Titans open training camp
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Harold Landry celebrates following a sack against the Dolphins in 2022. Photo: Silas Walker/Getty Images
Harold Landry returned from injury, DeAndre Hopkins made his debut and Ryan Tannehill looked like his old self when the Titans opened training camp Wednesday.
- The Titans embarked on what they hope is a bounce-back year following their first losing season since 2015.
State of play: The Titans had been a model of consistency, tallying six consecutive winning seasons and three straight playoff appearances.
- It all fell apart in 2022, as they stumbled to a 7-10 record and fired their general manager during the season.
Add it all up, and expectations are not particularly high this season. According to Odds Shark, the over/under for Titans wins this season is 7.5. By comparison, the division rival Jaguars' over/under for wins this season is 9.5.
Yes, but: Training camp is a time for optimism, and there's reason to believe the Titans could return to form.
- For starters, new general manager Ran Carthon boosted the team's passing attack with the addition of Hopkins, a former Pro Bowl receiver.
- Carthon also invested in the offensive line by selecting Peter Skoronski in the first round.
- The team hopes the improved line and passing game takes the heat off star running back Derrick Henry, who had a down season last year.
The intrigue: Preseason games will be more interesting this season as the spotlight shines on young quarterbacks Malik Willis and Will Levis, who are vying to be the top backup — and perhaps the eventual successor — to Tannehill.
- Willis struggled when thrust into action last season, but has received praise from coach Mike Vrabel for his work this offseason.
- Levis is an intriguing rookie from Kentucky; the Titans traded up to draft him in the second round this year.
What we're watching: Another training camp storyline is the availability of Landry, who had emerged as a pass-rushing force before suffering a season-ending knee injury last year. Landry returned to practice Wednesday.
- In terms of training camp battles, the Titans are looking for a starting kicker. Caleb Shudak and Trey Wolff were both 5-for-5 on field goals during the first practice, according to ESPN's Turron Davenport.
- If you're looking for an under-the-radar player to watch in camp, check out undrafted rookie John Ojukwu, who Davenport reports received significant reps at right tackle.
Be smart: Follow Titans beat reporters Teresa Walker from The Associated Press, John Glennon from the Nashville Post and Davenport for daily training camp updates.