Training Camp CentralNASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Coming off Saturday night's 27-20 victory over Tampa Bay, the Titans returned to practice Monday, getting started on a short week that culminates with Friday night's preseason game in Dallas.
"I think we got done what we needed to get done," head coach Jeff Fisher said. "We didn't need to put the pads on today, we'll put the pads on tomorrow."
The Titans have two practices on Tuesday, one at 8:30 a.m. and a night practice scheduled for 7 p.m. at Baptist Sports Park. Fisher said facing the Cowboys' 4-3 defense will be good practice for the regular season opener at Pittsburgh, which also runs a 4-3.
"Dallas' defense is very stout and we're going to clearly have to prepare a little bit for the difference in the defensive front, and we will later in the week," Fisher said.
The Cowboys will be unveiling their new, state of the art stadium Friday night. It's a nationally-televised preseason game that fans around the country will likely be watching with interest.
"This will be a great experience for us Friday night," Fisher said. "I think it will be real good preparation for the younger guys to be in that kind of environment because that's about as close to matching the environment, emotion and intensity as you are going to get in the opener."
RUN GAME NOT A CONCERN: Despite mediocre rushing performances by Titans starters in the first two preseason games, the team is confident its running game will ultimately be just as prolific as it was last year..
With little game-planning mapped out during these first two weeks, Fisher said the rushing numbers were not surprising.
"There were a lot of folks around the line of scrimmage. There was a lot of stunting and slanting and the cornerbacks supported and played very aggressively," Fisher said. "We called runs because we wanted to call runs. When you get into the regular season and you get into that situation, you pick it up and push the ball downfield consistently."
Titans players agreed.
"It's not really a concern with us," center Leroy Harris said. "We looked back at the film today and we just didn't get clean fits. During the preseason we are trying different things. Of the 25 plays, we might have had only had six or seven runs, so it's tough to judge."
ROOKIES STAND OUT: The biggest story from the Tampa Bay game was the impressive play of Tennessee's rookie class, which accounted for all three Titans touchdowns. After a subpar first half, the Titans turned to their younger players after intermission. They responded with a deep touchdown catch by wide receiver Kenny Britt, an interception return for a touchdown by cornerback Ryan Mouton and a long, shifty touchdown run by running back Javon Ringer.
"I think you have to expect those kinds of plays out of them," Fisher said. "When you are drafting skill players, players in skill positions who are handling the ball and are receivers, running backs and defensive backs, you expect that. When they happen, it's good to see, especially in the second half."
INJURY UPDATE: Offensive linemen David Stewart and Kevin Mawae, defensive tackles Jason Jones and Kevin Vickerson, wide receivers Chris Davis and Kenny Britt and linebacker Stephen Tulloch all sat out of today's practice.
All of those who sat out have a chance to play Friday at Dallas, except for Mawae, who Fisher believes will be ready for the regular season.
