Tennessee Titans cornerback hyped for transition to Dennard Wilson's aggressive physical defense at training camp
The Tennessee Titans entire team will look quite a bit different this year. Brian Callahan and Nick Holz are installing a new offense. The offensive line is completely revamped. And Dennard Wilson is bringing in a completely new aggressive defense with new faces at a few starting defensive back spots. But one name certainly remains […]
The Tennessee Titans entire team will look quite a bit different this year. Brian Callahan and Nick Holz are installing a new offense. The offensive line is completely revamped. And Dennard Wilson is bringing in a completely new aggressive defense with new faces at a few starting defensive back spots. But one name certainly remains the same in the Titans secondary this year, and that's Roger McCreary.
A to Z Sports and a few other media members were able to talk with McCreary after practice on Thursday to get his take on the new defense, his teammates, and his progress heading into year three of his career. Here's what we learned.
Roger McCreary and new defenders around him are ready to roll
When the Titans drafted Roger McCreary back in 2022 he was thrust into a starting role right away out of necessity. He had to get up to speed quickly, and at times struggled as a rookie giving up over a half dozen touchdowns. But then last season he took huge leaps forward, improving in every single statistical category and giving up exactly zero passing touchdowns on the year. When asked about heading into year three here's what he had to say:
"Feel like it was just my rookie year with [Kevin Byard] and Amani [Hooker]. It flew by fast. It's just really a blessing to be in this league. So, I'm happy to make it to year three…Now I feel like I've seen the game, and I've been a part of the game…I'm becoming a vet, getting used to the game."
McCreary has already logged over 2000 NFL snaps through two seasons. And this year should be his best yet. He's taken huge steps toward becoming one of the best slot corners in the league and now has incredible teammates all around him like L'Jarius Sneed, Chidobe Awuzie, and Jamal Adams on top of the always impressive Amani Hooker. All five with very aggressive tendencies in coverage, they should be a great fit with each other.
"I feel like, for a defense to want to be aggressive these are the right guys and the right coaches. And that's our mentality. That's how we go about it every day."First off [L'Jarius Sneed] and [Chidobe Awuzie] are great…They'll give me tips on what I should do. Plus just watching them, coming out here as vets. They're the kind of guys you want to look up to and play like. And they make you better just by how they play."
Despite L'Jarius Sneed missing significant time this off-season, it's great to see that McCreary and head coach Brian Callahan have both been impressed by his leadership and presence on the Titans (as you can see referenced in the post below).
When some people hear "aggressive" when it comes to defense they might assume risk. But when asked about the risk that comes with having such an aggressive set of playmakers and system, McCreary shared a simple message:
"Ain't risk about [playing aggressive] really. It's about playing aggressive and playing smart. In order to compete with offenses in this league, it's not soft, so that's our mentality. Ain't no risk in that for real."
That kind of mind set is perfect for today's NFL. Controlled aggression. Playing smart. And new head coach Brian Callahan actually said that McCreary is the "perfect person" to play nickel in Dennard's defense given his aggression and versatility. When asked why that might be, McCreary made it clear that the ability to be multiple is key:
"I'd say because he likes guys who are flexible. He likes nickels who can fill the box and guys who can also cover. And I feel like we have guys who can multiple positions from corner to nickel. I feel like I can do both…The more positions you play, the more value you bring to the team…"
Last season McCreary was certainly versatile, playing plenty in the slot, but also over 200 snaps out wide and well over 100 as a box defender behind the defensive line. He'll apparently be asked to do that quite a bit again, even with all the new additions. And one new addition is already setting tone according to McCreary.
Titans secondary depth chart and roster predictions before training camp
Titans roster predictions at cornerback and safety.
"Oh yeah, [Jamal Adams] is bringing the energy already. You can tell just from the first few practices…and he's also aggressive. I see how he is in the box. I'm trying to be aggressive like him. It's just great to play with him."
Again more with the hyped up talk of the aggression with this set of defensive backs and new system. But apparently that aggression is fueled not by raw anger or drive, but intelligent preparation and learning.
"Even in the meetings, it's just all about learning…so you can play fast and play aggressive. You don't got to think so much. So when we're in meetings we're all just trying to be students of the game."
McCreary and the newly revamped Titans secondary is going to be fun to root for in 2024. They're going to play fast, aggressive football, and that's already showing up in training camp practices this week. The secondary should only get better as they continue working on communication and study to be the most aggressive, unstoppable defense in the league. And Roger McCreary is going to be a huge part of the Titans' success.
Be looking for more Tennessee Titans coverage here at A to Z Sports all year long! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!
And if you want to see more from Roger McCreary on his journey to playing at an impressive level in the NFL, check out the video below!
