For the first time in organized team activities (OTAs), we heard from Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Todd Downing and defensive coordinator Shane Bowen on Wednesday.
In case you’re interested in a recap of the most important events from the latest open session of OTAs, you can check out our biggest takeaways here.
Naturally, the majority of the discussion was their initial impressions of the rookies, but both touched on the progress of veteran players.
Specifically, Downing noted that while quarterback Ryan Tannehill has come under tremendous scrutiny following his 2021 season and playoff performance, he’s not the only one to blame.
“Ryan (Tannehill) hasn’t changed. He’s not the only one taking some criticism out there. We all understand that this is a performance-based business,” Downing said. “We didn’t end the season the way that we wanted to, so naturally, there is going to be some critique of that. But we were banded together. The cool thing we have going offensively, and overall as a Titans culture, there’s no one person who succeeds and is immune to critique, and there is no one person that is going to shoulder all of the blame. We’re all in this together, so I’m definitely grateful that Ryan is our quarterback.”
Here’s what Downing and Bowen said before Wednesday’s OTAs, and what Titans head coach Mike Vrabel and select players said after practice.
Syndication: The Tennessean
.@Titans OC Todd Downing: It’s been great to add Passing Game Coordinator Tim Kelly. Great football mind, and it’s great to have another sounding board. Downing said he had a similar role with the Vikings
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) June 1, 2022
#Titans‘ Todd Downing: Tim Kelly will help look at things in different perspective, bring some fresh ideas.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) June 1, 2022
#Titans Todd Downing on bringing on Tim Kelly as a passing game coordinator: pic.twitter.com/ZN7jY4IQtL
— Kayla Anderson (@KaylaAndersonTV) June 1, 2022
Syndication: The Tennessean
#Titans‘ Todd Downing: I was fortunate enough to be with Robert Woods for a year in Buffalo — love the way he plays, love his physical demeanor. Has some “dog” to him.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) June 1, 2022
#Titans OC Todd Downing on WR Robert Woods:
“He’s a hard worker. He’s passionate about the game. I just love the way he plays.”
— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) June 1, 2022
Syndication: The Tennessean
.@Titans OC Todd Downing: Each day @TreylonBurks gets more comfortable. Likes where he is and how he’s growing
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) June 1, 2022
Todd Downing on Treylon Burks. #Titans pic.twitter.com/IQTFnwJM71
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) June 1, 2022
Downing said he defers to Mike Vrabel and trainers when deciding how much work Burks gets in practice
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) June 1, 2022
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Downing: We did not start fast enough last year (as an offense.) I’m not hiding from that #Titans
— Buck Reising (@BuckReising) June 1, 2022
#Titans‘ Todd Downing: Definitely learned last year that you don’t want to bank too much on one formation because you never know who will be available week to week.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) June 1, 2022
Syndication: The Tennessean
Downing on Malik Willis. #Titans pic.twitter.com/Ge6O6EPx9R
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) June 1, 2022
Downing on Malik Willis: “Malik approaches every day joyful to come to work” #Titans
— Ben Arthur (@benyarthur) June 1, 2022
Downing on how quickly rookies Chig Okonkwo and Malik Willis are adapting to what the #Titans coaching staff is putting in front of them pic.twitter.com/PxE0P9HOK6
— Buck Reising (@BuckReising) June 1, 2022
.@Titans OC Todd Downing: Working from the ground up with @malikwillis. We want to be thorough in his development
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) June 1, 2022
#Titans‘ Todd Downing: With a young QB, you never want to skip steps or assume they’re comfortable with a certain technique. Want to be thorough in development. Downing says he enjoys the process of teaching.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) June 1, 2022
Syndication: The Tennessean
.@Titans OC Todd Downing: @ryantannehill1 hasn’t changed. He’s not the only one taking criticism (since last year). This is a performance-based business and we didn’t finish last season the way we wanted to in 2021.
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) June 1, 2022
#Titans OC Todd Downing on the criticism of Ryan Tannehill this off-season: pic.twitter.com/lla8E6y6JY
— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) June 1, 2022
AP Photo/Mark Humphrey
The #Titans like Chig Okonkwo’s versatility. OC Todd Downing says he likes how Okonkwo is honest about things he hasn’t grasped yet and is excited to continue to expand what they ask of him. pic.twitter.com/mcufRsSOEg
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) June 1, 2022
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
#Titans‘ Todd Downing: Not going to pigeonhole Dillon Radunz to one position. Team will establish its best five linemen.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) June 1, 2022
Downing said he isn’t going to make a decision yet on Dillon Radunz as to whether he is a right tackle or left guard. Said he will see how things shake out.
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) June 1, 2022
“His approach has been a little bit more mature. He knows what to expect from the coaching staff.” #Titans OC Todd Downing on Dillon Radunz. Downing said he doesn’t want to pigeonhole Radunz into any particular position, guard or tackle.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) June 1, 2022
Offensive Coordinator Todd Downing emphasizing the importance of competition for the #Titans offensive line.
Would not comment on where he sees Dillon Radunz profiling best.
— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) June 1, 2022
Syndication: The Tennessean
.@Titans OC Todd Downing: We’ve been comfortable putting a lot on Nick Westbrook-Ikhine’s plate. Will continue to do so.
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) June 1, 2022
AP Photo/Gary McCullough
Titans DC Shane Bowen: We’re not starting from ground zero like we were last year with all the familiar faces coming back
— Ben Arthur (@benyarthur) June 1, 2022
.@Titans DC Shane Bowen: @IamCalebFarley has done a great job this offseason. You are starting to see him mature and figure things out
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) June 1, 2022
#Titans‘ Shane Bowen: Caleb Farley has done a great job this offseason. Working hard, engaged, working his way back. Starting to see him mature and figure out what it is to be a pro. When you’re a rookie, you get a lot of things thrown at you.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) June 1, 2022
Shane Bowen on Caleb Farley. #Titans pic.twitter.com/DX46BqiSvj
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) June 1, 2022
Syndication: The Tennessean
.@Titans DC Shane Bowen: @Rogerjamez is competitive in everything he does. He cares, and you can tell
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) June 1, 2022
#Titans‘ Shane Bowen: McCreary has come in and done a great job. Thing that stands out most is he’s competitive in everything he does. Loves the game, loves learning the game.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) June 1, 2022
Bowen on second-round pick Roger McCreary: he’s competitive about everything he does. He wants to have the right answers all the time, even if that’s unrealistic for a rookie. Been a joy to have him in the room.
— Ben Arthur (@benyarthur) June 1, 2022
#Titans DC Shane Bowen on his early impressions of Roger McCreery: pic.twitter.com/VxCT90ksCD
— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) June 1, 2022
Syndication: The Tennessean
.@Titans DC Shane Bowen: @theo_jackson05 has taken to coaching and he’s been learning. Been pleased with him.
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) June 1, 2022
Syndication: The Tennessean
Bowen said he has seen a difference in Rashad Weaver in this off-season despite his injury last year.
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) June 1, 2022
Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
#Titans DC Shane Bowen said David Long Jr. has taken the leadership role and ran with it. Called Long a pillar in the ILB room. pic.twitter.com/fmVAgXleBn
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) June 1, 2022
Bowen says David Long Jr. has embraced more of a leadership role heading into 2022. Adds that he’s been the “solidifying force” in the LB room, been more vocal.
— Ben Arthur (@benyarthur) June 1, 2022
#Titans DC Shane Bowen says David Long Jr. is the solidifying force in the linebackers room, he’s also becoming more of a vocal leader.
(He’’ll take on an even bigger role this season with Jayon Brown and Rahsaan Evans gone.)
— Kayla Anderson (@KaylaAndersonTV) June 1, 2022
AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack
.@Titans DC Shane Bowen: Was with Passing Game Coordinator Tim Kelly in Houston. Great to be with him again. Any time you have a smart football mind you can bounce ideas off of, it is valuable
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) June 1, 2022
#Titans DC Shane Bowen on working with Tim Kelly again:
“It’s great. Any time you’ve got smart football minds you can bounce ideas off of, all that insight is valuable.”
— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) June 1, 2022
Bowen on having Tim Kelly on the #Titans staff after working with him in Houston and coaching against him the last few seasons pic.twitter.com/F2fMmMWryF
— Buck Reising (@BuckReising) June 1, 2022
AP Photo/Matt Durisko
Shane Bowen on the front four. Indicated Bud Dupree is not here. Don’t know about the other three who were not here last week. #Titans. pic.twitter.com/QCCjm5ldsy
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) June 1, 2022
“Adding Denico Autry was a huge piece for use because they can’t double them all. Having those pieces, whether it’s Harold going inside sometimes or Autry, it makes it harder to game plan us out.” #Titans DC Shane Bowen on being able to keep Jeffery Simmons from facing dbl teams.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) June 1, 2022
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Bowen on what all the receiver/QB additions across AFC does for a DC like himself: It makes you stay up at night
— Ben Arthur (@benyarthur) June 1, 2022
Bowen on all the changes in the AFC this year: *jokes* Kind of keeps you up at night. That’s not supposed to happen in one offseason
— Buck Reising (@BuckReising) June 1, 2022
.@Titans DC Shane Bowen on all the improvements in the AFC.
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) June 1, 2022
AP Photo/Jay LaPrete, File
Nicholas Petit-Frere: Best thing I can do is stay in my playbook. You can learn a lot without being in pads. Can learn the offense, the install and how to be a better teammate. I’m learning from everyone. This is one of the best cultures I’ve experienced in sports. #Titans
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) June 1, 2022
Nick Petit-Frere took the OL out for a steak dinner, tab right around $900.
— Joe Rexrode (@joerexrode) June 1, 2022
One of @NicholasPetit’s first purchases as an NFL player? A pendant for his mom with @Titans colors. pic.twitter.com/7JN1dAQuZc
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) June 1, 2022
Syndication: The Tennessean
#Titans‘ Vrabel: Says Burks had “good work” today. Wouldn’t characterize it as more or less than the last OTA open to media.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) June 1, 2022
.@Titans HC Mike Vrabel: We’re excited about @TreylonBurks. He’s gotten better each day he’s been here.
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) June 1, 2022
Mike Vrabel said on #Titans first round pick Treylon Burks using an inhaler, that some guys need it some guys don’t. Said Burks is making progress is everything day since he has arrived.
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) June 1, 2022
Vrabel on Burks today. #Titans. pic.twitter.com/uJHowtOUy4
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) June 1, 2022
#Titans Mike Vrabel addressing the rumors from Albert Breer that teams were turned off by Treylon Burks’ “weight issues” before draft:
“We’re excited to have Treylon. We feel good about each and every guy we drafted. That’s why we drafted them. Let Albert know.”
— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) June 1, 2022
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Mike Vrabel said he likes the passion that David Long Jr. plays with. Wants to harness it and have it rub off on the rest of the team. #Titans pic.twitter.com/SlztXwESpX
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) June 1, 2022
#Titans Mike Vrabel on LB David Long:
“I like his ability to be here and work and compete. David’s a passionate player. It’s been good to see him continue to grow in our scheme.”
— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) June 1, 2022
AP Photo/Justin Rex
#Titans‘ Vrabel: Re DeMarcus Walker, he’s always showed versatility — can play multiple positions across the front. Plays with great effort.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) June 1, 2022
.@Titans HC Mike Vrabel: DL DeMarcus Walker (@livinglegend_44) has shown versatility. He’s played multiple positions, and he plays with great effort. Great to have him here
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) June 1, 2022
AP Photo/Wade Payne
Mike Vrabel on Dillon Radunz: right now, he’s working primarily at right tackle. #Titans
— Ben Arthur (@benyarthur) June 1, 2022
#Titans‘ Vrabel: Says Radunz has predomina
ntly been working at RT, but could kick inside as well if needed by Keith Carter.— John Glennon (@glennonsports) June 1, 2022
#Titans‘ Vrabel: Says Radunz doing a lot of work on his conditioning, which will give him a better shot at a bigger role on the line.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) June 1, 2022
Mike Vrabel provides more clarity on Dillon Radunz #Titans. pic.twitter.com/NPPlncF5cs
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) June 1, 2022
Syndication: The Tennessean
.@Titans HC Mike Vrabel on @joshuamalone03: He has speed, strength, and has gotten better.
(Malone made a great one-handed catch in Wednesday’s OTA).
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) June 1, 2022
#Titans‘ Vrabel: Likes speed and length of former UT receiver Josh Malone. He’s gotten better as offseason has progressed.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) June 1, 2022
Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Vrabel says second-round pick Roger McCreary has gotten off to a good start. in the offseason. Says Titans are playing him inside and outside.
— Ben Arthur (@benyarthur) June 1, 2022
Vrabel said Roger McCreary does a good job of coming back after he gives up a play. Said they are giving him a lot by playing him both in the nickel and outside.
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) June 1, 2022
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Robert Woods on being back out on the football field. #Titans pic.twitter.com/lZ1hzwYSF8
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) June 1, 2022
#Titans WR Robert Woods on his motivation for attending voluntary OTAs:
“Getting acclimated. If I’m going to be here, I might as well be out here. It’s my first year with the team, being able to pick up this offense as fast as I can so that when I’m ready to go I can go.”
— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) June 1, 2022
.@robertwoods on building confidence with the @Titans coming off a torn ACL. pic.twitter.com/FZpRinklan
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) June 1, 2022
.@robertwoods said he initially talked to @obj and @CooperKupp about coming back from an ACL. Said he’s now working with the @Titans training staff, and doing a lot of work on his own to get healthy.
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) June 1, 2022
Robert Woods says he’s pleased with the cuts he’s been able to make with where he is recovering from the knee injury. He likes the speeds he’s been able to hit running on the side with trainers. #Titans
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) June 1, 2022
AP Photo/Darron Cummings
#Titans WR Robert Woods: Re Treylon Burks, says this is the NFL, so won’t be easy for any rookie. Tells Burks to make sure he stays in playbook, and to play fast. Right now, he’s always being quizzed by coaches — so like other rookies, he’s on the hot seat in that regard.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) June 1, 2022
#Titans WR Robert Woods on his message to Treylon Burks:
“It’s the NFL. It’s not going to be easy for any rookie to pick up. It’s a lot of learning and a lot of studying. That’s what I tell him.”
— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) June 1, 2022
Robert Woods on Treylon Burks. #Titans pic.twitter.com/u1746T6fOk
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) June 1, 2022
Robert Woods says the coaching staff is always quizzing Treylon Burks and keeping him on the hot seat. Feels Burks is a solid player has size and speed. #Titans pic.twitter.com/ncAb9Aafk3
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) June 1, 2022
Syndication: The Tennessean
WR Robert Woods on #Titans QB Ryan Tannehill:
“Ryan is a really good leader. Talking on the football field and talking in the meeting room. There’s no time off. He’s always leading.”
— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) June 1, 2022
#Titans WR Robert Woods: Tannehill a very good leader, talking in meeting room, between meetings, talking in between plays. There’s no time off (for him). He’s always communicating with receivers.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) June 1, 2022
.@robertwoods on @ryantannehill1: He’s a really good leader. Communicates well, on the field and in the classroom@Titans
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) June 1, 2022
Robert Woods commended Ryan Tannehill for always communicating on the field, in the film room, even walking from meeting to meeting. #Titans pic.twitter.com/o6QTHHjPNN
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) June 1, 2022
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
#Titans Kevin Byard emphasizing the importance of his new diet. Says he feels lighter, healthier, and has had improved recovery so far this year.
— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) June 1, 2022
.@KevinByard is a bit transformed by diet and intermittent fasting. #Titans. pic.twitter.com/16H8dHkpg0
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) June 1, 2022
#Titans safety Kevin Byard looks more lean than he did before. He said he’s made some dietary changes. Less red meat, more fish, chicken. Eats berries and fruit in the morning and has tried some intermittent fasting.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) June 1, 2022
AP Photo/Wade Payne
“I want to be out here playing ball with the guys.” — @KevinByard pic.twitter.com/9KIwZYTluQ
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) June 1, 2022
#Titans Kevin Byard asked what he can still learn about the defense:
“Everything. I like reps. I want to be out here playing ball with the guys and then the mentorship of the younger guys – having them see a vet out here busting his behind. I’m always trying to get better.”
— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) June 1, 2022
