NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- After making a big splash when he first stepped onto the field in OTAs, things have been relatively quiet during the last couple of weeks for Tennessee Titans rookie receiver Carnell Tate.
He had carried that initial momentum into minicamp and the start of training camp, but he didn't record a catch in two preseason games on five targets after playing a total of 35 snaps with the starting offense.
That's hardly the statistical start anyone wanted, but Tate still remains highly regarded by the coaching staff. And they still feel he will be a top playmaker in their offense.
"I have a great amount of confidence in Tate and how he goes about his business, what he does on the practice field," offensive coordinator Brian Daboll said Tuesday. "Look, I think everybody would love to have 15 catches. But he's doing the right stuff. He's in a good headspace. He's where he's supposed to be."
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Tate said he understands the ball isn't always going to find everybody and isn't letting the lack of production over a few preseason games frustrate him.
"Not every day is going to be your best day and not every game is going to be your best game," Tate said. "I'm just staying levelheaded, going out to compete each and every day. You just got to know how to play with emotion, not let emotion play with you. That's the biggest thing. I just stay calm. Don't get too high. Don't get too low."
Titans receivers coach Greg Lewis challenges his receivers to know all the pass catching spots in the offense. This way they're interchangeable and get a better understanding of the full passing concept on each play. Despite being a rookie, Tate has been able to pick up the concepts and execute accordingly.
Lewis called Tate one of the best rookies he's worked with coming from college to the NFL. He praised Tate for the mature way he carries himself, specifically the study habits and how well he's able to implement what he learns on the field.
Moving across the formation is nothing new for Tate, who noted how as a freshman at Ohio State he had to move to the slot when Emeka Egbuka suffered an ankle injury. Tate also played multiple spots as a sophomore to create mismatches for himself and teammate Jeremiah Smith. This also helped him post 51 receptions for 875 yards and nine touchdowns in his final season.