Player's comments should raise major questions regarding Titans' strategy
Tennessee Titans CB Kristian Fulton spoke to the media over Zoom on Tuesday afternoon to discuss the recent performance from the Titans secondary and preview the upcoming matchup against the division rival Indianapolis Colts. During the press conference, Titans media members, myself included, asked for some of Fulton's thoughts regarding the situation brewing with the […]
Tennessee Titans CB Kristian Fulton spoke to the media over Zoom on Tuesday afternoon to discuss the recent performance from the Titans secondary and preview the upcoming matchup against the division rival Indianapolis Colts.
During the press conference, Titans media members, myself included, asked for some of Fulton's thoughts regarding the situation brewing with the Titans and fellow CB Caleb Farley.
Farley has struggled to start the season, specifically in the game against Buffalo. Farley then played just one (1) defensive snap against the Raiders after being benched for Terrance Mitchell, who signed with the Titans just three days prior to the game.
Fulton was asked what his advice was to Farley given the rookie year injury (something Fulton also dealt with) and now his early struggles to kick things off in 2022.
Fulton responded by saying that he's tried to be encouraging to Farley, reassuring his teammate that getting comfortable in an NFL secondary is a process that takes time for everyone.
Fulton knows that from experience.
"It's a process to get out there and get comfortable," Fulton said. "I just try to share that with him. Once he gets those game reps, I feel like he'll be good, but I just have to let him know that it's a process."
Fulton told the media that when he was first adjusting to the league, it was the game reps that were the most formative in getting him more comfortable and instilling confidence in him. Fulton also shared that "seeing the faith his coaches had in him" went a long way to establishing confidence in himself.
When I followed up with Fulton to see if not getting playing time can have the opposite affect on players, here was his response:
Fulton's Response
Reading between the tea leaves, Fulton spoke up for his teammate here, and he highlights a major issue with the Titans strategy for managing their young secondary.
As was made evident on Sunday with the bad day from Terrance Mitchell, the Titans don't have any options on their roster that are capable of playing a significantly better game than Caleb Farley.
At least not while Elijah Molden is still out with his groin injury.
As long as that's the case, Farley needs to be given the opportunity to play and work through some of his mistakes on the field.
It's like Fulton said. Sometimes, having a coaching staff that you know believes in you and getting in game opportunities is all it takes for a young cornerback to come out of their shell and get comfortable in an NFL secondary.
You do Farley no favors by eliminating him from your game plan entirely after one poor performance.
If you had another option that gave you a better chance to win, sure, go that direction. Whatever it takes to win games. The Titans just don't seem to have that. The reinforcements they brought in allowed Mack Hollins to have a 100+ yard game and convert on multiple 4th and long situations. That's unacceptable.
Mike Vrabel, Shane Bowen, Anthony Midget, and the rest of the coaching staff may think they're doing what's in the best interest of the team. But it's time to consider what's in the best interest of the player you invested a first round draft pick and $13.5 Million into.
This is part of having a young and inexperienced roster. That's the bed you made, and now you have to lay in it. For better or worse.
Image vis George Walker IV / Tennessean.com-USA TODAY NETWORK
