What We Learned From The Titans Third Preseason Game

The Tennessee Titans finished out the preseason with a 23-13 win against the Minnesota Vikings in Nissan Stadium, and while it may be the least informative game so far, we learned a lot.

via Minnesota Vikings

Cedric Gray probably won the starting job

The most fun battle to watch of the preseason was the job for the starting linebacker beside Cody Barton, and it really seems like Cedric Gray may have come from behind to secure this job. For the second straight week, he was flying all over the field seemingly teleporting to make plays, stuffing runs, and applying pass rush. You want to see your middle linebacker making plays on every inch of the field, and Gray has done that super well in these three games. While James Williams still has an argument for that job, it seems to me that Gray has impressed enough to earn the position.

Haters have been silenced

Three players yesterday silenced the crowd hoping for them to be waived: Van Jefferson, Joey Slye, and Johnny Hekker. After having drops in back-to-back weeks, Van Jefferson made highlights. First off, he made a catch on a perfect throw by Cam Ward, which was fairly routine, but likely helped build his confidence back up. Where he shined, however, was on a dump off by Brandon Allen, where Jefferson would escape the cornerback and put on the jets for a 65 yard touchdown, silencing everyone who called for him to potentially not make the team. Next up was Joey Slye, who after missing an extra point last week and kicking the ball off out of bounds yesterday showed why he is an NFL kicker with a pair of impressive field goals. First being a 63 yarder that may have been good from 70 and second being a 53 yarder that bounced off the uprights and the low cross bar to make it in. His accuracy isn't perfect, but he has a leg on him. Finally, after a poor preseason to this point, Johnny Hekker made some impressive punts which showcased why he is one of the best punters in the NFL.

Cam Ward Finished Strong

Something that has been apparent in the preseason is that Brian Callahan isn't giving Cam Ward a ton of reps throwing the ball, likely trying to play it safe to not risk injury and call a game similar to how he would in the regular season. Ward has made the most of every moment though. In his final preseason game, Ward went 3/4 for 36 yards and came up just a couple inches short of a touchdown pass. He seemed comfortable in the pocket and threw a couple of good passes, mainly the one on a rope to Van Jefferson. Hopefully we get to see Cam truly shine in week one against the Broncos' stacked defense.

Chestnut up and over; Mullings is a wrecking ball

Not really a learning point, but Julius Chestnut is a great athlete. He showcased just how much on a 4th and 1 where he effortlessly hurdled a defender and took it for a big game. The opposite competing running back Kalel Mullings is a wrecking ball. He is bouncing off defenders and taking the ball for extra yards on each and every carry. Hopefully his injury isn't serious.