Tennessee Titans Defense Dominates Thursday's Training Camp Practice

The Tennessee Titans' defense was always expected to be the better unit, so it should be no shock that offense was stymied all day at Thursday's practice.

NASHVILLE — Coming into Tennessee Titans' training camp, the expectation was that the defense would be ahead of the offense. Not only because defenses are generally ahead early on in the process, but also because of the continuity and talent advantage the defense had.

We definitely saw that play out at Thursday's practice when the defense got multiple interceptions, pass breakups and pressures on the offense. Whether it was first team, second team or third team, the defense won the day by a mile.

The day started with some 1-on-1 and 2-on-2 drills. While anything can happen, these drills are set up to favor the offense. The Titans defense did not care.

#Titans training camp notes 8/3 (1)
-No sign of Corey Levin.
-Luke Gifford returned, worked on side field.
-Started outside in rain, lightning forced them inside.
-Kristian Fulton had a strong 1 on 1 period. 3 straight PBUs.
-Defense shut down 7v7 even low red zone.

— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 3, 2023

Cornerback Kristian Fulton had a strong day overall, but dominated the 1-on-1 period with multiple pass breakups. The defense as a whole was lockdown in 7-on-7 drills as well. Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair had two PBUs while Jack Gibbens and Otis Reese had breakups of their own. 

We also saw an interception and a few near-interceptions with Shyheim Carter intercepting Malik Willis, Amani Hooker nearly picking Ryan Tannehill and Reese almost getting a Will Levis pass. Hooker spoke about the secondary and how they're progressing.

"I'm loving the communication right now," Hooker said. "Guys are talking at all three levels. Every single unit that is out there is communicating. Our safety group and DB group are doing a great job with understanding what Coach (Chris) Harris is trying to teach us and applying it to the field."

Along with the air support came ground forces. Teair Tart stopped a run in the backfield while Arden Key continued to pressure left tackle Andre Dillard and get into the backfield himself.

The Titans' offense did have their fair share of successes and touchdowns, but make no mistake it was the defense who dominated the day. While it may be a bit worrisome when thinking about the offense, this is exactly what we expected from this defense. A unit that should dominate on Sundays as well.

Titans Training Camp Stories

• LB Position Battle: The Tennessee Titans will have veteran Azeez Al-Shaair as their top linebacker, but according to Mike Vrabel, Monty Rice and Jack Gibbens will battle it out for the spot behind Al-Shaair. CLICK HERE
• Vrabel Evaluates OL: The Tennessee Titans' offensive line has improved according to head coach Mike Vrabel, but that didn't stop Vrabel from using some colorful language to describe the blocking early in training camp. CLICK HERE
• Levis Catches Fire: The Tennessee Titans' rookie pass Will Levis comes out on fire at training camp and throws five touchdown passes including three straight scoring throws in 7-on-7 drill. CLICK HERE