TENNESSEE
Storyline of the week
COVID-19 scare: After experiencing the first COVID-19 outbreak during the 2020 season, the Titans are getting flashbacks before 2021. The Titans had 12 players and coaches enter COVID-19 protocols this past week, including head coach Mike Vrabel and QB Ryan Tannehill, both of whom were forced to miss the preseason finale against the Bears. The players on the COVID-19 list have time to come off of it before the regular season starts Sept. 12 against the Arizona Cardinals, but it’s a stark reminder of how quickly the virus can derail things.
Rookie watch
The hype is real for 2021 third-round pick and CB Elijah Molden. After showing out with his play after the snap in preseason Week 2, Molden displayed his impressive football IQ before the snap in preseason Week 3. Molden was spotted giving signals and pre-snap instruction, and he sent other cornerbacks in motion with the Bears receivers. To see such a young player have a grasp of the defense in that way is rare. Molden is ready to be the top slot corner.