First Down And Tenn: Recapping Tennessee Titans OTA’s
By Les Bailey
The Tennessee Titans got their OTA’s started on Tuesday morning at Saint Thomas Sports Park, and most of the news was good. Coaches, fans and the media got a chance to see the future of the franchise working with returning veterans in a effort to erase the bad taste that a 2-14 season leaves in your mouth. Let’s take a look back for a recap of the week.
Examining New Titans’ Starter DaQuan Jones – Lambert Scouting Music City Miracles
Second year defensive lineman DaQuan Jones was named a starter by Titans’ head coach Ken Whisenhunt on Wednesday. Whisenhunt said specifically of Jones, “He’s a starter at end, that’s what we project.” Whisenhunt went on to mention how well Jones played in the season finale against Indianapolis last season.
With all of this said, DaQuan Jones is still a bit of an unknown to Titans’ fans. He only appeared in seven games as a rookie and was inactive for most of the early games of last season. He recorded eight total tackles, a sack and a forced fumble during those seven games. That isn’t exactly encouraging for a guy who is going to shoulder a lot of responsibility in 2015. However, his lone start last season offered us with an extended look and provided some promising flashes.
Titans’ Hakeem Nicks seeks return to glory days – Jim Wyatt The Tennessean
Hakeem Nicks has never lacked confidence.
During his highly productive years with the Giants, and even during a down year with the Colts last season, he considered himself to be the best receiver in the NFL.
Now with the Titans, Nicks really has something to prove.
"“(I’m) motivated, determined and ready to work. I am ready to bring it all and lay it on the line, man,” Nicks said. “I just want to get back in the rhythm of being talked about as one of the best receivers in the league, as I was in the past. I believe I can, but I need to go out there and prove it. No need to say words.”"
Titans CB Perrish Cox thought his career was over in 2011 – Paul Kuharsky ESPN
There was a time when new Titans cornerback Perrish Cox thoughthe was finished in the NFL. He sat out 2011 while facing criminal charges, charges of which he was ultimately cleared. “It also showed me that what you love to do can be taken away from you just like that,” he told John Glennon of The Tennessean. “I had to go through that [to learn it]. So I know that anything I get right now is a blessing.”
Who Will Provide Pass Rush for Titans in 2015? – Marc Macaluso PFSpot
The Tennessee Titans finished the 2014 season tied for 16th in the league in sacks with 39. Outside linebacker Derrick Morgan led the team with a respectable 6.5 sacks.
Still, the Titans knew they needed to add some firepower to the pass rush and did so by signing former Washington Redskins OLB Brian Orakpo. The Titans also made it a priority to re-sign their leading pass rusher Morgan, in hopes of providing a strong pass rush at both outside linebacker positions.
Morgan has provided a consistent pass rush over the last three years, first as a 4-3 defensive end and most recently as a 3-4 outside linebacker in head coach Ken Whisenhunt and defensive coordinator Ray Horton’s scheme.
Mariota showing off his speed at Titans’ OTAs – Michael David Smith Pro Football Talk
After practicing against Mariota for the first time, Titans linebacker Zach Brown was surprised by what he saw.
"“He is faster than I thought,” Brown told theTennessean. “He is an athletic quarterback. He didn’t win the Heisman for nothing. One time he took off – I was guarding Delanie [Walker] – and I turned around and I was like, ‘Where is he?’ He is fast. He impressed me. He is still a rookie and he has to learn, but he is a cool guy. I haven’t seen him get frustrated yet.”"
Next: Tennessee Titans Position Breakdown: Right Tackle