NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Here's a look at six things that stood out from Thursday night's preseason game against the Vikings:
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Mariota's readiness**
It's impossible to say with certainty rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota is ready for the regular season. But Mariota is further advanced than I thought he'd be at this point. Mariota closed out the preseason on a high note against the Vikings, and throwing his first touchdown pass was a nice parting shot to end the preseason.
Tight end dilemma
Chase Coffman and Phillip Supernaw sure made the preseason a lot more entertaining. They caught a boatload of passes, and made some highlight-reel plays. Unfortunately, there's not enough room for both of them on the 53-man roster. Coffman has superior hands, but Supernaw is regarded as a better blocker. Which guy will the Titans choose? It's a tough decision for sure.
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Blackson's skills**
Would you believe a 318-pound defensive lineman made the catch of the preseason? Defensive lineman Angelo Blackson made a Willie Mays-like catch when he hauled in a pass thrown by kicker Ryan Succop on a botched extra point attempt. Blackson somehow got under the floating football, and caught it. Unfortunately, it didn't count because of a penalty. But the catch sure helped his cred.
Brown's playtime
The Titans didn't play their starters long on Thursday night, but linebacker Zach Brown got extended action. Was it because of his sloppy tackling performance the previous week at Kansas City? Well, I have a hunch that had something to do with it. The Titans like Brown's athletic ability, but he's going to have to be more consistent as a tackler. I think he got a reminder of that on Thursday, and he seemed to react well.
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Levitre's absence**
Veteran guard Andy Levitre didn't see action in the preseason finale. Read into it what you will. Levitre was part of the starting offensive line the past two seasons and at the start of the preseason, but Byron Bell occupies the left guard spot now. Coach Ken Whisenhunt said he told Levitre beforehand he wasn't going to play, and said "there's a place for Andy on this team."
Blidi's back
Cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson missed the first three preseason games with an ankle injury, but he returned to action on Thursday and even forced a fumble. It was a big development for a secondary looking for bodies, especially with veteran Jason McCourty still recovering from groin surgery. Wreh-Wilson said he feels good and is ready for the start of the regular season. I thought he had a good night against the Vikings.
Titans cheerleaders take the field for Tennessee's preseason finale against the Minnesota Vikings at Nissan Stadium. (Photos: Donn Jones, AP)
