NASHVILLE, Tenn. – One of the most talked about plays from Saturday's preseason game against the Steelers was an incomplete pass from quarterback Marcus Mariota to receiver Corey Davis.
On the play in question, Mariota and Davis both accepted blame after the game. Mariota said when the defense blew a coverage, Davis adjusted the pattern because he was thinking "home run," and he should have been thinking the same thing as well.
Instead, the third down, first quarter pass landed short of Davis, and the ball fell incomplete.
Titans coach Mike Vrabel pointed the blame elsewhere – at himself.
"Everything falls on me," Vrabel said. "That's it. I've got to make sure Marcus understand where Corey is going to be. 'If you're uncovered, here's where we're going to be.' The most important thing is that Marcus and Corey are on the same page. So up until this point, I haven't done a good enough job of making sure both of those guys know where each other is going to be on every single route. I'll make sure that that happens."
With more games plays, Vrabel believes Mariota and Davis should gain an even better understanding about each other.
"We have to make sure that happens sooner rather than later," Vrabel said. "It is important that Corey and Marcus are on the same page."
Some of the other hot topics discussed during Sunday's presser:
Starters vs Vikings?
Mariota played just 19 snaps against the Steelers, and the first team offense played four series.
Defensively, the starters were on the field three series.
So how much will the front-line guys play in the preseason finale on Thursday against the Vikings?
"My thoughts right now are just try to evaluate who is healthy, who will be available and then we'll make a decision later on in the week as to what we feel is best for the team," Vrabel said, "and just trying to evaluate where guys are health-wise."
A dozen players didn't make the trip to Pittsburgh, and those players will be evaluated this week as well, Vrabel said.
Ups and downs
The Titans lost 16-6 to the Steelers on a day when the offense never really got in sync.
Defensively, Vrabel said he saw some positive signs despite allowing an early touchdown.
"I thought we played the run well, and were square," Vrabel said. "We set good edges, had single-digit missed tackles. I think when you do that you have a chance to be successful."
Vrabel said the Titans covered well for the most part, but thinks cornerback Adoree' Jackson might be kicking himself for allowing a deep ball that went for a touchdown.
Vrabel liked the fourth down stop, and the interception by linebacker Robert Spillane.
"Offensively we just have to continue to build the trust and confidence in each other," Vrabel said. "We were able to throw the ball -- Blaine (Gabbert) I thought threw the ball well, and it was good to see Anthony (Firkser) catch the football. (Devin) Ross had some good plays."
Vrabel said the Steelers gave the Titans first team offensive line some trouble. He said the team needs to improve on some of the pressures the Steelers presented in the game.
Jayon Brown call
Titans linebacker Jayon Brown was flagged for hitting a defenseless player when making a tackle against the Steelers.
Vrabel said the team turned the call into the league to review. He wondered if Brown violated the NFL's "lowering the head to initiate contact" rule instead.
"Clearly he can't put his head down like that," Vrabel said of Brown. "I'm trying to work through this clarification. … Jayon has to do a better job keeping his head up and playing with his eyes up and seeing what he is hitting. There's just some things we ask every week. We ask them to review plays and get feedback."
Firkser performance
Tight end Anthony Firkser led the Titans with five catches for 68 yards against the Steelers, and he scored on a three-yard touchdown catch.
Vrabel said the Harvard grab did some nice things.
"I think anybody that goes out there and executes in the game helps their case," Vrabel said. "He was able to get some chunk plays down the field, get open, catch the ball, move forward, take care of it.
"He's done that since he's been here, and it's nice to see that carry over into the games."
Roster cuts, numbers game
By next Saturday, the Titans must trim the roster from 90 to 53 players.
Some of the decisions will be impacted by health.
Vrabel was asked about the numbers game at each position, and trying to decide how many players to keep at each spot. He talked about his regular discussions with Titans general manager Jon Robinson.
"We are looking for the best players, but I think you try and figure out what the roster is going to look like," Vrabel said. "Jon and I discuss that most every day, where we see it shaking out, who can help us on fourth down. There's a lot of factors that go into extra guys at what normally, traditionally would be X amount at this position, where do you basically 'rob Peter to pay Paul' discussion that him and I have and will continue to have this week."
The Tennessee Titans take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3 of the preseason on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018 at Heinz Field. (Photos: Donn Jones, AP)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) runs the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Joe Haden (23) and linebacker Anthony Chickillo, left, pursue in the first quarter of an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) passes in the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Justin Hunter (11) makes a catch for a touchdown as Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) defends in the first quarter of an NFL football game, , Dec. 31, 2099, in Pittsburgh. The play was originally ruled as incomplete, but was overturned, and ruled a touchdown on review. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Justin Hunter (11) makes a catch for a touchdown as Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) defends in the first quarter of an NFL football game, , Dec. 31, 2099, in Pittsburgh. The play was originally ruled as incomplete, but was overturned, and ruled a touchdown on review. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) looks to pass in the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner (30) runs past Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (99) in the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jesse James (81) makes a catch past Tennessee Titans defensive back Kenny Vaccaro (30) in the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel works the sideline in the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) makes a catch as Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) defends in the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) is sacked by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Vince Williams (98) and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (79) in the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) looks tp handoff against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half ofan NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) runs the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Joe Haden (23) defends in the first quarter of an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) runs the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Joe Haden (23) defends in the first quarter of an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) hands the ball to running back Dion Lewis (33) in the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers , Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) makes a catch in front of Tennessee Titans defensive back Kevin Byard (31) in the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) gets a pass away as Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Artie Burns (25) rushes him in the first half ofan NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Luke Falk (11) is sacked by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ola Adeniyi during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 16-6. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Tennessee Titans offensive guard Kevin Pamphile (66) celebrates as tight end Anthony Firkser (86) makes a touchdown catch while being tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Tyler Matakevich (44) in the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Julius Warmsley, left, and defensive tackle Matt Dickerson (92) sack Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 16-6. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Matthew Thomas (46) tackles Tennessee Titans wide receiver Deontay Burnett (80) after a catch during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 16-6. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner (30) is hit by Tennessee Titans defensive end Julius Warmsley in the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans tight end Anthony Firkser (86) celebrates with teammates after making a touchdown catch as Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Malik Golden (39) walks nearby during the second half of an an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) looks to pass in the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) on the bench during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) looks tp handoff against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half ofan NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) looks to pass in the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) looks to pass in the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) calls signals in the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) looks to pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) runs the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Joe Haden (23) defends in the first quarter of an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) hands the ball to running back Dion Lewis (33) in the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers , Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Robert Spillane (42) intercepts a pass intended for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Justin Hunter (11) as linebacker Daren Bates (53) and defensive back Kenneth Durden (38) defend in the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans running back Dalyn Dawkins (39) warms up before an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) looks to pass in the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Blaine Gabbert (7) scrambles as he plays against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 16-6.(AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Blaine Gabbert (7) scrambles as he plays against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 16-6.(AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) plays against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) looks to pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) looks to pass as Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Artie Burns (25) pursues in the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans running back Dalyn Dawkins (39) warms up before an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel walks off the field before an NFL preseason football game a, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh.(AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel walks off the field before an NFL preseason football game a, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh.(AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Robert Spillane (42) intercepts a pass intended for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Justin Hunter (11) as linebacker Daren Bates (53) and defensive back Kenneth Durden (38) defend in the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans tight end Anthony Firkser (86) makes a touchdown catch while being tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Tyler Matakevich (44) in the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel works the sideline during an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans tight end Jonnu Smith (81) greets fans after an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel walks through the team as the warm up before an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) walsk off the field after an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 16-6. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Matthew Thomas (46) tackles Tennessee Titans wide receiver Deontay Burnett (80) after a catch in th second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 16-6.(AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Tennessee Titans running back Dion Lewis (33) off the field after an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 16-6. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans tight end Anthony Firkser (86) makes a touchdown catch while being tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Tyler Matakevich (44) in the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans tight end Jonnu Smith (81) greets fans after an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel works the sideline during an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Pittsburgh Steelers fullback Roosevelt Nix-Jones (45) lunges forward as he is tackled by Tennessee Titans linebacker Robert Spillane (42) in the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, left, is greeted by Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlinan NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 16-6. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel takes questions after the team's NFL preseason football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 16-6. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel, left, is greeted by Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin after an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 16-6. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Matthew Thomas (46) tackles Tennessee Titans wide receiver Deontay Burnett (80) after a catch during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 16-6. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Blaine Gabbert (7) scrambles as he plays against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 16-6.(AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Julius Warmsley, left, and defensive tackle Matt Dickerson (92) sack Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 16-6. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Blaine Gabbert (7) scrambles as he plays against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 16-6.(AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
