The Tennessee Titans returned to training camp practice on Thursday morning after a day off on Wednesday.
Titans Head Coach Mike Mularkey said he liked the way his team responded to the time off and, for the most part, Thursday's practice was energetic and crisp.
Here are a few of my observations from Thursday's practice:
- Quarter Back Marcus Mariota had a bit of a rough day. At one point during a team drill, Mariota threw the ball late over the middle and the pass was nearly intercepted. Mariota blurted out what appeared to be an expletive after the play, which was kind of surprising considering how mild-mannered and polite he usually is. I think it's a positive sign that he's taking more ownership of the Titans offense.
- Line Backer Brian Orakpo, a guy normally known for his pass-rushing skills, made a great play to break up a Mariota pass during team drills. Orakpo dropped into coverage, leaped high for the pass and almost intercepted it. After practice, several of Orakpo's defensive teammates razzed him a bit for dropping the pass, and when I asked him about it, he smiled and said: "In my defense, I tried to one-hand it, but I should have just hauled it in, but I'll take a PBU (Pass Break Up) at practice, but in the game I'm gonna get (the interception)."
- Rookie Running Back Derrick Henry is a much better receiver out of the backfield than I initially thought. Despite his size, Henry runs good routes, has soft hands, and does a nice job of adjusting to the ball while it's in the air.
-There were two very loud Titans fans in attendance at today's workout, cheering just about every player for just about everything. My guess is they took their "medicine" bright and early.
The Titans were back on the practice field Friday morning at 8:55, the workout was open to the public.
