Titans Coach Mike Vrabel on OLB Caleb Murphy: 'He's Shown an Ability to Win'
The Tennessee Titans won their second preseason contest over the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday night led by a dominant performance running the ball on offense, but the Titans' defense also made some fantastic plays.
Someone who was making those plays on defense was rookie edge rusher Caleb Murphy. Murphy put up two sacks against the Vikings, adding on to the sack he had last week against the Chicago Bears.
Titans coach Mike Vrabel talked about Murphy's two highlight plays. You can check out Murphy's first sack here.
"Had a great rush in there," Vrabel said. "Matched the hand, didn't leave his feet. Quarterback brought the ball down and (he) had a nice sack, impacted the play. We'd like to see him try to tomahawk that ball where he spun back in on the second sack."
Classic Mike Vrabel. Giving a compliment, but not without also making a critique. Murphy's ability to rush the passer was great to see, but Vrabel was sure to point out areas where Murphy needs to improve.
"Then just a few, I would say, awareness things. Sometimes on a screen, or run game, things like that, but as far as rushing, he's shown an ability to win."
At the end of the day, Murphy's ability to win should give him a great shot to make the roster, especially with the lack of depth at the position. Outside of the Titans' top three at the spot, Harold Landry, Arden Key and Rashad Weaver, no one is a lock to make it.
Murphy's pass-rush ability may be enough to get him good attention, but to earn Vrabel's trust, Murphy will still have to make plays on special teams, as is a requirement for Vrabel.
"He continues to find a role on special teams. I love his attitude, he shows up everyday ready to work."
If Murphy can solidify a role on special teams and keep up his attack on quarterbacks while keeping that positive attitude, he has a great chance to go from undrafted rookie from a division two program to playing NFL football on Sundays.
Related Stories on Titans-Vikings
- WATCH SPEARS TOUCHDOWN RUN: We saw running back Tyjae Spears put the Titans on the board first with an incredible 33-yard touchdown run. Here's the highlight of the score. CLICK HERE
- WATCH CALEB MURPHY SACK: In the second quarter, Titans rookie edge rusher Caleb Murphy got his second sack of the preseason. You can watch the highlight here. CLICK HERE
- WATCH CHESTNUT'S SECOND TOUCHDOWN: Julius Chestnut scored his second touchdown of the night on a short pass from Malik Willis. You can watch the highlight here.CLICK HERE
- PHOTO GALLERY: Here are the best pictures from Saturday night's game between the Titans and Vikings. CLICK HERE
