What's trending up, trending down after Titans' first day of joint practices with Bucs

Welcome to Talkin’ Titans. This is Titans beat reporter Ben Arthur.

The Titans had their first of two joint practices with the Buccaneers on Wednesday, a chance for Tennessee to get intense, non-game reps with an opponent.

Here’s what’s trending up and down after the first joint practice:

Trending up

1. First-team offense

With A.J. Brown gone and needing to replace two offensive-line starters in an underwhelming passing attack, the Titans’ offense has been the focus entering 2022.

And the first-team unit provided optimism in its first test against another team.

Quarterback Ryan Tannehill had an interception targeting fifth-round rookie Kyle Philips – an apparent miscommunication – but otherwise the offense looked efficient.

Tannehill completed deep shots to receivers Treylon Burks and Racey McMath.

Tight end Austin Hooper continued to be a go-to target.

Wide receiver Robert Woods had no limitations and made several catches.

Rookie Kyle Philips was winning his matchups in the slot.

The pass protection largely held up, even with right guard Nate Davis leaving practice early. Reserve Jordan Roos stepped in for him.

2. Depth on defensive line, outside linebacker

The Titans’ defensive front had its way against the Bucs’ backup quarterbacks and banged-up offensive line in early 7-on-7 and team drills.

It wasn’t just the starters I was impressed with. It was the backups – like veteran Ola Adeniyi, second-year pro Rashad Weaver and undrafted rookie David Aninh – making plays at the line of scrimmage.

Starter Denico Autry has missed the last several training camp practices. And there will be times during the season when the depth could be tested.

Through 14 training camp practices, that depth has proven to be a strength.

Trending down

1. Treylon Burks

Burks pick was trending up – he had a one-handed snag in one-on-ones and caught a deep touchdown pass – until he exited practice with a trainer for an undisclosed issue.

You surely remember the first-round pick’s issues pre-training camp, when he missed a lot of practice between asthma and conditioning concerns.

Burks could be fine. Maybe he’ll be back on the field Thursday.

But until then, he’s trending down in my book.

2. Caleb Farley

Second-year cornerback Caleb Farley is expected to be a starter, but he hasn’t been as consistent as you’d like him to be.

Coach Mike Vrabel noted how Farley, who had a strong practice Monday, didn’t seem to have his best day Wednesday.

He got burned by Julio Jones in a two-minute drill that set up a Tampa Bay field goal (though it was missed) and had a couple rough reps against speedy receivers Jaelon Darden and Scotty Miller in one-on-ones.

Other content from joint practices

Here’s some Titans content to set you up for Thursday, the second and final day of Titans-Bucs joint practices:

• My takeaways from Day 1 of joint practices

• Sports columnist Gentry Estes analyzes what the Titans are looking for in Malik Willis

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📧 Any questions about the Titans after their first practice with the Bucs? Shoot them my way and I'll answer. My email is BArthur@tennessean.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: What's trending up, down after Titans' first joint practice with Bucs