Now that Titans head coach Mike Vrabel has had close to 24 hours to review and reflect on what happened during the Titans’ 27-24 loss to the Jets, he took the time to answer some questions on Monday.
Here are the eight topics that stood out most from Monday’s press conference.
Vrabel on the chance of wide receivers Julio Jones and A.J. Brown practicing this week
“I think there’s always a chance. I don’t know whatever percentage you want to put on that, but always a chance.”
Return of RB Darrynton Evans?
Vrabel said he’s hopeful the team can get running back Darrynton Evans on the practice field on Wednesday. Evans is currently on Injured Reserve. Vrabel also mentioned how they will continue to monitor Brady Breeze and Marcus Johnson who both returned to practice last week.
Going for two was never a consideration at the end of the game
Despite Derrick Henry accounting for over 150 rushing yards and averaging nearly five-yards per carry, Vrabel said he “didn’t even consider going for two (point conversion) and the win (at the end of regulation).”
Instead, following the Titans’ game-tying two-yard touchdown pass to Cam Batson, the Titans chose to have kicker Randy Bullock kick the extra point to tie the game at 24-24. The Titans ended up losing in overtime after Tennessee failed to put the ball in the end zone following a Jets field goal.
Vrabel offers constructive criticism to everyone
“Nobody did well enough – the head coach, assistant coaches, the quarterback…” Vrabel also said “We’ve been through this before. When you lose, we all have to do more, we all have to be better. I am confident that we will. So, we’ll see who we have this week, we’ll see who we have available this week and get them ready to go on the road to play a division team.”
A lot of factors contributed to the Titans allowing quarterback Ryan Tannehill to be sacked seven times on Sunday.
Vrabel: “it’s about targets getting open, it’s about protection, and it’s about the quarterback getting rid of the ball quickly. We need everybody to come together like we do when we have successful plays,” Vrabel said. “Hopefully we can tie (positive plays) into the pass game and not get our quarterback hit and be able to make some plays there.”
Also in regards to allowing seven sacks, Vrabel also said:
“There were times Tannehill needed to get the ball out. But has to be a better pocket, so that when he slides away from one pressure, he’s not sliding into more pressure.”
Vrabel noted the Titans did have positive flashes when rushing Jets quarterback Zach Wilson
“There were times that we affected him, There were times when (we) forced him out, (but) couldn’t tackle him. He made some plays down the field. And there were times where we affected him, and he didn’t make plays down the field – he threw it short to receivers or overthrew receivers.”
Vrabel was asked about rookie cornerback Elijah Molden
“I think we’ll continue to look at Elijah and see how he fits, and see how he can help us,” Vrabel said. “He did a nice job in there blitzing, so we’ll have to make decisions based on game plans and based on who (other teams) have and what their style of play is, and see if he can help us.”
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