To say that Tennessee Titans rookie tight end Josh Whyle had a rough preseason debut would be putting it mildly. The 2023 fifth-round pick directly contributed to two costly turnovers on the plus side of the field.
The first came in the second quarter on a somewhat inaccurate throw by quarterback Malik Willis, forcing the 6-foot-7 Whyle to climb the ladder to make the catch. Unfortunately, the ball slipped right through his hands and into the paws of a nearby Chicago Bears defender.
Later in the same quarter, Whyle caught what would’ve been a first down, but he was met right as he made a move upfield and fumbled the ball, which Chicago recovered.
After the game, the Cincinnati product took full accountability for his shortcomings.
“I think there’s a lot to improve on,” said Whyle, according to ESPN’s Turron Davenport. “Having two turnovers, that’s tough. I’ve got to learn from it, and I’ll come back from it. It’s unacceptable.”
Tennessee’s rookie tight end was then asked by Davenport if he felt the deflected interception was a catchable ball, to which Whyle said he’s “got to come down with that.”
Whyle also discussed his comfort level in his first NFL game, stating that it wasn’t anything he wasn’t ready for, despite his struggles.
#Titans tight end Josh Whyle after Saturday’s game. pic.twitter.com/Xg0GRXtJyL
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) August 12, 2023
The former Bearcat finished his first NFL game with just two catches for nine yards. Let’s hope Whyle uses his struggles from Saturday as motivation to bounce back strong against the Minnesota Vikings next week.
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