Titans: 3 winners and 3 losers from preseason opener
The Tennessee Titans kicked off the preseason with a loss to the Chicago Bears. Everybody knows the final score isn’t important in the preseason, but rather the development of players. With that being said, we did see some impressive performances from a few players.
While a few players performed admirably, a few others may have damaged their chances. Today, I wanted to identify the three players who impressed and the three who disappointed.
Winner: CB Eric Garror
Wait, who? Garror is an undrafted free agent out of Louisiana. The Titans secondary was putrid in 2022, and not many outside additions were made for 2023. This means there are a few spots available for the taking.
After one preseason game, Garror should be considered a favorite to snag a spot. The UDFA collected four tackles, including two tackles for loss. If you watched the game, it felt like you heard Garror’s name on every drive. What doesn’t show up in the box score is the quality tackling displayed by Garror. There were at least two plays that would’ve been huge gains without an open-field tackle by Garror.
Loser: TE Josh Whyle
It might be harsh, but Whyle is probably the reason the Titans lost this game. The rookie tight end let a ball go right through his hands which resulted in an INT. Then, the rookie lost a fumble which killed a promising drive. In a one-score game, those two turnovers ended up being the difference.
Whyle didn’t do much to counteract these negative moments either. The former Bearcat ended with just two catches for nine yards. That’s disappointing considering the TE competition is wide open.
Winner: RB Julius Chestnut
I am a Chestnut fan. He looks much more explosive than Hassan Haskins and is tough to bring down. Chestnut ended the day with seven carries for 46 yards and also added two catches for 15 yards.
I don’t see how Chestnut doesn’t secure the final RB spot. He’s been around and knows the offense, and he just looks much better than Haskins. Speaking of Haskins…
Loser: RB Hassan Haskins
Haskins did have a touchdown yesterday, but ended with just six carries for 12 yards. Haskins also contributed nothing in the passing game and didn’t impress as a returner.
Haskins looks like he has cement in his shoes when returning kicks. I just don’t see what Haskins does that is impressive at all. Chestnut and even Jonathan Ward bring more to the table in my opinion.
Winner: WR Kearis Jackson
Jackson is another UDFA who seems to be making the most of his opportunities. The rookie ended with two catches for 34 yards and returned one kick for 29 yards. Jackson’s 29-yard return was the best of the four returners and both of his catches were impressive grabs.
Jackson looked shifty and quick and might do enough to secure the final receiver slot. He definitely looked serviceable as a returner.
Loser: WR Colton Dowell
Dowell has been automatically given the final WR spot by many, including me, simply because he was drafted. However, there is no way that Dowell can be seen as the favorite at this point.
Unfortunately, Dowell did get injured yesterday. We don’t know how serious, but missing any time at all could ruin his chances to make the team. Kearis Jackson, Reggie Roberson Jr., Tre’Shaun Harrison, and Mason Kinsey all performed well in Dowell’s place yesterday. At this point, Dowell seems ticketed for the practice squad at best as a rookie.