Carnell Tate, the rookie wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans, hasn’t logged a single catch through two preseason games despite playing 35 snaps with the starting offense and being targeted five times. You might think those numbers would have the coaching staff tearing their hair out, but nope, the Titans are showing absolutely zero concern. After generating a ton of buzz during OTAs, minicamp, and training camp, the production dried up the second preseason play began, yet the coaches are still all-in.
Numbers Lie, Confidence Doesn’t
Offensive Coordinator Brian Daboll is straight-up dismissing Tate’s stat line. He’s got a “great amount of confidence” in Tate and how he handles business on the practice field. Daboll isn’t phased by the goose egg in the reception column, saying, “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.” And Tate himself isn’t letting it get to him, either. He’s keeping it real, stating, “Not every day is going to be your best day and not every game is going to be your best game. I’m just staying levelheaded, going out to compete each and every day.” That kind of mental toughness is exactly what you want to see from a rookie.
What Coaches Really See
The Titans’ wide receivers coach, Greg Lewis, is really impressed with Tate’s approach. Lewis wants his guys to understand every receiving position in the playbook, not just master one spot. This lets them move receivers all over the formation and helps everyone grasp the full passing concept. Tate, for a first-year player, has handled that responsibility incredibly well. Lewis even called him one of the best first-year receivers he’s coached when it comes to making that huge jump from college ball to the NFL. His preparation, study habits, and how he translates classroom lessons onto the field have absolutely stood out.
So, while Tate hasn’t given us a highlight reel play yet, the Titans’ confidence is locked in. They firmly believe this rookie has the talent, the smarts, and the maturity to be a crucial weapon in their offense. The next step is proving it when the games actually count, but it sounds like they’re ready to unleash him.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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