Trapasso, Titans run fake to perfection
By Jim Wyatt, The TennesseanAugust 9, 2009
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20090809/SPORTS01/90809033/1002/
CANTON, Ohio — In the days leading up to the Hall of Fame Game, the Titans practiced a fake punt involving rookie punter A.J. Trapasso.
At first, it didn’t go so well. As Trapasso faked a handoff to Michael 
It worked again Sunday night. Trapasso fooled a national television audience — and the Bills — when he scored on a 40-yard run to give the Titans a 7-0 lead. He faked a handoff to Griffin — behind his back, no less — and took off running.
“We put it in this week to have fun,’’ Coach Jeff Fisher said. “The guys know if we put it in they’d better execute because there’s a good chance it will be called.’’
Trapasso weaved his way downfield until he reached the end zone. It was part of a happy homecoming for the Ohio State product.
“It was almost a numb feeling, something I haven’t felt in a long time,’’ Trapasso said. “I felt really honored and fortunate to have that opportunity and really proud of the guys in front of me that made it to the point where anyone could have gotten it.’’
Trapasso handled punting duties in place of veteran Craig Hentrich, who was given the night off. Later he kicked off when Rob
Big play: Third-year receiver Paul Williams missed several days of practice last week with a groin injury, and early in training camp he had been mostly invisible.
He came up with a big catch against the Bills, a 5-yard touchdown in the back of the end zone, showing some nifty footwork on the completion.
“I am proud of him because I talk to Paul all the time,’’ said quarterback Vince Young, who threw the pass. “He does a lot of reps with me at practice. The size that he has and the hands that he has, he proved the type of receiver that he can be, and I will try my hardest to keep his confidence up.’’
Injuries: Receiver Kenny Britt (hamstring), linebacker Stephen Tulloch (knee), linebacker Colin
Tight end Casey Cramer left early with a right shoulder injury and was taken to the dressing room.
Fisher said he expects many of the injured players to return to practice this week.
Nickey defends hit: Safety Donnie Nickey was flagged for a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty in the fourth quarter after leveling Bills tight end Jonathan Stupar across the middle.
“That’s what I am paid to do, that is my job, to make hits like that,’’ Nickey said. “If you see that on film, the quarterback is not going to throw that ball. If that happens 10 more times, I am going to do the same thing.’’
Dad watching: When Titans quarterback Alex Mortensen completed his first NFL pass — a short throw to running back Rodney Ferguson — his father, ESPN’s Chris Mortensen, clapped from his seat in the press box.
A few moments later the elder Mortensen only smiled as Bills cornerback Reggie Corner intercepted Alex’s pass and returned it 26 yards for a touchdown.
Two for T.O.: Bills receiver Terrell Owens had two receptions on Buffalo’s first drive then watched the rest of the game from the sideline.
Owens had a 16-yard catch with cornerback Cortland Finnegan defending, and caught an 11-yard pass in front of cornerback Nick Harper.
Dancing owner: Titans owner Bud Adams arrived at Fawcett Stadium decked out in a bright red sports coat. He signed autographs and took pictures with fans before the game.
Later, he shook hands with all the Titans as they left the field following warm-ups.
The 86-year-old Adams saved his most impressive moves for later — with music blaring from the stadium speakers, he did a little dance.
Road trip: The Titans cheerleaders, in addition to mascot T-Rac, were on hand. It’s the first time they’ve performed on the road since Super Bowl XXXIV.
