Expectations were understandably sky high for Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Carnell Tate in his preseason debut. Tate has consistently been dominating practice at training camp, so fans were anxious to see him compete against an opponent. Well, he registered zero receptions in the Titans' preseason Week 1 victory over the San Francisco 49ers.
Tate was targeted on three occasions. Despite routinely connecting with starting quarterback Cam Ward at practice, the two couldn't get on the same page in their first in-game opportunity. Any scrutiny for Tate after that performance is totally unwarranted, however.
Tate was targeted once by Ward in the end zone, but a 49ers defensive back recorded an impressive pass breakup on the play. Ward also missed Tate on a simple out route that should have gone down as an easy completion. With a joint practice and second preseason game with the Seattle Seahawks on this weekend's schedule, a bounce-back opportunity awaits the young duo.
Carnell Tate criticism after Titans' preseason opener missed the bigger picture
Any Tate criticism after the first preseason contest is a total overreaction. Having analyzed the film, both Ward and the general structure of the offense were largely to blame for Tate failing to record a reception. He was open on several occasions.
Furthermore, Ward and Tate immediately bounced back at Saturday's training camp practice. Ward threw touchdowns on three straight plays during a period inside the 10-yard line, including two that went to Tate, according to beat reporter Jim Wyatt. That's how you respond to a preseason performance that left fans wanting more.
The Titans were infatuated with Tate during their pre-draft evaluations. The on-field traits and glowing reports about his personality and work ethic left general manager Mike Borgonzi with no doubt. For the most part, Tate has been as advertised at training camp, and one small sample size in his preseason debut does nothing to change that.
Everything is proceeding as expected with Tate despite his quiet preseason debut. A few naysayers and unwarranted overreactions don't change that in the slightest. Tate will be productive for Ward and the Titans this season.
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