Murchison debuts in NFL; Vrabel gives positive review

In Nashville, Tennessee, on a sun-splashed Sunday afternoon, the long journey climaxed.

Larrell Murchison made his NFL debut in the Tennessee Titans’ 33-30 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Titans are 2-0 and Murchison is on the board statistically after a tackle in the second quarter.

A week ago in the Monday Night Football Opener at Denver, Murchison was one of the seven players from the 53-man roster to be placed on the “inactive” list. He was a healthy scratch. This week, he was on the flip card’s depth chart as the backup to Jack Crawford at defensive end.

Murchison played 15 snaps on defense, or 20 percent of the team’s total, and on five special teams plays.

“They both played with great effort,” head coach Mike Vrabel said on Monday when asked about Murchison and fellow rookie cornerback Kristian Fulton. “In first extensive action for both, they did some things we can continue to build on.”

His assisted tackle came with just over 12 minutes to go in the first half. Jacksonville’s Laviska Shenault Jr. ran left for 14 yards before Murchison and strong safety Kenny Vaccaro brought him down at the Jaguars’ 24. The run was the eighth-longest gain for the guests. Two first downs later, the Jaguars were forced to punt.

Tennessee led 24-10 at intermission.

Stephen Gostkowski, who had an extra point hit an upright, kicked a 49-yard field goal with 1:36 to go play. Harold Landry III grabbed a pass tipped by Jeffery Simmons for a game-sealing interception with 47 seconds left.

Ryan Tannehill threw for 239 yards and four touchdowns for the Titans. He was 18-of-24, with a long of 63 yards. Derrick Henry, who has tormented the Jaguars in the past, ran 25 times for 84 yards and moved into the franchise’s 4,000-yard club for his career.

Murchison played prep football at East Bladen High School, a standout for head coach Robby Priest. He attended Louisburg College for two years along with twin brother Farrell before moving on to N.C. State for his final two years. Farrell went to Winston-Salem State.

Murchison earned a number of awards with the Wolfpack, and in April was selected in the fifth round by the Titans.