August 19, 2025 • 27 mins
Amie Wells is joined by Will Boling to recap the Titans' 10 day roadtrip in Tampa Bay and Atlanta. Plus, Amie sits down with Arden Key to discuss his growth as a leader on defense and his love for dancing.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:07):
This is the OTP and I'm Amy Wells and I'm
joined by Titans sideline reporter Will Bowling. Well, you do
other things too, but I don't care about those things
because you are predominantly on the sidelines for Titans Radium. Yes,
and you are coming off of back to back road games,
which is crazy. The Titans are finally going to be
(00:28):
playing at home this week. It feels like we've seen
a lot of football, but it hasn't been in Nashville.
So the Titans getting ready to take on the Vikings
at Nissan Stadium seven o'clock on Friday. We cannot wait.
But you've seen a lot of things, so I guess
we just have to start with some of your initial.
Speaker 2 (00:48):
Kind of maybe reflections.
Speaker 1 (00:49):
Yeah, from your first two games on the road as
a sideline reporter, did you like it?
Speaker 2 (00:55):
Did you have fun?
Speaker 3 (00:56):
Loved it the most fun? No, it has been so
much fun. And I know there are a lot of
fans that are excited to see cam Ward play in
person this week in Nissan Stadium. The way I was
a couple of weeks ago in Tampa and Boyle Boy,
there was so much I learned about this football team,
about the way these guys are growing together as a team.
(01:17):
You spend ten days away with a group of ninety
other players, you're going to get to know them pretty well,
and I think this team certainly achieved that over the
last few weeks. But my goodness, from the starters, the
way cam Ward is interacting with veterans, always on the
front of the sideline, talking with Jeffrey Simmons, looking on
the tablet with Tyler Lockett, while Brandon Allen and the
(01:38):
twos have been out there the way he and JC
Latham are hyping up guys that are rookies and battling
for spots on the field, to the way this defense
has really been flying around and some really interesting position
battles I think specifically on the defensive side of the
ball that we've seen change and ebb and flow a
little bit over this ten day trip.
Speaker 4 (01:57):
There is so much to.
Speaker 3 (01:58):
Get to and I think there is a lot of
excitement around just the energy and the overall dynamic of
this football team. I really think they grew a lot
closer as a team, as a ninety one player unit
over the last week, and we.
Speaker 1 (02:10):
Know that was the point, the whole reason that they
did this back to back road games. Thing was so
that they could build that camaraderie, they could have that
experience of overcoming something hard and now to see it
actually have an impact on the field, especially going from
that first preseason game to the second where they got
that win and you saw them kind of rally together.
I mean, the game against the Atlanta Falcons was a
(02:33):
real game, like it was a close game, and so
to see them come together find ways to overcome maybe
a bad moment, a play that didn't go the way
they wanted it to, but still rise above that adversity
and win the ballgame.
Speaker 2 (02:46):
That was kind of the whole point of the trip,
right it was.
Speaker 3 (02:49):
And I think too you talk about situational parts of
a game where there's a four minute drive in the
fourth quarter where you gotta have points to take the lead.
In a twenty to twenty ball game, there's a pressure
field goal that's got to be made, albeit a very
short one, but still details that need to be ironed
out there, not only for Joey Slive, but for his holder,
Johnny Hecker for longstaff, or Morgan Cox for the entire
(03:10):
protection team there, and for a guy like Joe Gaziano
who gets a sack on the last drive for the
Atlanta Falcons to kind of put that game away and
keep Atlanta out of field goal range where they could
have tied it. Obviously, preseason, you're playing for the win.
You're not playing much for a tie to sending it
gave it overtime because there is though overtime. But the
only way you learn what a player looks like in
(03:31):
a game setting is by putting them in a game
setting and see how they either rise to the occasion
or not meet the moment when the live bullets start flying.
And I think for a lot of players and for
a lot of position battles, we saw that. I think
for a guy like safety Kendall Brooks who gets his
pick six, gets his big moment, that's the kind of
play on film that really goes a long way where
(03:52):
not only did you get your hands on a football,
you caught the football, and you also created points for
your team. That's the kind of film that goes a
long way. And for Cedric Gray as well, I know
in preseason it's a little bit different because although that
play gets wiped off for offsetting penalties, Cedric Gray is
still going to count that as an interception in preseason
and in training camp. So I think you really saw
(04:14):
this defense take a big step from week one in
Tampa to week two. I know Brian Callahan that was
his main objective. Let's take the things that we weren't
great at in Tampa, let's get a little bit better
at them and show progress.
Speaker 4 (04:26):
And I think they did that in Atlanta.
Speaker 1 (04:27):
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Speaker 2 (04:55):
Now back to the OTP.
Speaker 1 (04:58):
As you're going through the pre season, I mean, let's
still be realistic about what the preseason is. You're not
seeing your starters very long, if at all. You're not
really game planning. You're just kind of playing a game
with whatever pops out in front of you, and you're
not necessarily playing for the win. Obviously, you want to
win the game, but coaches have things they want to see.
(05:19):
They want to see different groups of people, They want
to make sure a lot of people get reps. There
are a lot of other things at play other than
just trying to win the game. All of that being said,
it still feels like there are some things you can
learn about a football team overall as they go through
the preseason. As we head into this last preseason game
against the Vikings, what are some of those questions that
(05:41):
you still want to learn about this Titans team.
Speaker 3 (05:45):
I think, for me, there is some depth on the
defense I want to see get ironed out. And I
think you look at a defensive line group with young
undrafted players like Cam Horsley and Isaiah Raikes the two
undrafteds there, along with some veterans and Joey Lynch I
thought has had a terrific camp or James Lynch, excuse me,
who's had a terrific camp along with Carlos Watkins. I
(06:07):
think there are some roster spots up for grabs there
on the defensive line. And you know, one hundred and
eighty seven rushing yards allowed in Tampa way better against Atlanta,
but I still want to see that again for this
defense and defensive line specifically, I think there are still.
Speaker 4 (06:22):
Questions as well. At corner.
Speaker 3 (06:24):
I think Marcus Harris played himself in a position battle
with Daryl Baker last week, and Daryl Baker played some
really good football for the Titans last season, and it's
going to be hard for him to totally give up
that spot. But this coaching staff was really impressed with
Marcus Harris's kind of chase down pass break up last
week against the Atlanta Falcons. In that game, where he
gets a step behind the receiver, he doesn't panic, he
(06:47):
gets his.
Speaker 4 (06:47):
Head up, he swats the ball away. You live to
find another play.
Speaker 3 (06:50):
There was no penalty obviously very different in the NFL
than in college to where if you grab that receiver
knowing you're a step behind, you can live with that
more in college as a fifteen yard penalty, not.
Speaker 4 (06:59):
As spot foul.
Speaker 3 (07:00):
In the NFL, that is a that's essentially giving the
team three points with as good as kickers are as
well in the National Football League, So it's little things
like that. I think Marcus Harris is a guy that
doesn't panic. I think he trusts his speed. I mean
he was clocked in the four threes at his pro
day coming out of cow. A guy that is really
super athletic that I'm really interested to see more of.
(07:22):
I think as a whole amy, the question for me
is how quickly does this youth movement really take over
with some of the ones. And we saw that start
a little bit more in Atlanta. We see Gunner hell
make an incredible blindfolded, almost contested catch.
Speaker 1 (07:37):
Can we talk about that catch for a second, because
you were on the sidelines. I was at my house
watching it on TV. Were his eyes completely covered?
Speaker 3 (07:46):
The one hundred percent were? I mean two guys all
over him. There's a hand over his eyes. I mean there.
I couldn't do my job with with with right, we
did easy stuff. We're air conditioned. No, it was pressive.
The thing I love about that, it's a little thing.
The first guy off the bench that was so excited
for Gunnerhilm was Chigakon Quo.
Speaker 5 (08:07):
Oh.
Speaker 2 (08:07):
That's cute.
Speaker 3 (08:07):
I think that tells a lot of the story of
this football team. It's chig is the first guy off
the sideline. I actually did a hit on Titan's radio
after that play because the funniest part of it was
Brian Callahan was fired up after that touchdown and he
comes way off the field.
Speaker 4 (08:21):
He's high five and guys.
Speaker 3 (08:22):
Of course cam Ward is coming off the sideline to
congratulate everybody as well, and Callie gets so excited he
just slaps cam Ward right in the chest, just hints it,
and cam looks around, starts laughing and is like, what.
Speaker 4 (08:34):
Did I do?
Speaker 3 (08:35):
I was on the sideline next to you, coach, Like
that's going on? So everybody all that to go full
circle to say, the whole sideline was pretty pretty hyped
about that play for Gunnerhilm, as they should be. And
cam Ward put it well after the game, saying he's
a dog. Yeah, that's the kind of stuff he does.
Speaker 1 (08:52):
I that's so good to hear because those those reactions
on the sideline. In my mind, and maybe I'm biased
because sideline reporter. Your a sideline reporter that tells you
about the team more than what they do on the field,
more than how they react to each other in a
media availability or answer a question, or the way that
(09:14):
they respond good or bad to what's happening on the sideline.
Speaker 2 (09:18):
That's the identity of your team.
Speaker 3 (09:20):
I agree, And there's two guys specifically that I think
have really shown me that over the first two weeks.
Speaker 4 (09:26):
The first one's Calvin Ridley.
Speaker 3 (09:27):
Calvin Ridley to me, almost feels like the assistant wide
receivers coach of the Tennessee Titans. I mean everything that
he is doing, he's talking with cam Ward, he's on
the tablet with the quarterbacks as Bill heart Degree is
going over things with them. On the sideline, he's talking
with wide receivers, he's meeting with Van Jefferson. Like Calvin
Ridley has been really engaged and focused and active in
(09:48):
everything that's going on on that sideline. I think that's
been cool to watch. But second, your tackle JC Latham
has been doing the same thing. And there was a
moment in Tampa where he was specifically, he was so
excited about a run that Brandon Crenshaw Dixon, the undrafted
rookie from Florida, had that he was five yards in
the field. I'm prizly didn't get a sideline warning because
he was so far out in the field to just let's.
Speaker 4 (10:09):
Go, and I think it was a two yard play.
But he's happy about his guy.
Speaker 3 (10:12):
I've had a guy that's fighting for a roster spot,
having a good a good play. They come back to
the sideline and JC is going over hand placement like
he's literally miaming like when he does this, I want
you to go here, and is talking through like complex
two three hundred level things with Brandon Crenshaw Dixon, who's
got a ton of talent, big body, big size, but
(10:34):
is looking to kind of become a pro a little
bit and learn a lot of these things in real time.
So those two guys specifically, I think I've really lived
that out. And I've watched so much of the offense
because obviously our listeners want to know what cam Ward's
doing and understand how he's interacting with teammates and things
like that. So haven't watched as much of the defense
and watched a little bit of them, But man, those
two guys specifically have really stood out to me these
(10:55):
first two weeks in the sideline.
Speaker 1 (10:57):
Well from a leadership standpoint. Someone who's really caught my
eyes Ard and Key. And it's not just because he's loud,
because he's always been loud, but he's.
Speaker 2 (11:05):
Had to be more of a teacher.
Speaker 1 (11:06):
He's had to teach the young guys on this team,
some of whom are vuying for the roles that are
in the same position as him, But he has he's
really taken on that leadership role in a different way
than I think he ever has in his eight year career.
And I actually had the chance to sit down and
talk with him a little bit about that and also
(11:27):
about his dance move. So check this out, guys.
Speaker 2 (11:31):
Ard and Key year eight.
Speaker 1 (11:33):
Tell me why this training camp has been different than
any training camp you've ever been apart.
Speaker 5 (11:37):
Oh, this one is a little harder than all the
ones I've been at.
Speaker 6 (11:41):
And then we're preaching a lot more of a bid
a relationship with our teammates.
Speaker 5 (11:45):
And it's been it's been.
Speaker 6 (11:46):
It's been a thing here since Ota, and it's still
a thing here now.
Speaker 1 (11:52):
Establishing those relationships, trying to not only open lines of
communication so that your job is easier on Sundays, but
also genuinely care about your teammates.
Speaker 2 (12:01):
That takes a little work, a little effort, right, Oh yeah,
oh yeah.
Speaker 6 (12:04):
It definitely takes a good amount of effort just getting
around the guys you're not usually gonna be around like
we usually around our position group. Now that we're now
that we're outside of the position group and going to
different position groups. Now we're talking more on what they like,
their personal stuff and things of that sort.
Speaker 1 (12:22):
You're a real veteran here, it's your eighth year. How
are you helping to train up some of these young guys,
especially your position, because there are guys that are gonna
be called upon on Sundays.
Speaker 6 (12:32):
Oh yeah, just giving them my knowledge, all the knowledge
that I gained through my eight years of being in
the NFL. I just give it down to them. Watch
their film once I see once I'm done with my field,
I'll go watch everybody else and see what they're doing
to call out the good players, and they also call
out the bad plays as well.
Speaker 1 (12:47):
How are you different, whether it's on the field, off
the field, the way your body feels, what's different about
ardent growth?
Speaker 5 (12:54):
Growth?
Speaker 6 (12:54):
As far as a leader, I'm more I'm stepping more
into that leadership role, taking that on. I'm always been
called to be a leader, but I kind of shied
away from it because of the responsibility of it. Now
I'm taking that leadership head on and I'm loving. I'm
loving every every every second of it and the process
that I am.
Speaker 2 (13:13):
That I'm in know, it's late in training camp. It
is hot.
Speaker 1 (13:17):
Y'all are getting closer to real games, but we're not
quite there yet. How do you stay focused and stay
motivated through what is now the dog days of training camp?
Speaker 5 (13:27):
Oh, you just gotta know week one is here. It's here.
Speaker 6 (13:29):
Once we go to sleep and wake up, it'll be
week one. We'll be waking up playing football game. And
I think it's what two weeks out and lo behoe.
I mean, it's gonna come here any time. So it's
just keeping that in mind, knowing that we got a
game coming up here pretty soon and it's gonna get
real pretty soon.
Speaker 2 (13:47):
How do you use.
Speaker 1 (13:49):
How do you use that third preseason game to help
get better in that last week because you're not on
the field that much. There's there's just a lot of
things are a little odd about the third.
Speaker 6 (13:58):
Preseason Yeah, hopefully we get hopefully we get to play.
I'm I'm a true believer in playing that third preseason
game to get that that's the last preseason game to
get our bodies right. So we don't feel that heavy
wind on week one, those legs tired on week one,
all those things that you feel on that first game
if you're not playing, So I think we should go
out and play a little bit and get our legs
(14:20):
under so we can be ready for week one.
Speaker 1 (14:22):
We've got to have a conversation about your social media,
just really quick to get out of the way here,
because more than anything, the content that I see on
your social media is very dance heavy.
Speaker 2 (14:34):
You're quite the dancer. Have you always been this way?
Speaker 5 (14:37):
Definitely always been that way. I'm from Atlanta.
Speaker 6 (14:40):
I mean, if you if you Vonner raised in Atlanta,
especially my time, you got you gotta learn how to dance.
You gottam if you're from Atlanta. You didn't hit the soldier,
but the batman. You know what I'm saying. Spider Man,
get silly. You know all those all those songs that
came out When I was younger, there was dance songs.
Speaker 5 (14:56):
So I've been dancing for a long time.
Speaker 1 (14:58):
Who teaches you how to do that? Is that like
an older older sibling, like older cousins. You just learn
it by osmosis?
Speaker 5 (15:05):
Yeah, old older people.
Speaker 6 (15:07):
That When I was younger, growing up, seeing those guys
dance YouTube, social media, all those things.
Speaker 2 (15:14):
You watching YouTube to learn how to dance.
Speaker 5 (15:17):
Back when I was younger. That's what we had. We
had YouTube.
Speaker 6 (15:19):
I had to learn how the Soldier Boy hit it.
Speaker 2 (15:23):
How does having those moments with your teammates.
Speaker 1 (15:25):
We saw you doing the Soldier Boy with the team
when you guys were all in Atlanta. How does sharing
that with them build some of that camaraderie we were
talking about earlier.
Speaker 6 (15:34):
Oh, it's good, like you said, those training camps, dog
days we get now. We especially been on the road
for ten days, not in our own beds, uncomfortable, al
so we needed any and everything to try to get
a laugh and try to forget where we were at
that time.
Speaker 2 (15:49):
Ard and Key, thank you so much for that time.
Speaker 5 (15:50):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (15:51):
Awesome to see how ardent Key has kind of grown
as a player even in the short time that he's
been here. We've seen a lot of versions of Arden Key.
Speaker 4 (15:59):
Yeah, we certainly have.
Speaker 3 (16:00):
It feels like he is a one of many veterans
who are taking it upon themselves to understand how they
can help this team more than just on the field.
And you see Arden and Jeffery Simmons, who have always
kind of been joined at the hip, and the way
that they work together and really lead that front seven.
Arden has always been one of the loudest guys at practice,
(16:22):
and I feel like he's got some guys that can
give it back to him on offense now. And I
think that's kind of been a theme with this camp
for me, is that it's a call in response. It's
not just Jeff and Arden kind of giving it to
the offense, like cam Mood and jac Latham are giving
it right back to him. I think we're even seeing
Peter Skronsky become it. Maybe it's a little bit quieter,
it's bigger words Northwestern, but you're seeing him kind of
(16:46):
embrace that a little bit.
Speaker 4 (16:47):
So I think Arden has enjoyed that.
Speaker 3 (16:48):
I don't think he shies away from having a little
bit more of a sparring partner, so to speak.
Speaker 4 (16:53):
In number one.
Speaker 3 (16:54):
And I really think you could see the best of
arden key this year that in tier the line. Draymont
Jones on the other side, this coaching staff has talked
so much about wanting to collapse the pocket, wanting to
just and Brian Callahan's talked about it like that's the
toughest thing for us as offensive coaches to work around
is bigger guys that can collapse the pocket and then
(17:15):
force the quarterback into the edge. Rushers Art and Key
the benefit of a slimmed down and more pass rush
Savvy Jeffrey Simmons and to Andre Sweat as well.
Speaker 4 (17:25):
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Back to the OTP. There's still so much to.
Speaker 2 (18:00):
Watch because training camp is not done yet.
Speaker 1 (18:03):
One final preseason game, a couple more days of practice,
then we cut down this roster.
Speaker 2 (18:08):
We got to get all.
Speaker 1 (18:09):
The way to fifty three and really forty six forty seven,
so there are cuts to be made. There are still
things to accomplish, and they're really in like the hottest,
most grueling part of training camp. What do you think
these guys need to show as they're pushing through this
(18:30):
phase of camp where you've kind of shown what you
can do, You've shown that you understand the playbook and
the install and all of that.
Speaker 2 (18:37):
Now, is it almost like a mental game.
Speaker 4 (18:39):
A little bit?
Speaker 3 (18:40):
I mean, there's there's certainly a fatigue that comes with
the end of camp and understanding that a lot of
the install is done. You're not learning a lot of
new information. It's more of mastering what you've already learned
in the classroom and putting what's on the classroom and
what you've messed up the day before.
Speaker 4 (18:57):
On the field. In a different way.
Speaker 3 (18:58):
To me, it is learning how to continue the same
level of production with different faces on the field with you.
You see maybe a few more veteran days and rest
days or guys that, let's be honest, ten days in
the road, two different teams dooint practices, they're bumps and bruises.
Everybody's hurt, right, so to speak. In the NFL, So
(19:19):
maybe you have an opportunity like we saw this week
where Calvin Ridley is not on the practice field, Well,
that's an opportunity for cam Or to develop more of
a chemistry and a bond with Elkia Manor with Chim
ray DK with Bryce Oliver. That to me, I think
is the next step is all right, when we take
one piece out, let's experiment a little bit, let's try
(19:40):
some things. And we're seeing this staff do that by
trying different combinations, by throwing things at the wall and
seeing what sticks. And we're not quite into a game
week style preparation yet. This staff is still very much
learning what combinations work, what is not working, What do
we need to work on when this player and this
(20:00):
player are on the field together, how do different guys compliment
each other? And I think that's the next step for
this football team, that final phase. All right, maybe we've
got Plan A down. We'll start working on Plan B
a little bit over the side here for a day
or two at a time and see what else works.
Speaker 1 (20:14):
As you've been at practice watching this team work, who
has really caught your attention going through this final push
to like, oh this might be something to watch.
Speaker 3 (20:23):
I think it's Ceda Gray And I think fourteen tackles
in two preseason games. He's led the team and tackles
both preseason games so far. That is a position where
tackle football matters. Training can't matters for everybody, but being able,
the physicality, the taking a guy to the ground, the
understanding that hey, if I miss my gap, that guy
(20:45):
might be gone, and understanding that it's not just somebody
in a scripted period where you're only running first downs
and second downs you're just gonna run it back and
do it again, Like No, there's a real punishment for
missing a gap, and a guy scoring a forty hard
touchdown run it means you might not get another rep
in the game. So I think Cedric Gray, the game
is really slowing down for him. And I got the
chance to talk with him for Titans Radio's postgame show
(21:08):
against Tampa, and I asked him, like, where is the
game slowing down to you? How much different do you
feel in this system now? And he just had this biggest.
Speaker 4 (21:17):
Smile of just so much, so much.
Speaker 5 (21:20):
And he is.
Speaker 4 (21:21):
Such a smart football player.
Speaker 3 (21:22):
I mean, you can't go to the University of North
Carolina and play football and not be a really smart
human being, and he really is. I think someone that's
coming on really strong. He's a thumber and I think
in this defense Cody Barton, we know what we're getting
from him. He has been such a stabilizing force in
this defense. I'm so confident in the ability and the
(21:43):
level that he can play at for this defense. This year,
There's been a big question mark cal camp about who
plays next to that guy. You're seeing a really healthy
competition between Cedric Gray and James Williams, and I think
the way James started camp has brought out the best
in Cedric.
Speaker 4 (21:57):
Now. I think we're about to see the best in James.
Speaker 3 (21:59):
I think those two really pushing each other and it's
a good thing for this Titans defense.
Speaker 1 (22:03):
What position group do you feel like has changed the
most from the start of camp to the end of
camp or good question, almost end of camp.
Speaker 3 (22:13):
I may say the offensive line. To be honest with you,
I think this offensive line is ahead of schedule.
Speaker 1 (22:17):
That was the one that I was going to I'm
really good at stealing answers you're about to give you.
Speaker 4 (22:22):
Yeah, that's okay, I'm sorry, but.
Speaker 3 (22:26):
No, I think this line is ahead of schedule. Great
to see Lloyd Cushion Berry out there a little bit
this week. I know he is really pushing to play
his former team in Denver in Week one, and it
remains to be seen whether or not he'll get that opportunity.
But man, Kevin Zeitler is such a pro on the
right side, and I think he is going to really
impress Titans fans with how much he changes the right
(22:47):
side of that line. Jac Latham looks great. I think
Peter Skronsky is ready for a massive jump this season.
And we haven't really talked as media or on shows
about Dan Moore, which is the best compliment you can give.
Speaker 2 (23:01):
A left tack, that's what you want.
Speaker 3 (23:02):
It's been non problematic, it's been steady. Where I see
the offensive line really jumping forward from this time last
year is in the individual in the one on ones.
That is where I think the linemen are really holding
their own right now. On the offensive side. That's difficult
when you've got Jeffrey Simmons barking at you and going
at you in those one on ones on the other side.
(23:23):
But I've been really, really pleased with the amount of
clean pockets cam Ward has had, not just in the
preseason games, in these practices. I feel really good about
where that groupiz. And I mean Bill Callahan his record
speaks for itself.
Speaker 2 (23:36):
Yeah, I mean, he's pretty good coach.
Speaker 4 (23:38):
You don't need me to tell you that.
Speaker 1 (23:39):
Well, the Titans take on the Minnesota Vikings seven pm
this Friday at Nissan Stadium for their final preseason game.
Make sure you come out and hang out with us.
It's going to be I think it's gonna be like
a decently nice night.
Speaker 3 (23:52):
Yeah, but the lowe's supposed to get down like higher sixties,
lower seventies, mid eighties, nothing like what we've had all week.
Speaker 1 (23:58):
We are dancing really close to football weather here. And
if you can't make it out to the game, it's
nationally televised on CBS, so you can check it out
wherever you are. And of course Titans Radio is always
on and we will have all of the coverage. Taylor Zarzer,
coach mac Ret, Brian, myself, well bowling will all be there,
so there's no excuses. You have to check out this
(24:20):
third preseason game, Titans Minnesota Vikings, seven pm this Friday.
Speaker 2 (24:25):
Now, before we let you go, I do.
Speaker 1 (24:28):
Not want to miss an opportunity to shout out another
great thing that the Tennessee Titans are doing, and that
is the Captain's Dinner. You may have heard of the
Captain's Dinner, because well we've done it one other time.
Speaker 2 (24:39):
I believe.
Speaker 1 (24:40):
I think this is the second one might be more.
It's a great opportunity to come out and support the
Titans Foundation and also spend some time with the Tennessee Titans.
You can eat at a table with Titans players, have
a meal, break bread, ask them questions, tell them all
of your funny, funny jokes. I don't know what you
would want to say to a Tennessee Titans player, but
(25:01):
you have the opportunity to do that. You will have
the opportunity to hear from Coach Callahan, from general manager
Mike Borganzi. You'll hear inspiring stories from the community about
what the Titans Foundation does in the One Community Initiative.
Speaker 2 (25:16):
There's just so much to do. And oh, by the way, of.
Speaker 1 (25:19):
Course, there's a raffle, and of course there's a silent auction.
So whatever Titans memorabilia you would like to have, you
have the opportunity to get it at the Captain's Dinner.
Speaker 2 (25:30):
If you would like to go. Tickets are available on the.
Speaker 1 (25:34):
Titans website Tennessee Titans dot com. Head on over there
and you can get your tickets. It is at the
Grand Hyatt Downtown Nashville. Doors open at five fifteen pm.
For more information, you can purchase tickets at Tennessee Titans
dot com to go to the Captain's Dinner you don't
want to miss at August twenty seventh, doors open at
five fifteen pm at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in downtown Nashville.
(25:59):
The Captain Dinner is such a great time, but really
all the information you need Tennessee Titans dot com. Come
out for a good cause, guys, and you can hang out.
Speaker 2 (26:08):
With some Titans.
Speaker 4 (26:09):
Love it.
Speaker 2 (26:09):
Yes, we love.
Speaker 1 (26:11):
We love a good cause, some good food, and some
good Tennessee Titans interaction.
Speaker 2 (26:16):
So it'll all be there.
Speaker 1 (26:17):
So come on down, hang out the Captain's Dinner, and
that's that. There is Titans football on the horizon. My
friend will Bowling. We have one more preseason game and
then it's for real, for real.
Speaker 4 (26:30):
That's right.
Speaker 2 (26:30):
Are you ready for that?
Speaker 5 (26:32):
Very ready?
Speaker 3 (26:32):
I think the nerves will kick in another level for
Game one, but that's all right.
Speaker 4 (26:37):
If they aren't, then there's something wrong.
Speaker 3 (26:39):
Very excited, very excited to see game one for QB
one number one cam.
Speaker 2 (26:45):
Ward in Denver.
Speaker 4 (26:46):
Yeah, that's a heck of the defense. He's gonna see too.
Speaker 2 (26:49):
M it is airs a little bit center up there? Oxygen?
Speaker 3 (26:54):
Can I get an altitude mask now to start like
walking training kids out?
Speaker 4 (26:58):
It's way too hot. I'm gonna possibly put this.
Speaker 2 (27:00):
Out, but it's probably not a bad idea.
Speaker 1 (27:02):
Or those little cans of oxygen that you can get
when you go mountain climbing, just to help.
Speaker 2 (27:09):
You out a little bit like it.
Speaker 1 (27:10):
I'm just telling you when I was there, the air
was thin and it was hot.
Speaker 3 (27:14):
I'm prepared to stay in one corner of the sideline it.
Speaker 1 (27:18):
I think that's a great idea. But we still have
some time to prepare so you can get your training right,
whatever you need to do to get ready for week one.
We've got to get through pre season Week three first,
So Titans Vikings at Nissan Stadium this Friday, seven o'clock.
Who hope to see you there for will bowling. I'm
Amy Wells and this has been the OTV
This is the OTP and I'm Amy Wells and I'm
joined by Titans sideline reporter Will Bowling. Well, you do
other things too, but I don't care about those things
because you are predominantly on the sidelines for Titans Radium. Yes,
and you are coming off of back to back road games,
which is crazy. The Titans are finally going to be
(00:28):
playing at home this week. It feels like we've seen
a lot of football, but it hasn't been in Nashville.
So the Titans getting ready to take on the Vikings
at Nissan Stadium seven o'clock on Friday. We cannot wait.
But you've seen a lot of things, so I guess
we just have to start with some of your initial.
Speaker 2 (00:48):
Kind of maybe reflections.
Speaker 1 (00:49):
Yeah, from your first two games on the road as
a sideline reporter, did you like it?
Speaker 2 (00:55):
Did you have fun?
Speaker 3 (00:56):
Loved it the most fun? No, it has been so
much fun. And I know there are a lot of
fans that are excited to see cam Ward play in
person this week in Nissan Stadium. The way I was
a couple of weeks ago in Tampa and Boyle Boy,
there was so much I learned about this football team,
about the way these guys are growing together as a team.
(01:17):
You spend ten days away with a group of ninety
other players, you're going to get to know them pretty well,
and I think this team certainly achieved that over the
last few weeks. But my goodness, from the starters, the
way cam Ward is interacting with veterans, always on the
front of the sideline, talking with Jeffrey Simmons, looking on
the tablet with Tyler Lockett, while Brandon Allen and the
(01:38):
twos have been out there the way he and JC
Latham are hyping up guys that are rookies and battling
for spots on the field, to the way this defense
has really been flying around and some really interesting position
battles I think specifically on the defensive side of the
ball that we've seen change and ebb and flow a
little bit over this ten day trip.
Speaker 4 (01:57):
There is so much to.
Speaker 3 (01:58):
Get to and I think there is a lot of
excitement around just the energy and the overall dynamic of
this football team. I really think they grew a lot
closer as a team, as a ninety one player unit
over the last week, and we.
Speaker 1 (02:10):
Know that was the point, the whole reason that they
did this back to back road games. Thing was so
that they could build that camaraderie, they could have that
experience of overcoming something hard and now to see it
actually have an impact on the field, especially going from
that first preseason game to the second where they got
that win and you saw them kind of rally together.
I mean, the game against the Atlanta Falcons was a
(02:33):
real game, like it was a close game, and so
to see them come together find ways to overcome maybe
a bad moment, a play that didn't go the way
they wanted it to, but still rise above that adversity
and win the ballgame.
Speaker 2 (02:46):
That was kind of the whole point of the trip,
right it was.
Speaker 3 (02:49):
And I think too you talk about situational parts of
a game where there's a four minute drive in the
fourth quarter where you gotta have points to take the lead.
In a twenty to twenty ball game, there's a pressure
field goal that's got to be made, albeit a very
short one, but still details that need to be ironed
out there, not only for Joey Slive, but for his holder,
Johnny Hecker for longstaff, or Morgan Cox for the entire
(03:10):
protection team there, and for a guy like Joe Gaziano
who gets a sack on the last drive for the
Atlanta Falcons to kind of put that game away and
keep Atlanta out of field goal range where they could
have tied it. Obviously, preseason, you're playing for the win.
You're not playing much for a tie to sending it
gave it overtime because there is though overtime. But the
only way you learn what a player looks like in
(03:31):
a game setting is by putting them in a game
setting and see how they either rise to the occasion
or not meet the moment when the live bullets start flying.
And I think for a lot of players and for
a lot of position battles, we saw that. I think
for a guy like safety Kendall Brooks who gets his
pick six, gets his big moment, that's the kind of
play on film that really goes a long way where
(03:52):
not only did you get your hands on a football,
you caught the football, and you also created points for
your team. That's the kind of film that goes a
long way. And for Cedric Gray as well, I know
in preseason it's a little bit different because although that
play gets wiped off for offsetting penalties, Cedric Gray is
still going to count that as an interception in preseason
and in training camp. So I think you really saw
(04:14):
this defense take a big step from week one in
Tampa to week two. I know Brian Callahan that was
his main objective. Let's take the things that we weren't
great at in Tampa, let's get a little bit better
at them and show progress.
Speaker 4 (04:26):
And I think they did that in Atlanta.
Speaker 1 (04:27):
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Speaker 2 (04:55):
Now back to the OTP.
Speaker 1 (04:58):
As you're going through the pre season, I mean, let's
still be realistic about what the preseason is. You're not
seeing your starters very long, if at all. You're not
really game planning. You're just kind of playing a game
with whatever pops out in front of you, and you're
not necessarily playing for the win. Obviously, you want to
win the game, but coaches have things they want to see.
(05:19):
They want to see different groups of people, They want
to make sure a lot of people get reps. There
are a lot of other things at play other than
just trying to win the game. All of that being said,
it still feels like there are some things you can
learn about a football team overall as they go through
the preseason. As we head into this last preseason game
against the Vikings, what are some of those questions that
(05:41):
you still want to learn about this Titans team.
Speaker 3 (05:45):
I think, for me, there is some depth on the
defense I want to see get ironed out. And I
think you look at a defensive line group with young
undrafted players like Cam Horsley and Isaiah Raikes the two
undrafteds there, along with some veterans and Joey Lynch I
thought has had a terrific camp or James Lynch, excuse me,
who's had a terrific camp along with Carlos Watkins. I
(06:07):
think there are some roster spots up for grabs there
on the defensive line. And you know, one hundred and
eighty seven rushing yards allowed in Tampa way better against Atlanta,
but I still want to see that again for this
defense and defensive line specifically, I think there are still.
Speaker 4 (06:22):
Questions as well. At corner.
Speaker 3 (06:24):
I think Marcus Harris played himself in a position battle
with Daryl Baker last week, and Daryl Baker played some
really good football for the Titans last season, and it's
going to be hard for him to totally give up
that spot. But this coaching staff was really impressed with
Marcus Harris's kind of chase down pass break up last
week against the Atlanta Falcons. In that game, where he
gets a step behind the receiver, he doesn't panic, he
(06:47):
gets his.
Speaker 4 (06:47):
Head up, he swats the ball away. You live to
find another play.
Speaker 3 (06:50):
There was no penalty obviously very different in the NFL
than in college to where if you grab that receiver
knowing you're a step behind, you can live with that
more in college as a fifteen yard penalty, not.
Speaker 4 (06:59):
As spot foul.
Speaker 3 (07:00):
In the NFL, that is a that's essentially giving the
team three points with as good as kickers are as
well in the National Football League, So it's little things
like that. I think Marcus Harris is a guy that
doesn't panic. I think he trusts his speed. I mean
he was clocked in the four threes at his pro
day coming out of cow. A guy that is really
super athletic that I'm really interested to see more of.
(07:22):
I think as a whole amy, the question for me
is how quickly does this youth movement really take over
with some of the ones. And we saw that start
a little bit more in Atlanta. We see Gunner hell
make an incredible blindfolded, almost contested catch.
Speaker 1 (07:37):
Can we talk about that catch for a second, because
you were on the sidelines. I was at my house
watching it on TV. Were his eyes completely covered?
Speaker 3 (07:46):
The one hundred percent were? I mean two guys all
over him. There's a hand over his eyes. I mean there.
I couldn't do my job with with with right, we
did easy stuff. We're air conditioned. No, it was pressive.
The thing I love about that, it's a little thing.
The first guy off the bench that was so excited
for Gunnerhilm was Chigakon Quo.
Speaker 5 (08:07):
Oh.
Speaker 2 (08:07):
That's cute.
Speaker 3 (08:07):
I think that tells a lot of the story of
this football team. It's chig is the first guy off
the sideline. I actually did a hit on Titan's radio
after that play because the funniest part of it was
Brian Callahan was fired up after that touchdown and he
comes way off the field.
Speaker 4 (08:21):
He's high five and guys.
Speaker 3 (08:22):
Of course cam Ward is coming off the sideline to
congratulate everybody as well, and Callie gets so excited he
just slaps cam Ward right in the chest, just hints it,
and cam looks around, starts laughing and is like, what.
Speaker 4 (08:34):
Did I do?
Speaker 3 (08:35):
I was on the sideline next to you, coach, Like
that's going on? So everybody all that to go full
circle to say, the whole sideline was pretty pretty hyped
about that play for Gunnerhilm, as they should be. And
cam Ward put it well after the game, saying he's
a dog. Yeah, that's the kind of stuff he does.
Speaker 1 (08:52):
I that's so good to hear because those those reactions
on the sideline. In my mind, and maybe I'm biased
because sideline reporter. Your a sideline reporter that tells you
about the team more than what they do on the field,
more than how they react to each other in a
media availability or answer a question, or the way that
(09:14):
they respond good or bad to what's happening on the sideline.
Speaker 2 (09:18):
That's the identity of your team.
Speaker 3 (09:20):
I agree, And there's two guys specifically that I think
have really shown me that over the first two weeks.
Speaker 4 (09:26):
The first one's Calvin Ridley.
Speaker 3 (09:27):
Calvin Ridley to me, almost feels like the assistant wide
receivers coach of the Tennessee Titans. I mean everything that
he is doing, he's talking with cam Ward, he's on
the tablet with the quarterbacks as Bill heart Degree is
going over things with them. On the sideline, he's talking
with wide receivers, he's meeting with Van Jefferson. Like Calvin
Ridley has been really engaged and focused and active in
(09:48):
everything that's going on on that sideline. I think that's
been cool to watch. But second, your tackle JC Latham
has been doing the same thing. And there was a
moment in Tampa where he was specifically, he was so
excited about a run that Brandon Crenshaw Dixon, the undrafted
rookie from Florida, had that he was five yards in
the field. I'm prizly didn't get a sideline warning because
he was so far out in the field to just let's.
Speaker 4 (10:09):
Go, and I think it was a two yard play.
But he's happy about his guy.
Speaker 3 (10:12):
I've had a guy that's fighting for a roster spot,
having a good a good play. They come back to
the sideline and JC is going over hand placement like
he's literally miaming like when he does this, I want
you to go here, and is talking through like complex
two three hundred level things with Brandon Crenshaw Dixon, who's
got a ton of talent, big body, big size, but
(10:34):
is looking to kind of become a pro a little
bit and learn a lot of these things in real time.
So those two guys specifically, I think I've really lived
that out. And I've watched so much of the offense
because obviously our listeners want to know what cam Ward's
doing and understand how he's interacting with teammates and things
like that. So haven't watched as much of the defense
and watched a little bit of them, But man, those
two guys specifically have really stood out to me these
(10:55):
first two weeks in the sideline.
Speaker 1 (10:57):
Well from a leadership standpoint. Someone who's really caught my
eyes Ard and Key. And it's not just because he's loud,
because he's always been loud, but he's.
Speaker 2 (11:05):
Had to be more of a teacher.
Speaker 1 (11:06):
He's had to teach the young guys on this team,
some of whom are vuying for the roles that are
in the same position as him, But he has he's
really taken on that leadership role in a different way
than I think he ever has in his eight year career.
And I actually had the chance to sit down and
talk with him a little bit about that and also
(11:27):
about his dance move. So check this out, guys.
Speaker 2 (11:31):
Ard and Key year eight.
Speaker 1 (11:33):
Tell me why this training camp has been different than
any training camp you've ever been apart.
Speaker 5 (11:37):
Oh, this one is a little harder than all the
ones I've been at.
Speaker 6 (11:41):
And then we're preaching a lot more of a bid
a relationship with our teammates.
Speaker 5 (11:45):
And it's been it's been.
Speaker 6 (11:46):
It's been a thing here since Ota, and it's still
a thing here now.
Speaker 1 (11:52):
Establishing those relationships, trying to not only open lines of
communication so that your job is easier on Sundays, but
also genuinely care about your teammates.
Speaker 2 (12:01):
That takes a little work, a little effort, right, Oh yeah,
oh yeah.
Speaker 6 (12:04):
It definitely takes a good amount of effort just getting
around the guys you're not usually gonna be around like
we usually around our position group. Now that we're now
that we're outside of the position group and going to
different position groups. Now we're talking more on what they like,
their personal stuff and things of that sort.
Speaker 1 (12:22):
You're a real veteran here, it's your eighth year. How
are you helping to train up some of these young guys,
especially your position, because there are guys that are gonna
be called upon on Sundays.
Speaker 6 (12:32):
Oh yeah, just giving them my knowledge, all the knowledge
that I gained through my eight years of being in
the NFL. I just give it down to them. Watch
their film once I see once I'm done with my field,
I'll go watch everybody else and see what they're doing
to call out the good players, and they also call
out the bad plays as well.
Speaker 1 (12:47):
How are you different, whether it's on the field, off
the field, the way your body feels, what's different about
ardent growth?
Speaker 5 (12:54):
Growth?
Speaker 6 (12:54):
As far as a leader, I'm more I'm stepping more
into that leadership role, taking that on. I'm always been
called to be a leader, but I kind of shied
away from it because of the responsibility of it. Now
I'm taking that leadership head on and I'm loving. I'm
loving every every every second of it and the process
that I am.
Speaker 2 (13:13):
That I'm in know, it's late in training camp. It
is hot.
Speaker 1 (13:17):
Y'all are getting closer to real games, but we're not
quite there yet. How do you stay focused and stay
motivated through what is now the dog days of training camp?
Speaker 5 (13:27):
Oh, you just gotta know week one is here. It's here.
Speaker 6 (13:29):
Once we go to sleep and wake up, it'll be
week one. We'll be waking up playing football game. And
I think it's what two weeks out and lo behoe.
I mean, it's gonna come here any time. So it's
just keeping that in mind, knowing that we got a
game coming up here pretty soon and it's gonna get
real pretty soon.
Speaker 2 (13:47):
How do you use.
Speaker 1 (13:49):
How do you use that third preseason game to help
get better in that last week because you're not on
the field that much. There's there's just a lot of
things are a little odd about the third.
Speaker 6 (13:58):
Preseason Yeah, hopefully we get hopefully we get to play.
I'm I'm a true believer in playing that third preseason
game to get that that's the last preseason game to
get our bodies right. So we don't feel that heavy
wind on week one, those legs tired on week one,
all those things that you feel on that first game
if you're not playing, So I think we should go
out and play a little bit and get our legs
(14:20):
under so we can be ready for week one.
Speaker 1 (14:22):
We've got to have a conversation about your social media,
just really quick to get out of the way here,
because more than anything, the content that I see on
your social media is very dance heavy.
Speaker 2 (14:34):
You're quite the dancer. Have you always been this way?
Speaker 5 (14:37):
Definitely always been that way. I'm from Atlanta.
Speaker 6 (14:40):
I mean, if you if you Vonner raised in Atlanta,
especially my time, you got you gotta learn how to dance.
You gottam if you're from Atlanta. You didn't hit the soldier,
but the batman. You know what I'm saying. Spider Man,
get silly. You know all those all those songs that
came out When I was younger, there was dance songs.
Speaker 5 (14:56):
So I've been dancing for a long time.
Speaker 1 (14:58):
Who teaches you how to do that? Is that like
an older older sibling, like older cousins. You just learn
it by osmosis?
Speaker 5 (15:05):
Yeah, old older people.
Speaker 6 (15:07):
That When I was younger, growing up, seeing those guys
dance YouTube, social media, all those things.
Speaker 2 (15:14):
You watching YouTube to learn how to dance.
Speaker 5 (15:17):
Back when I was younger. That's what we had. We
had YouTube.
Speaker 6 (15:19):
I had to learn how the Soldier Boy hit it.
Speaker 2 (15:23):
How does having those moments with your teammates.
Speaker 1 (15:25):
We saw you doing the Soldier Boy with the team
when you guys were all in Atlanta. How does sharing
that with them build some of that camaraderie we were
talking about earlier.
Speaker 6 (15:34):
Oh, it's good, like you said, those training camps, dog
days we get now. We especially been on the road
for ten days, not in our own beds, uncomfortable, al
so we needed any and everything to try to get
a laugh and try to forget where we were at
that time.
Speaker 2 (15:49):
Ard and Key, thank you so much for that time.
Speaker 5 (15:50):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (15:51):
Awesome to see how ardent Key has kind of grown
as a player even in the short time that he's
been here. We've seen a lot of versions of Arden Key.
Speaker 4 (15:59):
Yeah, we certainly have.
Speaker 3 (16:00):
It feels like he is a one of many veterans
who are taking it upon themselves to understand how they
can help this team more than just on the field.
And you see Arden and Jeffery Simmons, who have always
kind of been joined at the hip, and the way
that they work together and really lead that front seven.
Arden has always been one of the loudest guys at practice,
(16:22):
and I feel like he's got some guys that can
give it back to him on offense now. And I
think that's kind of been a theme with this camp
for me, is that it's a call in response. It's
not just Jeff and Arden kind of giving it to
the offense, like cam Mood and jac Latham are giving
it right back to him. I think we're even seeing
Peter Skronsky become it. Maybe it's a little bit quieter,
it's bigger words Northwestern, but you're seeing him kind of
(16:46):
embrace that a little bit.
Speaker 4 (16:47):
So I think Arden has enjoyed that.
Speaker 3 (16:48):
I don't think he shies away from having a little
bit more of a sparring partner, so to speak.
Speaker 4 (16:53):
In number one.
Speaker 3 (16:54):
And I really think you could see the best of
arden key this year that in tier the line. Draymont
Jones on the other side, this coaching staff has talked
so much about wanting to collapse the pocket, wanting to
just and Brian Callahan's talked about it like that's the
toughest thing for us as offensive coaches to work around
is bigger guys that can collapse the pocket and then
(17:15):
force the quarterback into the edge. Rushers Art and Key
the benefit of a slimmed down and more pass rush
Savvy Jeffrey Simmons and to Andre Sweat as well.
Speaker 4 (17:25):
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Speaker 1 (17:27):
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Back to the OTP. There's still so much to.
Speaker 2 (18:00):
Watch because training camp is not done yet.
Speaker 1 (18:03):
One final preseason game, a couple more days of practice,
then we cut down this roster.
Speaker 2 (18:08):
We got to get all.
Speaker 1 (18:09):
The way to fifty three and really forty six forty seven,
so there are cuts to be made. There are still
things to accomplish, and they're really in like the hottest,
most grueling part of training camp. What do you think
these guys need to show as they're pushing through this
(18:30):
phase of camp where you've kind of shown what you
can do, You've shown that you understand the playbook and
the install and all of that.
Speaker 2 (18:37):
Now, is it almost like a mental game.
Speaker 4 (18:39):
A little bit?
Speaker 3 (18:40):
I mean, there's there's certainly a fatigue that comes with
the end of camp and understanding that a lot of
the install is done. You're not learning a lot of
new information. It's more of mastering what you've already learned
in the classroom and putting what's on the classroom and
what you've messed up the day before.
Speaker 4 (18:57):
On the field. In a different way.
Speaker 3 (18:58):
To me, it is learning how to continue the same
level of production with different faces on the field with you.
You see maybe a few more veteran days and rest
days or guys that, let's be honest, ten days in
the road, two different teams dooint practices, they're bumps and bruises.
Everybody's hurt, right, so to speak. In the NFL, So
(19:19):
maybe you have an opportunity like we saw this week
where Calvin Ridley is not on the practice field, Well,
that's an opportunity for cam Or to develop more of
a chemistry and a bond with Elkia Manor with Chim
ray DK with Bryce Oliver. That to me, I think
is the next step is all right, when we take
one piece out, let's experiment a little bit, let's try
(19:40):
some things. And we're seeing this staff do that by
trying different combinations, by throwing things at the wall and
seeing what sticks. And we're not quite into a game
week style preparation yet. This staff is still very much
learning what combinations work, what is not working, What do
we need to work on when this player and this
(20:00):
player are on the field together, how do different guys compliment
each other? And I think that's the next step for
this football team, that final phase. All right, maybe we've
got Plan A down. We'll start working on Plan B
a little bit over the side here for a day
or two at a time and see what else works.
Speaker 1 (20:14):
As you've been at practice watching this team work, who
has really caught your attention going through this final push
to like, oh this might be something to watch.
Speaker 3 (20:23):
I think it's Ceda Gray And I think fourteen tackles
in two preseason games. He's led the team and tackles
both preseason games so far. That is a position where
tackle football matters. Training can't matters for everybody, but being able,
the physicality, the taking a guy to the ground, the
understanding that hey, if I miss my gap, that guy
(20:45):
might be gone, and understanding that it's not just somebody
in a scripted period where you're only running first downs
and second downs you're just gonna run it back and
do it again, Like No, there's a real punishment for
missing a gap, and a guy scoring a forty hard
touchdown run it means you might not get another rep
in the game. So I think Cedric Gray, the game
is really slowing down for him. And I got the
chance to talk with him for Titans Radio's postgame show
(21:08):
against Tampa, and I asked him, like, where is the
game slowing down to you? How much different do you
feel in this system now? And he just had this biggest.
Speaker 4 (21:17):
Smile of just so much, so much.
Speaker 5 (21:20):
And he is.
Speaker 4 (21:21):
Such a smart football player.
Speaker 3 (21:22):
I mean, you can't go to the University of North
Carolina and play football and not be a really smart
human being, and he really is. I think someone that's
coming on really strong. He's a thumber and I think
in this defense Cody Barton, we know what we're getting
from him. He has been such a stabilizing force in
this defense. I'm so confident in the ability and the
(21:43):
level that he can play at for this defense. This year,
There's been a big question mark cal camp about who
plays next to that guy. You're seeing a really healthy
competition between Cedric Gray and James Williams, and I think
the way James started camp has brought out the best
in Cedric.
Speaker 4 (21:57):
Now. I think we're about to see the best in James.
Speaker 3 (21:59):
I think those two really pushing each other and it's
a good thing for this Titans defense.
Speaker 1 (22:03):
What position group do you feel like has changed the
most from the start of camp to the end of
camp or good question, almost end of camp.
Speaker 3 (22:13):
I may say the offensive line. To be honest with you,
I think this offensive line is ahead of schedule.
Speaker 1 (22:17):
That was the one that I was going to I'm
really good at stealing answers you're about to give you.
Speaker 4 (22:22):
Yeah, that's okay, I'm sorry, but.
Speaker 3 (22:26):
No, I think this line is ahead of schedule. Great
to see Lloyd Cushion Berry out there a little bit
this week. I know he is really pushing to play
his former team in Denver in Week one, and it
remains to be seen whether or not he'll get that opportunity.
But man, Kevin Zeitler is such a pro on the
right side, and I think he is going to really
impress Titans fans with how much he changes the right
(22:47):
side of that line. Jac Latham looks great. I think
Peter Skronsky is ready for a massive jump this season.
And we haven't really talked as media or on shows
about Dan Moore, which is the best compliment you can give.
Speaker 2 (23:01):
A left tack, that's what you want.
Speaker 3 (23:02):
It's been non problematic, it's been steady. Where I see
the offensive line really jumping forward from this time last
year is in the individual in the one on ones.
That is where I think the linemen are really holding
their own right now. On the offensive side. That's difficult
when you've got Jeffrey Simmons barking at you and going
at you in those one on ones on the other side.
(23:23):
But I've been really, really pleased with the amount of
clean pockets cam Ward has had, not just in the
preseason games, in these practices. I feel really good about
where that groupiz. And I mean Bill Callahan his record
speaks for itself.
Speaker 2 (23:36):
Yeah, I mean, he's pretty good coach.
Speaker 4 (23:38):
You don't need me to tell you that.
Speaker 1 (23:39):
Well, the Titans take on the Minnesota Vikings seven pm
this Friday at Nissan Stadium for their final preseason game.
Make sure you come out and hang out with us.
It's going to be I think it's gonna be like
a decently nice night.
Speaker 3 (23:52):
Yeah, but the lowe's supposed to get down like higher sixties,
lower seventies, mid eighties, nothing like what we've had all week.
Speaker 1 (23:58):
We are dancing really close to football weather here. And
if you can't make it out to the game, it's
nationally televised on CBS, so you can check it out
wherever you are. And of course Titans Radio is always
on and we will have all of the coverage. Taylor Zarzer,
coach mac Ret, Brian, myself, well bowling will all be there,
so there's no excuses. You have to check out this
(24:20):
third preseason game, Titans Minnesota Vikings, seven pm this Friday.
Speaker 2 (24:25):
Now, before we let you go, I do.
Speaker 1 (24:28):
Not want to miss an opportunity to shout out another
great thing that the Tennessee Titans are doing, and that
is the Captain's Dinner. You may have heard of the
Captain's Dinner, because well we've done it one other time.
Speaker 2 (24:39):
I believe.
Speaker 1 (24:40):
I think this is the second one might be more.
It's a great opportunity to come out and support the
Titans Foundation and also spend some time with the Tennessee Titans.
You can eat at a table with Titans players, have
a meal, break bread, ask them questions, tell them all
of your funny, funny jokes. I don't know what you
would want to say to a Tennessee Titans player, but
(25:01):
you have the opportunity to do that. You will have
the opportunity to hear from Coach Callahan, from general manager
Mike Borganzi. You'll hear inspiring stories from the community about
what the Titans Foundation does in the One Community Initiative.
Speaker 2 (25:16):
There's just so much to do. And oh, by the way, of.
Speaker 1 (25:19):
Course, there's a raffle, and of course there's a silent auction.
So whatever Titans memorabilia you would like to have, you
have the opportunity to get it at the Captain's Dinner.
Speaker 2 (25:30):
If you would like to go. Tickets are available on the.
Speaker 1 (25:34):
Titans website Tennessee Titans dot com. Head on over there
and you can get your tickets. It is at the
Grand Hyatt Downtown Nashville. Doors open at five fifteen pm.
For more information, you can purchase tickets at Tennessee Titans
dot com to go to the Captain's Dinner you don't
want to miss at August twenty seventh, doors open at
five fifteen pm at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in downtown Nashville.
(25:59):
The Captain Dinner is such a great time, but really
all the information you need Tennessee Titans dot com. Come
out for a good cause, guys, and you can hang out.
Speaker 2 (26:08):
With some Titans.
Speaker 4 (26:09):
Love it.
Speaker 2 (26:09):
Yes, we love.
Speaker 1 (26:11):
We love a good cause, some good food, and some
good Tennessee Titans interaction.
Speaker 2 (26:16):
So it'll all be there.
Speaker 1 (26:17):
So come on down, hang out the Captain's Dinner, and
that's that. There is Titans football on the horizon. My
friend will Bowling. We have one more preseason game and
then it's for real, for real.
Speaker 4 (26:30):
That's right.
Speaker 2 (26:30):
Are you ready for that?
Speaker 5 (26:32):
Very ready?
Speaker 3 (26:32):
I think the nerves will kick in another level for
Game one, but that's all right.
Speaker 4 (26:37):
If they aren't, then there's something wrong.
Speaker 3 (26:39):
Very excited, very excited to see game one for QB
one number one cam.
Speaker 2 (26:45):
Ward in Denver.
Speaker 4 (26:46):
Yeah, that's a heck of the defense. He's gonna see too.
Speaker 2 (26:49):
M it is airs a little bit center up there? Oxygen?
Speaker 3 (26:54):
Can I get an altitude mask now to start like
walking training kids out?
Speaker 4 (26:58):
It's way too hot. I'm gonna possibly put this.
Speaker 2 (27:00):
Out, but it's probably not a bad idea.
Speaker 1 (27:02):
Or those little cans of oxygen that you can get
when you go mountain climbing, just to help.
Speaker 2 (27:09):
You out a little bit like it.
Speaker 1 (27:10):
I'm just telling you when I was there, the air
was thin and it was hot.
Speaker 3 (27:14):
I'm prepared to stay in one corner of the sideline it.
Speaker 1 (27:18):
I think that's a great idea. But we still have
some time to prepare so you can get your training right,
whatever you need to do to get ready for week one.
We've got to get through pre season Week three first,
So Titans Vikings at Nissan Stadium this Friday, seven o'clock.
Who hope to see you there for will bowling. I'm
Amy Wells and this has been the OTV
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