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First we hear from Ryan Crow, young position coach at one of Titans' most important spots

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – With Shane Bowen now strictly working as defensive coordinator, Ryan Crow is coaching the Titans outside linebackers.

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Rashad Weaver: Pool photo, George Walker, The Tennessean

It’s an important spot for the team’s youngest position coach and Monday was the first the Titans’ press corps heard from Crow, 33, who played linebacker at Bowling Green.

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The trouble with the Titans' inaction at tight end

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Titans dove into the pass rusher market. They upgraded a defensive line spot. They churned cornerback. They turned over right tackle. They made a huge move at wide receiver.

But at tight end?

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Pool photo Alison McNabb, Titans

Jonnu Smith bolted for New England as a free agent and the team’s counter move was to sign a couple of undrafted free agents, Miller Forristall from Alabama and Briley Moore from Kansas State.

It’s been an odd off-season of inaction at the position for a franchise that traditionally leans heavily on it and that ran more two-tight end sets than any other last season.

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First look: Julio Jones sharp, energized as he began building relationship with Ryan Tannehill

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The preface is mandatory: It just an organized team activity, with no hitting, with no tight coverage, with no real meaning. 

But pull back from the sidelines of the Tennessee Titans' practice facility in MetroCenter to the symbolism and there is much more significance.JulioJonesCatch3GW

Pool photo: George Walker, The Tennessean

Julio Jones drew plenty of attention, just not from cornerbacks gearing up to stop him at all costs. Every cell phone and camera was aimed at him for the early portion of practice fully open to the media. 

Mike Vrabel and Josh Reynolds answered questions predominantly about Jones, who himself spoke for the first time since he was dealt to the Titans.

Jones’ first work with the team was the NFL event of the day and the Titans' event of the off-season.

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The Titans' injury concerns moving forward, ranked

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Jon Robinson is not afraid to take on injury questions or risks, and the Titans aren’t put off by having to wait on guys who may be hurt.

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At least five prime guys are coming off injuries that either ended their seasons early, required surgery or surgeries after their season ended, or both.

Let’s run down on who they are waiting on or may have cause to worry about, in order of concern.

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Ranking Derrick Henry, A.J. Brown and Julio Jones as a trio

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – With the Titans’ acquisition of Julio Jones, the team will deploy a power trio of Derrick Henry, A.J. Brown and Jones on offense.

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Courtesy Atlanta Falcons

The new look begs the question: Does anyone have better as the 2021 season approaches?

I took the question to personnel men with three different teams.

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Titans going for it with Julio Jones; still sorting out financial element

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Titans acknowledges what was obvious: Their offense was lacking after the free-agent departures of Corey Davis and Jonnu Smith.

After an initial report from Dianna Russini that Julio Jones was in fact on the way to the Titans the team confirmed a deal is in place: Pending a physical the Titans 2022 second-round pick and their 2023 fourth to Atlanta for Jones and Atlanta’s 2023 sixth-rounder.

The Titans and Jones are talking through potential contract alterations and Tennessee is trying to figure out the cap element. Per Spotrac the franchise needs to free up over $9 million.

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Lack of moves by Titans means defenses can blanket A.J. Brown

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Over his first two seasons, A.J. Brown established himself as a constant threat, who at his best is able to accelerate away from defenders for dynamic plays that change a game.

But in 2021, the Titans have let the top members of his supporting cast leave. And while the price tags for Corey Davis with the Jets and Jonnu Smith with the Patriots were beyond what the Titans could have offered, the lack of moves made to replace them is puzzling.

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Pool photo courtesy Tennessee Titans

Right now, without a deal for Julio Jones – an all-time great – or perhaps Jameson Crowder, who may be too expensive for the Jets to hold onto given the additions they’ve made, Tennessee has made Brown’s life more difficult.

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