NASHVILLE – Titans Coach Mike Vrabel held a press conference on Friday at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park, one day after his team's 23-10 preseason loss to the Ravens.
Here's a look at the hot topics from today's presser:
Malik Willis Review
Quarterback Malik Willis started Thursday night's game, and he provided some highlight-reel moments, from his touchdown run to his 48-yard completion to a sidearm throw to a tuck a run that gained 17 yards.
Willis also provided some teaching moments for the coaches, and Vrabel seems to be focusing on that.
Vrabel said immediately after the game he wanted Willis to throw it more instead of using his legs so much, and he reiterated that on Friday.
"These are great opportunities," Vrabel said of Willis, who completed 6-of-11 passes for 107 yards while also rushing fives times for 38 yards and the seven-yard TD run. "There's a fine line in standing in there and climbing the pocket and using some of those drills that they are working every single day, and being able to progress through, and then there's times where we are going to want him to go and be an athlete.
"There's some things we have to work on certainly with the timing and what he is seeing when those throws depend on it, and then there's other times I thought he really made some nice plays down the field and kept his eyes down the field."
Woodside's INTs
Logan Woodside threw a pair of interceptions on Thursday night.
Vrabel said Woodside and receiver Terry Godwin were probably both at fault on an interception at the Baltimore two-yard line.
"There's a of lot people who have to be better on that particular play," Vrabel said. "It starts with the decision. If you go over there and don't like it, then just try and check the ball down. But the receiver, we don't want him to release inside and then we just make a decision and try and compete and do everything we can to not get that ball intercepted."
Woodside completed 14-of-24 passes for 102 yards and the two interceptions vs the Ravens.
"One of the strengths that Logan has had has been his command of the offense, and his decisions," Vrabel said. "And I would anticipate that is going to improve from what it was last night."
Brewer Praise
Vrabel complimented Aaron Brewer, who started at center on Thursday.
Brewer has spent most of camp working at left guard, but with Ben Jones in Nashville with many of the team's regular starters, Brewer started in the middle of an offensive line that included a lot of back-ups and players competing for roster spots.
"I thought his leadership, with Ben not there, was probably the best thing he did last night," Vrabel said of Brewer.
Burks "Inconsistent"
First-round pick Treylon Burks didn't have a catch on Thursday, and he finished the game with one carry for four yards.
Burks played 30 snaps on offense, and Vrabel said he was "inconsistent."
"Just being able to take the progress – some of the improvements that we saw in practice, and carry them over into the game," Vrabel said. "I don't think that happened enough."
Vrabel said Burks was active and willing on special teams, and he was happy about that aspect of his game.
Shout-Outs
Vrabel said receiver Racey McMath "is a big fast guy that keeps showing up."
McMath made a 48-yard catch, and he also had a 30-yard kick return in addition to a tackle and an assist on special teams.
"He's going to keep earning more opportunities in both phases – on offense and special teams," Vrabel said.
Asked about some of the rookies who stood out, Vrabel mentioned running back Julius Chestnut and his hustle, linebacker Jack Gibbens for his effort on special teams, tight end Chig Okonkwo for his effort on special teams.
Injuries
Defensive back Chris Jackson left Thursday's game with a knee injury, and he did not return.
Jackson was ruled OUT in-game, and Vrabel didn't provide an update on Friday.
"We're still evaluating him," Vrabel said of Jackson, "and we'll see where he is for the joint practices (vs the Buccaneers) this week."
Several players who've missed recent practices – receiver Cody Hollister, Elijah Molden, Roger McCreary and Dylan Cole – did not make the trip to Baltimore. A large number of veterans like Ben Jones also didn't make the trip.
Undrafted rookie Reggie Roberson Jr. didn't play, and Vrabel said: "I would just say that everybody who is working through something, I don't think it would be fair to put him in there with where he was health-wise. Everybody that was healthy enough to play in the game played in the game, and I am proud of that."
