Titans 2018 (1 Viewer)

[msommer]

Yes, he should. Didn't he play some TE? they're not there Patriots South, at least not yet, but there players need to listen to the coach and it helps that the coach has actually won a ring or two. 

I hate unions like this. 

I think there is little doubt he (Vrabel) wants to turn the Titans into Patriots South - practically everything (it is reported and rumored) he does is straight out of BB's playbook.

That may very well be why he was hired in the first place. That said culture eats strategy for breakfast - cultural change is a long arduous process which is not helped if the coach (or prez of the corp) appears to think himself godlike and infallible.

We're not there yet but some warning signs are already showing.

That said I would love for the Titans to be a perennial contender (again)

 

[Bri]

Linemen have careers ended by people falling on their feet and illegal blocks. They can't wholly be scared of it either. Playing RB just doesn't work with their mentality. Vrabel would probably have had more success lining them as just about any other position. None of them barked when the ol and dl flipped. Vrabel ought to know this.

 

[Bri]

The offensive line has been awful. There is concern starting to enter minds. Lewan can not play five positions. They were spoiled with help from three tight ends and did lose a top OL coach. 

I think Vrabel and LaFleur will meet before camp to discuss and adjust their plan. I have no indication of what or how. We all know this was a top group and how bad things get when lines stink. 

There could be just about anything as a solution. 

 

[Bri]

Vrabel called Taylor electricity. He is electric. He shocks you. He's a very special player.

Wadley is way better than the third string defense. 

Vrabel said the Titan won't add WRs just for camp bodies and JRob did. He told reporters I can't talk about that. No idea if disconnect is minor or major.

Tennsseee fans are grumpy about Lewan not being signed. JRob has to get that done. 

Dobbs will be spending time with Byard during their break. Another indicator of Titans being a good fit if Steelers part with him. 

Sandwich played some tackle and guard. Edit, the writer took back the guard comment after review. Just tackle

Jonnu looks like Eddie George. Could there be a better way to describe an OMG physique to Titans fans?

 

[FreshiZ]

Vrabel called Taylor electricity. He is electric. He shocks you. He's a very special player.

Tawan I hope?

Titan fans must be really happy with a regime change. Will be nice not to see those 5 TE sets

 

[msommer]

Tawan I hope?

Titan fans must be really happy with a regime change. Will be nice not to see those 5 TE sets

The offensive line has been awful. There is concern starting to enter minds. Lewan can not play five positions. They were spoiled with help from three tight ends and did lose a top OL coach. 

I think Vrabel and LaFleur will meet before camp to discuss and adjust their plan. I have no indication of what or how. We all know this was a top group and how bad things get when lines stink. 

There could be just about anything as a solution. 

The TE sets were awful. But if the line now is awful because of flaws not discovered by the public and disguised by the TEs then the fans are not going to be happy. At all

Then JRob is a complete and utter failure

 

[Bri]

There were 12 teams interested in Matthews or quote at least a dozen. The most interesting for me is failed trades with the Giants for both Spain and Matthews. The Giants need linemen and don't have one to trade nor a WR to trade so what would they get in return is an interesting Q. The fit is obvious for the Giants, but what would they give up?

 

[msommer]

There were 12 teams interested in Matthews or quote at least a dozen. The most interesting for me is failed trades with the Giants for both Spain and Matthews. The Giants need linemen and don't have one to trade nor a WR to trade so what would they get in return is an interesting Q. The fit is obvious for the Giants, but what would they give up?

Picks for next year, possibly.

But to answer the question, not enough.

 

 

[Bri]

Mekale McKay doing well with Cowboys. They like our castoffs

 

[-OZ-]

Tawan I hope?

It's a slight exaggeration to say I'd expect TT to be better than Davis. But it wouldn't shock me either.

 

[Bri]

A source I don't know claims Lewan said he isn't in a rush to play without Conklin. 

He needs to shush and let his agent do the talking. If true, that's gotta be "uh oh" to JRob. 

JRob said he is waiting to see the market for tackles before re-signing Lewan. This didn't go over well with fans- like a copout or company line for a delay or somesuch.

 

[msommer]

Interview with Derrick Morgan from NFL.com

 

[Van Dyman]

Interview with Derrick Morgan from NFL.com

Seeing your post in FFA reminded me I haven't checked in here in a while. Nice. For all of Fisher's flaws, he did make home games and division games a huge priority. I'm stoked to see that topic discussed at the very top of the story you posted. A large chunk of the Titans current fanbase was forged back in the day when they consistently won (or at least played their butts off) at home.

ETA: HFS I didn't realize DM is now with his FIFTH coach as a Titan. God I hope Vrabel works out.

 

[msommer]

It truly is the doldrums when this thread is found at page 6...

Anyway, the Earth shatteringnews today is that DeMarco Murray is retiring

Guess he could find anyone to pay his price tag.

Better then to leave with your legs still attached and your knees functioning. He should still have a couple of millions in the bank.

 

[Bri]

I think the Titans will keep Burnett over Campanaro. Wyatt says Campanaro in his article. 

Tajae seems to have joined some "made the team" status with his spring work and the private workouts. Vrabel seems to really like him. Until some training camp report from the coaches says differently, I think he's pretty well locked in at four and those two have to hope the Titans keep five and that five is the most they can rise up the depth chart.

We are used to Mularkey and were used to Fisher. We don't know how Vrabel fills out special teams or his practice squad. His quotes are hypocritical at face value. In some he wants players to play a position and happen to play special teams. In others, he likes specialists. It's also not fair to hold the same quotes against him for 60 some odd guys and widdling down to 53. Soooo we'll have to wait and see.

Burnett has explosion, per everyone, and in LaFleur's quick pass offense I think that'll be a nice thing to have. Camp is more about lateral moves. If ya look at quotes on Taylor, they love that he can catch it and be off to the races so my guess is Burnett over Camp.

Burnett was a name UDFA so I don't think he can stick on the PS

 

[Bri]

Rishard Matthews still on the team and not traded as I thought- gotta wonder if he got enough reps in then in the new offense. A veteran can probably pick things up quick and especially when they say the O is very similar to what they ran but still...we'll see if this matters during TC

 

[-OZ-]

Rishard Matthews still on the team and not traded as I thought- gotta wonder if he got enough reps in then in the new offense. A veteran can probably pick things up quick and especially when they say the O is very similar to what they ran but still...we'll see if this matters during TC

He's the consistent veteran they need along with Delanie. If all goes well he's the 3rd WR before long, they have to want Davis and Taywan to take over, along with Jonnu I think we see a shift to the younger players this year. But it's still good to have a relatively cheap reliable veteran in case that doesn't pan out.

 

[Bri]

Kevin Dodd was placed on the "did not report" list 

Kenneth Adams IV oversaw the report dates and Dodd didn't show

Edited

 

[msommer]

Kevin Dodd was placed on the "did not report" list 

Kenneth Adams IV oversaw the report dates and Dodd didn't show

Edited

Good riddance

 

[Bri]

Both wolf and Wolfe are no longer Titans reporters. I don't know what's up and feel bad unless I hear of some promotion for them or somesuch.

Glennon might be returning or has returned? To the Tennessean so that's great

Either way, check your sources the next week, apps, whatever because you might miss camp news otherwise

 

[-OZ-]

Kevin Dodd was placed on the "did not report" list 

Kenneth Adams IV oversaw the report dates and Dodd didn't show

Edited

Hello Mr Landry

 

[East Coast Bias]

Dodd released. No one is surprised.

 

[Bri]

Lewans agent paid NFL scouts to evaluate tackles among the league and in college. Roughly 50 scouts. Lewan unanimous top 5 tackle, more than half rated him #1. 

JRob's offer was to pay him #10 and turned down.

He is expected to show for camp Thursday since he is under contract but many wouldn't be surprised if he didn't show.

One GM told a friend Lewan is the rare best player at his position at first contract time. JRob's contract impacts all 32 GMs and sets the market for the next few years so it's not about disrespecting Lewan but being careful of a trend. Since markets increase (generally) Conklin will expect more when he is due so this is harder than it may seem to fans. I'm paraphrasing but....and I don't wholly care.

Make him the highest paid and end this. They have cap room galore and he earned it. Since he is due 9.5 mil already, if he gets 16 that's 6.5 mil more and leaves tons for Mariota and Conklin. I'm growing tired of the company line of guarding for the future. Titans are winning and drafting talent, they gotta pay... it's just how it is

 

[Bri]

Dodd summary is he was turned off by a gung ho fired up call by Vrabel. Heart wasn't in it. When his agent spoke of other teams he felt energized. He never showed in 2018 and looked forward to his release. There is some debate whether he asked for it in spring. Since he was never fined, the Titans seemed to have expected this.

 

[Bri]

Zero Titans failed reporting workouts, bulk of it will be Wednesday. Thus far it's just like Mularkey and everyone showed in great shape. Glad that continued

 

[Bri]

Cameron Wolfe to Miami and the new Titans reporter I know, I won't share til he does. I really really think he used to come here, not 100 percent but I think so

 

[msommer]

He is expected to show for camp Thursday since he is under contract but many wouldn't be surprised if he didn't show.

Make him the highest paid and end this. They have cap room galore and he earned it. Since he is due 9.5 mil already, if he gets 16 that's 6.5 mil more and leaves tons for Mariota and Conklin. I'm growing tired of the company line of guarding for the future. Titans are winning and drafting talent, they gotta pay... it's just how it is

Well, he reported and they are saying the issue is resolved (per titansinsider)

Sounds good!

 

[Bri]

Lewan versus new OL coach has gotta be the story of the day.

 

[-OZ-]

Dodd summary is he was turned off by a gung ho fired up call by Vrabel. Heart wasn't in it. When his agent spoke of other teams he felt energized. He never showed in 2018 and looked forward to his release. There is some debate whether he asked for it in spring. Since he was never fined, the Titans seemed to have expected this.

Landry was going to start over him anyway, Dodd didn't really show last year.

 

[Bri]

Landry was going to start over him anyway, Dodd didn't really show last year.

Landry would have been ahead sure but he won't be starting this year. He won't beat out Morgan or Orakpo. He seems to be Orakpo's backup with Carraway being Morgan's. 

 

[Ilov80s]

What is the deal with Rishard and this undisclosed injury that has been going on for awhile now?

 

[jtd13]

What is the deal with Rishard and this undisclosed injury that has been going on for awhile now?

Came here to ask the same thing.

 

[Bri]

What is the deal with Rishard and this undisclosed injury that has been going on for awhile now?

I've been talking about it all offseason. It's a twisted ankle so why miss so much time? It was confirmed that they tried to trade him before and during the draft. 

He passed the physical test but also sat. That makes no sense.

Vrabel said he's expected to participate day four or five.

My one friend uses Walker as an example to say he hasn't played/practiced much either and he thinks it's possible there's too much reliance and the young guys aren't getting the proper reps.

The staff says good things but they would to pump up trade value too.

It's very difficult to dissect

Simms was another they tried to trade but the offers were so small that JRob said now he will never give him up. He rocked with the second unit and didn't allow a single reception. Everyone is noticing him in drills and commenting on how good he looked. He's getting the reps.

Spain, also tried to trade and left all but unprotected as RFA with minimal offer, was the only lineman that had a good day. Vrabel even played FB with a pad to be up close to it and complimented Spain.

(BTW OL doing poorly continued and we'll have to wait for contact but that's a ginormous issue if it continues)

 

[Bri]

Smith and Flu pulled on a day where no pads below the waist, later Vrabel playing FB with pads....there's no other way to take this than to assume Vrabel told JRob "we need a FB"

 

[Bri]

Burnett caught in traffic blanketed balls from each QB. Total trust in him was noticed by all. 

Sharpe didn't play slot. Camp barely did otherwise all rookies all day.

Taylor very good day. Davis struggled then finished strong.

Adoree tapping passes away so gently it's as if coached to do so. Could have had a ton of INTs

Mariota ran a lot but OL broke down so nothing to gauge there

All of this is...but it wasn't full contact with no pads below the waist. This is the "hold on hold on" time where ya just wait for full contact in a few days. The urgency to evaluate finally! has to just be brushed aside til the contact

 

[msommer]

Smith and Flu pulled on a day where no pads below the waist, later Vrabel playing FB with pads....there's no other way to take this than to assume Vrabel told JRob "we need a FB"

Pity someone cut that guy in December

 

[msommer]

What is the deal with Rishard and this undisclosed injury that has been going on for awhile now?

I've been talking about it all offseason. It's a twisted ankle so why miss so much time?

Mularkey probably shot him in the foot

 

[Buck Bradcanon]

I've been investing a decent amount in mid rounds in Rishard in BB drafts.  Probably need to start backing off of that.  Thank you for the insight.

 

[Bri]

The Pats rest veterans creatively. Maybe that's all. It's real tricky to figure out.

Mariota trusts him and he is often top 10 in NFL on third down so they can't exactly discard that

 

[jtd13]

The Pats rest veterans creatively. Maybe that's all. It's real tricky to figure out.

Mariota trusts him and he is often top 10 in NFL on third down so they can't exactly discard that

First days of camp would seem like an odd time to need rest. Maybe they're just wanting to see the young guys first? 

I'm glad I have Taywan in the league where I have Rishard, anyways.

 

[Bri]

Lewan was finally signed

 

[Bri]

Darrius Jennings is the confirmed #4 WR. Vrabel said he's earned it. He's played all three spots. In the quick pass catch and run offense, it really suits the athlete. Remember this is the guy that's played S, CB, RB, and WR in NFL games- not just practice but in games.

What does this mean? Nothing, way too early. He's better in shorts than Tajae and Camp

Vrabel pointed out that Jennings isn't there yet. He'll do this and that perfectly and then the ball hit his shoulder pad on one catch. 

They're going to have a pecking order for when full contact starts. He's not going to announce it regularly but they will hear it in meetings

 

[Bri]

Nick DeLuca has switched to TE.

I am NOT a fan of this. A steal of a UDFA that has been getting good reps and praise...trade someone or let him push the veterans. Don't do this!

Vrabel spent the first two days pulling Jonnu and Fluellen and the next day those two and Stocker. Vrabel stepped in as the FB with a big blocking pad on. Both days there were conversations with JRob that no one heard but "had to be" that they need a FB. DeLuca ran zero routes and smashed a pad working on run blocking technique yesterday- this was a FB drill when the Titans regularly had FBs sooooo they're gonna list him as TE but consider it FB.

I'm about sick of wanting Fowler back. Couldn't they make me forget him by now

 

[msommer]

Nick DeLuca has switched to TE.

I am NOT a fan of this. A steal of a UDFA that has been getting good reps and praise...trade someone or let him push the veterans. Don't do this!

Vrabel spent the first two days pulling Jonnu and Fluellen and the next day those two and Stocker. Vrabel stepped in as the FB with a big blocking pad on. Both days there were conversations with JRob that no one heard but "had to be" that they need a FB. DeLuca ran zero routes and smashed a pad working on run blocking technique yesterday- this was a FB drill when the Titans regularly had FBs sooooo they're gonna list him as TE but consider it FB.

I'm about sick of wanting Fowler back. Couldn't they make me forget him by now

Me too. FFS.

 

[Bri]

Rishard pulled a calf muscle Saturday while doing something in the weight room. Looked excellent running on Sunday and gave a thumbsup. Players can't talk of injuries under Vrabel.

Conklin is at a very good point where they can get him ready for the regular season or put him on PUP. Vrabel is gonna meet with the trainer and team doc and decide. Essentially he got done with his physical therapy/rehab and pushed himself and all was still good. He had to get into NFL shape and the trainer says he is but Vrabel said no one is until they've practiced some. Whatever the case- he's ready to be incorporated back to the active group and they'll decide on a plan

Pamphiel has done pretty well as a backup T but they all struggled. Lewan made everything better for the unit. Pamphiel and Marz have stunk at G. With Kelly THE backup T, it looks like Marz' practice squad eligibility will get him the fourth tackle spot on the PS. 

Spain has been best at G while the other three are super close. Spain is the only one doing good, other three no one would call good right now so they all need to get better.

Kline is always in the right position at center while Jones still seems to be learning. Clearly a backup C but seems to get more praise and singled out for doing things correctly. Casey is having a terrific offseason and it's unclear (as usual) how to give credit to Casey and NOT take away from the Gs required to block him.

If you can't read between the lines here, allow me- JRob's other lineman draft picks will be cut and the sure-thing Conklin will be the only one to make the team. 

Titans are trying to make another G/T but it's not working. They can't play the other spot.

Lewan truly leading- correcting, teaching, reminding- could return to being a team captain again. Reporters (and fans) are able to tell what the linemen are doing wrong by Lewan's example too. Vrabel has been more silent with the line but pauses and watches Lewan with them. He's doing real well as a leader. I asked about Carter OL coach and was told he probably was told to let Lewan do it too so he can mature. Carter's not quiet by any stretch but letting Lewan do his thing when he sees it.

Part of their argument Carter and Lewan was a flaw in their play or Carter's understanding of it. (Things happened during drills but Lewan was still annoyed) Lewan was expected to go left but block right with his shoulders right. If he stepped forward to get his balance and shift he was called out of position. If he stopped and turned, out of position. Carter had it wrong. They talked for an hour so there was a lot more to it. Lewan has been super since and everyone seems very pleased. Vrabel said he wouldn't be surprised if those two argue again as it's just how they're built but he knew they'd get along well and Carter is definitely the guy to make Lewan better. 

 

[Bri]

Nick DeLuca has switched to TE.

I am NOT a fan of this. A steal of a UDFA that has been getting good reps and praise...trade someone or let him push the veterans. Don't do this!

Vrabel spent the first two days pulling Jonnu and Fluellen and the next day those two and Stocker. Vrabel stepped in as the FB with a big blocking pad on. Both days there were conversations with JRob that no one heard but "had to be" that they need a FB. DeLuca ran zero routes and smashed a pad working on run blocking technique yesterday- this was a FB drill when the Titans regularly had FBs sooooo they're gonna list him as TE but consider it FB.

I'm about sick of wanting Fowler back. Couldn't they make me forget him by now

DeLuca was pulled hitting guys twice. Can't turn off the contact switch as he learns a new position. Did drills instead.

 

[msommer]

Rishard pulled a calf muscle Saturday while doing something in the weight room. Looked excellent running on Sunday and gave a thumbsup. Players can't talk of injuries under Vrabel.

Conklin is at a very good point where they can get him ready for the regular season or put him on PUP. Vrabel is gonna meet with the trainer and team doc and decide. Essentially he got done with his physical therapy/rehab and pushed himself and all was still good. He had to get into NFL shape and the trainer says he is but Vrabel said no one is until they've practiced some. Whatever the case- he's ready to be incorporated back to the active group and they'll decide on a plan

Pamphiel has done pretty well as a backup T but they all struggled. Lewan made everything better for the unit. Pamphiel and Marz have stunk at G. With Kelly THE backup T, it looks like Marz' practice squad eligibility will get him the fourth tackle spot on the PS. 

Spain has been best at G while the other three are super close. Spain is the only one doing good, other three no one would call good right now so they all need to get better.

Kline is always in the right position at center while Jones still seems to be learning. Clearly a backup C but seems to get more praise and singled out for doing things correctly. Casey is having a terrific offseason and it's unclear (as usual) how to give credit to Casey and NOT take away from the Gs required to block him.

If you can't read between the lines here, allow me- JRob's other lineman draft picks will be cut and the sure-thing Conklin will be the only one to make the team. 

Titans are trying to make another G/T but it's not working. They can't play the other spot.

Lewan truly leading- correcting, teaching, reminding- could return to being a team captain again. Reporters (and fans) are able to tell what the linemen are doing wrong by Lewan's example too. Vrabel has been more silent with the line but pauses and watches Lewan with them. He's doing real well as a leader. I asked about Carter OL coach and was told he probably was told to let Lewan do it too so he can mature. Carter's not quiet by any stretch but letting Lewan do his thing when he sees it.

Part of their argument Carter and Lewan was a flaw in their play or Carter's understanding of it. (Things happened during drills but Lewan was still annoyed) Lewan was expected to go left but block right with his shoulders right. If he stepped forward to get his balance and shift he was called out of position. If he stopped and turned, out of position. Carter had it wrong. They talked for an hour so there was a lot more to it. Lewan has been super since and everyone seems very pleased. Vrabel said he wouldn't be surprised if those two argue again as it's just how they're built but he knew they'd get along well and Carter is definitely the guy to make Lewan better. 

@Chaka

 

[Bri]

Conklin and Rishard on pup.

Tye Smith to IR. Signed huge nose tackle from Oklahoma. Sophomore that should have never entered NFL draft, went undrafted, Ravens, now Titans. 20? Unsure how young but young 6-5 350 guess, huge body to move.

Off day today should be first good full contact practice tomorrow

Rashaan versus Henry is what everyone wants to see

 

[msommer]

Conklin and Rishard on pup.

Tye Smith to IR. Signed huge nose tackle from Oklahoma. Sophomore that should have never entered NFL draft, went undrafted, Ravens, now Titans. 20? Unsure how young but young 6-5 350 guess, huge body to move.

Off day today should be first good full contact practice tomorrow

Rashaan versus Henry is what everyone wants to see

Not good on Tye Smith, even if he was depth mostly

ETA: They sign NT after cutting Antwaun Woods over some ticky tack thing. Great

 

[Bri]

Not good on Tye Smith, even if he was depth mostly

ETA: They sign NT after cutting Antwaun Woods over some ticky tack thing. Great

Tye also started in the playoffs last year.

I think they need another camp body.

They've only kept one nose under Mularkey last year but usually two other years. I haven't heard where Daquan is playing yet but I assume nose first. Oklahoma guy probably just needs to show some maturity and he'll make some teams practice squad. He wasn't that good in college so I don't expect him to be good right away in the NFL but at his size, maybe he can be taught to hold his ground and be a tough man to move. 

Matthews was to start practicing "day four or five" but for him to go on pup just furthers this whole grrrr experience