All eyes had been targeted on Cam Ward’s debut because the Tennessee Titans performed their first preseason sport. He carried out OK, however different gamers stepped up noticeably within the 29-7 loss. And listed below are two Titans roster hopefuls who improved their inventory after the loss Buccaneers.
Included within the optimistic combine was receiver Chimere Dike. Not solely did he have a pleasant kickoff return, however he additionally broke open on a nook route despite the fact that he didn’t get the ball, in accordance with tennesseetitans.com.
“I felt myself pop open, however [quarterback Brandon Allen] had some strain in his face,” Dike stated. “I completely perceive how he wasn’t fairly capable of get there.”
Linebacker James Williams Sr. additionally opened some eyes. He appears like an excellent guess to be within the opening-day beginning lineup, and he registered six tackles towards the Buccaneers.
Titans WR Chimere Dike wanting strong
Titans head coach Brian Callahan stated Dike, together with fellow rookie Elic Ayomanor, have each proven optimistic traits within the preseason, in accordance with a submit on X by Terry McCormick.
“Brian Callahan stated Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor have performed a extremely good job of minimizing errors and realizing what to do early on. Desperate to see them when the pads go on.”
Dike stated it’s the small issues that matter within the preseason, in accordance with tennesseetitans.com.
“Similar to the little particulars,” Dike stated. “There’s all the time one or two performs you want you had again. And on the identical time, I feel, did some good issues on the market. So much to be taught from, however quite a bit to develop on as properly.
“I feel there was loads of optimistic you may take from as we speak. It was a studying alternative. I really feel assured I can play at this degree at a excessive degree. However I’ve obtained to maintain enhancing each single day.”
Ward stated he’s purchased in on Dike and your complete receiving group, in accordance with Yahoo.com.
“I additionally obtained an excellent receiving corps with Rid (Calvin Ridley), Van (Jefferson), and (Tyler) Lockett, even the backups and Chim (Chimere Dike), they assist me out quite a bit simply watching movie with me,” Ward stated. “Letting them know what I see on the movie and the place I would like them to get to. So, I am excited to see the place we will go and maintain constructing this relationship that we have.”
Dike is popping heads constantly, in accordance with tennesseetitans.com.
“The Titans know what they’ve in Calvin Ridley, Van Jefferson and Tyler Lockett,” Jim Wyatt wrote. “So, receivers behind them will get an extended look, and a possibility to show themselves additional. I used to be actually impressed with what I noticed from Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike in Thursday’s joint follow, when Xavier Restrepo additionally had an excellent day.”
LB James Williams Jr. making statements
Williams put collectively a deal with for loss towards the Buccaneers. Additionally, he helped pressure a two-yard deal with for loss on third down within the second quarter. Plus, he chipped in with a particular groups deal with.
Williams is working arduous to get his spot set in stone, in accordance with tennesseetitans.com.
“There aren’t many beginning jobs up for grabs on this crew, however inside linebacker is considered one of them,” Wyatt wrote. “That is the place James Williams Sr. is making an attempt to solidify issues in his competitors with Cedric Grey, Otis Reese IV, and others. Williams has an opportunity to start out locking some issues down with strong play.”
Within the competitors for Williams’ inside linebacker place are Otis Reese IV, Curtis Jacobs, and Cedric Grey, in accordance with titanswire.com.
“Reese enters camp with a slight edge over Williams and Grey to be the starter subsequent to (Cody) Barton,” Mark Mihalko wrote. “The Titans re-signed the linebacker throughout the offseason, giving him one other shot to grab a possibility. Reese is coming off a irritating 2024 season the place he battled accidents and inconsistency, however is wholesome coming into camp and is able to make an influence.
“Williams is the wildcard on this battle. A former security in school, he spent his rookie season transitioning to linebacker and might be able to take a large step ahead in 12 months two. He made an influence with restricted snaps in 2024 and ought to be able to tackle an expanded function.”
And Williams has been proving this all through the summer season. That is nice information for the Titans, who entered the summer season with main questions on the place. If Williams makes it sturdy, the protection might be simpler general.