The Tennessee Titans have spent all week preparing for Saturday night’s matchup against the New England Patriots after both teams recorded a win on their 2019 preseason debut.
One team’s perfect preseason record will come to a close tomorrow evening, though. It’s been easy to see that tensions are already running high as both teams get a better look at just what they have in their current 90-man rosters.
Here are five takeaways from this week’s training camp practices with the Patriots.
1. Things got heated.
There was a bit of a skirmish on the second day of joint practices. New England’s Stephon Gilmore and Tennessee’s Brown started shoving each other, and soon there was a full-on tussle between players of both teams.
It didn’t last long, though, as Titans head coach Mike Vrabel and general manager Jon Robinson breaking things up.
2. A host of Titans players were held out of practice.
Tennessee was missing a number of players during joint practices.
Running back Derrick Henry, offensive guard Rodger Saffold, outside linebacker Cameron Wake, running back David Fluellen, offensive lineman Nate Davis and outside linebacker Nigel Harris were all held out of practice on Thursday.
3. Last year’s 34-10 Titans win is still fresh in the minds of both players.
It hasn’t been long since the Titans breezed past the Patriots in Nissan Stadium. Between the fight that broke out at practice, and the little trophy Tom Brady gave to Mike Vrabel, it’s clear no team has forgotten about it.
All of the recent jabs are in good fun — there’s no bad blood between the two teams.
4. TE Delanie Walker continues to look strong.
Walker didn’t put in work on Wednesday, but looked like his usual self during Thursday’s practice. He had two catches in the two-minute period, as well as a two-point conversion per the team’s Jim Wyatt.
Expect the veteran to be at full capacity – and playing like it – moving forward.
5. QB Ryan Tannehill has been impressive, but he’s not perfect.
Quarterback controversy is abound — if you’ve convinced yourself to see it that way.
But really, the job is still Marcus Mariota’s to lose, and that notion has been reinforced all year by team staff. For those that view Tannehill as the next savior at the quarterback position, it’s important to maintain some realism.
Tannehill was intercepted by Patriots defensive end Chase Winovich on Wednesday at the line of scrimmage on Wednesday. That play was one of two picks he threw that day.
He had an up-and-down day on Thursday, with Mariota giving a better overall performance.
The former Dolphin has fared well so far, but will continue to serve as a well-qualified insurance policy.
