Tennessee Titans: Perfect time to get healthy
By P. L. Colter
Heading into this year’s training camp, one of the biggest concerns for the Tennessee Titans was their health. Injuries decimated the 2014 roster, causing several high profile players to miss considerable time last year.
When the 2015 season began, the injury bug was waiting at the door…eager to welcome rookies Dorial Green-Beckham, David Cobb, and Andy Gallik to the M.A.S.H. unit. Each of them missed considerable time during mini-camp with injuries, and each one was brought in to push for immediate playing time.
But when the Titans took the field for their first practice, fans were happy to see the major players back in action.
*Free agent linebacker Brian Orakpo made his highly anticipated Titans debut last Friday, showing off his speed and power after missing all of OTAs while recovering from a pectoral injury.
*Cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson also made his 2015 debut, after missing all of camp recovering from his own injury. BWW is vying for the starting cornerback job opposite Jason McCourty. He’s been rotating first team reps with free agent acquisition Perrish Cox so far in camp.
*The same can be said for veteran safety Michael Griffin, last year’s leading tackler. He made his 2015 debut on the first day of practice.
*While inside linebacker Zach Brown participated in OTAs, the Titans were happy to see no setbacks after missing the entire 2014 season. Brown’s healthy return is a huge lift for the defense.
*On offense, rookies DGB, David Cobb, and Andy Gallik are all healthy and have been full participants in training camp thus far.
*Reserve cornerback Brandon Harris is lost for the season, and nose tackle Sammie Hill is currently on the Physically Unable to Perform list (PUP). His knee is recovered but the Titans are worried about his conditioning after rehabbing the entire summer. He is still the starting NT.
Head coach Ken Whisenhunt has to be ecstatic to have his entire offense healthy and in tact to start training camp. He’s looking for competition at several positions, and can get an accurate assessment with everyone involved and getting reps. It also allows qb Marcus Mariota to learn his new teammates from day one.
On the other side of the ball, defensive guru Dick LeBeau will be “re-installing” the 3-4 scheme this season. And with so many new faces, it’s critical that everyone gets their full compliment of reps…from day one.
Healthy for the first time in a long time. Another reason for renewed optimism this season for Titans fans.
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