First Down And Tenn: Tennessee Titans Monday Edition
By Les Bailey
I’m on vacation this week but am still taking time to keep up with news around the Tennessee Titans and happenings around the NFL. With so many people in the rental Condo, I’m having trouble getting these out with your morning coffee as usual, but maybe with a cool one after work.
Taylor Thompson release by Titans draws attention from NFLPA – Adam Kaplan ESPN Insider
The NFLPA is looking into the release of former Tennessee Titans tight end Taylor Thompson, a league source told ESPN.
Thompson, who was waived Friday, said he needs knee surgery for a lingering issue from last season. However, the team did not waive him with any type of injury designation.
The NFLPA is looking into the release of former Tennessee Titans tight end Taylor Thompson, a league source told ESPN.
Thompson, who was waived Friday, said he needs knee surgery for a lingering issue from last season. However, the team did not waive him with any type of injury designation.
Titans’ Jeremiah Poutasi pleased with offseason progress – John Glennon The Tennessean
Asked in the early stages of OTAs how his adjustment to the NFL was coming along, Titans rookie tackle Jeremiah Poutasi smiled, shook his head and said, “I’ll be honest – it’s been rough.”
But as he prepared to wrap up his first mini-camp last week, the Titans’ third-round pick offered an improved self-assessment.
"“I feel like since I’ve been here, I’ve progressed a tremendous amount,” Poutasi said. “It’s mostly just been learning the playbook. I feel like I’ve really progressed in knowing plays, and when I do that, I can play without any hesitation.”"
Jameis Winston looks forward to “fun matchup” with J.J. Watt – Mike Florio PFT
Note: He probably should be careful about what he wishes for!
With the 2015 regular season looming and Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston among the rookies to whom the football-following world will be paying the closest attention, Winston is paying the closest attention for now to his third game that counts.
"Via CBSSports.com, Winston said in a “Rookie Confessional” at NFL.com that Winston most look forward to facing Texans defensive end J.J. Watt."
Tennessee Titans: Dexter McCluster Must Step Up His Game – Lucas Davis PFSpot
The Tennessee Titans are doing their best to turn over the roster as much as possible from last year’s 2-14 season, leaving little room for underperforming individuals on both sides of the ball.
With news breaking earlier in the week about the Titans releasing running back Shonn Greene, Dexter McCluster is going to need to step up in the team’s offense this year to provide leadership on and off the field.
With Greene no longer on the roster, second-year player Bishop Sankey and McCluster are the only two running backs with NFL experience. The Titans added David Cobb and Jalston Fowler in the draft to add to the team’s depth at the position. Antonio Andrews signed with the team as an undrafted free agent in 2014. This puts more pressure on McCluster to be the veteran for the stable of young guys.
AFC South Q&A: Will the division become more competitive this season? – Tania Ganguli ESPN
Today’s question: For several years, this division has been one of the league’s worst. Do you see that changing anytime soon?
Paul Kuharsky, Tennessee Titans: I think it will be better overall. The Jaguars and Titans will improve some in the win column. But in terms of competition for the division crown and overall record, I think it will be hard for the division to get on better footing compared to the rest of the league. The AFC South has one proven quarterback and three question marks. Ultimately, that’s not going to serve as a balloon that will lift the division as a whole, no matter what kind of run games and defenses the Texans, Jaguars and Titans might field. That said, Houston could be a playoff team, and if the AFC South sends two teams to the playoffs, it will be due some praise.
Next: Marcus Mariota Still Not Signed