Mike Vrabel saw improvement from Tennessee Titans' Caleb Farley vs. Indianapolis Colts
The subject of much interest around the Tennessee Titans secondary has revolved around second-year cornerback Caleb Farley.
Titans coach Mike Vrabel was encouraged by what he saw from Farley in Tennessee’s 24-17 win in Indianapolis on Sunday.
"I thought he improved, and I thought there were some good snaps and some ones we'll continue to work on and improve," Vrabel said during Monday's press conference at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park. "I thought he did a nice job when he was in there.”
Farley was credited with three tackles despite newly acquired Terrance Mitchell and Roger McCreary earning the starting nods. Farley split time in the secondary with McCreary and played 27 snaps, equaling Mitchell’s snap count.
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“It's a tough position to play,” Vrabel said. “You are under the gun and you are going to have to be willing to have some balls caught on you and be able to come back and make a play.”
Farley’s playing time was reduced to one snap in the Titans’ 24-22 win against Las Vegas in Week 3 as Mitchell started in Farley’s place. Mitchell, signed off the New England Patriots practice squad two weeks ago, gave up several key plays, including a 48-yard pass to the Raiders’ Mack Hollins late in the game that eventually led to a Raiders TD. But Mitchell also finished second on the team with eight tackles and one for a loss in that game.
It was no secret Farley was unhappy with his reduced role on defense. He didn’t play in the second half of the Titans’ 41-7 blowout loss to Buffalo on Monday Night Football in Week 2.
"I mean, I'm not happy with it but I'm here to work hard and do what I can do to put myself in position to help this team win," Farley said last Wednesday.
Farley’s uptick in playing time Sunday is an indication that Vrabel and the defensive staff are willing to let the Virginia Tech product work through his struggles. He gave up a 44-yard pass to the Colts’ Alec Pierce, who adjusted on the Matt Ryan pass. Farley slipped on the play as the Colts advanced just outside the red zone, trailing 24-17 with 4:30 left in the game.
“He had a pass breakup and the next play they went down the field on him,” Vrabel said. “You have to be ready for the ball every single time."
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee Titans' Mike Vrabel saw improvement in Caleb Farley Sunday
