TAMPA, Fla. – Elijah Molden’s debut came with some flashes that show why the Titans like the 100th pick in the draft so much. He was the central defensive figure in the Titans’ 34-3 thrashing of the Buccaneers in their second preseason game.

© George Walker IV / Tennessean.com

Chris Jackson has been the starting nickel through camp with Molden behind him, and out hurt for a bit.

But Jackson didn’t play against the Buccaneers – he may have gotten hurt in warmups -- and Molden played a lot.

There is a bit of a secret code among old-time employees at Titans’ headquarters. Call someone “Bo,” and you’re in the know. It was Floyd Reese’s catch-all name for everyone.

“Hey Bo,” can still be heard around the team’s MetroCenter campus.

Reese worked for the Oilers and Titans from 1986-2006, the final 13 years as their GM. He passed away Saturday after a battle with esophageal cancer. He was 73.

Courtesy Tennessee Titans

“He was a football renaissance man,” said Steve Watterson. “No hours too long, no stone too big to look under. He lived it. The only things that mattered in his life that I knew about were football and his family.” [Unlocked]

TAMPA, Fla. -- Greetings from the Sunshine State, where I am wearing two hats to prevent the potential burn of my bald head.

After two days of Titans-Bucs practices but before what is sure to be a riveting preseason game, I've taken on a slew of excellent questions from you and I hope you will conclude I crushed them.

If you don't think so I welcome your feedback, but more importantly your question for the next one through the public Facebook page or via Twitter using #PKMail. 

Please enjoy that photo, one of the best I've taken here -- Nick Westbrook-Ikhine leaping to catch a pass over Sean Murphy-Bunting. No credit for George Walker and The Tennessean or USA Today this time!

TAMPA, Fla. – Cam Batson split wide opposite Chester Rogers with Jeremy McNichols in the backfield.

Roger Saffold and Ryan Tannehill were the only starters on the field the first time the Titans lined up against the Buccaneers on their second day of joint workouts.

Tennessee was hardly inept.

Josh Reynolds over Herb Miller / © George Walker IV / Tennessean.com 

But that’s not the offense to challenge the reigning Super Bowl champs.

The Titans practiced against the Bucs without Derrick Henry, Julio Jones and A.J. Brown – their hotshot trio of weapons – as well as starters Ben Jones, Nate Davis, Geoff Swaim plus second running back Darrynton Evans and emergent Marcus Johnson.

In all, that is 55 percent of their starting offense.

The Titans have completed the 16 practices listed as their training camp schedule.

Zero of them included all their key offensive personnel.

TAMPA, Fla. – The Titans got some great work against the Bucs Wednesday, but it was a practice with less buzz than I expected, with a low-key small crowd of season-ticket holders on fans.

It didn’t help that A.J. Brown and Julio Jones were both out.

Among the things I really noticed: Caleb Farley’s growth and a bad drop day for Tampa Bay, the Bucs offensive pace versus that of their guests, the ability of Marcus Johnson and Chester Rogers to carry over what they’ve been doing to a joint session against the Super Bowl champs and a bad drop day for Tampa Bay.

© George Walker IV / Tennessean.com

Farley had three snaps of note in the one-on-ones we could film.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Josh Reynolds’ return from an Achilles injury has been filled with stops and starts more than it's been a gradual ascent.

It’s a path Mike Vrabel said unfolds pretty frequently.

Obviously, with the limited injury information that is shared, it’s hard to know where a guy is, if he is progressing, or if there is a setback.

But after a nice showing at the Titans’ one open practice of training camp, a Monday evening session at Nissan Stadium, Reynolds said he has good days and bad.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – For Titans’ offensive linemen, practices in pads now include double knee braces, an extra measure the team is taking to try to prevent anyone getting rolled up on and suffering a long-term injury.

While players understand the safety element, they also tend to feel they do not move as freely given the braces -- as even modern, sleeker versions still tend to make them feel slower on their feet.

“They are all right,” Ty Sambrailo said. “They’re not the best. I’m not a big fan of knee braces. When we’re in full pads, the O-line has to wear knee braces. It’s a GM thing. We’re not a huge fan of them but we do what we’re told.”

By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The four most important factors in Preseason game 1.

1. Exit the game injury-free

2. How are the team's projected backup players performing?

© George Walker IV / Tennessean.com

3. How much has last year’s (2020) draft class improved?

4. How did your current rookie class compete?

Injuries during the Falcons' game

1. Darrynton Evans, injured knee. A big concern because he needs to show why he was drafted in Round Three. Also, he needs the reps in pre-season because he missed most of his rookie year with a hamstring injury. Mike Vrabel said they will assess him during the week.