Critics have been totally overreacting over what Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Carnell Tate has (or hasn't) done in two preseason games. The fourth overall selection hasn't registered a catch through a pair of exhibition contests, leading to unnecessary panic. At Thursday's joint practice with the Chicago Bears, Tate absolutely made the doubters look foolish.
The practice session with the Bears represented the Titans' second-last opportunity to measure their progress before 53-man roster cuts. Saturday's preseason game versus the same Bears will be their last chance before regular-season preparations begin. Tate took complete advantage.
Tate registered seven receptions and two touchdowns on 12 targets, per Easton Freeze. The Bears' secondary could not cover the former Ohio State standout. Tate absolutely silenced the critics at the opportune time.
Tennessee Titans rookie WR Carnell Tate dominates joint practice with Chicago Bears
Tate's first touchdown was described as pitch-and-catch from starting quarterback Cam Ward, who treated Tate as his primary go-to target throughout practice. The No. 4 pick immediately defeated a Bears defender at the five-yard line for a wide-open touchdown. It was a sign of things to come.
After veteran running back Tony Pollard converted a wheel-route target into an explosive play, Tate capped the possession with his second touchdown. The Chicago, Illinois native got two feet in near the pylon, according to A to Z Sports. Earlier on that possession, Ward and Tate connected for a catch on a scramble drill that kept the drive alive.
Tate also had a nice catch-and-run near the sideline, and caught an in-breaker across the middle, according to various reporters in attendance. His impact went beyond his two touchdowns. Tate helped the Titans' first-team offense win the day against what's supposed to be a stout Bears defense.
Tate has been targeted on five occasions by Ward in two preseason contests. For a variety of reasons, they have yet to combine for their first in-game catch. Tate dropped a difficult pass versus the Seahawks, and inaccuracy from Ward has also contributed to other misses. They've been close.
Coach Saleh places more emphasis on joint practice than the preseason. The Titans will be hoping that Tate's dominant showing versus the Bears is more indicative of his pending regular-season form. It was an extremely promising sign heading into Saturday's preseason finale.
The joint practice versus the Bears goes down as Tate's best performance of the season. And hopefully the most telling.
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