NASHVILLE – Titans Coach Mike Vrabel held a press conference on Monday, one day after the team's 17-10 win over the Carolina Panthers.
Next up is a game against the Colts at Nissan Stadium.
Here's a look at the biggest topics from the presser:
-Rookie Jaelyn Duncan started at left tackle for the Titans on Sunday, and Vrabel gave him this review: "I think it was OK. I think there were some good snaps. I think early he got powered and he needs to replace his hands. But he settled down, and I thought did a nice job, had some good snaps." Vrabel said Duncan made some instinctive moves/decisions on the field during the course of the game. "I thought it was OK for his first extended action."
-Defensive lineman Denico Autry had two sacks on Sunday, along with three tackles for a loss. After film review, coaches credited Autry with seven quarterback pressures as well. "I have a lot of respect for Denico, his ascension from a college player to undrafted, going to Indy and then coming here and really maintaining that level of performance. It means a lot to him. I enjoy coaching him, enjoy being around him. He certainly factored yesterday, was a large part of our performance."
-Tight end Chig Okonwko had four catches for 45 yards against the Panthers, and Vrabel offered praise his way. "I love Chig's energy, love what he can do," Vrabel said. "(We'll) continue to find ways to get him the ball, and some of the details. And he did a very nice job of slipping out of there yesterday. He got in there and did a nice job on the seal block, we just couldn't get the safety. So, he's fantastic to work with, fun to work with, and we'll continue to find ways to get him to help us in the run game, and in the pass game."
-After edge rusher Arden Key praised quarterback Will Levis for his leadership, Vrabel also had some positive things to say about Levis and his maturity. The Titans are now 2-3 with Levis as the starting quarterback, and he's thrown for 1,042 yards with six touchdowns and two interceptions. "I think he continues to improve," Vrabel said of Levis, while pointing out some of his highs and lows from the contest. "I felt like early in the game, pretty efficient and got the ball out of his hands, and found some matchups that he liked. … Just making sure we are not putting the ball in harm's way."
-Vrabel said the performance on special teams on Sunday, when punter Ryan Stonehouse averaged 53.7 yards a punt and the coverage units were solid, was encouraging.
-Vrabel didn't give much of an update on receiver Treylon Burks, who remains in concussion protocol. "(When he) clears protocol, we'll practice with (him), no different than anybody else," Vrabel said. "We're hopeful we get all our players back that aren't playing right now."
-The Panthers fired head coach Frank Reich on Monday. Vrabel got a chance to visit with Reich at Nissan Stadium on Sunday. "I talked to Frank. I have known Frank for a few years, have a lot of respect for him. I think every situation is different. I don't know why the decision was made – they made a decision. I have a lot of respect for Frank, who he is as a person and who he is as a football coach. We know what we signed up for."
-Vrabel also spent time with Trace Adkins, who sang the National Anthem prior to the game. Here's what Vrabel said about the country music performer:
