NASHVILLE – It's game week.
Titans head coach Brian Callahan held a press conference on Monday, as the team began preparations for Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears.
Here's a look at the highlights:
-Callahan didn't provide any injury updates, instead pointing to the Injury Report that will be released on Wednesday. Moving forward, Callahan said he'll provide injury updates coming out of games, which could confirm or advance any news he had post-game.
-The Titans returned to the practice field on Monday, and Callahan said he "couldn't be more excited" heading into the opener. "Excited to get the plan put together," Callahan said, "and ready to roll." Callahan said the team practiced full speed, but not in pads, as they returned to work after having the weekend off.
-The Bears provide a "tough challenge," Callahan said. "I'm a huge fan of Caleb Williams and what he did at USC. He's a really dynamic player. … And they've added a bunch of weapons. Keenan Allen has been doing this for a long time, and he's still able to get open at a relatively high rate. And obviously D.J. Moore and (they) drafted Rome Odunze, they have some real players on offense and the ability to score a lot of points. They have good backs, good tight ends. It's a much-improved football team. And on defense, what they did last season to close the season out was incredibly impressive. I think they're going to be a really good football team this year, and I think we have our work cut out for us."
-Callahan noted the importance of running the ball effectively on Sunday, with backs Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears, two backs he called perfect for the offense because they both have the ability to be three-pronged players, because they run the ball well, they're good in the pass game, and they protect well. The running game will be key on Sunday in Chicago, Callahan said. "We're going to make sure we run the ball well," Callahan said. "It's something we're going to pride ourselves on – being able to run it and run it well."
-Callahan said cornerbacks L'Jarius Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie will be ready for the season despite not playing in preseason contests or practicing much together in camp. "I know what those two guys are made of," Callahan said. "I've seen them play, I've seen (L'Jarius) play really good football. He looks great now, and I know what Chido is capable of. I know what the pieces are capable of. And there will be a part of playing together that we'll have to grow as we go, and that is just part of having as many new players as we have, as many new coaches as we have."
-Callahan said he has no doubts about quarterback Will Levis, from his preparedness, to his ability to lead the team. "He is ready for the moment, there is no question in my mind. He is going to have to play well for us obviously, but just his demeanor, his confidence, his comfort with the offense. All of those things have shown that he's ready to go play football. I can't wait to see it, and I'm excited for him, too, to be able to show people how far he's come as well. It's exciting for both of us."
-Callahan said Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk picks the uniform combinations each week for games.
-Callahan said linebacker Ernest Jones IV "will be up and ready to roll on game day" after being acquired in a trade with the Rams. Callahan said his role will increase as he gets more up to speed in the coming weeks.
-After OTAs, minicamp, training camp and three preseason games, Callahan said: "I can't wait to see what our team is. We've had glimpses of what I think we're capable of over the course of training camp and the preseason. … That's the part that I'm looking forward to, to see what we are. And that's the exciting part about every season. … We have ourselves a journey ahead of us."
