquoi practiced and is expected to play in Sunday's preseason game after being held out on Friday.
Titans players take the field for training camp on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2015 at Saint Thomas Sports Park. (Photos: Gary Glenn)
