NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Titans rookie linebacker Rashaan Evans agrees with his head coach's assessment: Sunday's game against the Ravens was his best as a pro so far.
But Evans is far from satisfied.
"I feel like I can do way better than what I did," Evans said. "Each week I just have to keep improving, and keep learning more and more as I continue to play in these games."
Evans was credited with nine tackles, including one tackle for a loss, against the Ravens.
On the season he has 20 tackles in five games, which includes three starts.
"I would say the game time, the playing time, is really helping me out," said Evans, the team's first-round pick out of Alabama. "Even though I was in the film room, I feel like being in the position and playing in the game and getting a feel for things, that's what helped me make a big leap in my learning. Getting those reps in helped me out the most.
"I feel faster and I feel more certain about my reads and my looks. … It feels good to contribute. The fact I did it in college, and now being able to do it in the big league, it gives me a lot of confidence. I know I can do it at a high level, and I know I am going to continue to get better."
On Sunday, the Titans face the Chargers and running back Melvin Gordon.
Gordon has 466 rushing yards and six touchdowns this season.
"He is a slasher type running back," Evans said of Gordon. "He's able to use his speed. I've seen him run through guys, I've seen him jump over guys. I feel like he's the best back we've faced so far.
"As defenders we have to make sure we respect his ability and understand he is really their offense."
"We've Been Humbled"
Titans offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur wasn't making any excuses on Thursday for Sunday's performance against the Ravens.
The Titans were held to just seven first downs and 106 yards of offense in the game, and quarterback Marcus Mariota was sacked 11 times. The Titans haven't scored a touchdown the past two weeks in losses to the Ravens and Bills.
"This is a humbling league, and we've been humbled the last few weeks," LaFleur said on Thursday. "Every game is different, and unfortunately last week we got outcoached and we got outplayed, and that starts with me. It's a pretty humbling experience."
On Sunday, the Titans will face a Chargers defense ranked 13th in the NFL.
"It's a new week, a new plan, and I feel confident," LaFleur said. "Our guys came to work this week, there's no doubt about it, and we're looking to rebound."
Injury Report
Guard Quinton Spain (shoulder), linebacker Derrick Morgan (shoulder) and linebacker Will Compton (hamstring) did not practice again on Thursday for the Titans.
Safety Kenny Vaccaro (elbow) was limited in today's practice while linebacker Wesley Woodyard (shoulder) and defensive lineman Bennie Logan (elbow) were full participants.
