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Hot Topics From Titans Coach Mike Vrabel's Monday Presser

Dec 16, 2019 at 01:55 PM

Jim Wyatt

Senior Writer/Editor

NASHVILLE – Titans coach Mike Vrabel held a press conference on Monday at Saint Thomas Sports Park, one day after the team's 24-21 loss to the Houston Texans.

The Titans return to action on Sunday when they face the New Orleans Saints at Nissan Stadium.

Here's a look at some of the hot topics from today's presser …

"Hungry" Titans

Sunday's loss to the Texans was a setback, no doubt.

But the Titans remain in the hunt for the AFC South title, if they can get some help from the Buccaneers (vs. the Texans on Saturday), while helping themselves. A Wild Card spot is also attainable, but the Titans will need some help there, too.

"I hope the mood is hungry," Vrabel said. "We've got to coach and we've got to come back on Wednesday and prepare. I'm sure there will be long faces, I'm sure there is disappointment. We're disappointed when we lose. We put a lot into this every week, players and coaches. They'll be sore. You're always a lot more sore when you lose, that's how it goes. So, we can't just pout and feel bad for ourselves, feel sorry for ourselves. We've got to go on to the next week."

Vrabel said the focus is on the Saints, not on a Week 17 rematch with the Texans.

"I can't say that because we play the Saints," Vrabel said. "So, to talk about the next time we play the Texans would not be giving our team, or the Saints the recognition that this week deserves. We understand that we'll play them again, but we have to focus on what this game was, the stuff that came out of this game, and then we have to move forward to the Saints and put our focus there."

Ryan Succop

Titans kicker Ryan Succop had a 45-yard field goal blocked on Sunday, and he's now 1-of-6 on the season.

Vrabel said the kick was low.

The head coach was also asked about Succop's status moving forward.

"I think that when you reference that specific kick, it was low, it was knocked back," Vrabel said. "I think that both of those things absolutely did happen. There's no denying that. We have to be better up front, and we have to be able to get some rise on the kick. That's just what has to happen. Then, Jon (Robinson) and I will continue to look, search and try to find what the answer is – not only in kicking, but special teams, offense and defense."

Jonnu Smith's Big Run

Titans tight end Jonnu Smith lined up in the backfield on Sunday, took a pitch from quarterback Ryan Tannehill, and then he busted loose.

Smith's 57-yard run was a thing of beauty.

"That was an awesome job by our offensive players, and a great job by Jonnu," Vrabel said. "Just trying to find ways to help us win and move the football. I really like what Jonnu can do, what his skillset is. He caught the ball yesterday. He was aggressive – he caught it in zone, he drop stepped, got a few extra yards and put us in third-and-short, which helped us convert. He caught a seam pass, he caught a screen pass, broke a tackle. Just continue to keep working with him and his willingness to improve."

Injuries

Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson, receiver Adam Humphries and linebacker Daren Bates were all inactives again on Sunday as they recover from injuries.

Vrabel provided no injury updates on Monday.

"We'll see," he said. "We evaluate the health of the team every day, meet with Todd (Toriscelli) and see where we're at when we practice on Wednesday. That's all we can do – we can find out who's available and what their status may, or may not be for Sunday."