Titans: 3 winners and 3 losers from Preseason Week 2

The Tennessee Titans are now 1-1 this preseason after defeating the Minnesota Vikings. The defense and running game were especially impressive in Minnesota.

While a few players performed admirably, a few others may have damaged their chances to make the roster. Today, I wanted to identify the three players who impressed and the three who disappointed.

Winner: CB Eric Garror

Garror is a winner for the second week in a row. The dude just continues to make plays. Garror was once again near the top of the defense in tackles, finishing the night with four. The UDFA also defended a pass and made a couple more nice open-field tackles. Garror also looked good as a punt returner, averaging 11 yards on two returns.

There’s no reason Garror shouldn’t make this team. He’s shown more than several corners and has proven to be useful on special teams.

Loser: RB Hassan Haskins

I’ll just go ahead and say it- there’s no way Haskins is making this team. He does nothing better than Julius Chestnut at this point, and his legal issues will only hurt his chances.

Haskins didn’t see the field on Saturday, meanwhile Chestnut was elected to be a captain and had a dominating performance. Haskins should probably go ahead and pack his bags at this point.

Winner: RB Julius Chestnut

Like Garror, Chestnut is a winner for the second straight week. Chestnut was picked to be a captain for the Vikings game and proceeded to have his best performance yet. The former UDFA racked up 98 yards and a rushing TD on 13 carries and also caught a one-yard TD pass.

Vrabel said that Chestnut embodies what he wants his players to be. If that’s not an endorsement, I’m not sure what is.

Loser: DL Jaleel Johnson/DL Naquan Jones

Johnson and Jones are lumped together because they play the same position and have been equally disappointing. Many people had Johnson and Jones making the roster earlier this summer and it made sense. Johnson has starting experience and Jones is familiar with the defense.

However, both have been outplayed. Jones hasn’t played this preseason and Johnson has, but hasn’t contributed on the stat sheet. Kyle Peko, TK McClendon Jr., and Michael Dwumfour have all played well and that’s not even factoring in Jayden Peevy who’s been a camp star. It may be too late for Johnson or Jones to cement their place.

Winner: WR Mason Kinsey

Kinsey is a true underdog story. The speedy receiver played for tiny Berry College and has hung around on practice squads for a couple of seasons now. Is this the year Kinsey makes the team out of camp? I think it could be, especially if Kyle Philips will miss time again.

Kinsey was the leading receiver for the Titans, finishing with four catches for 37 yards. Kinsey also filled in as emergency QB for a couple of plays. It’ll be hard to cut Kinsey after this preseason he’s having.

Loser: WR Kyle Philips

Speaking of Philips, he has to be in the loser category. The young receiver got hurt AGAIN, this time on a punt return. It’s not known how serious the injury is, but he didn’t come back against the Vikings.

Philips ended the day with no catches and one punt return for two yards. Philips has not contributed as a receiver through two games and apparently can’t return punts without getting hurt. I still believe in Philips’ talent, but talent is meaningless if you can’t stay on the field. Kinsey, so far, has been a better, healthier version of Philips.