NASHVILLE, Tenn. —Practice No.16 of training camp is in the books for the Titans. Here's a look at five things that stood out from Friday's session…
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Mariota's Day:** Quarterback Marcus Mariota had an efficient Friday, completing 10-of-13 passes without throwing an interception. In 16 practices during camp, Mariota has thrown just one interception in 244 attempts. Mariota went 3-for-3 in a team drill to finish practice, and completed his last five throws of the day as the team began making final preparations for Sunday's game against the Rams.
O-line shuffling: Jeremiah Poutasi worked with the first team at right tackle on Friday, and he appears to be in line to start on Sunday against the Rams. Afterward, he said he feels prepared and confident. Byron Bell, meanwhile, worked at left guard, where Andy Levitre started last week. Titans coach Ken Whisenhunt said he's looking for the right combination up front, and Sunday's game could go a long way toward deciding who's in the starting lineup in Tampa on September 12.
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Carrying the football:** Rookie David Cobb had a solid preseason opener and Whisenhunt said he could get more opportunities with the first team moving forward. But second-year back Antonio Andrews shouldn't be dismissed. The feeling here is Andrews is making the 53-man roster, and it's just a matter of how much he contributes. Judging from how much work Andrews gets on the practice field, he's going to get plenty of work early on Sunday himself and could take another big step putting himself in a good spot to earn early time himself.
Making plays: While the defense has picked off Mariota just once in camp, defenders have made plays on the practice field. On Friday, cornerback Jamea Thomas intercepted Zach Mettenberger on a ball linebacker Justin Staples tipped in the middle of the field. Later, cornerback Perrish Cox intercepted Mettenberger on a drill for the first-team defense.
Injuries: Cornerbacks Jason McCourty and Blidi Wreh-Wilson and linebackers Yannick Cudjoe-Virgil, J.R. Tavai and Zaviar Gooden all missed practice on Friday and won't play against the Rams. Wreh-Wilson did some running on a side field and looked good running straight ahead. He's recovering from a high ankle sprain. Defensive lineman Sammie Hill practiced, but he's not expected to play against the Rams, per Whisenhunt. Tight end Delanie Walker practiced again, but still isn't 100 percent as he recovers from a thumb injury.
Titans players take the field for training camp on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2015 at Saint Thomas Sports Park. (Photos: Gary Glenn)
