Notes from Titans Practice 08/14/2012

Greeting from Nashville, Tennessee where the Titans concluded their final night practice of the 2012 training camp that is open to the public. I can safely say tonight's practice was one of the more intense practices of the year and i have missed only two open practices. Players always say playing under the lights and in front of the fans sets a tempo and tonight that certainly seemed the case.Battles for individual spots seem to be shaping up so this blog will focus on those group.

On the defensive line, the starting rotation at defensive tackle appears to be Jurrell Casey, Karl Klug and Sen'Derrick Marks. The starting rotation at defensive end appears to be Kamerion Wimbley, Derrick Morgan, Pannel Egboh and Leger Douzable. Dave Ball's concussion is keeping him out and I wonder if that will impact his roster spot.


The starting linebackers are Akeem Ayers, Will Witherspoon and Colin McCarthy. The starting cornerbacks are Jason McCourty and Alterraun Verner with Ryan Mouton, Chris Hawkins and Tommie Campbell in the mix when we run a nickel package. Jordan Babineaux and Mike Griffin are the starting safeties with Robert Johnson coming in when we use a safety as a linebacker. In my opinion that is why Johnson is getting so many reps with the first team.

The offense is not quite as settled with competition everywhere except fullback (Quinn Johnson) and kicker (the awesome Mr. Nashville in training Rob Bironas) and I'm only slightly joking.. Of course Brett Kern will be the punter.  The quarterback battle has been well documented. It remains to be seen how that plays out. Chris Johnson is certainly not likely to be dethroned as the starter but I do think he will split carries with whoever is behind him which will likely be Javon Ringer and Jamie Harper. 

The wide receiver slots are going to be interesting to watch. For my take on the wide receivers, see my previous blog post. Also, I should mention that Darius Reynaud can play wide receiver and could conceivably make the team as the 6th WR and returner.

Craig Stevens and Jared Cook will be the starting tight ends depending on what sets we run. I think Taylor Thompson nabs the third slot and I don't think we will carry a 4th TE like we have in the past. 

The offensive line is also difficult to predict for me. Mike Roos and David Stewart of course will start. Same with Steve Hutchinson. I think we could see some changes at the other positions but time will tell.

Following the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, I am going to take a stab at predicting the 53 man roster. Hope you come back and check it out!