Titans Turn Up the Heat: Top Plays, Standouts, and What’s Next After Week 2 of Training Camp

It’s officially that time of year again—when the sound of pads popping and cleats digging into turf means football is just around the corner. The Tennessee Titans just wrapped up their second week of training camp, and while they’re gearing up for a more low-key Monday, it’s safe to say last week was anything but chill. After three straight days of padded practices, intensity reached a fever pitch at St. Thomas Sports Park.

And with a joint practice against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and a preseason matchup looming, it’s no surprise the Titans are hitting pause—just long enough to catch their breath before diving back in.

🔥 Defense Dominates, Offense Hears It from the Coach

While it wasn’t exactly smooth sailing for the offense, the defense came to play. In fact, they made life pretty uncomfortable for rookie quarterback Cam Ward, who’s still settling into the NFL pace. There were moments of brilliance, sure, but the defense largely stole the show throughout the week.

Head coach Brian Callahan wasn’t exactly handing out gold stars to the offense either. After Sunday’s practice wrapped, he let them know—loud and clear—that the energy and execution just weren’t good enough. While the offense showed signs of improvement midweek, they limped to the finish line and were clearly not where the staff wanted them to be. Still, there’s plenty to be excited about as a few players turned heads with highlight-worthy moments.

🎥 Let’s Dive Into the 5 Most Electric Plays From Week 2

Training camp is more than just reps—it’s about playmakers emerging, chemistry building, and momentum starting to brew. So, let’s take a closer look at five of the best plays (and players) who brought the heat in Week 2.

1. Tyjae Spears Is Back and Ballin’

Let’s start with Tyjae Spears, because he looks good. After a frustrating, injury-riddled 2024 season, Spears arrived at camp healthy and absolutely ready to work. He’s been explosive, decisive, and straight-up dynamic with the ball in his hands. Whether it’s juking defenders or busting open lanes, Spears is playing with that bounce that had fans hyped when he first arrived in Tennessee.

One of the standout moments came when he broke off a big gain that had the sideline buzzing. If this is the version of Spears that’s suiting up this season, the Titans’ backfield just got a serious upgrade.

2. Cam Ward Finds His Groove (Sort Of)

Alright, so rookie quarterback Cam Ward had a bit of a rollercoaster week. There were definitely ups and downs—he’s a rookie, after all—but credit where it’s due: the kid is improving. One of his best throws of the week came off a play-action wheel route, where he delivered a perfectly placed dime to—you guessed it—Tyjae Spears.

That play showed exactly why the Titans were intrigued by Ward’s potential. He’s still learning, still adapting, but when he’s in rhythm, the talent is obvious. If he continues progressing like this, there’s a real chance he could push for reps sooner than expected.

3. Ali Gaye Isn’t Just a Body—He’s a Problem

If you’re looking for a surprise standout, defensive end Ali Gaye is your guy. He’s been flashing all over the place in camp and making a serious push to crack the edge rotation. What makes Gaye interesting isn’t just his pass-rushing ability—though he’s shown some nice burst off the line—but his versatility.

In one memorable sequence, Gaye dropped into coverage and snagged an interception, proving he’s more than just a one-trick pony. Plays like that turn heads in camp and could earn him valuable snaps when the real games begin.

4. Bryce Oliver Makes His Case with a Clutch Touchdown

One player who’s quietly putting together a really strong camp is wide receiver Bryce Oliver. Every day, he’s making plays. But it was his touchdown grab late in the week that really sealed it. The catch wasn’t just clean—it was tough, contested, and screamed “roster-worthy.”

With the WR depth chart still shaking out, Oliver is doing exactly what he needs to: putting tape together and showing coaches he belongs. At this point, it wouldn’t be surprising if he carves out a spot on the final 53-man roster.

5. Elic Ayomanor Is Turning Heads

Let’s talk about Elic Ayomanor, the Titans’ fourth-round pick, who’s already turning heads. The 6’2” receiver is a blend of size, speed, and polish, and he’s made plays at all levels of the field—short routes, deep shots, you name it.

One of the biggest moments for Ayomanor came on a beautifully executed touchdown that showcased not just his physical tools, but his football IQ and route-running savvy. It’s clear he’s not content just being a rookie on the sideline—he wants to contribute now.

💥 The Vibe at Camp: Hope, Hustle, and Heavy Competition

So what’s the overall vibe after Week 2? One word: competitive. There’s a real energy at Titans camp right now—players are battling for jobs, rookies are proving they belong, and vets are making sure they don’t lose a step. Even though the offense got a tongue-lashing from Coach Callahan on Sunday, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It means expectations are high.

And honestly, it’s been fun to watch.

With padded practices now behind them—at least temporarily—the Titans are shifting gears. Monday is expected to be a lighter day, but it’s not just about taking a breather. The team is now laser-focused on their upcoming joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, followed by their first preseason matchup.

🗓️ What’s Next: All Eyes on Tampa

The next few days will be huge. Joint practices give teams a chance to face real competition in a somewhat controlled setting. For rookies like Cam Ward and Elic Ayomanor, it’ll be a valuable test—especially when the lights get a little brighter in the preseason game.

Expect things to ramp up quickly again as both sides of the ball look to build on Week 2’s momentum. The offense knows it has something to prove, and the defense? Well, they just want to keep dominating.

🚨 Final Takeaways:

• Spears is showing flashes of elite playmaking.

• Cam Ward is learning fast and has already shown chemistry with the backfield.

• Ali Gaye is climbing up the depth chart with a complete skillset.

• Bryce Oliver and Elic Ayomanor are battling hard for WR spots—and winning.

• The defense is ahead of the offense right now, but that gap might close soon.