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August 11, 2014 at 6:48 pm #28993znModerator
The game is live Sunday at 8 PM ET on Fox.
Last year the Titans were 29th on offense and 27th on defense. Their famous big recent draft picks include Mariota, who is having rookie struggles, and linemen Warmack and Lewan. Their defensive coordinator ought to be familiar to Rams fans—it’s Ray Horton, who until 2014 was the DC in Arizona. They run Horton’s all-too familiar hybrid 3/4 though so far without Arizona’s tough personnel.
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5 questions Titans must answer
The Titans came out of their first preseason game feeling good about some things.
Rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota bounced back from an ugly start to lead a touchdown drive, a quartet of tight ends not named Delanie Walker combined to haul in 10 passes, and the team rallied from an early 17-point deficit to forge a tie.
But just like every team at this point in training camp, there are still questions that must be answered before the start of the regular season. Here are five key questions for the Titans as they prepare for Sunday’s preseason game against St. Louis:
How will the offensive line play out?
The Titans’ offensive line had a healthy, productive offseason and it looked as if the unit, which returned four of five starters, might be a strength for this team. That still might be the case, but the fact that the Titans already are experimenting with changes at left guard and right tackle is not a good sign. The best lines have good chemistry, and shifting players after three weeks of training camp won’t help in that regard. Will Andy Levitre step up his play and hold on to his job? If he doesn’t, is Byron Bell, who’s been a tackle, really the best replacement? The first-team offensive line certainly has to be better than it was against Atlanta, when Mariota was sacked on the first series and Bishop Sankey was held to 15 yards on eight carries.
Will Justin Hunter tease or deliver?
Third-year wide receiver Justin Hunter has picked up his game over the past several days of training camp, flashing his skills and athleticism by making a handful of acrobatic catches. It’s easy to think that he’s on the road to being a difference-maker. But be careful with expectations regarding Hunter because we’ve seen this before. In 2014 training camp, Hunter was tremendous, as he hauled in 10 preseason catches for 217 yards (a 21.7-yard average) and two touchdowns. But when many predicted a 40-, 50- or 60-catch 2014 season, Hunter struggled, posting 28 catches in 12 games. Will this be the year Hunter turns potential into reality?
Is David Cobb the real deal?
The rookie running back looked great in his first preseason game, leading the Titans with 11 carries for 53 yards. Cobb was the embodiment of the North-South style running game that the Titans want to see more of this year, as he picked his holes quickly and powered upfield. But we have to keep in mind that Cobb’s success came in the second half, against reserves and players who might not make the final roster. If Titans coach Ken Whisenhunt chooses to give Cobb some first-team reps this week, it will be interesting to see whether he can repeat his success against first-team defenders.
When will we see mobile Mariota?
Mariota showed a lot of poise in the pocket during the preseason opener, choosing to hold onto the ball and look for multiple receivers instead of panicking at the first sign of pressure. That was good news for the Titans. Still, Mariota’s foot speed is one of his top assets, so it will be interesting to see how much impact he has when scrambling. Along the same lines, the Titans are sure to incorporate some read-option into their playbook this year, in order to take advantage of Mariota’s mobility. Will they break it out much in the preseason or hold it in check until the regular season?
Are the first-team defense problems temporary?
A year ago in the preseason, four consecutive opponents — Green Bay, New Orleans, Atlanta and Minnesota — scored touchdowns on their first drives. At the time, the Titans vowed things would be different during the regular season, but poor defense proved to be a huge issue throughout the year. Things didn’t start on a very good note for the Titans on Friday in Atlanta, when they allowed the Falcons’ first-team offense to roll 91 yards in 10 plays for a touchdown. Matt Ryan was 6-for-6 on the opening drive. No one is saying the preseason is guaranteed to forecast the regular season, but at some point – if only for their own confidence – the first-team defenders have to get an early stop.
August 11, 2014 at 6:48 pm #3809RamBillParticipantSetting up Rams’ preseason Week 2
By Nick Wagonerhttp://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/10401/setting-up-rams-preseason-week-two
EARTH CITY, Mo. — The St. Louis Rams went through their first game week last week, albeit a shortened week with a Friday night preseason opener against the New Orleans Saints.
This week will have a little different feel as the Rams have an additional day of preparation because their second preseason game is set for Saturday afternoon against the Green Bay Packers at the Edward Jones Dome. Saturday’s game will be the second and final home contest of the preseason for the Rams.
Here’s the Rams’ practice schedule for the week:
Monday: 3:30 p.m. CT (open to fans)
Tuesday: 5:30 p.m. CT (open to fans)
Wednesday: 5:30 p.m. (special teams practice, closed to fans)
Thursday: 3:30 p.m. CT (open to fans)The Rams will have their normal day before the game workout on Friday, a workout closed to both media and fans before Saturday afternoon’s kickoff.
This week should provide a little better look at who the Rams want to be in 2014 as coach Jeff Fisher estimated his team will get 15 or 16 of its players back from injury in time for the game against the Packers. We’ll keep tabs on which starters get back in the mix throughout the week and we should see more of those starters Saturday after nine sat out last week.
Included in that group is quarterback Sam Bradford. Fisher has said he’s unsure how much Bradford will play against the Packers but did acknowledge that the quarterback will get his first live game reps since his 2013 ACL injury.
After this week, the Rams travel to Cleveland and Miami to wrap up the exhibition schedule.
August 20, 2015 at 12:15 pm #28997znModeratorTitans vs. Rams: Previewing St. Louis’ Preseason Week 2 Matchup
By Steven Gerwel
The St. Louis Rams will face off with the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Aug. 23, for Week 2 of the NFL preseason.
The team is coming off an 18-3 loss to the Oakland Raiders, so fans are eager to see it bounce back and correct many of the mistakes from last week.
Indeed, the preseason opener was an undisciplined mess. The game ended with 10 penalties and just a single scoring drive. It’s the same old problems that have been weighing down the team for years. If these problems are not squashed soon, St. Louis will be in trouble when Week 1 arrives.
The Rams will attempt to win back the fans with a stellar effort against the Titans. If St. Louis can get the offense rolling and cut back on penalties, the optimism will suddenly make a comeback.
This article will break down St. Louis’ matchup with the Titans, including the latest headlines, key matchups, predictions and more.
Location: Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN
Time: 8 p.m. ET
TV: KTVI Fox (St. Louis Local)
Latest Injury News
CB E.J. Gaines (Foot)
Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com confirmed on Sunday, Aug. 16, that second-year cornerback E.J. Gaines will miss the 2015 season with a foot injury. Gaines started 15 games in 2014 and was considered one of the more reliable members of the secondary.
RB Todd Gurley (Knee)
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported on Twitter this past Tuesday that rookie running back Todd Gurley is still being limited to individual drills.
OL Rodger Saffold (Shoulder)
Rodger Saffold left Saturday’s game against the Raiders with a shoulder injury. Thomas reported on Twitter this week that he’s being held out of practice.
LB Daren Bates (Knee)
According to the Associated Press (via Fox Sports), Daren Bates sprained his MCL in last week’s game against the Raiders.
OL Cody Wichmann
Rookie offensive lineman Cody Wichmann was held out of practice on Tuesday, according to Thomas. He didn’t specify the details of Wichmann’s injury.
Key Matchups
Front Seven vs. Marcus Mariota
The Rams play in the NFC West, which means the front seven has to be comfortable shutting down scrambling quarterbacks. The team will face both Russell Wilson and Colin Kaepernick twice this season, so the group must work hard at containing dual-threat passers.
This week’s matchup with Marcus Mariota will be a great opportunity for practice.
Mariota did not acquire any rushing yards in his preseason debut, but we know he’s perfectly capable of torching a defense with his legs based on his college career.
Containing Mariota and providing relentless pressure should be a top priority.
Rams Secondary vs. Tennessee Receivers
Last week, when Tennessee took on the Atlanta Falcons, the Titans quarterbacks had a combined total of just four incompletions, and 12 different receivers caught passes.
Few people view the Titans as an aerial powerhouse, but there’s no doubt their passing attack was in sync last week. It will be a great challenge for the St. Louis defensive backs.
The Titans have big, physical receivers in Chase Coffman (6’6″, 250 lbs) and Dorial Green-Beckham (6’5″, 237 lbs) as well as speedy receivers in Jacoby Ford and Kendall Wright. It’s a diverse group capable of attacking opponents in a variety of ways.
If the Rams hold the Titans to a 60 percent combined completion rate with no backbreaking plays over 20 yards, it should be considered a major success.
Matchup X-Factors
The Ground Game
Last week’s ground production was abysmal. Four of the six St. Louis backs averaged three yards per carry or fewer. The top two backs on the depth chart—Tre Mason and Benny Cunningham—were held to 18 yards on five carries.
That’s not what you’d expect from a team that’s been hyped all offseason long as a ground-and-pound offense.
In fact, it’s safe to say that the lack of a run game is a big reason why the Rams were held to just one scoring drive against the Raiders. It constantly put the offense in 3rd-and-long situations.
The Rams just spent four draft picks on road-paving linemen, not to mention last year’s No. 2 overall selection, Greg Robinson, who earned his lofty draft status for his ferocious run blocking.
The line is built to open run lanes, so there’s no excuse for last week’s lack of push from the front five. It was just a lazy, uninspiring effort, and it needs to end this week.
If the Rams want the offense to pick it up, the five blockers up front have to wake up.
Nick Foles and the Passing Game
Even though Nick Foles took a couple of hits under center last week, there were still some inspiring moments between him and his receivers.
He hit Lance Kendricks for a 26-yard gain on the first play from scrimmage. On the very next play, he hit Tavon Austin with a quick pass, and Austin took it for a 35-yard gain. The drive nearly ended with a Foles touchdown pass to Jared Cook, but Cook came just shy of securing the tough catch.
It’s understandable that the coaching staff does not want Foles exposed too long, especially behind St. Louis’ brutal offensive line, but it’d still be nice to see more from him in this game.
Foles had a nice debut, going 3-of-5 with 69 yards. If the coaches decide to give him a full quarter, it’ll really give us a chance to see what this offense is made of.
Prediction: Titans 20, Rams 13
Rams fans want to see more out of the offense, but it’s likely that the coaches will keep it vanilla until the regular season. With that said, expect another dry performance on the offensive side of the ball.
The game might have more excitement if the coaches decide to keep Foles and the starters in for over a quarter, but don’t count on it. After last year’s season-ending injury to Sam Bradford in the preseason, Fisher is likely terrified of a potential repeat. He’ll understandably keep Foles around for just two or three drives.
As for the defense, expect the starters to shut down the Tennessee offense completely. Then, after the starting St. Louis defense is yanked from the game, the Titans will slowly but surely acquire points against St. Louis’ undisciplined backups.
However, the final score is meaningless in the preseason. As long as the starting offense produces a pair of scoring drives, including at least one touchdown, Rams fans should be happy with that result.
August 20, 2015 at 12:20 pm #28998AgamemnonParticipantAugust 20, 2015 at 12:50 pm #28999canadaramParticipantIs David Cobb the real deal?
As a fan of the Gophers I carry a bias on this one, but I think Cobb will be great. I’m excited to see him play. Obviously I am more excited about seeing Gurley play someday, but the Titans got a real gem in Cobb.
Aside from that I’d like to see good health for the Rams.
August 20, 2015 at 9:14 pm #29029AgamemnonParticipantRams off the practice field. Fisher says Foles and most starters will play more vs. Tennessee on Sunday night.
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) August 21, 2015
August 21, 2015 at 3:53 pm #29086znModeratorJeff Fisher looking forward to return to Tennessee
Nick Wagoner, ESPN Staff Writer
EARTH CITY, Mo. — The Tennessee Titans plan to pay homage to St. Louis Rams coach Jeff Fisher when the teams meet in Sunday night’s preseason game. The plan is apparently for a video tribute to be shown at some point during or before the game, not that Fisher will get much of a chance to stop and watch.
“That’s the first that I’ve heard of it,” Fisher said. “So I’ll probably miss it. Coaches on the sideline don’t watch stuff on the board.”
But that doesn’t mean Fisher’s first trip back to the place where he spent 16 and a half years of his coaching career doesn’t hold some meaning for Fisher. Sunday marks Fisher’s first time coaching in Tennessee since he and the Titans parted ways after the 2010 season.
Not one to show much emotion, Fisher downplayed the return to Nashville but did acknowledge that he still holds a special place for his time with the Titans.
“You know, it’s a preseason game and it’s an opportunity for us to get better,” Fisher said. “I had great memories down there, but obviously it’s been a while. I guess I’d say I’d rather go down there for a preseason game than a regular game, but we’re looking forward to it. There’s some other guys in addition to myself that have some special memories there.”
Indeed, the Rams have seven members of the coaching staff and five players who at one time or another spent time with the Titans organization but none have the longstanding history that Fisher shares with the franchise.
Fisher coached the Titans from midway through the 1994 seasons through 2010. In that time, he led Tennessee to six playoff appearances, three division titles, two AFC championship games and one Super Bowl appearance. He won 147 games, the most in franchise history.
It’s those wins, and the players who helped him get them, that Fisher points to as his fondest recollections.
“I have great memories,” Fisher said. “The thing reflecting back, it’s the relationships with the players. All of the players that came through there, getting through the move process, the relocation process, and then the ’99 season and the 2000 season, where I think we had a better team than we did in ’99. It didn’t work out for us. It’s a great organization. I owe a tremendous amount to the Adams family for the opportunity. We won a lot of games down there.”
While this is Fisher’s first trip back as a coach of a different team — namely the one that beat Tennessee in that Super Bowl — it’s not his first trip back to Nashville. Fisher kept his property in the area and makes it back every once in awhile, including for the annual charity golf tournament held in honor of former offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger, who died from cancer in 2011.
As with most divorces, Fisher says he’s unsure of what kind of reception he’ll get upon returning to Tennessee. So instead, he’s opting to deflect the focus to his team.
“I don’t know what to expect,” Fisher said. “I just know we’re going to go down there, focus on trying to get better and play time and keep people healthy and playing hard. [Titans coach] Ken [Whisenhunt] has done a good job down there and they have an outstanding, young quarterback. So it’ll be a good challenge for our defense.”
Nearly five years removed, it’s probably safe to expect that Fisher will be greeted warmly as the positive memories of winning linger longer than anything else.
August 21, 2015 at 3:57 pm #29090znModeratorJeff Fisher says Rams’ starters snaps will increase against Titans
Nick Wagoner, ESPN Staff Writer
EARTH CITY, Mo. — St. Louis Rams coach Jeff Fisher has been alternately predictable and unpredictable when it comes to preseason playing time for his starters.
Fisher has made a habit of gradually building the starters’ reps from game to game in his three years with the Rams. But he’s also taken a different approach to the later games on the exhibition slate, sometimes using the fourth game as the dress rehearsal and sometimes using the fourth game as most teams do with starters sitting out (as he did in 2014).
Entering Sunday’s second preseason game against the Tennessee Titans, Fisher sounds like a coach in the gradual build mode.
“We’re going to increase everybody’s reps depending on the series and things like that,” Fisher said. “The one thing that we did get which is really important for us, where we are now, is we got great reps against Dallas [earlier this week]. So as I said, we almost got an extra preseason game. We’ll increase reps, but some guys may play less. We’ll give Nick [Foles] a chance to play a little bit.”
In the preseason opener against the Oakland Raiders, Rams starters played two series on each side of the ball before calling it a night. The total work amounted to almost the entire first quarter before turning to the backups.
But, as Fisher indicated, there’s always wiggle room for things to change. If, for example, Foles is able to lead a long scoring drive or two, he might not play into the second quarter. Early success often translates to an earlier finish to the night. And the Rams don’t seem intent on letting their defensive starters play too much, believing that the group is all but ready and knowing that cornerback E.J. Gaines has already been lost for the season because of injury.
As for what Fisher would like to see from his team this week, he points to many of the things that most would point to when it comes to the Rams in the preseason. Which is to say he’s looking for improvement in the areas that continue to plague them in the exhibition season.
“Well, we want to keep the penalties down,” Fisher said. “I’d like to see the run game continue to improve. It’s the same thing with the defense, defense against the run. When you tackle and just do those things, it’s a progression. Progression, it’s about improvement so that’s what we’re looking for.”
August 21, 2015 at 4:20 pm #29092snowmanParticipantIs David Cobb the real deal?
As a fan of the Gophers I carry a bias on this one, but I think Cobb will be great. I’m excited to see him play. Obviously I am more excited about seeing Gurley play someday, but the Titans got a real gem in Cobb.
Aside from that I’d like to see good health for the Rams.
Hey Gopher fan! I live in Minnesota and watch/listen to the Gopher games. I agree with you that Cobb can be an excellent running back. The Gophers have a knack for producing quality RBs in the NFL.
August 21, 2015 at 6:50 pm #29093canadaramParticipantHey Gopher fan! I live in Minnesota and watch/listen to the Gopher games. I agree with you that Cobb can be an excellent running back. The Gophers have a knack for producing quality RBs in the NFL.
I’m just a “little” ways up the road from you along the north shore of Lake Superior. We visit the state frequently. I was in Tofte last week.
When I was a kid our American TV feed came from Duluth. Now we get some Minneapolis channels. Lots of Vikings fans where I live. Anyway, I’ve always been a fan of Big Ten sports in general, but over the years I have followed the Gophers more closely. I love the Big Ten Network, I find it much more watchable than the NFL Network.
Anyway, Cobb was a beast last year. They used him a lot, but I hope his relative lack of touches in his previous years allows him to have a productive NFL career.
August 22, 2015 at 5:53 pm #29130InvaderRamModeratori want to see this offense get as much practice in as possible in the preseason. not just the offensive line but the entire offense. i’m not as worried about the defense. but with a new quarterback. a new offensive line. and a new coordinator. it’s important that this team get off to a quick start.
again. the defense is mostly intact. so i worry less. but i’d like to see this offense get an entire half against tennessee.
August 22, 2015 at 7:00 pm #29136znModeratorRams-Titans: Five Things to Watch
NORM SANDERS
News-Democrathttp://www.bnd.com/sports/nfl/st-louis-rams/article31892430.html#storylink=cpy
Here are five things to watch when the St. Louis Rams travel to Tennessee to take on the Titans in their second NFL preseason contest (7 p.m. TV: Fox Channel 2 (national broadcast); Radio: WXOS-FM 101.1):
1. Will the Rams’ potentially dominant front seven terrorize Titans rookie and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota?
They may not be in there for long, and don’t expect to see some of defensive coordinator Gregg Williams’ more exotic schemes, but the Rams’ fearsome front seven should give Mariota and the Titans’ offensive line all it can handle early. With backups seeing plenty of time in the loss to the Raiders last week, linebacker Bryce Hager led the way with eight tackles and backup defensive tackle Louis had seven. Cornerback Lamarcus Joyner, whose role increases because of the season-ending foot injury to former starter E.J. Gaines, has a lot to gain with more good performances.
2. With left guard Rodger Saffold (shoulder) out, how will a vastly inexperienced Rams offensive line hold up against the Titans?
Brandon Washington got the bulk of the work at left guard last week when Saffold was injured early in the Raiders game. A 27-year-old former sixth-round pick out of the University of Miami, Washington was beaten for one sack last week but played well otherwise and hopes to take advantage of this opportunity. Look for rookie right tackle Rob Havenstein and rookie right guard Jamon Brown to see a lot of action, too, while the situation at center remains unsettled though Barrett Jones remains listed as the starter.
3. Will the Rams stay with a lot of short drops and quick-out passes or begin taking shots down the field?
In his time in St. Louis, Fisher rarely shows his hand much when it comes to fully unveiling the offensive package. Former Eagles quarterback Nick Foles continues to develop chemistry with his new group of receivers and seems to have formed a close bond with tight end Jared Cook. With short pass plays, maybe the Rams can find a way to make better use of former eighth overall pick Tavon Austin this season.
4. With first-round pick and former Georgia star running back Todd Gurley out of the lineup indefinitely, will Tre Mason and Benny Cunningham develop as a solid force in the backfield?
Gurley will eventually return and the Rams’ didn’t use a first-round pick on him to see him as anything less than a featured back. But before then it’s an opportunity for Mason and Cunningham to continue to cement themselves as durable and effective NFL running backs. Mason ranked second among all rookie running backs last season with 765 yards despite not playing in the first four games. The versatile Cunningham had 246 yards rushing and three touchdowns in 2014 along with 45 pass receptions and also was one of the top kickoff return men in the league.
5. Will former Titans head coach Jeff Fisher receive a warm welcome in his first trip back to Nashville since joining the Rams?
Of course he will. Were it not for a dramatic tackle near the goal line by Rams linebacker Mike Jones that stopped Titans receiver Kevin Dyson just short of scoring, Fisher’s Tennessee Titans would have beaten the Rams in the 2000 Super Bowl.
August 22, 2015 at 7:00 pm #29137znModeratorFive Players to Watch at Titans
Myles Simmons
As we get closer to Sunday’s 7 p.m. CT kickoff, here are five players to watch in the Rams’ preseason matchup against the Titans.
1) Trumaine Johnson – No. 22
The cornerback had a standout performance in St. Louis’ contest against Oakland last week with a key pass breakup and an interception in the end zone. He continued his strong work during practice with the Cowboys in Oxnard, especially during a one-on-one drill with Dallas’ wide receivers. Head coach Jeff Fisher said this week Johnson’s strong play has to do with a solid offseason.
“He was there every day. He’s worked. He’s taken care of his body and he’s determined,” Fisher said. “If you get in that third and fourth year and play like he has, you should start making those plays when you have that kind of ability.”
Johnson likely will not play too much, as it’s still the second preseason game. But last week illustrated that the cornerback can make a significant impact in only a few possessions.
2) Chris Givens – No. 19
Last week, Givens led the Rams with four catches for 36 yards, and also had a 16-yard run. The wideout was sporting a new number (19, switched over from 13) to honor a friend who passed away. On Sunday, Givens will have a chance to continue to make an impact, as he’ll likely continue to see some good playing time. His reliable hands and quickness should aid any quarterback with whom he plays.
3) Ethan Westbrooks – No. 93
An undrafted free agent from West Texas A&M last year, Westbrooks has been working inside at defensive tackle a bit more than he did as a rookie. One of the reasons the D-lineman made the 53-man roster in 2014 was his versatility, and that seems to be paying dividends as the 2015 season approaches. Westbrooks has done a good job of disrupting the backfield in practice. He especially did so when the team worked with the Cowboys this week, even picking off a Tony Romo pass. Look for Westbrooks to continue breaking through the offensive line on Sunday.
4) Center position
The three-way battle for the center spot is ongoing, and this game may be an opportunity for one of Tim Barnes, Barrett Jones, and Demetrius Rhaney to emerge as a front runner. Barnes got the start between guards Rodger Saffold and Jamon Brown last week, but it remains to be seen if that will be the case against Tennessee. What’s more, Rhaney saw time at left guard in practice with the Cowboys this week while Saffold recovers from tweaking his right shoulder in the Oakland matchup. Either way, keep an eye on Nos. 61, 67, and 65 for that center position battle.
5) Matt Longacre – No. 63 (DEF)
Longacre is an undrafted free agent out of Northwest Missouri State, and made significant contributions against the Raiders last Friday. The defensive end led the Rams with three quarterback pressures and also tallied a QB hit, according to the coaches’ tape review. As a player in the crowded and talented defensive line room, Longacre may have only an outside shot at making St. Louis’ 53-man roster. But with a few more performances like last week, Longacre could play himself into the conversation.
August 22, 2015 at 11:17 pm #29143znModeratorRemember the Titans for Fisher
Jim Thomas
NASHVILLE • First and foremost for coach Jeff Fisher, it’s the middle of the preseason. He’ll be thinking about fewer penalties, more productive offense, and avoiding injuries for his Rams when they kick off at 7 p.m. Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.
But surely there will be a time or two when he looks around what is now known as Nissan Stadium and remembers his long tenure with the Tennessee franchise.
He started in 1994 as a defensive coordinator for the Houston Oilers. Before the season was out he replaced Jack Pardee as head coach and retained that title for the next 16 seasons, through the franchise’s move to Tennessee in 1997 — first Memphis and then Nashville.
Sunday’s nationally-televised game (KTVI, Channel 2) marks his first game in the stadium since 2010. So preseason or not, it will be meaningful for Fisher.
“I have great memories,” Fisher said. “The thing reflecting back, it’s the relationships with the players. All of the players that came through there. Getting through the move process, the relocation process.
“And then the ’99 season and the 2000 season where I think we had a better team than we did in ’99. It didn’t work out for us. But it’s a great organization. I owe a tremendous amount to the (Bud) Adams family for the opportunity. We won a lot of games down there.”
A total of 147 victories to be exact. Fisher guided the Titans to six playoff berths, three division titles, and an AFC title in that ’99 season, losing to Dick Vermeil’s Rams 23-16 in Super Bowl XXXIV.
The Titans haven’t been to the playoffs since Fisher left and are 24-40 over that span.
“Fisher was Nashville,” said Rams defensive end Williams Hayes, one of five current Rams players who once played for the Titans. “He was one of the most loved guys there. So I’m pretty sure it’s gonna be heartfelt when he goes out there. I don’t think he’ll be bitter or angry. I’m pretty sure he likes his situation just as much as I do here (with the Rams).”
At some point during the contest, the Titans plan a video tribute to Fisher. Nothing elaborate, but a tribute nonetheless.
“That’s the first I’ve heard of it,” Fisher said after Thursday’s practice at Rams Park. “I’ll probably miss it. Coaches on the sideline don’t watch stuff on the board.”
Fisher still has a place on the outskirts of Nashville, and makes it back occasionally, including the annual Drive 4 Dinger charity golf tournament and auction. The event honors the memory of Mike Heimerdinger, Fisher’s former offensive coordinator with the Titans who died of cancer in 2011.
At least in terms of playing his former team, Fisher got that out of his system to a degree in 2013 when his Rams suffered a wrenching 28-21 midseason loss to the Titans. Hayes was so upset with the defeat that he shattered a mirror in the locker room that bloodied his arm and required stitches to close. That game was at the Edward Jones Dome, however. This one’s in Music City.
“You know, it’s a preseason game and it’s an opportunity for us to get better,” Fisher said. “I had great memories down there, but obviously it’s been a while. I guess I’d rather go down there for a preseason game than a regular game, but we’re looking forward to it. There’s some other guys in addition to myself that have some special memories there.”
Besides Fisher, six members of his Rams coaching staff once coached or played for Tennessee: assistant head coach Dave McGinnis, defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, senior defensive assistant Chuck Cecil, wide receivers coach Ray Sherman, linebackers coach Frank Bush and assistant linebackers coach Frank Bush.
Besides Hayes, four other Rams players once played for the Titans: tight end Jared Cook, wide receiver Kenny Britt, linebacker Akeem Ayers and wide receiver Damian Williams.
“It’s the first time I’ve been back there since I left,” Hayes said. “I haven’t been back to Nashville, not even to visit.”
Hayes spent his first four seasons with the Titans after they drafted him in the fourth round in 2008 out of Winston-Salem State. He signed with the Rams after the 2011 season as an unrestricted free agent.
“The atmosphere on Sundays was awesome there,” Hayes said. “I had great teammates out there. I had a good time when I was there. But my time in St. Louis, I think has been even better. That’s not a knock towards Tennessee, but it’s just the organization all-around is just amazing in St. Louis, and I love coming to work every day. It’s been good.”
As is usually the case in second preseason games, Fisher plans to play his starters on both sides of the ball into the second quarter.
“But the one thing that we did get, which is really important for us, where we are now, is we got great reps against Dallas,” Fisher said. “So as I said, we almost got an extra preseason game. So we’ll increase reps (against Tennessee) but some guys may play less. We’ll give Nick (Foles) a chance to play a little bit.”
Offensive guard Rodger Saffold will be held out of Sunday’s game after tweaking his shoulder in the preseason opener against Oakland. But defensive end Chris Long, who sat out the Raiders game because of a back issue, is expected to make his preseason debut.
“We want to keep the penalties down,” Fisher said. “I’d like to see the run game continue to improve. It’s the same thing with the defense — defense against the run. When you tackle and just do those things, it’s a progression. It’s about improvement, so that’s what we’re looking for.”
August 23, 2015 at 9:37 am #29158znModerator5 things to watch: Rams at Titans
Jim Thomas
NEXT IN LINE
It’s Round 2 in the competition for backup QB behind Nick Foles. Case Keenum, who played three series against Oakland, remains in the lead over Austin Davis. Keenum completed 12 of 17 passes, reaching Raiders territory twice but without scoring. Davis was in for only one series, and didn’t have time to do much behind the third-string line.
ON GUARD
With starting LG Rodger Saffold (shoulder) sitting this one out, Brandon Washington gets the start in Nashville. Washington had a rough beginning after Saffold went down early against Oakland, yielding sacks on back-to-back plays. Washington, who is not assured of a roster spot at this point, needs to do better Sunday night in Nissan Stadium.
THE RUN GAME
First-round draft pick Todd Gurley won’t play in the preseason, but that doesn’t mean the Rams aren’t grooming their ground game. The team gained 86 yards and 4.1 yards a carry against the Raiders, with seven players carrying at least once. Those are OK numbers, but coach Jeff Fisher says the team needs to be more productive running the ball against the Titans.
OFFENSE, OFFENSE
The Rams had only three points, 15 first downs, and 285 yards in the opener against Oakland. Sure, it’s the preseason, but no matter who’s in the game that can’t be acceptable. The Rams had only nine plays all evening go for more than nine yards. A sustained drive or two — and a touchdown or two — shouldn’t be asking for too much.
FLAG FOOTBALL
Reducing penalties has been a point of emphasis in camp. So 10 penalties against Oakland, with four more either declined or negated by offsetting flags, wasn’t what Fisher was looking for in the preseason opener. Granted, many of those penalties were committed by players who won’t make the final roster, but Fisher wants a cleaner game.
August 23, 2015 at 9:52 am #29159AgamemnonParticipantAugust 23, 2015 at 9:58 am #29160bnwBlockedRams-Titans: Five Things to Watch
NORM SANDERS
News-DemocratWere it not for a dramatic tackle near the goal line by Rams linebacker Mike Jones that stopped Titans receiver Kevin Dyson just short of scoring, Fisher’s Tennessee Titans would have beaten the Rams in the 2000 Super Bowl.
So Norm Sanders knows that the Titans would have went for the 2 point conversion and made it? What BS. Lazy writing Norm.
The upside to being a Rams fan is heartbreak.
Sprinkles are for winners.
August 23, 2015 at 10:12 am #29161znModeratorI read that Tenn. uses a 3-4 defense. That puts a NT on the C and the pass rush can be harder to pick up. Also, it is harder to run wide.
It’s the same defensive coordinator they had in ARZ until last year (Ray Horton). That guy always gave the Rams fits. They also hired coach Dick LeBeau.
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Titans’ defensive struggles continue vs. FalconsNASHVILLE — Marcus Mariota has a great excuse for a rough start to the first NFL preseason game of his career, and the rookie quarterback shook off three bad plays pretty nicely.
Now if only the Tennessee defense could say as much.
Mariota rebounded from being sacked, intercepted and fumbling a ball returned for a touchdown in the span of five plays by driving the Titans to a touchdown Friday night in a 31-24 loss to Atlanta.
The defense that added veteran coach Dick LeBeau this offseason gave up an opening TD drive, something the Titans struggled with last preseason.
Coach Ken Whisenhunt said Saturday he was more disappointed by how his Titans played, not keeping their eyes in the right spots and losing players on some of the Falcons’ bootlegs.
“That disappoints me more than anything because we worked so hard on that,” Whisenhunt said. “On the other side of that, you got to also say that they didn’t run the ball on us very well, which is one of the things we needed to do. We needed to be better against the run, and we were effective last night until the fourth quarter.”
Well, the Falcons didn’t have a run for more than 2 yards on the opening drive. They didn’t have to run with Matt Ryan, who played only one series against Tennessee, completing all six of his passes with only one for less than 12 yards. Ryan drove them 91 yards in 10 plays for an efficient drive.
“Those are things we’ve got to clean up,” Whisenhunt said. “We’ve done a good job trying to get those done in practice, and when you get into a game for the first time and you don’t know what the opponent’s going to do it’s difficult. We didn’t handle it very well. So we’ll hopefully learn from that and do a little better this week.”
That will be Aug. 23 when the Titans and Mariota play their preseason home opener against the St. Louis Rams.
The Titans ranked 27th in total defense last season, giving up 373 yards per game. They were next to last giving up 137.2 yards rushing. That’s why they signed linebacker Brian Orakpo, cornerback Perrish Cox and safety Da’Norris Searcy this offseason
But the Titans didn’t game plan for the Falcons, and the preseason isn’t the place to show off all the zone blitzes LeBeau and coordinator Ray Horton can call. They also played without starting cornerback Jason McCourty, who has missed the past week with a sore groin muscle, and cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson, who has been competing with Cox to start opposite McCourty.
Luckily, the Titans have the Heisman Trophy winner as they try to rebuild the offense. Whisenhunt said Mariota had the ball knocked from his hand on the fumble when the rookie already was looking at tight end Anthony Fasano, his third read in the progression on that play.
The sack came when center Brian Schwenke was tripped by right guard Chance Warmack, and Whisenhunt blamed miscommunication between running back Bishop Sankey and Mariota for the interception.
Mariota played 20 snaps, and the rookie from Oregon hit on 7 of 8 passes for 94 yards, essentially staying in the pocket this game. On the touchdown drive, he dropped back and found Harry Douglas for a 17-yarder on third-and-12. Mariota also converted another third down with a pass to Antonio Andrews.
“The questions, if we all remember, is can he do it in the pocket?” Whisenhunt said. “And I think he’s shown that he’s made a lot of strides that way.”
August 23, 2015 at 4:01 pm #29174znModeratorTitans expect Marcus Mariota to get blitzed
Titans Insider
John GlennonAn NFL coaching veteran of nearly two decades, the Titans’ Ken Whisenhunt can recall times — not necessarily all that long ago — when head coaches might reach out to one another before preseason games, informally discussing things like the amount of blitzing that might go on.
All that, however, apparently has changed.
“As far as when it changed, I don’t know,” Whisenhunt said. “We used to communicate, maybe, sometimes. But we don’t (now). I’ve had no communication with any of the other coaches.”
Preseason blitzing might become a topic of interest Sunday, when the Titans play host to ever-aggressive defensive coordinator Gregg Williams and the St. Louis Rams. It was Williams who created a stir back in the 2011 preseason when his Saints defense relentlessly pressured San Francisco’s then-rookie quarterback Colin Kaepernick, blitzing on 32 of the game’s 46 pass plays, according to one reporter.
Should the Titans expect their prized rookie quarterback, Marcus Mariota, to face plenty of blitzing?
“There is no unwritten code of anything I know of (regarding blitzes in the preseason),” Whisenhunt said. “If there is, I’ve missed the boat on it. They’re going to do what they do. We’re going to do what we do. So we’ll see.
“I anticipate they’ll bring pressure. That’s what they do. I know that’s what their philosophy defensively is.”
Titans quarterbacks coach John McNulty said Mariota can benefit from working against preseason blitzes.
“I’d like to see how we operate against it in person before we get into the opening game (of the regular season),” McNulty said. “I feel pretty good about where we are in it (during practice), but you like to see it live.
“I know some people think that teams shouldn’t (blitz during the preseason). I don’t know why. I don’t think there’s any code like, ‘You shouldn’t blitz.’
“I think it will be good for us to see how we operate into a blitz. We’re obviously going to get blitzed the first week in Tampa.”
August 23, 2015 at 5:01 pm #29175PA RamParticipant"Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away. " Philip K. Dick
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