Titans 24, Vikings 16
Q. Overall thought on your first pre-season win.
A. I thought we were physical. I thought we were able to run the football. Love the way we came out and responded in the second half with not having a very good first half. That was fun to watch. We kind of settled down.
Still got to take care of the football. I think field position was such a huge factor early in the game, the kickoff return that we gave up. Seemed like they were always just at an advantage from a field position.
Then looked like that changed starting with the opening kickoff return and then being able to score and go down there and hit them in there.
Those were some good things.
Q. How do you feel like Malik handled the...
A. Well, I thought there were some good things. Obviously putting the ball in harm's way, but I saw 'em progress through. Saw 'em make some plays when there was some time. We had some drops that hurt 'em, so it's a collective group when you talk about quarterback play, especially young quarterback play.
There were some cool things in the second half where guys gave him some time to progress through. Hit Racey on there third down, and then I liked his decisiveness and using his athletic ability and committing when he did decide to scramble, which that has to be part of his game. He's such a dynamic player that when it's not there and those opportunities present themselves, whether it's 30 yards on a scramble down the sidelines or a 30 yard completion, it's 30 yards.
So a lot of things to improve, but I thought sitting there and getting those guys operating in the four-minute was really good.
Q. (Regarding 80-yard carry, Chestnut.)
A. Sure. And then Jarquez came in there and Mason got a couple rushing yards, and Malik. It's good. It's great. It helps us control the football game. Wanted to get Tyjae some carries early, and obviously reward Julius for the way he's been practicing and how he carries himself. It was great to see those guys take advantage of the opportunity?
Q. (Regarding sacks/Caleb.)
A. Well, had shown some good rushes. Thought he had a good couple days here with the exposure that he had in practice. Told him to keep that coming. Be a lot of things we need to clean up, but certainly some good pressures there by Caleb.
Q. Seems like the O-line did a better job protecting this week. What are your first impressions of how they did?
A. Probably in there a little longer than I wanted them to be. Took them a little bit to get going. Sometimes that's how it goes. Not always going to be perfect every week, and especially to start the game. Felt like they responded and went down and were able to give us a touchdown there.
Q. With Caleb Murphy, how do you feel he's transitioned?
A. There is some awareness things that need to just continue to improve. I think he has shown the ability to pass rush at certain levels, to have some moves that work, reduce the surface area, really cool rush and making an inside move on a tackle tonight.
But do I think there is some awareness things, just bigger football picture things that he needs to continue to work on. He will, and love his attitude. Certainly showed up tonight with a couple pressures.
Q. I know Tyreque was a little bit active early too. Did you want to get him some work since he missed a little bit Thursday, or...
A. He missed a lot early. He missed a lot Thursday, Jim, and so work on Thursday or you can work on Saturday, but you're going to work.
Q. (Indiscernible.)
A. No updates other than trying to protect the guy with the ball. Better.
Q. (Regarding defensive line pieces.)
A. Well, I was happy with the physicality after we got going. You can't start the game -- you know, three and out, first possession, and just took us a little while to get going. Eventually I felt like things were starting to click. Then you build confidence and momentum.
I'll take a look at the game tape and make corrections. Big week coming up with New England.
Q. (Indiscernible.)
A. Physically see where we are at. You know, I don't know how good that will be. And then come out there on Tuesday. Bringing them in Monday at 10:00. Let them get some rest, recovery, get a lift in, and then prepare for our practices again New England.
Q. ...Stay with Will, was it still important to get him to go through pre-game and do everything he could without playing?
A. Yeah, I think just trying to make a decision in the best interest of the player and the team, and so had him warmup and decided that probably be best if he didn't play tonight.
Q. How hard was Mason lobbying?
A. Mason wasn't going to throw the ball. He'll tell you in there I'm sure that he wanted to throw it.
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