First Down And Tenn: Tennessee Titans Mini Camps Wrap Up On Thursday
By Les Bailey
It’s been a busy off-season around the Tennessee Titans organization, but it all comes to an end after the Thursday workout. Most of the players will scatter to the four winds and rest up before the grueling 2015 season starts with training camp on July 30th.
There will probably not be enough Titans news to sustain a steady flow of First Down And Tenn on a daily basis, but we will dig out what is available, and add in some news from around the National Football League.
Marcus Mariota plans to gather with receivers before camp – Paul Kuharsky ESPN
Considering everything he’s been through the past 10 months — his final season at Oregon, lifting the Heisman Trophy, playing for the national championship, preparing for the combine, visiting with teams in advance of the draft, working out at his pro day, being selected second overall and joining the Tennessee Titans — Marcus Mariota has every right to be tired.
Yet, with one more day of minicamp left before a six-week lull in the NFL calendar, he won’t say he’s fatigued.
"“It’s been a long six, seven months for me,” Mariota said. “… I wouldn’t say [tired]. I love the game, I’m passionate about it. So each and every single day I am excited to be here and I know it’s a blessing and a privilege. Tired wouldn’t be one of the words I’d use to describe it.”"
Titans’ Mariota ready for break – but not vacation – John Glennon The Tennessean
The second overall draft pick will spend some of that down time with family in his native Hawaii, maybe even taking a dip or two in the surf. But he also has plans to soak in even more of the Titans’ playbook, keep his strong right arm limber and arrange some pre-training camp workouts with his wide receivers.
"“It’ll be good to get some time off, for sure,” Mariota said Wednesday, following the second of the team’s three minicamp days."
Will the Titans pursue guard Evan Mathis? – Jim Wyatt The Tennessean
Will the Titans go after at him?
Titans coach Ken Whisenhunt didn’t rule it out, but noted the team is exploring in-house options as well.
"“I think that has kind of been our philosophy during the offseason, looking for ways to get better,” Whisenhunt said when asked about Mathis. “He is a good player. I saw where he said he’s in no hurry to sign, so we’ll see what happens.”"
Titans postpone search for CEO, reiterate team isn’t for sale – Mike Florio Pro Football Talk
For a team that isn’t for sale, it sure spends a lot of time saying it’s not for sale. Which serves as a persistent reminder that the team isn’t for sale. Which likewise sends the message that the Tennessee Titans could be for sale.
Also sending a message that the team could be for sale, despite repeated denials that it is, is the team’s decision to suspend the search for a new CEO through the 2015 season. Steve Underwood will remain in that capacity for the balance of the year, and possibly beyond.
Political infighting could cast Carson in poor light in NFL stadium race – Los Angles Times Reporters
The day after a chaotic Carson City Council meeting that included allegations of corruption and threats of litigation, one of the most vocal proponents of the city’s proposed $1.7-billion professional football stadium said toxic politics could undermine the project.
"“This could jeopardize an NFL stadium being built here,” said Jim Dear, mayor of Carson for more than a decade before stepping down in March after being elected city clerk."
Michael Vick sells himself to NFL general managers – Dan Hanzus NFL.com
We’ve reached mid-June and Michael Vick is still without a job. On Tuesday’s edition of NFL Total Access, the veteran quarterback made his pitch to general managers.
"“(I’m) a proven winner. I think that I’ve done a lot throughout the course of my career,” he began. “I’ve proved that I can win games and play with some consistency and be a leader. I think those are the qualities that you want in a quarterback.“A guy who is confident and is going to make the team win. Make the team believe in themselves and go out there and play hard. You know I did that consistently over the course of my career. I know I can continue to do it.”"
Next: Marcus Mariota: Yime To Lay Low