Professor

Puzzle starts to fit - Nashville, Tennessee - Sunday, 07/29/07 - Tennessean.com

excerpt:

The Titans have 19 more practices before their preseason opener and 42 days until the regular season starts.

Just two days into training camp, however, some things are already coming into focus.

The Titans are better off than expected at cornerback despite the absence of suspended Pacman Jones. Running back LenDale White still looks heavy, but he's in a lot better shape than he was a month ago.

As for second-year quarterback Vince Young, he passes the eye test with high marks. He looks a lot more comfortable than he did last season, even if all his passes still aren't on target.

Today when the Titans finally put on full pads, several players will begin to separate themselves from their competition.

In the meantime, some observations after three interesting sessions:

The Pacman factor

The crowds have been smaller than usual so far, but it's been hard to spot fans wearing No. 32 jerseys.

His teammates aren't talking about him and it's been noticeably quieter — Jones was a chatterbox during practices.

On the field, Jones will be missed more in the return game than at cornerback.

More passes have been tipped and knocked down in the secondary than usual. First-round pick Michael Griffin practiced for the first time Saturday, joining the healthy competition at the position.

With Nick Harper expected to start at one corner, coaches will have a tough time choosing between Kelly Herndon, Reynaldo Hill, Cortland Finnegan and Griffin for playing time.

Like Harper, a fellow free agent acquisition, Herndon looks capable and confident.

White said he weighs 240 pounds, a few pounds heavier than what he should carry this fall. He's hit the hole well and looks more confident. Brown's speed will give coaches something to think about, however.

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