NASHVILLE – The Titans returned to Saint Thomas Sports Park on Monday.
Next up is a game at Baltimore on Sunday against the Ravens.
Titans Coach Mike Vrabel held a quick video presser today, so let's touch on some of the things he discussed…
-The Titans (6-3) have lost three of their last four games, including Thursday's 34-17 loss to the Colts. If the playoffs started today, the Titans wouldn't be in. Vrabel was asked about the team trying to work back into the playoff picture.
"We're just trying to win a game," Vrabel said. "I think the message is: This is what it looks like every year, a lot of teams are bunched up just like they were last year. So, we're trying to win a game, we're trying to put our head down and focusing on continuing to improve at this point in the season, knowing teams are going in different directions. We need to improve, and we need to focus on us today and then get on to Baltimore."
-Titans kicker Stephen Gostkowski is just 12-of-20 on the season, so questions about his job security persist. Asked if his plan is to stick with Gostkowski, Vrabel talked about the present. Last week, the team signed kicker Giorgio Tavecchio to the team's practice squad. Vrabel was asked if he plans to stick with Gostkowski. "As of today, right now, we have one (kicker) on the practice squad, Tavecchio, who is kicking," Vrabel said. "But as of Monday, at 10:36, Stephen would be our kicker as of right now."
-Titans receiver Adam Humphries remains in the concussion protocol, Vrabel said. Humphries has missed games against the Bears and Colts after suffering a concussion at Cincinnati on November 1.
-Vrabel knows the Titans have a challenge coming up against the Ravens. "(They're) an excellent football team, a physical football team. And we are going to have to be at our best in all areas."
-The Titans have struggled on special teams of late, and Vrabel said the team has discussed adding some starters to some of the units. "I think that is something that we certainly want to talk about – that was mentioned this morning," Vrabel said. "I think we have to have all hands on deck. … If we need that, that is always something we should be able to do. We're trying to do whatever we can do to help us win."
-Three players were among the team's inactices on Thursday against the Colts because of injuries – cornerback Adoree' Jackson, tight end MyCole Pruitt, and Humphries. Meanwhile, the Titans have a number of other players on Injured Reserve who are expected to return at some point in the not-so-distant future, including running back Senorise Perry, running back Darrynton Evans and cornerback Kristian Fulton. The extra time should help, Vrabel said. "I think they are all getting closer, but time will tell," Vrabel said. "I think they are all working hard to get back, and then we'll evaluate them if they are able to practice. If they can do some stuff today, we'll see how they look, we'll see how they respond to that work and then we'll keep moving towards a decision later in the week."
