NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Day Five of training camp is in the books for the Titans. Here's a look at five things that stood out:
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— Still perfect:** Quarterback Marcus Mariota has now gone five straight days without throwing an interception in practice. Mariota completed 8 of 12 passes on Wednesday, and that included two drops. Mariota threw a beauty of a pass to receiver Kendall Wright, leading him just enough on a floater Wright hauled in en route to the end zone. At one point in a live period late in practice, Mariota took off on a run and was by the defense in a hurry. It would've been a big gain in a game.
— Looking solid: Zach Mettenberger has flown under the radar during camp, mainly because most of the focus has been on Mariota. But Mettenberger has had a solid camp himself. His arm strength has never been an issue, and he's been winging it in practices. Mettenberger makes the throw to the sideline look easy. He regularly puts enough on it the defender doesn't have a chance to make a play on the ball. But he can sure throw the deep ball, too. At one point during practice on Wednesday, Mettenberger unloaded on a deep ball that hit receiver Jacoby Ford in stride for a touchdown.
— Finish: The Titans love receiver Dorial Green-Beckham's potential, and on the practice field he offers glimpses of a player who's going to be tough to contend with. But Green-Beckham is very much a work in progress, and the practice field regularly offers plenty of teachable moments for the rookie as well. Green-Beckham had a drop across the middle on Wednesday. Later, he went up high and made an athletic play in the end zone, hauling in a pass throw by quarterback Charlie Whitehurst. But, with cornerback Jamea Thomas defending, the ball came out as Green-Beckham fell to the ground. No catch. Coaches let him hear about it.
— Live period: The Titans had a "live" period in full pads, which allowed some players to get even more physical. Running back Antonio Andrews, back at practice after missing a day with a foot injury, had a nice run early, busting up the middle for a nice gain. David Cobb also lowered his pads and managed 5-6 yards on one carry. The Titans added a beefy package on one run, as defensive lineman Karl Klug lined up in front of fullback Jalston Fowler in the backfield. The defense bowed up on several plays, however, one time stuffing Fowler at the line of scrimmage before he could get going.
— Special teams: The Titans have plenty to sort out in the return game, but auditions are under way. Dexter McCluster, Da'Norris Searcy, Jacoby Ford and Perrish Cox all took turns returning punts. Later, Tre McBride, Bishop Sankey, Deon Long, Josh Stewart, Ford and McCluster had a chance on kickoff returns. This is a competition that will go down the wire. Coach Ken Whisenhunt acknowledged the returner(s) is probably going to have to be able to contribute outside of the return game. The Titans also worked on field goals on Wednesday, and kicker Ryan Succop was a perfect 4-of-4.
Titans players take the field for training camp on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2015 at Saint Thomas Sports Park. (Donn Jones Photography.com)
