The Tennessee Titans suffered a defeat at the hands of the Chicago Bears to open the preseason on Saturday. 

In the proccess, we learned a few things and saw some impressive performances. With just two more preseason games to go, however, we still have several questions that need to be answered. 

Head coach Mike Vrabel had a press conference Sunday afternoon, and he provided some insight into some of these questions. 

Will the offensive line be a problem again in 2023?

Only five teams in the league allowed more sacks than the Titans in 2022. Will that be a problem again in 2023? Well, the starting offensive line looked good on Saturday, albeit they didn't play for long. 

Vrabel spoke on the starters on Sunday saying:

I thought it was efficient. I thought that they did some really good things, and we were able to run the football. We had the delay, which was on everybody, but ultimately the quarterback. Making sure that we’re processing everything quickly and getting it to them. But I thought that there were some good looks there of things that we had worked on in practice.

The same could not be said for the backups. LT Jaelyn Duncan, Xavier Newman, C Corey Levin, Jordan Roos, RT Andrew Rupcich were the first guys off the bench, and they did not make life easy for Will Levis and Malik Willis. 

As a whole, the Bears collected eight sacks on the day. The Bears were dead last in sacks in 2022, so this may be an ominous sign. It is a positive that Vrabel was impressed with the starters, however. We'll have to see how the team handles a tough Minnesota Viking defensive line in the second game. 

Which QB is the favorite to win the backup job?

Neither Malik Willis nor Will Levis lit up the stat sheet on Saturday. Levis went 9/14 for 85 yards with no TDs and one INT. Willis went 16/25 for 189 yards, also with no touchdowns and one interception. 

The leg-up after one week obviously goes to Willis. The second-year QB looked more poised and didn't immediately bail out of the pocket like we saw a year ago. Vrabel complimented both guys on Sunday. 

Vrabel on Levis:

I think just letting the game come to him. Just take what’s there. Just trying to make sure that we’re not overdoing it. That we’re just playing one role, a large role as a quarterback in the offense and taking what they give you and then when there’s opportunities to work the ball down the field, do that. Did some nice things. I thought did some really nice things and you know we’d like to have some plays back from the game.

On Willis:

Yeah, I thought that there was some composure. I thought that there were some opportunities for him to run. He ran and was able to do that. But he did a nice job when he did get out of the pocket, keeping his eyes down the field and was able to be a thrower when he felt like there was something there. Never going to restrict his ability to make plays with his feet. Just be smart with the football. You saw him convert down there in the red zone for a huge first down that allowed us to then eventually score with Malik (Willis) there at the end of that first drive.

Vrabel also said the turnovers weren't all on Willis, but acknowledged the young QB needs to improve his ball security. 

I would say that Willis is the favorite to be the backup after one week of preseason action.

Who will crack the roster at inside linebacker?

For much of the offseason, it was assumed that Monty Rice would be starting next to Azeez Al-Shaair in the middle of the defense. However, Jack Gibbens was listed as a starter on the first unofficial depth chart and has been receiving praise all summer. 

Against the Bears, Chance Campbell received the most snaps with 25, while Rice saw the least amount at just seven. Vrabel was asked about Campbell and said the following:

I thought he played with some good speed. I thought his speed showed up. His speed showed up on special teams. So again, I think there’s a good group there that’s got some youth. Those guys are all going to have to play a bunch of different roles. Know both inside linebacker spots and be able to help us on all special teams.

Those comments appear to indicate that the ILB competition is still wide open. Did Rice play just seven snaps because his spot is secure? Or did the team simply want to see more from Campbell? 

Veteran additions Luke Gifford and Ben Niemann both performed in limited snaps. Niemann grabbed four tackles and Gifford had a fumble recovery. Can Rice do enough to hold off Gibbens, Campbell, and Niemann? This one might not have an answer until after the final preseason game. 

Three Titans who impressed in preseason opener against Bears

The Titans lost, but still had a few standout performers in Chicago.

Featured image via © Jamie Sabau | 2023 Aug 12