NASHVILLE – The Titans took the field for their 13th open practice of training camp on Wednesday at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park.
Here's a look at what stood out on the last practice of 'training camp':
-Safety Amani Hooker capped off a great training camp with a pair of interceptions in today's practice. After nearly intercepting Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill in an early 2-on-2 drill, Hooker picked off Tannehill in a 7-on-7 period. Hooker got Tannehill again in a team red zone period as he was in coverage against rookie receiver Colton Dowell. Hooker recorded five interceptions in the 13 open practices. He recorded three picks in the past two days.
"I think that Amani has always shown the knack to make some plays," Titans Coach Mike Vrabel said. "And I think the one thing that's gotten him is availability. No fault of his. Just some things that kind of have happened from an injury standpoint that has kept him out. But I think he's always been productive. That's a big part of the reason why we like him out there. Just kind of had a couple of things show up here last year that limited some of his snaps. When he's out there, he's been productive."
I caught up with Hooker after today's session (see video below).
-After working in the extreme heat on Tuesday, the Titans practiced inside today.
-Quarterback Will Levis returned to practice for the first time leaving the Thursday session last week in Minnesota early. Levis, who sat out the second preseason game against the Vikings, got some good work in today's session while working behind Tannehill. I'll get to his stats in a few.
-The Titans welcomed back a number of former players at Alumni Day, including cornerback Reynaldo Hill, safety Chris Hope, defensive lineman Antonio Johnson, defensive lineman Karl Klug, guard Andy Levitre, running back Dexter McCluster, receiver Chris Sanders, tight end Delanie Walker, linebacker Tim Shaw and former Oilers linebacker Al Smith. Walker addressed the team at the conclusion of practice.
-In addition to the Alumni, former Titans DC Dean Pees was also at today's practice. I chatted with Pees as well (see below).
-Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill saved his best for the last period of the day, when he completed 4-of-6 passes to set up a field goal attempt in a two-minute period. Tannehill finished the day 9-of-21, and he finished the 13 open practices of camp 128-of-204 in 7-on-7 and team periods combined in practices, not counting the work against the Vikings.
-Titans quarterback Malik Willis was also solid in the two-minute drive at the end, as he completed 4-of-7 passes to drive the team into field goal range. Willis finished the day 6-of-13, and by my count he was 91-of-159 in 7-on-7 and team periods combined in camp.
-Levis moved pretty well on Wednesday, and he had a solid day. His best ball of the day was a beautiful pass to receiver Tre'Shaun Harrison, which he dropped in for a touchdown. Levis was 5-of-8 on the day in 7-on-7 and team periods combined, and by my final tally, he was 84-133 in those periods during the 13 open practices.
-Receiver DeAndre Hopkins has had some eye-opening practices the past two days. Hopkins caught a bullet from Tannehill for a touchdown in a red zone 7-on-7 period, and he later scored on another scoring strike from Tannehill in a red zone team period. It turns out this Hopkins guy is pretty good…
-Levis connected with tight end Kevin Rader for a scoring toss in a 7-on-7 red zone period.
-Kicker Michael Badgley had a much better day on Wednesday. After going 9-of-13 in Tuesday's session, Badgley made 10-of-10 during a special teams period, and then he made one of his two kicks that followed two-minute periods, making his 11-of-12 for the day and 20-of-25 for his two days with the team. Badgley's makes were from 33, 38, 42, 35, 40, 48, 33, 51, 33, 33 and 47, with his miss coming from 50-plus yards.
-Defensive backs Kristian Fulton, Elijah Molden, Tre Avery, Tyreque Jones, Shyheim Carter and Mike Brown, along with linebacker Chance Campbell, had nice break-ups in early 1-on-1 and 2-on-2 periods.
-Fulton later had another PBU in a 7-on-7 red zone period.
-Avery had an especially good day. In addition to his play on 2-on-2s, he also broke up a Willis pass intended for Dowell before knocking the ball out of Racey McMath's grasp near the goal line on a textbook defensive play.
-Running backs Derrick Henry and Tyjae Spears each got plenty of work, doing things with their own style.
-Safety Kevin Byard, running back Hassan Haskins, running back Jonathan Ward, linebacker Monty Rice, defensive lineman Kyle Peko, offensive lineman John Ojukwu, receiver Treylon Burks, offensive lineman Jaelyn Duncan, tight end Chig Okonkwo and receiver Kyle Philips did not practice on Wednesday. Vrabel said Byard was excused.
-In addition to Levis, receiver Kearis Jackson also returned to practice.
Next up: New England Patriots, Friday, 7:15 p.m. at Nissan Stadium.
