Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel met with the media on Sunday after the team’s preseason Week 1 loss to the Chicago Bears and gave an assessment on several players.
To kick things off, Vrabel gave an explanation for the Titans’ approach of alternating quarterbacks Malik Willis and Will Levis every few drives, with Vrabel stating it was to simulate what they might face as backups during the season.
“When you start to look at back-up quarterbacks,” Vrabel said, per Jim Wyatt. “They’re going to have to be able to go in there at a moment’s notice. Sometimes they’re going to have a week to prepare and they’re going to know, but I would say most of the time they’re going to have to come in off the bench and be ready to execute. So those are some of the things we’re trying to recreate.”
Now, a look at what Vrabel had to say about the performances of Levis, Willis and more players from preseason Week 1.
On QB Will Levis
“Just letting the game come to him, just take what’s there,” Vrabel said. “Just trying to make sure we are not overdoing it, we are just playing one role, a large role as the quarterback in the offense – taking what they give you, and when there’s opportunities to work the ball down the field, do that. He did some nice things, and (he) would like to have some things back.”
On QB Malik Willis
“I thought there was some composure,” Vrabel said. “There were some opportunities for him to run, and he ran. But he did a nice job when he did get out of the pocket keeping his eyes down the field and was able to be a thrower when he felt like there was something there. I am never going to restrict his ability to make plays with his feet, just be smart with the football.”
Mike Vrabel said the Malik Willis INT was a little of both. Thought Willis would want to get it down a little lower but Josh Whyle would probably want to make the play for the QB.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 13, 2023
On the starting offensive line
“(The starting offensive line) was efficient, and I thought they did some really good things. We were able to run the football. … I thought there were some good looks there, things that we’ve worked on in practice. We got some pile push, and some guys cleaning up the pocket. We got some movement.”
On the eight sacks allowed
Vrabel on the sacks given up by the second team o-line whether it was the line, QBs holding the ball too long or no one open: Blame them all. Blame everybody.
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) August 13, 2023
On RB Tyjae Spears
“He did a nice job out there in the open field,” Vrabel said. “We’ll just keep working, progressing, and hopefully give him some more work this week.”
On DBs Eric Garror, Armani Marsh, Anthony Kendall
“They’re not the biggest players, but they’re competitive,” Vrabel said about Garror and Marsh. “Obviously they came in here on a tryout basis and both of them came have been able to earn a roster spot. … I thought Anthony Kendall, the short amount of time he had on special teams, did a nice job in his gunner rep.”
On LB Chance Campbell
“(Chance Campbell) played with some good speed. His speed showed up, his speed showed up on special teams.”
On coach Terrell Williams
“It was a lot of fun (to watch him),” Vrabel said. “The most important thing is it was well-deserved. It’s something I absolutely should have done. It was cool just to see him communicate.”
On practicing with the Vikings this week
“I think they have good skill players, and I think that’s something that can help us,” Vrabel said. “I think defensively, they’re multiple. Kirk (Cousins) has always done a fantastic job at the end of the game, situationally. So, a lot of factors that can help us. … It’s a good football team.”
On P Ryan Stonehouse
Vrabel: We absolutely have to punt the ball better
— Buck Reising (@BuckReising) August 13, 2023
