The Seahawks and Titans faced off in a joint practice on a sweltering Friday in Nashville, with standout performances from quarterbacks Cam Ward and Sam Darnold, defensive plays like Ty Okada’s pick-six, and tensions flaring briefly amid the heat.
The joint practice between the Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans on a blistering Friday in Nashville highlighted key developments for both teams, including standout quarterback performances, defensive highlights, and a brief skirmish amid the heat. The event offered a glimpse into their respective strategies and challenges as they approach the season.
Quarterback Performances and Defensive Highlights
Cam Ward, the Titans’ quarterback, showcased his poise under pressure, completing 20 of 26 passes in team drills and 22 of 28 in 7-on-7 periods. He’s in command of the offense,
Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald noted, echoing the sentiment of Titans coach Robert Saleh, who called Ward a pain in the neck
last year.
We’re starving,
Simmons said. Darnold, meanwhile, praised the versatility of the running backs, who did a great job out of the backfield,
catching passes and adapting to the offense’s needs. This adaptability was a key point of discussion, with Darnold noting, They’re doing a great job out of the backfield.
Even when they’re not out of the backfield, in the slot, being able to catch and do all the things we ask them to do.
Defensive highlights included a pick-six by Seahawks safety Ty Okada, who intercepted a pass intended for Titans receiver Carnell Tate. I was coming down over the middle, tried to get him to get his eyes off of me and then on a crossing route was just able to read it and play off of him and go out there and make a play,
Okada said. The Titans’ defense also had its moments, with cornerback Alontae Taylor intercepting Darnold and returning it for a touchdown.
Tensions and Team Mindsets
The practice was not without its moments of tension.
The Titans’ defensive mindset was a recurring theme, with Simmons expressing confidence in his team’s work. Our mindset was, ‘They may be hungry, we starving,’
Simmons said, a statement that reflected the Titans’ determination.
Weather conditions also played a role in the practice, with temperatures feeling close to 100 degrees. Seahawks players, including WR Montorie Foster Jr., experienced cramps, while the Titans’ defense adapted to the heat. It’s an awesome opportunity to have a pretty heavy practice in this heat and humidity,
Macdonald said, acknowledging the challenges.
Rookie Impact and Injury Concerns
Rookie running back Jadarian Price, Seattle’s first-round pick in this year’s draft, made a strong impression, with quarterback Sam Darnold calling him a really special player.
Price’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield and run effectively in various formations was a key talking point. He brings a different facet to the offense that only a guy like him can bring,
Darnold said, highlighting Price’s versatility.
Injury concerns cast a shadow over the practice, particularly for the Seahawks. Wide receiver Jake Bobo suffered a serious, right knee injury and was carted off the field, a setback.
As both teams prepare for the season, the joint practice provided valuable insights into their strengths and areas for improvement. However, questions remain about managing injuries and maintaining momentum.
