Cedric Gray Took the Coaches' Challenge, and His Snaps Are Climbing Again

Titans fans have been asking the same question for weeks: where has Cedric Gray been? It looks like he's on his way back to the middle of this defense.

**Our Take:** Gray is the more explosive linebacker, and Tennessee needs playmakers on defense. If he keeps earning the coaches' trust, his snaps should keep going up against Cleveland.

Per Titans Wire's Mark Mihalko, Gray missed the opener with a concussion and veteran Cody Barton had held the snap advantage since. That changed in Week 6, when Gray played more than Barton against Indianapolis and made plays.

Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley said this week, per Wire Report, that Gray has made strides in communication and accepted the challenge the staff set for him. Gray agreed. "I definitely think it was a challenge that they kind of put on me to be better with that, and different things like that, kind of take on more control," he said. "(I'm) trying to continue to do that."

The same report credits Barton for holding his own and helping rookie Anthony Hill Jr., so this isn't a knock on him. It's about getting the most athletic version of the defense on the field.

**What to watch:** The snap split between Gray and Barton on Sunday against the Browns in Nashville, and whether Gray is the one making the calls.

Sources: Titans Wire via AOL, Wire Report