NASHVILLE – The Titans took the field on Tuesday for their 11th practice of training camp.
Here's a look at what stood out:
-Titans receiver A.J. Brown returned to practice on Tuesday, and he stood out in more ways than one. Not only did Brown make a number of catches, including some deep balls, he was also decked out in red shoes, and a red compression sleeve on his right leg. I ended up shooting several videos of Brown just for the occasion.
-Receiver Marcus Johnson continues to make plays in practice, and everyone is noticing. I heard "Way to go Marcus!" a least three times in Tuesday's session after No.88 made catches. Johnson made a nice snag early on a ball across the middle thrown by quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Later, Johnson made a nice sideline grab, then a tough catch across the middle with cornerback Kristian Fulton draped all over him.
-The Titans worked a bunch in two (Team Call It Period), with two groups, and each period 25 plays each. The offense looked good, and then, left tackle Taylor Lewan confirmed it. "Hey Jim," Lewan yelled in my direction as I was watching practice alongside Mike Keith. "Write this down: The Titans offense dominated the defense for the first time in camp!" At that point, the offense was rolling.
-The defense, however, closed the session strong, and ended up with three interceptions on the day.
-Safety Brady Breeze got the first INT of the day, as he picked off quarterback Matt Barkley on a pass intended for receiver Mason Kinsey. It was Barkley's first interception so far in camp.
-Safety Kevin Byard intercepted Tannehill in the back of the end zone on a pass intended for Brown. Byard has been getting his hands on a lot of footballs lately, but it was his first INT in camp.
-Safety Matthias Farley intercepted quarterback Logan Woodside late on a ball tipped by cornerback Briean Boddy-Calhoun. Boddy-Calhoun made a pair of nice plays on Tuesday.
-Tight end Anthony Firkser made one of the best offensive plays of the day when he made a running catch, with safety Amani Hooker on his hip. Firkser later had a catch in another period.
-Receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine has put together two nice days in a row. On Tuesday, Westbrook-Ikhine made a great diving catch with cornerback Jackrabbit Jenkins in coverage.
-Chester Rogers, Mason Kinsey and Racey McMath all had catches in a second-team period. Rogers continues to be good on a consistent basis himself.
-I wrote down outside linebacker Ola Adeniyi's name a few times, once because he showed up on run defense, and then again for providing pressure on a rush.
-Despite throwing a pick on Tuesday, Barkley has already proven to be an upgrade over DeShone Kizer in practices. He's been decisive in the pocket, and he's thrown the ball well downfield.
-Running back Darrynton Evans had a busy day running the football, but backs Jeremy McNichols and Mekhi Sargent have been busy, too. I have a feeling some folks will be talking about Sargent in preseason games.
-Cameron Batson, Chester Rogers and Darrynton Evans worked as returners in a special teams period.
-I keep wanting to see rookie Dez Fitzpatrick take off, but he's been inconsistent in practices, as Coach Mike Vrabel pointed out recently, and he needs to step it up.
-Receiver Julio Jones, center Ben Jones, guard Nate Davis, outside linebacker Harold Landry, tackle Kendall Lamm, tight end Geoff Swaim, receiver Cameron Batson, defensive lineman Denico Autry, safety Dane Cruikshank and tight end Donnie Ernsberger did not practice.
-Officials worked practice for the second day in a row.
Next practice: Wednesday, 5 p.m.
