NASHVILLE — Critical reps are happening for quarterback Ryan Tannehill during the last three weeks of training camp. In a year where chemistry with new weapons is key, the veteran is quickly gelling with the Tennessee Titans' offensive rookies.

Availability is always the best (football) ability.

Tennessee spent five of its eight 2022 draft choices on offense. How Tannehill adapts to several newcomers will be the key to sustaining success for the Titans. Fans writ large will get their first look at the rookie class when the team travels to Baltimore this Thursday for its first preseason game.

Live-game action will be an important experience, but they'll have those without Tannehill.

Tannehill trusts Kyle Philips

Tennessee's fifth-round pick at wide receiver is not the only new skill player Tannehill's showing growth with.

Philips is, however, taking the necessary time and attention to ensure that he is a part of the quarterback's circle of trust. In last Thursday's practice, Phillips earned the opportunity for prolonged work with the Titans first-team offense. The rookie, on one team period rep, got confused about his assignment.

It was significant enough of an error that Tannehill felt he needed to make clear how displeased he was to Philips.

Tannehill later went back to Phillips on the same pattern, and the freshman receiver executed correctly. Simple trial, error and repetition taking place in practice. Significant for both players to identify and correct in the connection-building process.

"It's huge," said Tannehill of the teaching moment. "When you see a guy bounce back after a misstep, be able to handle that, move on and then make the play for you, it's huge. (Philips) made another play for me in this two-minute today. (Mike Vrabel) gave us the phantom holding call, but he was able to make the play. Tight coverage. Ripped the ball in there. He was able to go up and make a big play for me."

Click here to accept Marketing cookies and load this content

The more any player on Tennessee's roster can pay the quarterback off that way is critical to the unit's success.

Contested catches is something Philips has displayed the ability to do so far through 10 practices for the Titans. Finding holes in the coverage and getting separation in the same way the former UCLA Bruin showed on tape in college has been evident as well. The more Philips has done so for Tannehill despite less-than-clean looks gives the quarterback the confidence to know he has a reliable target.

That's not something that Tannehill has taken for granted after 2021.

"It looks like the quarterback trusts (Philips)," coach Mike Vrabel said on Monday. "I think he does a good job of recognizing whether it's man or zone, how he wants to run his route, and be decisive."

Tannehill has show proficiency with many of his new targets in the early going. Tennessee's starting quarterback is not expected to participate in preseason action this week. Any and all time together on the practice field is key.

Coverage of the Titans versus the Ravens can be heard Thursday, August 11 on 104.5 The Zone.

Featured Image: USA TODAY Sports.