Titans, Falcons wrap up minicamps
NASHVILLE — Tennessee Titans coach Mike Mularkey made players work hard to earn a pass from the final practice of their three-day minicamp and wrap up the offseason program a bit early.
They had to beat the coaches at a high-speed punt, pass and kick competition Thursday.
Tight end Jace Amaro kicked a 70-yard punt that got help from a nice roll, while offensive lineman Dennis Kelly used his toe to put a 27-yard field goal through the uprights to start the Titans — well, at least the players at least — celebrating.
“Did you see them at the end?” Mularkey said. “They looked pretty excited about not having to practice. Body language says a lot. Coaches did not look very happy.”
Coaches will have to work today, but players cleared out of the locker room pretty quickly Thursday to enjoy a break that ends July 28, when they report back for training camp.
Mularkey gave players a chance to earn a similar escape a year ago to conclude the offseason program a bit early. The coach is even happier with the Titans after their second straight offseason with him in charge coming off a 9-7 record last season.
“We’re ahead of where we were last year,” Mularkey said. “I think I’ve said this before — I think we’re a better team. Now this is without pads, further ahead than even we were at the end of the year just based on the way we’re executing plays. Again, this is in the offseason. This is no pads. It’s not having to block anybody or beat anybody bump and run, but I feel like we’re ahead.”
Mularkey and the Titans believe they’ve been able to build on 2016 thanks to finally having some continuity both in the coaching staff and in the offensive and defensive schemes. He said that has allowed the veterans to better assist the rookies so much the new players didn’t stand out in practice because of any mistakes being made, Mularkey said.
Falcons’ Jarrett eager
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Grady Jarrett’s goal for this season is to become a “dominant force” on the Atlanta Falcons’ defense, something he showed was a realistic goal during the Super Bowl.
For many, last season’s title game will be known for the Falcons’ second-half collapse in the 34-28 overtime loss to New England. For Jarrett, it marked his emergence as a defensive tackle with star potential. Jarrett tied a Super Bowl record with three sacks of Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.
Jarrett’s focus in this week’s minicamp, which ended Thursday, was to build on his breakthrough performance.
“That was definitely a highlight of my career as far as the way I played,” Jarrett said Wednesday. “I feel like the effort I gave on that day was because I wanted that win so badly. It just makes me want even more for this team and this city.”
Jarrett is from Conyers, about 24 miles east of Atlanta, and he describes himself as “an Atlanta guy.” Jarrett’s father, Jessie Tuggle, played for the Falcons from 1987 to 2000. Jarrett was raised in Conyers by his mother, Elisha, and her husband, Grady Jarrett Sr.
He said hometown loyalty is why winning a championship with the Falcons “means so much to me.”
“It was an awesome feeling, but the work is far from over,” he said. “We as a team know that. We know where we want to be. We’re headed there.”
Browns’ Garrett hurt
CLEVELAND — Myles Garrett missed the final practice of the Browns’ minicamp. It’s still not known when he’ll be back.
The No. 1 overall draft pick was kept off the field Thursday with a left foot injury that is still being examined. The team had been expected to provide an update on Garrett, but the only new development is that he’s still undergoing evaluation.
Cleveland wrapped up its three-day mandatory minicamp with questions still looming about Garrett’s status. Coach Hue Jackson did not meet with the media and none of his assistants commented on Garrett’s condition.
Garrett, who has been slowed by an unspecified injury this spring, was hurt Wednesday while rushing quarterback Brock Osweiler during a two-minute drill late in practice. He crumpled to the ground and was in obvious distress while being checked by a trainer and Jackson.
Garrett did not return to the field, and after the practice was moved inside because of thunderstorms, he limped into the team’s facility. He was not spotted while his teammates worked out Thursday.