The Tennessee Titans received a phenomenal kicking performance from undrafted hero Brayden Narveson in Saturday’s 16-15 Week 2 preseason win over the Seattle Seahawks. Narveson helped bail out a sloppy offensive performance by converting three fourth-quarter field goals, including one from 59 yards out, and a game-winner from 46 as time expired.
Offensively, the Titans went 5-of-15 on third down and managed to score just one touchdown.
That doesn’t necessarily mean it was all negative, though. With the starters receiving the night off, several second-and-third-string ascending talents took advantage of their opportunity on offense by putting forth underrated performances for the Titans. We’ve identified four standouts in particular.
Julius Chestnut, RB
Julius Chestnut received the majority of the work in Tennessee’s backfield with both Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears sitting out, particularly during the first half. Chestnut is entrenched with Hassan Haskins and Jabari Small in a battle to be the offense’s No. 3 running back. He notably out-snapped Haskins 18-0 on offense during the first half.
Chestnut, who head coach Brian Callahan said has played better than Haskins, may have further distanced himself. Chestnut rushed for 45 yards on 13 carries and added 29 receiving yards to his offensive totals via two receptions. The former Sacred Heart standout could beat out Haskins and Small for a roster spot.
Mason Rudolph, QB
Malik Willis started this game at quarterback. Callahan wanted to give him an opportunity with the second-string offense after several positive practice performances with the threes. Willis was up and down, and Mason Rudolph led the Titans’ only touchdown drive on his first series after replacing him.
Rudolph completed 10-of-17 passing attempts for 125 yards and one touchdown. Rudolph was always the overwhelming favorite to be named the No. 2 quarterback behind Will Levis. Saturday’s performances by both he and Willis likely solidified that belief.
Lachavious Simmons, OG
Several reserve offensive linemen struggled for the Titans on Saturday. John Ojukwu and Andrew Rupcich were whistled for two penalties apiece. Jaelyn Duncan was called for a false start and gave up several pressures. Geron Christian was penalized for clipping.
You know who wasn’t whistled for any infractions? Guard Lachavious Simmons, who quietly put forth a stellar performance. Simmons played 49 offensive snaps as the offense’s second-most snapped lineman behind Rupcich (53). He strengthened his roster chances on Saturday.
Jha’Quan Jackson
Rookie wideout Jha’Quan Jackson was outstanding in joint practices versus the Seahawks on Wednesday and Thursday. The former Tulane standout scored two long touchdowns in scrimmage via lengthy catch-and-run opportunities. Jackson carried over that momentum to Saturday’s game.
Jackson led all Titans receivers in receptions (4) and receiving yards (57). Jackson’s longest play of the game was a 24-yard catch from Willis. The sixth-rounder is making a strong argument to defeat the likes of Kyle Philips (who has another hamstring injury) and Mason Kinsey to be Tyler Boyd’s primary backup at slot receiver.
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