Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel held a Zoom call with the media on Wednesday and discussed a number of topics.
Here are some of the most important things he talked about.
Vrabel hasn’t talked to Clowney
Despite knowing Jadeveon Clowney pretty well and the Titans showing interest in the free-agent pass-rusher, Vrabel says he hasn’t spoken to him throughout the free agency process.
Vrabel on Clowney: "I have not talked to JD" @Titans
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) May 13, 2020
Vrabel was on Bill O’Brien’s coaching staff with the Houston Texans in each of Clowney’s first four seasons in the NFL. He was defensive coordinator in 2017, the season in which Clowney totaled a career-high 9.5 sacks.
Vrabel commends rookies
Vrabel was very complimentary of the Titans’ rookies. He said they are now taking part in virtual meetings and called them “a sharp group”.
Vrabel said the rookies are now taking part in the virtual meetings@Titans
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) May 13, 2020
Vrabel on rookies in virtual setting: It's a sharp group.@Titans
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) May 13, 2020
Moving forward, the idea is to get the rookies more involved with the veterans in virtual OTAs.
Mike Vrabel says he's pleased with how virtual OTAs have gone. Said they're getting ready to get the rookies more involved as well. #Titans
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) May 13, 2020
Vrabel is hoping that the first-year players can make up for lost time with there being no rookie minicamp.
Vrabel on losing rookie camp: Hopefully there's a way in training camp to make up for time missed @Titans
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) May 13, 2020
On Covid-19 restrictions
With virtual OTAs already underway, Vrabel doesn’t expect the players to hit the field until training camp.
Vrabel: Not expecting players on field until training camp. @Titans
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) May 13, 2020
He also says that so far there is no plan to move training camp from Nashville to a different location.
Vrabel said there have been no discussions about moving training camp elsewhere. @Titans
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) May 13, 2020
Vrabel believes that, in the interest of fairness, until all teams can get their players back in their respective buildings, no team should be allowed.
Vrabel: Thinks in fairness, all NFL teams should be allowed in buildings at the same time@Titans
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) May 13, 2020
Vrabel isn’t sure whether or not there will be fans in the stands when the regular season begins.
Vrabel on possibility of games without fans: No one has told me whether there will be fans or not@Titans
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) May 13, 2020
Right now, Vrabel isn’t stressing the unknown future of what the offseason will bring and is instead going with the flow, which includes the league extending virtual OTAs until May 29.
Vrabel said he hasn’t yet considered NFL games without fans. “All I know is the virtual program is extended to May 29.” Beyond that, he said he’d read whatever memo the league says him about the next steps.
“Our players are dealing with the distractions very well.” #Titans
— Erik Bacharach (@ErikBacharach) May 13, 2020
On joint practices
In 2019, the Titans held joint practices with the New England Patriots during training camp.
Vrabel says there have already been discussions about doing more joint practices this year and he’s hopeful the Titans can get them done with one or up to two teams this time around.
Vrabel on practicing with another team in preseason: We've had discussions. Looking for clarity and hoping team will be able to practice with one, maybe two teams@Titans
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) May 13, 2020
On helping A.J. Brown
Despite having a sensational rookie season, Vrabel believes Brown can improve on some things with wide receivers coach Rob Moore and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
Vrabel on AJ Brown building on last yr: There are some things at the top of the route. There are things I, along with Rob (Moore), and Arthur (Smith) can help him to help him play physical and stay away from pass interference. #Titans
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) May 13, 2020
Brown totaled 1,051 yards and nine total touchdowns last season. He finished third in the voting for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year behind the then-Oakland Raiders’ Josh Jacobs and Arizona Cardinals’ Kyler Murray.
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