The Tennessee Titans have a final joint practice with the Chicago Bears on Thursday, and it will be the next-to-last chance for players to make an impact before the rosters are reduced to 53 on Sunday.
While most of the roster spots appear to be locked up, there is still a chance for one or two bubble players to work their way into contention. But this practice is also an opportunity for the Titans to show growth as they continue to build toward the start of the regular season.
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This should be an intense day at the Vanderbilt Football Health Center, and here are four areas to keep an eye on during the session.
Titans mid-range passing attack
Through two preseason games, the Titans’ offense has struggled to connect on chunk plays. While many have placed the blame on Cam Ward and the quarterbacks, offensive coordinator Brian Daboll pointed out that it is more than that, and now Tennessee will have a chance to play another quality opponent and work on that part of the game.
It will also be another chance for Ward to build some more chemistry with Carnell Tate, who has had a rough start to his rookie season, coming up empty on five targets in limited snaps.
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Pass protection
The Titans’ offensive line has looked better than expected when training camp kicked off, and has proven to be stout in the running game. While that is important, how they hold up against the pass rush will be the key to success. The Bears do have a solid defensive front, making it another challenging practice, as well as an opportunity, to build some confidence.
Linebacker play
Everyone watched Anthony Hill Jr. burst onto the scene against Seattle, and he will have a shot to back that up against the Bears, and that is important. In listening to defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, Hill has to show some consistency to earn more playing time, something the Titans’ defense needs after watching Cody Barton struggle in two games and look a step slow. Tennessee will have some hard decisions to make when building the roster, and how this linebacker group shakes out will play a role in that.
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Secondary communication
The Titans’ defense gave up some splash plays against the Seahawks, and, watching the film, much of that can be attributed to miscommunication. The secondary has been uneven all preseason, so seeing some of those issues get worked out in a joint practice could help breed some confidence ahead of the regular season.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: 4 Titans’ position groups to watch in joint practice against Bears
