The Tennessee Titans are finally about to take the field for a football game, even if it is just the preseason. They'll take on the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night, two days removed from a contentious joint practice in Santa Clara.
Entering the preseason opener, there are still plenty of lingering questions buzzing around the Titans' roster. Robert Saleh and his staff can keep a veil between themselves and the media during training camp, mixing snap counts enough to cloud the state of the roster. The truth, if only partially, will come out in the next three weeks.
While we're excited to watch Tennessee suit up for a football game, we'll be keeping a close eye on these five things as the Titans take on the 49ers.
5 lingering questions facing the Tennessee Titans in their preseason opener
Can Fernando Carmona continue his rise?
Rookie guard Fernando Carmona has been one of the biggest surprises of training camp. He's not in contention for a starting spot at this point, but he could establish himself as a promising future starter in the preseason.
Carmona has put an early emphasis on being able to play each position on the offensive line. With a strong performance against San Francisco, he'll have the Titans feeling much better about their depth up front.
Is Calvin Ridley or Elic Ayomanor the ideal second starting outside receiver?
Two of the Titans' starting receiver positions are accounted for. Carnell Tate will man one spot on the outside, and Wan'Dale Robinson will play in the slot. The other outside spot is still up for grabs in an ongoing competition between veteran Calvin Ridley and second-year pro Elic Ayomanor.
Ridley got the nod in Tennessee's first unofficial depth chart, but Ayomanor could pass him up in the preseason.
Ayomanor has been a standout in training camp, continuing to build on his connection with Cam Ward. As a de facto second-team receiver, he should get more work than Ridley and the first team. Saleh has revealed that the starters will play for a couple of series to start the game. Look for Ayomanor to take over against a shaky San Francisco secondary.
Is Robert Saleh's defensive identity in place?
Saleh is focused on establishing a sense of aggression on defense. He wants his players to play sound, physical football, never getting overpowered by opposing offenses.
That identity will be put to the test against the 49ers. With the starters on the field against San Francisco's backups, Tennessee should have an obvious advantage. Look for offseason additions John Franklin-Myers and Jermaine Johnson to be at the forefront of the attack, pushing back the 49ers' offensive line.
How comfortable is Cam Ward in Brian Daboll's offense?
There have been conflicting reports about Ward's progress under new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. While he looked in control in Tennessee's recent Blue and White Scrimmage, he had an up-and-down day in the joint practice with the 49ers.
Ward will likely only play a series or two on Thursday night, but he will need to show the ability to work within rhythm. Daboll's offense gives quarterbacks quick, easy answers. Ward will need to find those answers against a San Francisco defense that Saleh is perfectly familiar with.
Is it time for Joey Slye to get the boot?
We have some kicker controversy in Nashville. Incumbent starter Joey Slye has apparently failed to instill confidence in his coaching staff, as the Titans have held workouts with a few free agent kickers recently, including former Los Angeles Rams kicker Josh Karty.
Slye is still holding onto the starting role for now, but a missed kick or two in the preseason could force the Titans to look more seriously at other options.
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