Tennessee Titans: What Stood Out at Camp Day 5
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — NFL training camps are always a fickle beast. Media, fans, players and coaches come out of the break filled with excitement and the hope of a new season. Then, by Day 5, we're all sick of the heat and spend our time debating whether the rookie sixth-round pick or the roster bubble wide […]
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — NFL training camps are always a fickle beast.
Media, fans, players and coaches come out of the break filled with excitement and the hope of a new season. Then, by Day 5, we're all sick of the heat and spend our time debating whether the rookie sixth-round pick or the roster bubble wide receiver are more worth the time. The key is understanding that this time of year is a slow burn…a marathon and not a sprint.
Each day, we will analyze the biggest takeaway, individual stand-out or topic du jour that came out of practice and what it could mean for the upcoming season. Let’s take a look at Darius Jennings…
Jennings started his career in 2015 as an undrafted free agent and bounced around on the Browns', Bears' and Jets' rosters before landing with the Titans in 2017. He was waived that year but came back in 2018 to make the team and set a single-season record for kickoff return average (31.7), which led the league. Jennings also scored his first NFL touchdown last season in Miami with the Titans first kickoff return for a score since 2012.
As a true receiver, though, Jennings still has something to prove.
"He’s been great," said quarterback Marcus Mariota. "Through his career here with me, very dependable guy. Knows what to do, and when given the chance he makes the most of the opportunity."
Jennings' 2018 usage could be best described as minimal. The veteran finished that campaign with 11 catches for 101 yards, a crucial 36-yard catch that helped in a victory at Dallas and one of the most egregious drops against the Eagles that you will ever see. Jennings has a good opportunity to make this year's roster with Cam Batson being placed on IR with a broken collarbone, according to Paul Kuharsky.
Through five days of camp, Jennings' efforts have pretty much matched his career: fine, but nothing to write home about.
"Same as always, man," Jennings says about his emphasis this camp. "Just come in focused every day. Can't worry about tomorrow, can't dwell on yesterday. Just making sure that, when I come out here on the field each day, I'm just doing my job."
His job last season was to help buoy Tennessee's return game to help bolster one of the best special teams units in the sport. But, with kickoff returns being borderline legislated out as the NFL attempts to satisfy the calls for player safety, the responsibilities that come with Jennings' job will need to expand.
Featured image: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
