NASHVILLE – Titans Coach Mike Vrabel held a press conference on Monday at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park, one day after his team's 19-10 win over the Colts.
Here's a look at the hot topics from today's presser as the Titans turn their attention to Sunday's game vs the Houston Texans:
-The biggest news of the day surrounds the health of starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill, and I wrote a separate story on it for the website – CLICK HERE.
I'll include some of the info in here as well, to save you a click.
Tannehill, who suffered an ankle injury in Sunday's win over the Colts, left Nissan Stadium in a walking boot after the game. On Monday, provided an update on Tannehill.
"Good," Vrabel replied when asked how Tannehill is doing. "(He's) progressing. A lot of guys, day after the game, are in there getting treatment. We'll continue to evaluate all of those guys and see where we are on Wednesday."
Vrabel said the Titans will monitor Tannehill and his condition during the course of the week.
"The quarterback is vital to the execution (of the offense)," Vrabel said, "and we'll continue to see where Ryan is and we'll get everybody ready that we feel like needs to get ready."
-Back-up quarterback Malik Willis played three snaps against the Colts, but only one at quarterback. On his lone snap at quarterback, Willis handed the ball off.
Asked about Willis on Monday, Vrabel said "he continues to improve, and has taken ownership of the show team – that's where every back-up quarterback gets their reps. But still understanding the game plan and still being ready to go. So, I like where that's been the last couple of weeks.
"Maybe the first week of the season it was something that was new for him," Vrabel said of Willis. "We had a conversation about how he needs to operate and get those guys to function."
Vrabel said "we'll see where that package goes" as it relates to Willis at receiver.
-Vrabel bragged about center Ben Jones, and his toughness.
Jones gutted through Sunday's game with injuries, but he returned after missing just one play himself.
"I just appreciate him," Vrabel said.
-Titans outside linebacker Bud Dupree returned to action on Sunday, and he made a difference.
Dupree tallied three tackles, a sack and two quarterback pressures against the Colts.
"We appreciate Bud's effort, and he does run to the football," Vrabel said. "But Jeff Simmons has been running to the football and makes three or four plays down the field – that is the expectation for defensive football, that you play full tilt to the tackle whenever you are in there. So, it was good to have Bud back out there."
-Vrabel said he was happy with the play of Amani Hooker, who worked in the slot on Sunday.
Hooker's new role also allowed Andrew Adams to play more at safety alongside Kevin Byard.
Hooker and Adams each tallied 10 tackles. Hooker recovered a fumble, and Adams scored a touchdown on an interception return.
Vrabel said Hooker was good on early downs, and "his versatility is great."
"We'll see where he ends up this week," Vrabel said.
-Vrabel won a challenge late in Sunday's game when officials reversed a call that ultimately resulted in Terrance Mitchell being credited with a forced fumble, and Hooker the recovery.
Vrabel's technique in tossing the flag – some have compared it to a mic drop – generated some fun chatter on social media.
"Not much feedback," Vrabel said. "I don't get a chance to do it that often, so I want to try and do something different each time. … I just wanted to make sure (the officials) saw it."
Vrabel complimented the officials on Tennessee's sideline.
-Robert Woods caught three passes for 26 yards on Sunday.
No, that's not a stat time that jumps off the page.
But Woods made catches in traffic, and he did the dirty work, Vrabel said.
"I think Robert is doing everything that we ask him to do," Vrabel said. "I thought he blocked well … and he did have some tough catches in traffic. … Being able to take the contact and being available over the middle is certainly a great quality."
