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What The Titans Said Following Their 16-15 Preseason Win Over The Seahawks

Interviews, transcripts, and press conferences from the Seahawks' Preseason Week 2 16-15 Preseason loss to the Titans at Nissan Stadium. 

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Featuring postgame quotes from the following:

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Head Coach Brian Callahan

"Just injury notes from the game. Kearis Jackson had a knee, did not return. Does not look bad. I will get further information on the eval in the coming days, but it doesn't seem like its serious. Jabari Small was evaluated for a concussion, did not return. And then, TK McLendon left with a foot, did not return. We'll get more information on that in the next couple of days. Other than that, we came out relatively clean. We had a lot of guys play a lot of football tonight, which was great. But they had to fight through it a bit. It was a lot. A lot of guys played a full game which they are not used to playing. So, great effort from a bunch of guys.

We got great situational football today to learn from, which was outstanding in both end of the half and end of the game. And then, to win the game on a walk-off field goal, to get in position was outstanding. And then obviously, (Brayden) Narveson hitting from 59 was something that I didn't have on my bingo card today. So, that was really, really cool to see.

Jaylen Harrell with two sacks was really great to see as well. He played a lot of football tonight. I thought we did a really nice job possessing the football too. We managed to chew up some clock and keep the ball on our possession.

Penalties are what hurt us today. That was tough. Especially early, had a bunch of third down penalties that knocked us into some long yardage that kind of set us back early in the game, in that first quarter in particular. Really both sides on third down, offense and defense, we had some issues. Got to clean those up.

But overall, I told the guys in the locker room that people like to say the preseason doesn't mean anything. Well, it means something to us. It means something to the guys that are playing, and so to go out there and play well and find a way to win a game, that matters to us. Again, won't count for the standings at the end of the year, but it does matter and it's important to see those guys play well and leave on a successful note off the field."

The offensive line had five penalties with one declined. How concerning is it that the backups are committing that many?

"Anytime you can hit five of them up front, its concerning. That wasn't very clean on our offensive line up front. Things to take a look at, hand placement, things like that. But yeah, five penalties and having one declined, that's not great."

How would you assess, without seeing the film obviously, the play of Mason Rudolph and Malik Willis?

"They both did really good things. They both completed the ball for the most part. They didn't put the ball in harm's way too much. I mean, Malik (Willis) had a high ball that got tipped for the interception that could have lost the game for us at that moment. But, I thought both of them did well, they operated well. They led the team down and scored points, both of them. So, I'll watch the film a little bit further with some more detail. I can give you some better answers once I watch it. But off the field, my initial impression was both of them played well enough."

You alluded to the end of half operation. Just how important is that for you to get to go through that process?

"Hugely important for me. I want as much of that as I could possibly get. Just managing timeouts, managing situations. I'm kind of pissed at myself. In the first half, where I took that timeout, I think it was maybe 10 or 12 seconds left on the clock. I should have taken it all the way down, and that might have been the difference in them being able to kick a field goal or not. So, learning lessons as we go. But I should have waited longer to take the timeout. But yeah, it was great."

You rallied twice. How much fun was it to watch that? How cool was it to see guys that maybe weren't in uniform celebrate that?

"That's the sign of a really connected team to me. That's one of the things that we preach. And just having those guys up and into it and cheering on the guys that they work with every day, and work hard, and go against on a regular basis. To see that kind of energy and excitement in a preseason game is going to serve us well. It's important to see that. So, I'm happy they did, and I had plenty of energy too when he made that field goal to win. So, it was exciting."

59 from Brayden Narveson and you said you didn't have it on your bingo card. It looked like it had a lot more on it. What kind of leg has he shown in practice? What did you think is range was?

"He's shown that range. That part wasn't surprising. I was getting ready to punt it, and Colt (Anderson) kind of yells at me, he goes 'Kick it, kick, kick it,' and I was like, alright, we'll kick it. I'll give the kid get a shot at it from 59. Colt had a ton of trust in him. Obviously works with him very closely and understands the range that he has and where he could be accurate from. Great call by Colt to push me to kicking it, and unbelievable execution. 59 yards is no small feat. That's a grown man kick in the NFL. I mean, it's not easy to hit. So, that was great for him to put on tape for himself, too. So, really cool to see."

How do you see the running back competition? Hassan Haskins didn't play any offense in the first half. But he got in the second, how do you see he and Julius Chestnut?

"I think it's still a competition. I think Julius (Chestnut) has played well for himself. He's put himself out there. Played well overall, done all the things we ask the running back to do. So, he got the first carries, and then I think Jabari Small's played really well too. We've got some competition there, and I think that those guys have played probably a little bit better than Hassan (Haskins) at this point. Obviously, Hassan is a special teams demon and that matters too. So, that competition is ongoing. We've got another week to go."

Do you feel like Jha'Quan Jackson built on a good week? Was Kyle Philips out because of his hamstring and is he going to miss time because of that?

"Yeah, Kyle's (Philips) out with the hamstring. I don't know when he'll be back. I'm hopeful that he might get back for practice, potentially the game. But we wanted to make sure that we got a really good long look at Jha'Quan (Jackson) as a returner, obviously with how he returned last week and what we've seen in practice and his performance at receiver in the game. He earned himself a really long look, and we want to make sure what we saw last week was real. And he has continued to stack competitive days as a receiver and a returner. That's a really positive step for him, and it's really good to see him make some plays in the passing game as well."

David Martin-Robinson seemed to step up big in that fourth quarter for you. What does he fall in that tight end hierarchy?

"Yeah, he's making a push. He's really done a nice job for an undrafted player. He's been a nice surprise for us. He's got a really unique ability because he's a really smooth runner and smooth catcher. But he's also physical and he's strong, so he can do a lot of things for us, particularly special teams is one of them when you're fighting for that third and fourth tight end spot. Really, really pleased with where he's at and what he's shown us, and excited about his potential as a tight end. I think he's shown that every week now."

Do you have a better feel for rookies Jaylen Harrel and Isaiah Iton on the defensive line? Are you building depth there?

"Yeah. Building depth with those guys is always going to be important. It was good to see Jaylen (Harrell) with some production tonight. That was great. I'll know more when I watch tape tomorrow, with Isaiah (Iton) as well. But anytime that you've got some depth you can build and guys—that even if they don't make your roster—are practice squad players that you feel good about elevating if you get in a pinch, those are the guys you're looking for and as many of those as you can find. So, I thought those guys played hard and played well tonight."

Nick Folk is automatic, but he can't hit from 59 yards. Does that make you take another look at that spot?

"At this point, no, I don't think so. But I think it was good to see a hit from 59 and Narveson hit it. So no, I don't think that changes much at the current moment. But it was really a positive development for us and for him that he can put that on tape and in live action to hit that field goal."

As the news came out about Arden Key, what are your thoughts on that suspension being overturned?

"Same as they were the last time we talked about it. It's a league matter, and until we get any kind of official word from the league, then I'll refrain from comment, just like I did last time. So, that's about all I can answer on that one."

Throughout the whole time, have you held hope that it would get overturned?

"It was in the league's hands for the appeal process. There's nothing I can do or say or we can do as an organization. It's in their hands officially. So, you just wait and yeah, you're hopeful, of course, but you wait and you see what happens."

It was a little surprising to see as much of Nick Westbrook-Ikhine tonight as we did. What was the thought process behind him playing a half?

"It was just good to see him play. We wanted to put him in position to make some plays for us, which he did. It was good to see him get in the end zone. Not that I need to see a lot from NWI (Nick Westbrook-Ikhine). I know what he's capable of and how productive he's been. But when you've got as many guys as we have, he's kind of forced into action. So, he's got to be able to play a little bit, and hopefully it allowed the quarterbacks to play well. Sometimes there's a comfort level in having some of those types of players out there with you. And that's just kind of where you're."

Is him playing and Treylon Burks not a reflection of hierarchy? Or is that just different guys, different situations?

"Different guys, different situations. Different positions too."

With injuries kind of happened at the inside linebacker spot, obviously Chance Campbell continues to build off the momentum in practices and games, what else does he need to show you or do you feel like you're seeing a lot from him?

"Seeing a lot. I think he's really done a nice job of stacking competitive performances, showing that he's capable of being one of those backup inside linebackers that's contributing on special teams. I mean, he flies around the field, he plays really hard. He's got a ton of energy. So, seeing a lot of great things from him in two games, and he's made a really strong case for himself."

Are you seeing a lot from that group of corners with Tre Avery, Jarvin Brownlee Jr., Eric Garror, Gabe Jeudy-Lally, these guys. Are they contributing to your liking so far?

"Yeah, I think that preseason can be challenging for those guys. They're going up against different offenses and sometimes the balls get over their head. I thought they've competed really well though. That's the key point. When you're evaluating those guys, it's more about are they doing what they're supposed to do? Are their eyes right? Is the technique right? Are they being competitive on the football? And so far, I've been pretty pleased with what we've seen there. I'm sure there's plenty of room for improvement, it's not perfect. But, I've been, particularly with Jarvis (Brownlee Jr.), been really happy with what we've seen out of him."

QB Mason Rudolph

David Martin-Robinson had a quiet night, but on the game winning drive, you found him a couple of times.

"Yeah. He did a great job. Oh DMR. I know him by DMR. But David, he did a great job, stiff arm. He's been athletic. He's been a great blocker. He's been sound at camp. And tonight, he got to make some plays and happy for him."

Preseason, regular season is it always, I guess, fun to lead one of those drives at the end and how was the win tonight?

"Yeah. It was fun. We hadn't had much work in the two minute. And so, I was proud of the way—in practice—I was proud of the way the guys communicated and remembered our operation and huddle. Whether we were in the huddle or no huddle, go over the line, getting out of bounds and run to the ball to the ref. So that's kind of all—it's good to get a dry run in the preseason doing that."

Have you had a lot of games where you kind of rotated like tonight?

"No."

What's that like for you?

"I mean it's what the preseason is. You got to stay on your feet. But going back and forth each drive, you got to kind of stay warm and stay loose on the sidelines."

How much have you communicated with Brayden (Narveson) throughout this? And how cool was that to see him make a 59-yarder and then the one late?

"Yeah, he's very near the quarterbacks in the locker room. So, we cut up and talk. He's been a very hungry to learn rookie. And he's done a great job. He's been pretty darn consistent in practice kicking. And tonight, just incredible night for him and his family, I'm sure. And I hope he's able to celebrate."

Still got a week to go in the preseason. Do you like what you've done up until this point to get ready for the season?

"Yeah. I think—I was talking my dad the other night primarily as a backup quarterback. You know, you get through the dog days of camp, and you start to get a little tired or rundown. But I try to remind myself, 'Hey buddy, you don't get these reps when the season starts, unless your number is called. Man, I just want to enjoy each and every day this camp. Coach Cally (Brian Callahan), he's done a good job of keeping the guys up, giving us some off days. But, you know attack it, have a good week and then finish it off in New Orleans."

WR Jha'Quan Jackson

Talk about your block, the play got called back because of a penalty on someone else, but you had a nice block that sprung Kearis Jackson on that kickoff return.

"Oh yeah, that's one of the biggest things about this team too. The special teams is going to spark everything. From the punt to the PBR (punt block/return), to the kickoff, to the kickoff return. I think with this new rule, with the kickoff return, we love it. I think our coaches come up with a great scheme and the guys execute it well, if the kick is to me or Kearis (Jackson). I'm always happy to see Kearis — I was saying 'Bro, they're not going to kick it to me. They're kicking to you.'But I know I've got to do my job and everybody else has to do their job. Making sure that number two came high, so I blocked him, and he just hit it. It's just going back to our training. We work on it hard and we watch film. We're really dialed in."

How much confidence are you building just with this momentum carry from really the moment you stepped out on the field and then in preseason games and now another one?

"Oh, it's not just me, it's just the whole team has a lot of confidence. I don't know what it is. I think the biggest thing about this year, we've been doing a lot of team bonding where we go together, we do everything together. So, it just brings us together and it's just a connection. Football is all about brotherhood. Can I count on the man to the left and right of me? That's the biggest thing. Last week, we went to Top Golf. The week before that, we did some things. And s the season goes on and we get time off, we're going to do more things because we're trying to bring a team together. Coach (Brian) Callahan's motto is 'Hunt Together.' And with that confidence of just relying on each other, we are going to be successful. Even if something happens bad, "Come on, bro. It's the next play. You've got to put that behind you.'"

OLB Jaylen Harrell

Preseason and a close game. Defense did what they had to do. How do you feel about tonight's win?

"It was a hard-fought battle. Offense, defense, special teams we all came together, and we got the victory. A lot of us played a lot of snaps. We knew we had to push through. Feels tiring, you got to keep going. So, we just kept going and played together as one. We got the victory. Shout-out Brayden (Narveson), 59-yarder and the game-winner."

What was it like playing tonight under the lights with referees and with fans, against guys you'd been practicing with all week?

"Yeah, it was definitely—practicing against them all week, you kind of get more of an idea of a plan, like who you're going against, how you attack them all week, is there stuff that we're getting beat on. So, I liked practicing against them to get a better feel for them."

Even though it is just preseason, how do you feel the Titans' defense as a unit has come together?

"We've got a lot of work to do. But I feel like we're coming along. We can always get better and always improve."

K Brayden Narveson

What's more exciting for you kicking the game winner or drilling one for 59 that could have gone another 10?

"The game winner, probably just because I love to win, and I wanted to help my team win. At the end of the day, the 59 is cool, but the 47 is what won the game. So that's kind of how I view it at least."

When you stepped up for that 59 yarder, what are you thinking? It's obviously got to have some leg to it, but you also have to get it over the line?

"Just be smooth. I knew I had the leg; I knew I had the distance. Just be smooth, trust it and just go make it. That's about it."

What's been your mentality in camp? They've had Nick Folk who was great last year, and you come in here to do what you do. How do you approach things every day?

"Every day I'm just trying to get better. And Nick (Folk) is really, really instrumental in helping me. He's one of the greatest of all time to do it. And so, it's really fun to learn from somebody like that, but at the end of the day, compete as well. It feels good. I'm kind of speechless a little bit, so sorry."

You've been getting some texts?

"No doubt."

How cool is that? The undrafted rookie. You come in here and you bang home three and have a perfect night.

"Yeah, I mean that's my job, fortunately or unfortunately, is to be perfect out there and that's what I'm trying to do every day. So just trying to be my best."

OL Andrew Rupcich

In a game that coach says from the get-go, we want all of our backups to play. We want them to get as much experience as they can, kind of what's the mentality for you need a lot of that type of situation?

"Oh, for me, I'm an undrafted guy and treat every day like I got to grind and claw to be here because that's what I have to do. I've always been a fringe guy. So, I'm going to grind every day in and day in and day out to be here. So, I just got to prove it."

So, there's one more week left in the preseason and one more week. How do you approach the last week without kind of too much getting in your head, like, this is my last shot, you know?

"I don't ever think of it like that. I don't like to look too far in the future in that aspect. I control what I control. I'm where we say be where my feet are. So that's what I try to do. I try to approach every day like it's my last and try as hard as I can every single day and, how did the chips roll out? That's how they roll. So, I'm just happy to be here. I love it here, and I just want to keep contributing for this team."

QB Malik Willis

You look comfortable and relaxed back there operating the offense. It seems to fit you maybe better, than some of the things in the past.

"I think its awesome. Also, I think that I just continue to try to learn from any miscues I've made in the past, and just try to understand the essence of where I went wrong and just continue to try to build on it. And I think it helps that you've got coaches, like I said, that give you the intent of what they want out of the play. I just have to continue to work on not getting so stuck in the progression that I don't realize, 'Okay, it's breaking down around me, I need to get the ball out a little bit faster and find my quick answers.'"

One of the challenges in the preseason, can be coming on for a series or two, and off for a series or two, on and off. And the guys around you are changing from series to series, quarter to quarter. What do you do as a quarterback to help yourself carry momentum over from long breaks in between you playing and not playing?

"You do the best you can? I mean, more than anything, it's your job. So, you're called to be ready whenever, and that goes on in the season. As a backup at this point in time, you just have to be ready whenever your number is called, so this is nothing new. You've just got to focus on when you get in there, executing, more than who's in there with you. Everybody's supposed to know where they're supposed to be. That's why we practice all the time. But, just understanding what you're being called to do with each play and going to execute to the best of your ability."

LB Chance Campbell

You had to be proud tonight of the defense. It was a close game. What do you feel about the defense coming together?

"Yeah, I think we put together some good drives. We have some of their drives that we definitely want back, but it was good to see what we did well."

You've been practicing a week against the Seahawks, but tonight and last week you seemed real focused just wanting to make an impact.

"I appreciate that. I just want to help this team, the best way I can, and I just got to do my job because we have a great system in place and I have great guys around me, so I need to do a better job of doing that, working hard and staying focused to my job."

It has been a grind already, but how do you feel the defense is coming together at this point?

"I think we're showing some good stuff. Like with anything, there's always stuff to improve. I think getting a second game under our belt, and I think winning, well all this matters. So it's cool that we could get that done, but the game film will show us a lot of stuff that we can get better, and improve on."

Must-see shots of the Seahawks in their preseason game at the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on August 17, 2024.

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