Anthony Hill Jr. kept making plays all night, and by the end of Tennessee’s Week 2 preseason game, the rookie linebacker had put himself squarely in the spotlight. While Robert Saleh’s defense still had plenty of issues, Hill was the clear bright spot for the Titans as they lined up against Seattle’s backups.
The former Texas Longhorns standout was everywhere. He handled the middle of the field well on passing downs, flew around with urgency, and finished with a 92.8 grade from Pro Football Focus. That made him the highest-graded rookie in the NFL for the second week of preseason action.
Hill’s stat line backed up the film. He led the team with seven tackles and didn’t miss one.
He also got home for a sack after Saleh and Gus Bradley dialed up a blitz in the second half, sending him straight through the A-gap. Hill slipped past the center and got into the backfield for the takedown.
His biggest moment came in coverage, though, when he intercepted Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe. Hill dropped into his zone, recognized the route developing behind him and stayed aware of the mobile quarterback at the same time. When Milroe released the ball, Hill was already in the right spot to make the play.
That kind of sequence matters for a Titans defense that struggled badly in pass coverage last year. Fans have already seen flashes this preseason of Cody Barton’s lackluster play speed, the kind of trait that leaves him a step late too often. Hill, by contrast, showed he could make those plays under the lights, and that checked important boxes for Saleh and Bradley.
The rookie should keep getting plenty of run at MIKE when Tennessee closes preseason this Saturday against the Chicago Bears. If he turns in another strong outing, the coaching staff may have a difficult decision to make before the regular-season opener against the New York Jets, including whether Hill gets the green dot.
In Other News...
Titans Just Unveiled A New Look Fans Can Rally Around
The NFLs final wave of rivalry uniforms brought Tennessee a fresh piece of branding to hang onto, and the Titans now know what their new Music City look will be. Built around a Titans Blue helmet, a script logo reading Music City, neon-inspired numbers and a 6-string stripe down the pants, the uniform is meant to lean into the citys identity while giving the team another distinct option in its closet.
Fans will not have to wait long to see it, either. The Titans are scheduled to wear the uniform once in the 2026 season, on Nov. 15 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and it will stay in the rotation for three seasons. For a team always looking for ways to sharpen its image and give its home market something recognizable, this one arrives with a little more style than the average alternate jersey. [Read more 🡒]
Wan'Dale Robinson Injury Scare Drew A Blunt Titans Response
During a joint practice with the Bears, the Titans got a brief scare when wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson left the field to be evaluated for a concussion after taking a hit from a Chicago player. It was the kind of moment that can quickly change the temperature of a practice, especially in a setting where both teams are trying to get work in without losing a key player to something avoidable.
Titans coach Robert Saleh did not hide his feelings about the play, calling the hit cheap. There was no reported scuffle afterward, but the reaction underscored how little patience Tennessee had for a shot that sent Robinson straight into the protocol conversation and put an otherwise routine joint session in an uncomfortable spotlight. [Read more 🡒]
Titans Have A Growing Concern Behind JC Latham And Dan Moore Jr
The Titans offensive line picture is getting clearer at the top, but the depth behind JC Latham and Dan Moore Jr. is still a real point of attention as roster cuts approach. Swing tackle has become one of the more competitive spots on the roster, and undrafted rookie Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson has given the staff a reason to keep a close eye on him after making a strong push in camp and the preseason.
Austin Deculus, meanwhile, has not separated himself in the same way and has dealt with a tougher run through the summer. With the 53-man deadline looming, Tennessee could still look for help after cuts or even via trade if it wants more certainty at a spot that can turn urgent quickly once injuries hit. [Read more 🡒]