What to look for in Preseason Week 1 from the Tennessee Titans.
On Saturday, August 12, the Tennessee Titans will take the field for the first time in 2017. Their opponents are the New York Jets. While it’s only a preseason game, fans haven’t gotten to see the Titans in action since January 1. The Titans beat the Houston Texans 24-17 in that game. Here is what to look for when the Titans take on the Jets.
Marcus Mariota
Mariota broke his leg in Week 16 of the 2016 NFL season. Experts will tell you that with that type of injury, the mental hurdle is the biggest. We will only get to see a small sample size of the franchise quarterback, but what we see from him will be crucial to the Titans’ possible success in 2017. Will Mariota show poise in the pocket? Will he take time to go through his progressions? By all accounts, Mariota knows what he has to do, now he has to go do it.
Tennessee Titans
Kevin Dodd
After missing the majority of his rookie season due a foot injury, Dodd should have the mental aspect of the game down, but he has little experience doing it. Head coach Mike Mularkey noted extended playing time for Dodd is a real possibility. With the addition of newly signed Erik Walden, Dodd will have to step his game up to earn consistent playing time in 2017.
Position Battles
Defensive Seconday
The defensive secondary for the Titans have battles from top to bottom. At the top end, many fans speculate the main competition is between LeShaun Sims and Adoree’ Jackson. But according to reports coming from camp, if Jackson wants to break the starting lineup, he will have to beat out Brice McCain.
At the bottom end, Curtis Riley, Kalan Reed, and Demontre Hurst are in a competition for roster spots. One of the three is likely to be the odd man out.
Wide Receivers
While the receivers at the top of the roster in Corey Davis, Rishard Matthews, Eric Decker, Taywan Taylor, and Tajae Sharpe are safe, receivers at the bottom of the depth chart are in an intense battle. Harry Douglas, Eric Weems, Tre McBride, and Mekale McKay are all in a battle for likely the last roster spot. Mekale McKay is a 6’5 undrafted rookie that has been impressing coaches during training camp. While the Titans could elect to go with six receivers, five isn’t out of the question. So, these guys are not only in a competition with each other, but with every backup position on the roster.
Special Teams
As it stands, Adoree’ Jackson seems to be the winner of the primary punt returner position. Jackson seems to have a leg up in the kickoff returner position as well. Khalfani Muhammad, Eric Weems, and possibly Taywan Taylor will get looks at the kickoff returner position as well. For Muhammad and Weems, the kickoff returner position could be their last hope of making the roster.