NASHVILLE – Titans Coach Mike Vrabel held a press conference on Monday at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park, one day after the team's 27-3 loss to the Cleveland Browns.
Here's a look at the biggest topics from the presser:
-Vrabel said the Titans need to execute better in all three phases of the game to have success. On the heels of a discouraging defeat, Vrabel said his primary message to the team is to stick together. "When you play like that, you are going to lose," Vrabel said of Sunday's performance. "So we have to realize why we lost, but also realize that you can define your culture by what you look like when things aren't great, when things don't go well. (Sunday) they didn't go well, and we'll find out what kind of football team we have this week, and what kind of individuals and what type of people that we have here, which I believe in."
-The Titans surrendered five sacks and eight quarterback hits on Sunday, with Browns defensive end Myles Garrett tallying 3.5 sacks. Left tackle Andre Dillard had issues blocking Garrett, but there were issues across the board. Asked if the team could potentially shuffle some things up on the offensive line, Vrabel said: "We'll continue to look and see what's best and where guys go," Vrabel said, "but as it stands here right now, today, I don't see something changing until we have some more time to visit on it tomorrow and see who is available, see who is healthy."
-Vrabel was asked about the Browns last touchdown pass – a 43-yard pass from quarterback Deshaun Watson to receiver Amari Cooper, who got behind cornerback Kristian Fulton and safety Amani Hooker. Vrabel said it was a case of "missed execution. Kristian is supposed to cover the guy."
-Guard Peter Skoronski has missed the past two games after an abdominal procedure, and his status remains uncertain. Asked if there's a chance the team gets him back for Sunday's game against the Bengals, Vrabel replied: "I'm sure there's a chance, but I don't know how big or how small the chance is."
-Tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere, suspended the first six games of the season for a violation of the NFL's gambling policy, rejoined the team on Monday. He's not eligible to play until October 29 against the Falcons, however. "He's allowed to meet, he's allowed to work out, he's allowed to condition, train by himself," Vrabel said. "But he can't be at practice or attend games."
-Vrabel expressed concern over the number of X plays the Titans have given up on defense this season. The Browns had three plays of 25 yards or more on Sunday, including the 43-yard touchdown to Cooper and the 25-yard catch earlier in the game. "We know that has to stop," Vrabel said. "We talk about making them earn in." Vrabel said the key to success is to rush the quarterback, and play better on the back end. "It all goes hand in hand," Vrabel said. "That's how we have to look at it, and that's how we have to coach it."
