The Tennessee Titansheld their first practice on Saturday following their preseason victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday. This practice was reported to be competitive from both an offensive and defensive standpoint.
There were many big plays on the field during the team period portion of practice, including a massive play from a defensive player.
Joshua Williams Lays the Boom in a Yellow Jersey
Jim Wyatt from the Titans' media team detailed that the biggest hit of the day came from an unexpected player. That player was Joshua Williams, who is a cornerback for the Titans. The player was only unexpected due to the fact that he has been limited in practice and was wearing a yellow jersey, which is given out to the players who will be in very minimal contact.
This allows coaches and others to spot them away from the rest of the group, which can lead to extra monitoring.
Wyatt said that the Titans' cornerback lowered the boom on Julius Chestnut, a veteran running back, after he caught a pass. Following the hit, Williams let the running back hear about it.
This is something that didn't go over well with the fellow offensive players on the field.
"Offensive players noticed, of course, partly because Williams was wearing the yellow jersey. In fact, I heard one guy say: 'Take off the yellow jersey, dawg,'" Wyatt said when discussing the massive play at practice.
What Does This Mean for Josh Williams
If Joshua Williams was confident enough to lay a hit like the one that he did against Chestnut, and afterwards run his mouth, it seems that he should be taking the yellow jersey off and going out there for full contact. While football isn't a sport to complain about what is fair and what isn't, it is safe to say that it isn't fair for Williams to deliver a hit that seems 100%, while the other players hitting him have to pull up or slow down in the process.
The Titans' competitive nature at practice likely leads Williams to have a target on his back, as someone will be looking to give him a clean receipt when it comes to the team period, especially those who have the best interest in Chestnut.
Regardless, the Titans need Williams in a major role this season, one that allows him to either start or be a rotational player who hears his name called before any of the fellow players coming off the bench.
