NASHVILLE, Tenn. —The Titans just wrapped up practice on Thursday at Saint Thomas Sports Park.
On Sunday, the team will face the Jaguars.
Three quick hits after today's practice:
**
Country music icon Tim McGraw takes in a few minutes of Titans practice after shooting a video segment for NFL Network at Saint Thomas Sports Park. (Photos: Gary Glenn)
McGraw visits Titans**
Country music star Tim McGraw took in the early portion of the team's practice on Thursday.
McGraw chatted with interim coach Mike Mularkey, and also spent time with quarterback Marcus Mariota and tight ends Delanie Walker and Anthony Fasano. Others stopped by on the sideline to shake his hand.
"I think he is a fan of this team, and a fan of Marcus,'' Walker said. "But the guy is famous himself, so it was good to see him. It's always great to see a country music star come and show some support."
McGraw was at the facility to film a segment on NFL Network.
Outfitted in a stocking cap – not a cowboy hat – McGraw talked to the players about his schedule, and how he juggles it around the school schedule of his children, among other things.
Fasano said it was good to meet him.
"I am kind of getting into the country music scene, being here now,'' Fasano said. "He's one of the guys I do tune into if I get into country. And some of his movies are good, too -- I just saw Four Christmases the other night, and that's really funny."
Improve run defense
Through the first seven games of the season, the Titans ranked 29th in the NFL in run defense, allowing 129.2 yards per game.
The Titans have allowed just 82.0 yards per game since Week 8, however, and the team has allowed just 2.99 yards per carry, which is second only to Jacksonville's 2.98-yard average per carry allowed over the same time.
"The last couple of games the secondary has done a great job of getting up there and tackling,'' defensive coordinator Ray Horton said. "It has really been a team effort if you want to know why. Guys are in their gaps and they have been there.
"It has been a point of emphasis for us to do well in the run game."
Injury Report
Running back Dexter McCluster (knee) missed practice again on Thursday, and isn't expected to play on Sunday against the Jaguars.
Defensive lineman Mike Martin (knee) and defensive back Marqueston Huff (hamstring) also missed practice.
Tight end Anthony Fasano (shoulder) and defensive lineman Sammie Hill (knee) returned to practice after missing on Wednesday.
