Phillips Return Brings Some Hope To Titans Receiver Issues

Kyle Phillips addition to the Tennessee Titans roster last season came with much optimism but ended in injury.

George Walker IV-USA TODAY Sports

NASHVILLE - Despite all the negative talk and written words from local media members such as this author, there seems to be a small bit of growing optimism toward the current receiver situation for the Tennessee Titans. 

Of course, you would expect optimism from coaches and team personnel, including offensive coordinator Tim Kelly, who had a short and simple answer when asked if he has enough receivers in his room. 

"Yes," said Kelly. 

While not an overblown response, and one could attempt to dissect his body language during his short response, it was exactly what one expected when the question was asked. 

One cause for Kelly's optimism is the return of Kyle Phillips from his injury-riddled rookie season that limited him to just four games. However, in his first game, Phillips flashed his ability by grabbing six catches for 66 yards against the New York Giants.

That was enough to produce excitement from his coaches and fans at the potential impact the former UCLA standout could bring to this offense. Now that he is back on the field, bigger and stronger after an offseason in an NFL strength program, that optimism has risen once again. 

  

“Kyle’s (Phillips) got a good feel for running routes, winning his routes, being able to utilize his short-yardage quickness. You see similar traits with Mason Kinsey — his ability to play inside the formation, be able to get into different match-ups with different types of players," Titans offensive coordinator Tim Kelly said on Tuesday. "So all those guys, especially those who fit that mold, will allow us to take advantage of different match-ups if the opportunity presents itself.”     

Watching Phillips work during that Tuesday session, it was apparent that his quickness was still there and that if he can remain healthy and on the field this season, he should be a solid offensive weapon for this offense.  

As it is currently constructed, this Titans receiver roster is not going to garner critical acclaim, it might not turn out to be as bad as some of the predictions want to believe. 

Phillips, along with Treylone Burks, Chris Moore, and the potential of rookie Colton Dowell, allows for some form of optimism as we move toward the preseason, where we can see what they can do on the field. 

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