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00:00The return to the line.
00:15Game finish.
00:20Unbelievable.
00:27CBS Sports.
00:29Sports fans welcomes you to the following presentation of the National Football League.
00:34The Minnesota Vikings select J.J. McCarthy.
00:43J.J. McCarthy at the helm.
00:45I'm just so happy to be a Viking, so happy to be a part of this organization.
00:48The Tennessee Titans select Cameron Ward, quarterback Miami.
00:53I want to be one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.
00:55He's literally thrown more touchdown passes than any Division I quarterback.
00:59Isn't that crazy?
00:59I think he's a good starting point for the builder.
01:10There is the future for the Tennessee Titans.
01:14The number one overall pick in the draft, Cam Ward, will start tonight as Tennessee welcomes Minnesota.
01:22And hi, everyone.
01:24Alongside Jason McCourty and Charles Davis, I'm Andrew Catalan.
01:28A.J. Ross will join us coming up.
01:30We are so excited to kick off the 66th season of the NFL on CBS.
01:37And let's get right to it.
01:38Charles, we'll start with you.
01:39You've announced the first two Titans preseason games.
01:42You spent all summer with Cam Ward.
01:44What are your takeaways so far?
01:46Let's go back to the journey, right?
01:48Zero-star recruit out of high school, but he excelled at every level, which got him to the number one overall pick in the draft.
01:55Now what you get to see here in Tennessee, a guy with intelligence, big arm, great mobility, drive, and uber confident in everything he does.
02:06The number one thing he wants to do, push the ball downfield.
02:08So expect Brian Callahan to call some of those shots tonight and then see if he handles it well.
02:14Because if he doesn't, then there's more work to be done before they get to Denver.
02:18But so far in the preseason, he's done quite well.
02:21For Minnesota, J.J. McCarthy will not play tonight.
02:24However, there is still some quarterback intrigue for the Vikings.
02:28They have not settled on a backup quarterback.
02:30And Jason, Max Brosmer, the rookie, has looked good so far.
02:33And Charles, you mentioned journey.
02:35For Max Brosmer, it started at the University of New Hampshire before getting a chance to level up and go to Minnesota.
02:42There, he proved he can play with the big leagues, but yet still, he had to go undrafted.
02:47He has fought and he has clawed his way into this backup quarterback competition with Sam Howell and Brett Rippon.
02:53The way he's done that, he's been on time, he's been accurate, and he too has been very confident in his ability to lead this Minnesota Vikings offense.
03:01And for more on the Vikings, we send it down to A.J. Ross.
03:05Andrew, with the Vikings backup quarterback competition intensifying, so too has the battle in the receiver room with Rondell Moore out for the year.
03:13Justin Jefferson and Jalen Naylor dealing with some recent injuries.
03:16Kevin O'Connell told us he's had ample opportunities to really assess just how much depth they have there through their recent joint practices
03:24and going against their own formidable defense in practice daily.
03:28So tonight is the perfect opportunity for some of these young guys to show and prove they deserve one of these roster spots, guys.
03:36And they'll have to do it on a warm evening in Nashville, A.J.
03:4089 degrees at kickoff.
03:43Tennessee won the toss.
03:44They have elected to defer, so Jolie Sly will boot it away.
03:49And Miles Price and Xavier Scott back deep for Minnesota.
03:52Final preseason game of 2025 for both these teams.
03:56It is Scott on the return across the 30 and up to the 32-yard line.
04:02A return of 30 yards for the second-year running back from Maine.
04:06And there is Max Brosmer.
04:09First five years at New Hampshire.
04:11Last year, a go-for-it Minnesota, went 8-5.
04:15And he has really impressed Kevin O'Connell and his coaching staff so far this summer.
04:19And O'Connell talked about he's earned the right to get more playing time.
04:24Now in the third preseason game, the final audition, he's getting his opportunity to be the starter.
04:35Xavier Scott gets the start at a running back.
04:40Brosmer to the air on first down and incomplete.
04:43And incomplete.
04:43Looking for Lucky Jackson.
04:47Well, here's a couple of offensive players for the Vikings to keep an eye on tonight.
04:52You're looking at guys that have an opportunity to really go out there and make this team.
04:55You're looking at Xavier Scott.
04:57He has been playing really well.
04:58Catching the ball out of the backfield.
05:00And then Ty Felton.
05:01A.J. talked about the wide receiver competition with everything going on behind Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson.
05:08Look out for these two guys to try to shine tonight.
05:10But there is Justin Jefferson.
05:12Vikings not playing their starters tonight.
05:16As Kevin O'Connell told us, got some good work in practice on Thursday.
05:20And that was good enough for the starters.
05:22As Ben Juricic makes the catch and picks up five yards.
05:27Cedric Gray on the tackle.
05:28And Cedric Gray is one of the players we're keeping an eye on tonight.
05:32One of the big battles for Tennessee on defense.
05:34Who's going to play opposite Cody Barton at inside linebacker?
05:37Cedric Gray getting the start again this evening.
05:40Has played awfully well in the two preseason games.
05:42He's a big thumper in the run game.
05:44And James Williams Sr., his competition for that spot.
05:47A former safety who's moved forward to linebacker.
05:50He covers the pass well.
05:51But he's also shown that he can use his pads in the run game too.
05:56Third down and five for Brosmar and the Vikings.
06:01Play clock down to three.
06:03Brosmar fires over the middle.
06:04Caught for a first down.
06:05And that's Lucky Jackson.
06:07One of those receivers in the mix for Minnesota.
06:11A pickup of ten.
06:13Two things right off the top, Jason.
06:14Lucky Jackson has to continue to do that.
06:16He's had some drops in recent weeks.
06:18But Max Brosmar, who you talked about at the top.
06:22Two plays not great to start off.
06:24Comes right back and puts it right on him, doesn't he?
06:26And that's the confidence that the offensive staff has in him.
06:29Three straight plays they've gone.
06:30They chose to go to the air and put the ball in his hands.
06:33And making those quick decisions is what got him this opportunity to start.
06:43Hand off to Scott.
06:44Slips one tackle.
06:46And gets back to the line of scrimmage.
06:48So, Kevin O'Connell telling us, look, there's a reason that we've played all three quarterbacks behind J.J. McCarthy.
07:02Sam Howell has struggled this summer.
07:05We've talked about Brosmar, and we should see Brett Rippon tonight as well.
07:09You think they're going to keep three?
07:12I don't think so.
07:13And you think about it.
07:14Brett Rippon was here, and they traded for Sam Howell.
07:16So, there was anticipation for him to come and be the guy behind J.J. McCarthy.
07:21I think a lot of this has to be the way Brosmar has played has made them open their eyes.
07:25Pitch to Scott.
07:26Trying on the right side.
07:27Flag is down as Scott is tackled at midfield by Jeffrey Simmons, who is out there tonight for Tennessee.
07:35They are playing their starters here in the first quarter.
07:38Had Big Jeff going to make the most of his probably one series tonight.
07:41Offense number 45.
07:43Ten-yard penalty.
07:44Second down.
07:45Alex Kemp, our referee, and the hold is against the former Titan, Nick Vanette.
07:51You see it right there.
07:54Vanette working.
07:55That was 45 on 45 crime, Jason.
08:00Someone's got to win.
08:01Someone's got to lose.
08:02That time it was Vanette that called the L.
08:04Draymond Jones in his first season with Tennessee after spending the last couple of years in Seattle.
08:11And guys, think about Draymond Jones, who has played defensive end with his hand on the ground.
08:15Defensive tackle.
08:17And now he's moved back to outside linebacker.
08:19Great transitions.
08:19Second down and 19 quick pass caught by Thayer Thomas, and Thomas crosses the 40.
08:27Sebastian Joseph Day from Jason's alma mater of Rutgers makes the tackle.
08:32Andrew, I was waiting for you to say that.
08:34I didn't question whether you knew it because I know you're always on top of everything.
08:38I was just waiting for my guy Bash to make a play out there.
08:41It makes it easier when I bring up Syracuse later in the broadcast to get Rutgers out of the way first.
08:46Third down and long for Brosmer.
08:48Hits a screen.
08:49Stop.
08:50And he cannot get away.
08:54As it was Cedric Gray who made the initial hit, and then Jarvis Brownlee finished him off.
08:58And Gray was so close to making this a terrific play.
09:02Number 51.
09:03Watch him in blue.
09:05What is the number one thing he's got to work on?
09:07Pass coverage.
09:07But he plays it really well.
09:09And if he makes the tackle out in open field where he's supposed to, that's like a double plus, isn't it, Jason, on the grade sheet?
09:15But in any event, Cedric Gray was in the right spot and helped foil the play.
09:20Vikings punter competition is open.
09:23Ryan Wright gets the first opportunity tonight, battling Oscar Chapman in camp.
09:29And the deep man for the Titans is DK.
09:32Calls for a fair catch and then lets it go out of bounds.
09:35With 11-0-2 to go in the first quarter, Cam Ward coming out on the field for Tennessee on a hot night in Nashville.
09:47What if the secret living business with NFL Plus?
09:52Our departure has been delayed.
09:55Yeah!
09:57NFL Plus.
09:58Keep the NFL in reach.
10:00With the first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans select Cameron Ward, quarterback Miami.
10:19Cam Ward playing in his third consecutive preseason game.
10:23He has led the Titans to one scoring drive in his five series so far this summer.
10:29And he's out there with the majority of the Tennessee Ones.
10:33Don't expect to see Tony Pollard or Calvin Ridley.
10:36And J.C. Latham not out there as well for the offensive line.
10:40But this is their group that they're going to go to battle with against Denver in Week 1.
10:44And it's a revamped offensive line from last year, and it needed to be.
10:47They really struggled in that area.
10:49But the new general manager, Mike Bergonzi, President Football Operator's Chad Brinker,
10:53they're going to build from inside out.
10:55And it started this year.
10:56And Julius Chestnut takes the handoff on first down.
10:59And the tackle is made by Austin Keyes after a gain of four.
11:03All right, Jason, who are we keeping an eye on tonight for the Titans offensively?
11:07Well, we're looking at some guys that are out there.
11:09Fourth-round draft has brought in to change this offense.
11:12Gunnar Helm, a guy that has a spotlight on him, a huge touchdown pass a week ago,
11:17has really opened up the eyes.
11:19And then D.K. and Ella Manor, I.O. Manor, those guys have shined,
11:23and they're going to have to opposite Calvin Ridley,
11:26showing that they can be productive at the wide receiver position.
11:29Keep an eye on I.O. Manor.
11:31I like that.
11:33I see what you did there.
11:35Regular season.
11:36I finally called up.
11:38Ward gets rid of it, and it's incomplete.
11:40Then scooped up.
11:42No.
11:43That was incomplete.
11:44Tyler Lockett, the intended target.
11:47Good pressure up front by Jay Ward, their third-year safety out of LSU,
11:51as we take a closer look at this Minnesota defense.
11:55And as you noted at the top, they're not playing their starters,
11:58but Gabe Murphy has done a nice job rushing off of the edge.
12:03Tyree on Ingram Dawkins, a fifth-round pick out of Georgia.
12:06They think his best football is ahead of him.
12:08And Theo Jackson at the University of Tennessee,
12:11he's a guy they can use all over the defense.
12:13And they expect to get much better play out of him this season.
12:16Jackson, a former Titan, as Cam Ward is looking at third down and six.
12:24Ward moving out of the pocket.
12:27Nobody there, and he just runs out of bounds.
12:29A good job by these Minnesota second stringers on defense
12:33to force a three and out.
12:35I know when we start...
12:37So take a look here.
12:39And what I'm going to focus in on, Jason, is Cam Ward, his mobility out of here,
12:44but what he didn't do.
12:46He didn't turn the ball over despite pressure.
12:49And it's a different look that the Minnesota Vikings give you.
12:52He checked the play at the line of scrimmage,
12:54and then you see every Vikings defender, they started to check the play as well.
12:58That's the chest mask that goes on when you're going against a Brian Flores type of defense.
13:02Smart move, getting out of pocket, not making a bad decision.
13:05Johnny Hecker punting to Miles Price.
13:07This return job is open for Minnesota.
13:11As Price fields a cleanly flag is down.
13:13Price breaks free into Tennessee territory and still going.
13:17Slammed down at the 38 by Quandre Diggs,
13:20but a big return by Miles Price of 30 yards.
13:25Andrew, did you say the job was open?
13:27Yeah.
13:27I think it's closing quickly.
13:30That's another big return.
13:31Price had a big return.
13:32You saw him against New England, didn't you, Jason,
13:34with a monster kickoff return.
13:35Holding.
13:36Receiving team number 29.
13:38It's a 10-yard penalty.
13:40First down.
13:41Timeout.
13:44Penalty against McGlothern of Minnesota.
13:46Tackle was actually made by Kalel Mullings of Tennessee.
13:51No score here in Nashville.
13:54Right next door to the new Nissan Stadium.
13:59Construction well underway.
14:00Expected to be ready to go for the 2027 NFL season.
14:06Back inside the current Nissan Stadium.
14:09And drive number two for Max Brosmer and the Vikings.
14:15Xavier Scott, the running back.
14:17And he takes the pitch.
14:18Try on the left side.
14:20Scott breaks free.
14:21Nice run by Scott.
14:22And finally shoved out of bounds by Xavier Woods.
14:27But this is what Minnesota likes about the second year running back out of Maine.
14:32And he got some nice work.
14:33Watch this left side of the offensive line.
14:36They stay with their blocks.
14:37And then he just slides through it.
14:39Do you notice how he made himself a little skinny through the hole there, Jason?
14:42And then he was able to get his shoulders square and take off upfield.
14:45And you showed it.
14:46It's beautiful about his offensive lineman.
14:48When you're able to get that type of push and the athleticism of those guys to all move on one accord,
14:54now you can outstretch that defense.
14:56And he's able to zip through that hole in a heartbeat.
14:58Practice squad.
14:58Practice squad.
14:59He may make this team.
15:01They say he runs with a nasty streak.
15:03And we saw it right there.
15:04Brosmer.
15:05Nobody there.
15:06And throws it away.
15:08Gordon Key was applying the pressure.
15:09And there is a flag down.
15:12And while we wait for the flag very quickly, Xavier Scott, he's about to unseat Ty Chandler as the third running back.
15:18That's where the battle is tonight for Minnesota.
15:30Ineligible downfield.
15:32Offense number 72.
15:33Five-yard penalty.
15:35First down.
15:35That's called on the former Tennessee Titan, Leroy Watson.
15:40Third Minnesota penalty.
15:42Well, there's J.J. McCarthy.
15:43Only one series in this preseason.
15:46He went four out of seven for 30 yards.
15:49Also had an eight-yard run.
15:51But Kevin O'Connell said he's seen enough of McCarthy, even in the joint practice against New England last week.
15:5613 straight completions for McCarthy, who missed all of last year with a torn meniscus that he suffered in the preseason opener.
16:05But he said earlier this week his confidence is sky high.
16:09And he's ready to go out there in the Monday night opener against the Chicago Bears.
16:13Here is Scott.
16:20And this time the Titans are ready for him.
16:22I was in Minnesota last week when they took on the Patriots.
16:25And before the game, got a chance to talk to Josh McCown, the quarterback coach.
16:29And the one thing he said about J.J. McCarthy and those joint practices, he struggled a little bit day one.
16:34Then they went back in.
16:35They gave him some adjustments for day two.
16:37And he talked about it, 13 for 13 at one point.
16:41And he really shined.
16:42And, Charles, you know that's exactly what an NFL season is about.
16:45You make adjustments from week to week.
16:47And now you've got to go out there and execute them in real time.
16:50Guys with Hall of Fame busts in Canton have thrown five interceptions in the game.
16:54They know how to bounce back.
17:00Third down and ten.
17:04Rosemar fires.
17:05And that one is caught.
17:08And a big tackle made by Jarvis Brownlee.
17:11Reception by Jayshon Jones.
17:13And now a flag is down.
17:14They may get him for a WWE kind of suplex move.
17:17The league's trying to get the slamming of guys out of the league, out of the game.
17:22And Brownlee, but maybe a little extra enthusiasm.
17:24That may keep the drive alive for Minnesota.
17:30Personal foul.
17:31Defense number 29.
17:3315-yard penalty.
17:34Automatic first out.
17:35That is the call on the second-year corner from Louisville.
17:40Jason, when you were playing, you didn't have to worry about that.
17:42You could do a back-back, body-slam them, and the whole deal.
17:45But whistles are blowing.
17:46And they want to get you out of that extra lift and putting you on the ground.
17:50But I want to go back to J.J. McCarthy, because Jason made such a great point about it.
17:54Andrew, you mentioned he's only played one series in the preseason.
17:57But they started training him from the time he got here last year, through his injury,
18:02all the time that he spends in time with Kevin O'Connell, with the offensive staff.
18:07They've trained him to be the starter, even when he wasn't playing, while Sam Darnold was
18:11quarterbacking last year.
18:14Here is Scott again, up the middle.
18:17And I love what O'Connell told us when we met with him earlier this week.
18:20That last year was really a redshirt year for J.J. McCarthy.
18:24They gave him a lot of assignments.
18:26He was basically a student going to school, learning how to play in the NFL.
18:30And they feel that all that knowledge that he gained last year when he wasn't playing
18:35has him ready to go here for his sophomore season.
18:38And a lot of people wonder what you're doing when you're injured and you're rehabbing.
18:42And he was a part of all of those meetings.
18:44Talked about the fact that he was there when Sam Darnold was game planning
18:47and seeing how quarterback and head coach Kevin O'Connell communicate on a week-to-week basis.
18:53Scott is stuffed.
18:55That's thrown down by Cedric Gray, who continues to impress this summer for Tennessee.
19:03And that's the biggest part of his game.
19:05If you want to run the football, number 51 is going to find a way to insert himself into the play.
19:12And he is a tackling machine.
19:14And just to follow up on what you said there, Jason, Sam Darnold would have his game plan for the week.
19:19And J.J. McCarthy had the same game plan.
19:21But he would meet privately with Kevin O'Connell, McCarthy would.
19:24And tell him what he liked in the game plan, as if he were the starter.
19:28They've really been exercising every avenue to have him ready to go this year.
19:34Third down and seven.
19:38Rosemar fires right, and it's broken up.
19:41Great play by Roger McCreary.
19:44On the pass intended for Bryson Nesbitt, and it's fourth down.
19:49And Roger McCreary's a guy that's played a lot of football around here in Nashville.
19:53Always plays in that slot position, and it's going into a contract year.
19:57So looking to have a big year right there under cuts the route perfectly and is able to come underneath and get a hand on that.
20:05Charles, as former DBs, we absolutely love that when a guy can make a break and make a play.
20:09Oh, no question about it.
20:10That's something that I've dreamed about doing.
20:12All right?
20:13I watched you do it, and that part was great.
20:16But being able to stay on the hip, as you described, now you're locked in, and now you can look back for the football because you know where the receiver is.
20:23He's not going to get away from you.
20:24It's a 42-yard attempt for Will Reichert, who is 6-for-6 so far this summer in the preseason.
20:30Out of the hold of Ryan Wright, the punter, and Reichert is good again.
20:35We mentioned there's a punting competition, and what goes with that is the holder and making sure that Reichert is comfortable with both guys in this competition.
20:45Vikings take a 3-0 lead.
20:47This season, you can always count on Sundays with the NFL on CBS and streaming live on Paramount+.
21:12Lots of different jerseys here in Nashville, including some Vikings fans who made the trip for the preseason finale.
21:23Minnesota 1-1 this summer, and the Titans are 1-1 as Reichert made the field goal and now kicks it off.
21:32And this one is fielded.
21:36And a good return by Jaquan Jackson.
21:39A late flag comes in.
21:42Jaquan Jackson on the return with 5.43 to go in the first quarter.
21:54During the return, illegal block in the back.
21:57Receiving team number 12.
21:5910-yard penalty.
22:00First down, Tennessee.
22:01Goes on Mason Kinsey, and that'll back up Cam Ward in Tennessee.
22:05AJ outlined a battle for the receiver spots right there.
22:12For the Minnesota Vikings, Tennessee Titans are trying to find receivers to step forward.
22:17And Mason Kinsey's been around this team for three years now, four years.
22:22He's kind of the people's choice.
22:23People love Mason Kinsey.
22:24Jason, I think this is the most uphill battle he's had to not just make the team or even a practice squad because the extra receiver's in town.
22:33I would agree.
22:33And he's a returner as well.
22:35He's a guy that's a jitterbug type of receiver.
22:37Makes a lot of moves, but it's going to be definitely a challenge this year.
22:41Cam Ward looking for the sideline now.
22:44He's got a man, and he's got a first down.
22:46That one's railed in by Van Jefferson for 17 yards.
22:52Jason, how'd you like that?
22:53How'd you like the confidence and the patience in the pocket by the rookie?
22:57It's so good, and his ability.
22:58He's staring down a flat route, but knows he has Van Jefferson coming in behind it.
23:03Charles, you said earlier in the game, this is a guy that's not afraid to push the ball down the field.
23:08We saw it a week ago.
23:09First few throws, pushing it down the field.
23:12Here, once again, in that first quarter, trying to get the big play.
23:17Here's Mullings on the carry.
23:18I thought what was interesting about that throw, it was a great throw,
23:21but something they've been working on with Ward is to step into throws.
23:25Those are throws that in college you didn't have to do.
23:28You got away with them.
23:29You can't do it as much in the NFL, but even there, he didn't step into that throw,
23:34and it was still a frozen rope.
23:36Still got plenty of arm, but what they are working on him with, as you described, footwork.
23:41Yeah.
23:41The feet and the eyes married together,
23:44so that the ball gets to the target the way that you want to.
23:47But every now and then, you can just show off that big arm.
23:51Here's Kalil Mullings on the carry, turning the corner, and he crosses the 40.
23:55Mullings with a nice run, pushing his way to the 44-yard line.
24:00A pickup of 17 for the rookie out of Michigan.
24:06And, guys, how about this run?
24:08Because Kalil Mullings, who was a linebacker before becoming a running back at Michigan,
24:13trying to become the third running back in a big battle with Julius Chestnut and Jordan Mims.
24:18Who's going to be the third guy?
24:20You did notice the first name, right, Kalil?
24:23Yeah.
24:23You know where that came from, right?
24:25His parents named him after Superman.
24:27Kalil.
24:28That's Kalil.
24:30Man, looked like Superman on that run.
24:3217 yards.
24:34They go right back to him here.
24:37And he's a couple of yards shy of midfield.
24:41Boston native.
24:42He began his career as a linebacker before moving to running back his junior year.
24:46Which is so impressive, and the mindset it takes to play both of those positions.
24:52A linebacker, you're flying downhill constantly, looking to make contact.
24:57Then when we see him with the ball in his hands, it's a lot of the same thing.
25:00He's looking to run a guy over or run through a guy.
25:03That's so impressive to be able to make that transition and now get your opportunity to play on Sundays one day.
25:08Julius Chestnut now in it running back on second and five.
25:15Here's Ward again, and he's got another completion.
25:19That's Io Manor with the first down.
25:22The rookie out of Stanford goes for 13 yards.
25:24So to the right side of your screen, he's just going to go and hook up and present himself as a nice target between all the white shirts of the Vikings.
25:38And that ball got there with dispatch, didn't it, Jason?
25:40It did.
25:41And, Charles, look at the footwork.
25:42We talk about stepping in.
25:44And right there you see him.
25:45There's a little step forward, but it's still hesitant with that rush coming into him.
25:49I think it was so impressive.
25:50You have to be so excited as a Titans coach because he's making all of these throws while still working on that footwork.
25:56Here's Mullins, and he's dragged down after picking up two by Chaz Chambliss, the undrafted rookie out of Georgia.
26:08So often in the preseason, you have a rookie running back who had a great collegiate career running the football.
26:14But then you always hear the same thing when they get to the NFL.
26:17They've got to be better in pass protection.
26:18Why is that always such a difficult transition?
26:22The communication is very different.
26:24For a lot of the running backs coming into the NFL, you're not asked to do it as much in the college game.
26:29A lot of it is they're getting out of the backfield, and they're getting into the route and catching the ball.
26:34Then you get to the NFL.
26:35You get some of these quarterbacks.
26:36They need you in there as their best friend protecting them.
26:40Chestnut on the carry here, and that'll bring up third down and short.
26:43That's such a great point because in college game, oftentimes that running back is good in the pass game, too.
26:49So they scat him out of there so they can get it to him.
26:52The other part, if I'm going to have him carry 25 times a game, I don't need him blocking people, too.
26:57That's a good point.
26:58So they've got to learn that skill and realize how big it is when they get to this level.
27:04So far, Cam Ward, two of three for 30 yards, and now looking at third down and four.
27:10Give it to Chestnut.
27:17Trying to spin away and still going, and he's going to be just over a yard shy of a first down,
27:23and Cam Ward's already saying, we've got to go.
27:25We've got to go for it.
27:26Oh, no question I've got to go for it here.
27:28Last game of the preseason.
27:30Jason, you know that Brian Callahan wants to see more of his offense.
27:34So let's make sure we get more plays for Cam Ward and crew.
27:36They're even going to run out, an extra offensive lineman, number 61, John Ojukwu.
27:42Ojukwu, excuse me, out of Boise State.
27:44So they're going to go big and heavy here and present that.
27:47Let's see who the running back is and see who's going to get it on this one.
27:51And they do have Chestnut back there with the play clock at 7.
27:59Give to Chestnut up the middle.
28:00He's got the first down.
28:02Jumping over a defender.
28:05Julius Chestnut.
28:06A beauty.
28:08A first down run of 16 yards.
28:11Andrew, you said it.
28:12An absolute beauty.
28:14And give credit to these big guys up front.
28:16Chestnut comes straight through.
28:17That's untouched right there until he gets to Jay Ward.
28:20And that's what you've got to love.
28:22Going up and coming down right over the defender.
28:25I've had that happen to me before.
28:27It's not fun when you're going in there as a DB.
28:29And you look up and someone's skying on you.
28:32That's the end of the first quarter with Minnesota up 3-0.
28:35We'll be back after these messages.
28:37You're watching the NFL on CBS.
28:41Coach, Max Brosmer is somebody that you raved about as far as his pocket presence and decision-making.
28:47What was your assessment as far as his performance in that first quarter?
28:49I thought, you know, it's always a good opportunity when you see, you know, that group that's in the game going against a lot of their first-string defense.
28:58You know, we had a chance at maybe continuing that last drive.
29:02We end up getting stopped.
29:03We get the field goal.
29:04But I like his presence.
29:05I mean, just calming demeanor in there for a rookie, his ability to run the show, and then fast arm, fast eyes, all the things that you love seeing for a young player in his first year in the system.
29:15Thank you so much.
29:15Yeah, thank you.
29:18AJ, thank you.
29:19As Cam Ward is sacked, Jonathan Harris, one of the first to get back there from Minnesota as we open up the second quarter of play.
29:26I don't want to sound Pollyanna-ish, but in three games now, Cam Ward has not turned the ball over, which is really impressive for a rookie quarterback, especially one that we've, as we've described, likes to throw the ball downfield.
29:40He wants to press it.
29:41But even when under duress in the pocket, he's taking care of the football.
29:44He's doing all the things you need to do to play winning quarterback in the NFL here in the early going.
29:51Already three plays on this drive of at least 15 yards.
29:56Mullings on the carry, hit hard at the 13-yard line.
30:02Jay Ward, again, flying all around defensively for the Vikings.
30:06And, Jason, you remember Brian Callahan had talked to us about playing one quarter with his starters, but this drive is going so well, he wants him to finish it off, doesn't he?
30:14He does, and you look at it, Cam Ward's going to have that opportunity week one against the Denver Broncos.
30:18You want him as comfortable as possible.
30:20You want him to be able to sustain these long drives and finish them.
30:24That's the big thing, being able to finish with putting the ball in the end zone.
30:29The veteran, Tyler Lockett, is in the slot for third down and nine.
30:35Ward out of the shotgun.
30:38Rolling right, surveying the scene, finds Chestnut.
30:42Flag is down.
30:43And Chestnut is tackled short of a first down.
30:47Cam Gill on the tackle.
30:53And we'll see what Alex Kemp has to say here.
30:57Well, the quarterback had the ball, holding defense number five.
31:01Five-yard penalty, automatic first down.
31:03So, a costly penalty against Makai Blackman of Minnesota.
31:08That gives Tennessee an automatic first down, and the drive continues.
31:11And we've seen it on both sides of the ball.
31:13Jarvis Brownlee had a penalty on third down and extended the drive.
31:17This time it was Blackman.
31:18And you're seeing him right there in the slot right there.
31:20And he just grabs a hold of that jersey as they're transitioning.
31:23Now, when the quarterback gets out of the pocket, sometimes you say,
31:26hey, well, the DB is allowed to put his hands on the receiver,
31:29but he's not allowed to grab.
31:31And as soon as he's still in that pocket, you've still got to play hands-free.
31:34So, you can chuck him, you can bump him, but you can't grab him.
31:37Exactly.
31:39Play number 12 on this drive for Cam Ward in Tennessee.
31:43He fires, and it's caught.
31:45And close to a touchdown, but not in.
31:49Io Manor down to the one.
31:51And Thomas and King save a touchdown for Minnesota.
31:55Andrew, I know you're a baseball guy.
31:57What do you think of this arm angle right here?
31:58Yeah, I love that.
31:59Look at him dropping down and finding a hole and a gap in order to zip the ball through.
32:05And what you're seeing here from Io Manor coming out of Stanford,
32:09you're going to see a lot of these.
32:10He is a big-body receiver, Jason, that likes to set up,
32:13present his number back to the quarterback, just put it on it.
32:16And he's going to be a combat catch type of a guy.
32:19This is what they're looking for, and they're getting it.
32:22Chestnut, the running back on second and goal.
32:25Here's Chestnut trying to go up and over, and he is in for a touchdown.
32:34A 13-play drive for Cam Ward in Tennessee.
32:39And that'll have him feeling pretty good going into week one against Denver.
32:47Jason, I don't know if they got as much surge on the offensive line as they would have wanted,
32:52but Chestnut found a way to spin his way in.
32:54And before his backside hits the ground, he flips all the way around.
32:58Look at him turn.
32:59And now he just walks his way down on the defender into the end zone.
33:04Basically used him as a human slide.
33:06Just went over the top and slid on right into the end zone for the touchdown there.
33:10So you're saying Six Flags has nothing on that defender?
33:12Nothing at all.
33:13Here's Joey Sly for the extra point.
33:22And his kick is good.
33:24You've got to think that's the end of the preseason for Cam Ward.
33:30Three out of four, 36 yards tonight.
33:33Capped off by this touchdown run by Julius Chestnut.
33:39Paramount Plus.
33:40They're back.
33:42Tony's back with NCIS after a little turn of his bull on his own show.
33:46And Ziva, former Maasai.
33:49You don't mess with the Maasai.
33:51They always had some interesting missions that they went on between the two of them.
33:55So I've always enjoyed that.
33:56I thought it was a promo about Tony Romo and Jim Nance.
34:00Apparently not.
34:02That show hasn't dropped yet.
34:06Well, Brian Callad has to be pleased with that touchdown drive from Cam Ward.
34:11And now you see Brett Rippon has the helmet on.
34:13And Kevin O'Connell hinted to us that he thought Rosmer and Rippon would alternate quarters here tonight.
34:20So it appears that that is the plan.
34:22As Bolden is on the return for the Vikings.
34:25And he is spun down.
34:27And you notice Tennessee wants them to return the ball.
34:30They want to see their special teams.
34:31Because Joey Sly's leg, if he takes a run out, that ball's going out of the end zone.
34:36So he's making sure it's put in play.
34:38There's the numbers for the veteran Brett Rippon so far this summer.
34:418 of 15 for 89 yards.
34:44He was the emergency quarterback in every Minnesota game last year.
34:48And now trying to make the team this season.
34:51You see Rosmer, who could go back in.
34:545 of 8 for now for 33 yards.
34:59J. Sean Jones goes in motion on first down and 10.
35:03Rip into the air on first down.
35:05Taking a deep shot for 10 Jones.
35:07And he was out of bounds.
35:08Imani Oruarie had the coverage for Tennessee.
35:15J.C., this is another one of those receivers that A.J. outlined at the top of the show.
35:20Having to try and show his wares because of what they have in front.
35:24Jefferson's been hurt.
35:26Naylor's been hurt.
35:27Jordan Addison's going to have a three-game suspension to start the year.
35:30Who will emerge?
35:31And Tim Jones had a really good game a week ago.
35:34Right there, he's not touched at the line of scrimmage.
35:36And really doesn't give himself enough space on that sideline to be able to haul the pass in and get two feet down.
35:42Rippin back to the air, throwing right.
35:51And that one is hauled in by Thomas.
35:53He's got a first down down the sideline.
35:55Thayer Thomas out of bounds.
35:58His second-year receiver out of NC State, who spent the last two years on the Minnesota practice squad.
36:03The ball placement here by Brett Rippin is really impressive.
36:07The route is undercut, but that ball was on that outside shoulder for Thomas to catch it and is able to turn up the field.
36:15This is such a pretty pass.
36:16A fingertips type of catch, which is really hard to do.
36:19That's a pretty executed play between quarterback and receiver.
36:23Yeah, because Gabe Judy Lowley, the undrafted free agent out of Tennessee, he thought he had a play, didn't he?
36:28As you mentioned, undercut it.
36:30Thought he could get to the football, but that ball was well thrown.
36:32Picked up nine.
36:33It's third and one.
36:34And Trey Stewart on third down, hit hard in the backfield, and I don't think he got there.
36:41This is just screaming for a virtual measurement.
36:45I think they, listen, they should do it because they're working on it for the season.
36:49This is a great time to get one in, right?
36:52But that James Lynch who had the first hit for Tennessee, I believe number 97 coming down the line.
36:59I would go ahead and, I would have gone ahead and done it just to work out the kinks.
37:02They've given him the first down.
37:04No measurement.
37:05Wow, that was close, man.
37:08Remember, with this new virtual measurement, everything's still measured by the officials on the field.
37:13Everything is still them doing it, putting feet down, marking the football.
37:18The virtual measurement comes in when we see it on the graphic.
37:21And we'll talk to Gene Sterritz or later in the second half about some of the new rules, including the virtual measurement.
37:27And now it looks like Brian Callahan is challenging the spot.
37:33He's trying to get himself into the season.
37:35Tennessee is challenging the ruling of a first down.
37:40So the red flag is out for Coach Callahan.
37:45And we'll step aside and come back with the verdict in a moment.
37:507-3 Tennessee in front.
37:52Back in Nashville, Brian Callahan has lost his challenge.
37:59It is a first down.
38:00Gene Sterritz or with us for the first time in 2025.
38:04And, Gene, I think it's important, as Charles reminded us, that, look,
38:08the officials still have to spot the ball, even with this new virtual measurement.
38:13Yes, Andrew, it's still going to be spotted by the officials on the field.
38:21And I think another little point there is if we would have had a virtual measurement and then there would have been a challenge,
38:26when they would come back after that challenge, they really wouldn't do another virtual measurement.
38:31They would just make an announcement, kind of like Alex Kemp did after this review.
38:35All right, Gene, thank you very much.
38:40We'll talk to you later in the second half about some of the other new rules in the NFL this year,
38:44as we have 10-1⁄2 to go in the first.
38:47Cedric Gray is all over the field tonight, Charles.
38:50You mentioned earlier about the competition with him and Williams,
38:54and he's a guy that flies downhill as soon as he diagnoses the play,
38:58and he sees where the ball's going.
39:00He triggers right away, and he's a hitter.
39:02And Tennessee likes him and Williams at the second linebacker position.
39:07I wonder if they'll do a little mix and match as they go, run downs and pass downs.
39:10Trey Stewart gets the handoff here, trying to fight his way.
39:14And Lynch, the former Viking, fourth-round pick in 2020,
39:18spent his first four years with Minnesota,
39:21was released after the preseason last year and then picked up by Tennessee.
39:25And you mentioned two guys, Gray and Lynch.
39:28You remember that play on the run that they had the measurement and got it?
39:32I thought Lynch was the initial hitter.
39:35Jason, it was Gray.
39:37It was the initial hitter.
39:38So those guys both figuring in the plays here on this drive.
39:41Third down and seven.
39:42Rippon takes the check down to Stewart.
39:45And Stewart is racked up by Marcus Harris,
39:49the rookie sixth-rounder out of Cal,
39:51who, as Brian Callahan told us,
39:53has really come on, playing with a lot of confidence right now.
39:56He started at Oregon State as a walk-on,
39:59goes to Idaho, goes to Cal,
40:01six-round pick, runs 4-3-8 at his pro day.
40:04And we saw the speed and the intelligence
40:06and the tackling ability on that play, Jason.
40:09The tackling ability is what was so impressive.
40:12On a third-down situation like that,
40:14for Brett Rippon, you're getting it out to your running back
40:16in a one-on-one tackle with a corner.
40:18You're happy with that matchup.
40:20But right there, Harris does his job.
40:22It's not always pretty when you're a little guy out there.
40:24You just got to get the big guys down.
40:26Second punt for Ryan Wright with D.K.,
40:28the deep man for Tennessee,
40:30calls for a fair catch at the 15-yard line.
40:34A 39-yard punt for Ryan Wright
40:36with 8.37 to go in the second quarter.
40:397-3, Tennessee.
40:41In two weeks, you can count on a huge NFL on CBS doubleheader
40:45to open up the season.
40:46The Week 1 early games are highlighted
40:48by Aaron Rodgers' return to New York to face the Jets.
40:52Later, an outstanding showdown between the Lions and Packers
40:56with the NFL Today crew live at Lambeau beginning at noon.
41:01You can always count on Sundays with the NFL on CBS
41:04and streaming on Paramount+.
41:07Can't wait to see that crew on the road again.
41:10You saw them last year jumping through tables in Buffalo.
41:14I don't know, what would they do in Green Bay?
41:17Can they eat, like, a big hunk of cheese?
41:20They've got to get in the stadium.
41:21Somebody needs to do a Lambeau lead.
41:23Do you think Coach could get up there and get in the stands?
41:26That's what they've got to do.
41:27Did you see the differences there?
41:30Coach Cower went at it like he was Sergeant Slaughter
41:34from the WWE.
41:35He got big air, right?
41:37And Matty Ice was like, what are we doing here?
41:40He's a quarterback.
41:41What are we doing?
41:42These guys are soft.
41:43He did it.
41:44Gotta give him credit.
41:44He went ahead and did it, but he's like,
41:46what are we doing here, guys?
41:49Cam Ward, Jeffrey Simmons actually got a little scuffle
41:52in practice earlier this week, but both downplayed it after.
41:56Cam Ward actually said it was fun.
41:58Ward's night is done.
41:59Brandon Allen is the new Tennessee quarterback,
42:02and his first pass is caught by DK,
42:04but there is a flag down.
42:07You know why I'm laughing.
42:11Getting in that fight is fun.
42:12Because Jeff didn't get his hands on it.
42:14That's why it was fun.
42:16He said he learned Jeff is really strong.
42:19Really strong.
42:19That's the way I'll phrase it.
42:21But they hang a lot together.
42:22Go fishing.
42:23They do a lot of things together.
42:25Sometimes good friends have a little bit of a tiff.
42:29Also, you hear about Cam Ward.
42:31There is no foul for IDP.
42:33Ineligible downfield.
42:34There's no foul.
42:35Second down.
42:36You hear about Cam Ward's personality.
42:38And, Charles, you've been here all summer with the Titans.
42:40He's a fiery guy at practice.
42:42You've been practicing against the same guys for weeks now.
42:45You've got to mix it up sometimes.
42:47At some point during these 18 weeks, 19 weeks,
42:50I plan on mixing it up with you guys, too.
42:51So get ready.
42:55That would be sooner than later at this point.
42:57I better go home and get in training again.
42:59I'm in trouble.
43:04And a big hit.
43:06That is Jay Ward, the third-year man out of LSU,
43:10again with the tackle as we go down to the sideline and A.J. Ross.
43:13That's right.
43:14This is someone who needs no introduction.
43:16He's a walking highlight reel.
43:17You see the glasses.
43:18You see the chain.
43:19You see the smile.
43:20You had a hamstring set you back a few weeks.
43:22But you've been back to practice this week.
43:25How did it feel getting back out there with the other J.J.?
43:28You're the original J.J. on this Vikings team.
43:30It felt great, honestly.
43:32Of course, being on the sideline,
43:34coaching up the younger guys in the group,
43:37kind of, you know, being a coach for a little bit of time
43:40and just kind of being more of a leader, you know, on the sideline.
43:44It was a great transition.
43:47I felt like I really got to be able to strengthen out, you know,
43:51my legs and my hamstrings
43:53and just getting really prepared for this long season.
43:58So it's kind of got – you got to weigh on the pros
44:01more than the cons of the situation.
44:03And it was great to be back and to, you know, catch the football again.
44:08Speaking of being back, Nashville is a special place for you.
44:11Last season you set the NFL record for most receiving yards
44:15for a guy in his first five years in the league.
44:18How have you had time to, you know, reflect on that accomplishment?
44:22How much does that mean to you?
44:23And what do you hope to achieve with this team
44:25coming off a 14-win season last year?
44:27Yeah, it's a blessing, honestly.
44:30I mean, my whole career, honestly, has just been a long journey
44:34and just blessed to be a part of it.
44:38And ever since I've, you know, been in this league
44:40and been on this team,
44:42nothing but great things has been happening for me.
44:45So I'm only going to continue to be better,
44:47only going to continue to find ways to outdo myself than I had last year.
44:53So it's just all about just being to myself,
44:56being confident, being comfortable,
44:58and going out there and just being myself.
45:00As you talk about outdoing yourself,
45:01we all want to know, can you outdo –
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