The Tennessee Titans' starters didn't play much in their first preseason game, but fans got to see glimpses of what Brian Callahan's offense could look like. Veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett is a great example of a player who displayed how effective he could be for the Titans this year in a single play.
On the second drive of the game, Cam Ward's final possession, the Titans offense ripped off some big plays that helped them march down the field. Calvin Ridley's trio of 10+ yard receptions drew a lot of attention, and this could have easily been a story about Ward's connection with Ridley being a perfect microcosm of the dynamic we should expect heading into the season.
However, the play that flew under the radar on that 65-yard scoring drive was Lockett's only catch of the game. To set the stage, Ward had already completed three passes to Ridley, and he converted a third-and-9 with a 10-yard pass to Chig Okonkwo. So, it was nice to see Ward mix things up on a third-and-6 in the red zone.
Titans WR Tyler Lockett makes immediate impact for QB Cam Ward in preseason game
On that play, Ward hits the last step of his drop, waits a split-second for Lockett to clear the pick set by Okonkwo, and places the ball perfectly in front of Lockett so that he can cut upfield and get the first down to keep the drive alive. (The NFL posted the play here, though it is difficult to see.)
That throw and catch was the difference between a field goal and a touchdown, but in the box score, it will only be listed as one reception for seven yards.
That is the sort of context Titans fans need when they look at Lockett this season. The veteran wideout won't be a high-volume target, but he adds value to this offense nonetheless; Lockett's value lies in keeping drives alive and giving Ward another set of downs to create more explosive plays for players like Ridley, Okonkwo, Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears, Elic Ayomanor, and Chimere Dike.
Lockett's leadership and football IQ will be his defining features this season. The Titans need Lockett in that role if they are to ensure that Ward has the best chance to develop into the franchise quarterback that this team needs him to be.