Tennessee Titans secondary faces early adversity without Amani Hooker
NASHVILLE — When the Tennessee Titans play the Seahawks in Seattle this weekend, starting safety Amani Hooker will not be on the field. Nothing like a Week 2 next-man-up situation. Tennessee moved Hooker to injured reserve on Tuesday. The third-year defensive back out of Iowa injured his foot in the Titans 38-13 loss to Arizona. Hooker […]
NASHVILLE — When the Tennessee Titans play the Seahawks in Seattle this weekend, starting safety Amani Hooker will not be on the field.
Nothing like a Week 2 next-man-up situation.
Tennessee moved Hooker to injured reserve on Tuesday. The third-year defensive back out of Iowa injured his foot in the Titans 38-13 loss to Arizona. Hooker was announced as "questionable" to return in the game, but never did.
Eight-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson awaits a reeling Tennessee secondary.
Who starts for the Titans at safety?
Veteran Bradley McDougald will step into the breech in Hooker's absence.
The Titans brought McDougald in during training camp in 2021 to provide experienced depth. At 31, McDougald has played in 105 career regular season games with 82 starts at safety for the Chiefs, Buccaneers, Seattle and the Jets. He has been both teammate and opponent of Wilson in his career.
McDougald even owns an interception off of the Seahawks signal-caller.
"Russ (Wilson) is a little more focused on throwing the ball and running if need be," McDougald said on 104.5 The Zone of the differences between Wilson and last Sunday's opponent, Kyler Murray. "Russ has a lot more experience, seen a lot more looks, played in a lot more games. So, we have to combat that, as well. No matter what call we go out there with, we just have to go out there and play with confidence and play fast."
Tennessee allowed 416 yards of total offense and an average of 6.2 yards per play against the Cardinals. Murray had a career game in the 2021 season opener and Wilson's Seahawks looked totally capable of a similar result in their 28-16 victory at Indianapolis.
Many facets of the Titans defense will have to perform at a higher level for success at Seattle. Allowing 3.17 points per drive or 53.8% of opponents' 3rd Down conversions is not a recipe for success.
The group will need better discipline and better coaching on the back end if they are to be up for the challenge receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett present.
While Hooker sits on the shelf for at least three weeks, Tennessee needs McDougald's experience and institutional knowledge alongside Kevin Byard to help settle things down.
Featured Image: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports.
