NASHVILLE – The Titans were back on the field on Wednesday at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park for Day 8 of organized team activities.
Here's a look at what stood:
-This was a day that provided a lot of opportunities for the younger players, as a good chunk of veterans were not on hand after taking part in last week's minicamp and the previous OTAs.
-The Titans worked in several unscripted periods, which provided a unique experience for the young players.
-Defensive back Kristian Fulton was on the field in uniform during portions of the practice, and I spoke to him after the session. Fulton said he's been working despite not being on the field during the offseason.
-Quarterback Ryan Tannehill connected with receiver Kyle Philips, tight end Chig Okonkwo, receiver Mason Kinsey and tight end Josh Whyle in an early team period.
-Quarterback Malik Willis ended his offseason on a high note. Willis connected with Kinsey and Whyle on passes in an early unscripted period before throwing a touchdown pass to receiver Tre'Shaun Harrison, who made a nice catch on a ball that was tipped by defensive back Alonzo Davis. Willis also connected with Kinsey and tight end Alize Mack for late practice touchdowns. I must say Willis impressed me this offseason – he's improved from a year ago.
-Quarterback Will Levis had some bad luck, but he also made some mistakes that resulted in balls being intercepted. Levis saw two of his passes go through the hands of receivers Reggie Roberson Jr. and Mack (the pass was high). But later, a deflected pass was intercepted, along with another that was also batted at the line of scrimmage.
-Defensive back Elijah Molden hauled in the first interception, on the first pass that was deflected at the line of scrimmage.
-Defensive back Alonzo Davis picked off Levis on a pass intended for Harrison downfield.
-Edge rusher Rashad Weaver ended up with an interception of his own – on a Levis pass that was batted into the air at the line of scrimmage by defensive lineman Jayden Peevy.
-Receiver Chris Moore made the play of the day on offense when he went up and snagged a pass from Levis out of the air, in between several defenders.
-Receiver Kyle Philips had at least three catches on the day. So did Kinsey.
-Linebacker Jack Gibbens made a nice break-up on a ball intended for running back Tyjae Spears.
-Defensive back Eric Garror had a nice break-up on the end zone on a pass intended for Mack.
-Running back Derrick Henry, receiver Treylon Burks, guard Daniel Brunskill, receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, receiver Racey McMath, safety Kevin Byard, defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons, defensive lineman Denico Autry, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, safety Amani Hooker, defensive lineman Teair Tart, and cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting were among those not on hand, along with players like linebacker Harold Landry, cornerback Caleb Farley and Dillon Radunz, who are recovering from injuries.
-Titans coach Mike Vrabel announced after the practice the team plans to hold joint practices in Nashville on the Tuesday and Wednesday leading up to their preseason game on Friday, August 25.
-Kicker Caleb Shudak was 6-of-8 in a kicking period, and I charted him at 20-of-23 in the open periods this offseason. Kicker Trey Wolff, an undrafted free agent from Texas Tech, was a perfect 7-of-7 on Wednesday, and I charted him at 36-of-39 during the open periods this offseason.
-Titans PA announcer Matt Rogers was on hand for Wednesday's session.
-Former Titans safety Blaine Bishop, now with 104.5-FM, was also on hand for today's practice.
-The Titans were initially scheduled practice on Thursday, but that session will no longer happen.
