Titans have big plans for Carnell Tate despite preseason struggles originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Carnell Tate hasn’t produced the preseason numbers many expected after generating considerable buzz earlier this offseason, but his coaches aren’t showing any signs of concern.
Tate immediately attracted attention during OTAs and carried that momentum through minicamp and into training camp. Once preseason games began, however, the production disappeared.
Despite playing 35 snaps with Tennessee’s starting offense through two preseason games, Tate was targeted five times without recording a reception.
The numbers might look concerning, but offensive coordinator Brian Daboll believes they don’t accurately reflect the rookie’s development.
“I have a great amount of confidence in Tate and how he goes about his business, what he does on the practice field,” Daboll said. “Look, I think everybody would love to have 15 catches. But he’s doing the right stuff. He’s in a good headspace. He’s where he’s supposed to be.”
Tate isn’t allowing the slow statistical start to affect his confidence either.
“Not every day is going to be your best day and not every game is going to be your best game,” Tate said. “I’m just staying levelheaded, going out to compete each and every day.”
Titans have big plans for TateThat approach has impressed Tennessee’s coaching staff.
Wide receivers coach Greg Lewis expects his players to understand every receiving position within the offense instead of mastering only one assignment. The philosophy allows Tennessee to move receivers around formations while also helping them understand how each route fits into the complete passing concept.
Tate has handled that responsibility particularly well for a rookie.
Lewis has described Tate as one of the best first-year receivers he’s coached when it comes to making the transition from college football to the NFL. His preparation, study habits and ability to carry classroom instruction onto the practice field have stood out.
The next step is translating that progress into production when the games count.
Tate may not have delivered a preseason highlight yet, but Tennessee’s confidence hasn’t changed.
The Titans still believe the rookie possesses the talent, intelligence and maturity to become an important weapon in their offense — regardless of what his preseason stat line says.
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