NASHVILLE, Tenn. --Titans players didn't wear helmets at practice Wednesday because the team walked through offensive and defensive schemes and focused on putting new information in players' heads.
Coach Jeff Fisher said the goal was for players to "rest and recover" less than 48 hours after the Titans (4-2) defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 30-3 Monday night in Jacksonville and less than four full days from hosting Philadelphia (4-2) at noon Sunday at LP Field.
"We've been on the road three out of the last four weeks and played physical ball games," Fisher said. "We're on a short week, so we've got to get our bodies back, but at the same time make sure we take the right approach mentally."
Defensive end William Hayes said the walk-through was beneficial for multiple reasons. In addition to giving muscles a chance to heal, Hayes said defenders were able to focus on what they might see from the Eagles.
"It's definitely good because it helps guys get their legs back," Hayes said. "Even though we had a walk-through today, it was a pretty serious practice. You're basically getting those visual reps and you're able to see in slow motion what's going to happen in the game. I thought we had a very effective practice (Wednesday). … We'll see how it pays dividends when Sunday comes around."
Philadelphia coach Andy Reid said that Kevin Kolb will start Sunday, but Fisher said the Titans are also preparing for Michael Vick to play. Kolb started the season for the Eagles but left their opening game with a concussion. Vick replaced him and started in Philadelphia's next three games before suffering a tear to rib cartilage against Washington. Kolb replaced Vick against the Redskins and started the Eagles' past two games (wins against San Francisco and Atlanta).
"Both of them are equally proving their point, the reasons why they are in the NFL," Titans linebacker Gerald McRath said.
McRath said the speed of Wednesday's walk-through allowed the Titans to comprehend the schemes.
"Especially on a day like today when you put in so much new information, it's kind of good that you can slow down," McRath said. "You can mess up but be able to walk through it and talk through things, talk to the guys around you and get things corrected so when you do come back and do it again, you can do it full speed and you won't make the mental mistakes you did the day before."
McRath said the opportunity to appear on Monday Night Football in a nationally televised game was "definitely" worth the changes that the Titans have made to their routine because of the shortened week.
"Talking to my mom (who lives in Georgia), it was an amazing atmosphere," McRath said. "It's a great feeling to play. Everybody's watching you. It's a treat for all players in the NFL. The sad thing about it is you've got to play Sunday. … You just have to prepare even harder than you would any other week."
