NASHVILLE – Titans Coach Mike Vrabel held a press conference on Tuesday, one day after the team's dramatic, 28-27 comeback win over the Miami Dolphins.
Here's a look at the biggest topics from the presser:
-Vrabel was complimentary of rookie quarterback Will Levis, who overcame some mistakes and guided the team to a comeback win. "I really appreciate Will's level of competitive," Vrabel said of Levis, who threw for 327 yards and a touchdown. "We've seen that through the college process, and the evaluation, and his opportunities here. … I appreciate the level of his competitiveness, and his understanding of the things that happen that are negative, aren't going to have any impact going forward. … Being able to process and move ahead is critical."
-Vrabel offered a pretty funny line when asked about Levis taking hits. Levis ran through Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey on one run, and he's made a habit of fighting through contact in the open field. "We're still trying to work on that," Vrabel said of Levis. "We showed him examples of quarterbacks sliding, and using the rules to their advantage. I guess we'll have to show him examples of quarterbacks not sliding, and getting the sh*t knocked out of them. We're going to try the other way this week. … He knows it, and we all know it. We'll have to keep working on it, keep reminding him."
-Running back Tyjae Spears was active, with six catches for 89 yards in the contest. Spears also added 29 yards rushing, which gave him 128 all-purpose yards in the game. "I think the role that he is in now," Vrabel said, "is kind of what we envisioned, and that sometimes expands on the game and where we're at."
-Vrabel praised the effort of the defense, the physicality, and individual efforts from Denico Autry, Rashad Weaver, Arden Key, K'Von Wallace, among others. Vrabel said edge Harold Landry, who had three sacks, was very active. "You have to play this game with a demeanor, with an attitude," Vrabel said. "And with a willingness to play as hard as you possibly can." Vrabel also complimented cornerback Roger McCreary and receiver Colton Dowell, and their work on special teams.
-Punter Ty Zentner, promoted from the practice squad on Monday, punted the ball five times for a 48.8-yard average, with a 44.8-yard net. "I thought Ty was great," Vrabel said. "Did a nice job with his hang time, with his location. Operated with the snap. He seemed confident, and I really liked being around him. He was excited to be a part of the victory."
-Vrabel likes the way cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting handled his personal adversity. Murphy-Bunting was flagged for a DPI, and he also gave up a big completion on the sideline. But he responded with a tackle for a loss, a break-up in the end zone, and he came back from a knee injury. "That's the mentality you have to have, playing corner," Vrabel said. "They throw it on you, they catch it, and you have to come back and challenge and line up again and play. And that's what he did."
-Defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons made the trip, and he continued his tradition of being the pre-game hype man despite not playing because of his knee injury. "That's something that he wanted to do," Vrabel said of Simmons. "We're trying to recognize his role, and his leadership, and being willing to be in it on the sideline, and being engaged and supporting any way that he can while he is out."
-The Titans return to action on Sunday, against the Texans. The team is scheduled to return to the practice field on Wednesday. "Focus on winning at home, in the division," Vrabel said. "Every week is a new challenge. They went on the road, and didn't have their best performance (against the Jets). I'm sure they'll be ready for us like they always are. We're going to have to get healthy and we'll have to get prepared and build towards Sunday."
