After an off day on Wednesday, the Tennessee Titans returned to the practice field on Thursday morning for their seventh session of training camp.
After an up-and-down training camp so far, quarterback Malik Willis might have had his best session on Thursday, as he shined in the red-zone portion.
Before practice, Titans quarterbacks coach Pat O’Hara gave his assessment of Willis so far, detailing what the rookie is doing well and what he needs to improve on.
“He’s able to retain information really well, and so his decision-making, which we monitor, has been very good for a rookie,” O’Hara said. “And things that he hasn’t had to do before, relative to working from the pocket, his feet need to catch up with his mind.
“It’s getting better; it takes time,” O’Hara continued. “Malik has a very strong arm and a really cool skill set, but you can’t always rely on that all the time. These windows are tight; the geography is different with the hash marks in the pro game, which makes a big difference, in my opinion.”
The Titans had some notable absences, and a few players left early with apparent injuries. We’ll take a look at that and more in our camp takeaways from Day 7.
Absences
Not seeing Molden, Dupree, Simmons, Ben Jones, Lewan, Autry at start of Titans practice.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) August 4, 2022
No Elijah Molden or Cody Hollister sightings again either.
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) August 4, 2022
Injuries
John Glennon, Sports Illustrated: “Two players left practice early — offensive lineman Jamarco Jones and defensive lineman Larrell Murchison. Jones appeared to be favoring his right calf. It was unclear what was bothering Murchison.”
Malik Willis shines
Malik’s Willis getting true No. 2 snaps right now. Logan Woodside on alternate field working something smaller coaching up some newer guys. #Titans
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) August 4, 2022
This was low red zone 7v7 where things happen quickly. Good sign of processing fast. Willis did same in low red zone team period for TDs to Reggie Roberson and Briley Moore as well. https://t.co/e28K4u0x1y
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 4, 2022
Mike Vrabel explains that the red zone and two minute situational periods were good settings for Malik Willis to speed up processing. Vrabel noticed how he got rid of the ball quickly today.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 4, 2022
Another good day for Racey McMath
Racey McMath w/two catches. One along the sideline and another on a deep pass from Tannehill for a TD. Kristian Fulton was in coverage on both.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 4, 2022
.@Titans HC Mike Vrabel: Racey McMath has gotten open and made some plays for us in recent practices. His understanding of what the team is asking of him has improved
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) August 4, 2022
Ryan Tannehill threw his first INT of camp
Just like that, Ryan Tannehill's INT streak ends. He was looking for Austin Hooper on a seam. Kevin Byard picked it off. Looked like some kind of miscommunication.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 4, 2022
Kyle Philips had a strong showing
That didn’t take long. Kyle Philips getting slot reps with the first group.
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) August 2, 2022
Kyle Phillips continues to impress. Just turned Shakur Brown around in 1 on 1s. Short area quickness is a big plus for him especially in low red zone.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 4, 2022
Kevin Byard said Kyle Philips has been calling him out on 1 on 1s to go against him. Byard said he likes that attitude of the rookie wanting to compete against him.
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) August 4, 2022
.@Titans HC Mike Vrabel: @kylephilips17 is instinctive, and he gets open. (He's been doing it with regularity in practices).
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) August 4, 2022
Tackling drill
Open field tackle drill – the actual tackle. pic.twitter.com/USjbF97KyQ
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 4, 2022
Randy Bullock chugging right along
Another perfect session from #Titans kicker Randy Bullock. He goes 7-7 and connects from:
26, 35, 41, 42, 45, 47, and 33
— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) August 4, 2022
A surprise for Kevin Byard
.@MT_FB is on hand at the @Titans facility to announce they’re retiring @KevinByard’s college jersey. 2️⃣0️⃣ pic.twitter.com/RVz5gt8wtO
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) August 4, 2022
Rashad Weaver had his best day
.@Titans HC Mike Vrabel: @RashadWeaver had his best day, most active day, in the unscripted period. He's an improved player
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) August 4, 2022
Titans DBs, LBs shine
Glennon: “I thought the Titans’ defensive backs – and linebackers – had a number of good coverage plays and pass break-ups over the course of practice. One that stood out in particular was from linebacker Zach Cunningham, who is known more for his run-stopping than his pass-defending. During a red-zone drill, Cunningham was beaten to the back pylon by Dontrell Hilliard, but he made a great recovery and knocked the ball away.”
Next practice: Friday, Aug. 5
