Titans veterans have strong opinions on their first impressions of defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson
The Tennessee Titans invested heavily in its defense during the 2024 offseason. The Titans added a handful of playmakers on the defensive side of the football, but perhaps the defense's most impactful acquisition is first-time defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson. It's Wilson who will be tasked with improving a Titans defense that ranked in the bottom […]
The Tennessee Titans invested heavily in its defense during the 2024 offseason. The Titans added a handful of playmakers on the defensive side of the football, but perhaps the defense's most impactful acquisition is first-time defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson.
It's Wilson who will be tasked with improving a Titans defense that ranked in the bottom half in the majority of the NFL's defensive metrics. Though he comes to Tennessee with no coordinator experience, Wilson is already gaining the respect of Titans veterans.
On Wednesday, Titans edge rusher Arden Key raved about one obvious difference from last year's defense to Wilson's new style.
"[The] intensity that he brings every day. He's the same guy every day coming in. He demands detail. If we mess up out there we're starting over. There's no 'Ah, we'll see it later or move on to the next play.' We're gonna fix the problem right then and there."
Titans cornerback Chidobe Awuzie was asked about Wilson's intensity and had a hilarious response: "Honestly we gotta ask Coach Wilson about his childhood upbringing or something because he's probably been that way (since he came) out of the womb."
It's clear that Wilson is ready for this new role. In fact, Key notes Wilson's leadership as another trait he is impressed with, which goes along way as plenty of new faces will need to buy into a new scheme.
"He's a great leader," Key added. "The leadership he's got just as a (defensive) coordinator I've been around a lot. He's up there with (defensive) coordinators and the defensive style – that gritty defense – that defense that runs to the ball fast, physical and pissed off. Oh yeah, he's got all the qualities for that type of defense."
Wilson will prioritize forcing turnovers on the defensive side of the ball. As the defensive backs coach with the Baltimore Ravens last season, his defense finished T-1st with 31 takeaways. The Titans, on the other hand, ranked 31st in the category.
Wilson enters this season equipped with playmakers at every level of the defense. His intensity and leadership will be at the forefront as he continues to implement his schemes throughout the offseason. As of right now he appears to be off to a great start.
