Titans put on full pads for first time
Coach Jeff Fisher was happy with how his players kept their tempers with all the physical contact on a morning when the temperature felt like 90 degrees. But there was one near skirmish when rookie running back Damien Nash tangled with veteran defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch at the end of one run.
“The intensity is built up a little bit today,” Nash said. “A couple scratching, grabbing, biting was going on today. I got a little riled up. It’s in the past now.”
The most physical play may have come from defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth during a one-on-one drill between the linemen. Haynesworth, the top draft pick in 2002, knocked veteran left guard Zach Piller backward, and Piller reacted by slamming down his helmet in anger.
Haynesworth said it was a good day for the defensive line with the exception of some mistakes that must be fixed.
“It’s really the first time we really get to hit the running back. We never get to hit Chris (Brown). I can’t wait for that one,” Haynesworth said before pointing out he was kidding. “Unleash some of this anxiety we have.”
Linebacker Keith Bulluck said it was good to finally get the pads on and see what everybody has to offer.
“That’s the name of the game. You’ve got to show your toughness, what you’ve got. That’s why you’ve got the pads on. On defense, we aren’t going to just let you run through. We’re trying to work on our stuff too,” Bulluck said.
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PLAYING INSTEAD OF WATCHING:@ This time last year, defensive end Bo Schobel was limited to just watching the Titans in training camp because of a broken foot. A fourth-round draft pick out of Texas Christian, he recovered enough to play the final five games of 2004 with 15 tackles.
Coach Jeff Fisher said this offseason was very helpful to Schobel who made up for work he missed in training camp last year.
“He’s been able to work hard on the things he missed out on last year, so we’ve seen a difference. Bo’s going to have to do a lot of pass rushing with pads on here through camp, and he’ll get plenty of opportunities to play in the preseason games. We’ll get him caught up enough to speed,” Fisher said.
Schobel said he has enjoyed working on his basics and techniques he needs to compete. Fisher enjoys his attitude.
“He’s determined. He’s very dedicated and passionate, and a very smart player,” Fisher said.
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INJURY UPDATE: Michael Roos, the Titans’ second-round draft pick, dislocated a finger on his right hand during the morning practice. Fisher confirmed the injury, but maybe the second-round pick out of Eastern Washington is just being cautious and careful. All he would admit to was having jammed his finger real good.
Receiver Courtney Roby, who hurt his ribs Monday afternoon, was back in practice. Fisher said they are resting defensive end Shawn Johnson, who partially dislocated his right shoulder on Sunday.
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PACMAN HOLDOUT:@ Adam “Pacman” Jones, the Titans’ top draft pick and the sixth pick overall, remains unsigned. He now has missed seven practices over five days.
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ROOKIE PERIOD:@ Maybe the Titans were a little worn out by the end of their second practice Tuesday, but how the session ended depends on whether you play offense or defense. Rookie quarterback Jason White was trying to move the offense in a two-minute drill when his first pass was just short of an interception as he threw under pressure. Cornerback Rich Gardner picked him off on the next play, and linebacker Rocky Calmus intercepted another pass at the end of the drill.