NASHVILLE – The Titans face the Falcons in preseason game No.2 on Friday night.
Here’s a look at six things to watch in the contest:
Titans quarterback Cam Ward played two series in the team’s preseason opener in Tampa, and he’s expected to get roughly the same amount of work against the Falcons. Ward settled in and played well in his preseason debut, completing 5-of-8 passes for 67 yards while directing a touchdown-scoring drive. He’ll look to quickly get in a rhythm his second time out before the starters give way to the back-ups once again.
Ward and receiver Calvin Ridley showed off their chemistry in Tampa, as Ridley caught three of Ward’s passes for 50 receiving yards. The two were in sync, and it’s clear they have confidence between them. No other receiver caught more than one pass against the Buccaneers, so it will be interesting to see who emerges the second time out. The team would like to see continued improvement from rookie receivers Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike.
I’m sure not going to hit the panic button about the run defense, despite the fact the team gave up 178 yards on the ground against the Buccaneers. Let’s face it, defensive linemen Jeffery Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat weren’t out there, and back-ups played most the game. Still, I know the Titans would love to see tackling and execution improve the second time out.
Most of the starting jobs on the football team have been solidified by now, but roster spots are still up for grabs as we edge closer to roster cuts. James Williams Sr. played well at inside linebacker in Tampa, but Cedric Gray got some work with the first team in practices in Atlanta. The team is looking to establish a pecking order at receiver, depth at a number of positions, and more and it’s getting late.
Nobody likes bad habits, as an individual, or as a team. The Titans turned the ball over three times against the Buccaneers, including interceptions thrown by back-up quarterbacks Brandon Allen and Tim Boyle, the latter of the two returned for a touchdown. Coach Brian Callahan said he was disappointed with how sloppy the Titans got late in the opener, and he wants to see a cleaner performance in Atlanta. The Titans parted ways with Boyle earlier this week, and signed QB Trevor Siemian, who is expected to play at least some on Friday night.
I suspect the Titans have a pretty good idea of who they want to return punts and kicks. James Proche II got work at punts and kicks in the opener, along with Jha’Quan Jackson (punts), Chimere Dike (kicks), TJ Sheffield (kicks), and Matt Landers (kicks). Others are also in the mix for the job. At this point, the Titans are looking for someone to secure the job, or jobs.
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