Could Tennessee Titans rookie defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat make an impact as soon as Week 1?
Sweat has improved greatly over the past week in training camp. After he missed OTAs in the spring, some were concerned about how much he could practice in training camp. The Titans weren’t worried.
Over the past week, Sweat has shown why the Titans picked him in the second round and believe he make an impact soon. Sweat has dominated in 1-on-1s this week and had another good day on Saturday.
Here’s this update from Turron Davenport of ESPN:
Rookie defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat is starting to come into form as a presence on the interior. Sweat took significant reps next to Jeffery Simmons and had an impact during team period. He used his quick feet along with a swim move to get past center Lloyd Cushenberry III and put pressure on quarterback Will Levis. Sweat shot into the backfield on the next play and forced Levis to throw what was supposed to be a screen pass into the dirt.
Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson said he’s pushing Sweat to get extra conditioning by having him consistently run to the ball even if it’s on the opposite side of the field. The conditioning is showing, as Sweat is playing five to six consecutive snaps at a time. Sweat also stood out in a one-on-one pass-rushing period by using his bull rush. It has been a good week for Sweat, highlighted by purchasing a new house for his mother.
Here’s the rep Davenport is referring to with Sweat and Cushenberry:
T’Vondre Sweat beats Lloyd Cushenberry quickly with the swim 🔥
(🎥: #Titans) pic.twitter.com/cwyoOgSV6V
— Wes Wisley (@TitansStats) August 3, 2024
Cushenbery is one of the NFL’s better centers. There is a reason Tennessee paid him big money in the offseason. Yet, Sweat showed off his power and quickness in this one rep.
Imagine what he can do against other centers this season. Sweat and Jeffery Simmons have the potential to form one of the NFL’s most potent interior duos sooner rather than later.
The Titans are clearly thrilled with Sweat’s progress.
