What Titans' Rashad Weaver credits for his recent success
Tennessee Titans OLB Rashad Weaver had his rookie year cut short when he suffered a broken fibula in week three against the Indianapolis Colts. After a long road to recovery, Weaver has overcome the physical challenge of getting his body back in shape for NFL football in just nine months. A big testament to his […]
Tennessee Titans OLB Rashad Weaver had his rookie year cut short when he suffered a broken fibula in week three against the Indianapolis Colts.
After a long road to recovery, Weaver has overcome the physical challenge of getting his body back in shape for NFL football in just nine months. A big testament to his resilience and work ethic.
That resilient mentality has been translating to success on the field, too.
Weaver stole the show during the Titans preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday, dominating the entire first half with an unabating hunger.
One of Weaver's quarterback hits was also the cause of a Tampa Bay turnover. Weaver hit Bucs QB Kyle Trask as he threw a pice across the middle, causing it to fall right into the arms of LB Joe Jones.
When Weaver spoke to the media in the locker room following his big night, he detailed how his relentless mentality allows him to succeed on the football field.
"Nothing comes easy in football," Weaver told media. "Starting from college, all the way to the NFL, you watch it as a defensive end it's all about getting sacks and rushing the passer. Most guys don't get that home run pass rush move where they get a clean sack. It's about being relentless and continuing to run after the ball."
Weaver also credits his consistent pursuit for his opportunities to make plays on the football.
"Same with the recovered fumble, I didn't make the hit, but I was running to the ball and benefited from my teammates making big plays and helping the team out," Weaver said.
For a guy that didn't turn many heads when camp first started, Weaver has really impressed me with his continued improvement.
It's important to remember that he came into Titans OTA's at the end of May after nine months of injury recovery. He was nowhere near football shape, and just working to get himself back on the field. It's no wonder why his play seems to be stepping up with the more reps he takes.
With the talent and contracts of both Harold Landry and Bud Dupree ahead of him on the depth chart, opportunities to prove himself may be hard to come by once the regular season begins. Even more reason why it's good to see Weaver making plays now.
Weaver bringing his persistence and work ethic to be depth for an already dominant Titans front four is a scary thought.
His stock is rising quickly in my eyes.
Image via George Walker IV-USA TODAY NETWORK
