'X-factor' of the Titans defense steps up in joint practice
Entering year three of his NFL career, CB Kristian Fulton is being counted on by his teammates to be the x-factor of the Tennessee Titans defense. At just 23 years old, Fulton is one of the older and more experiences players in a young cornerbacks room, and him taking another step froward will be essential […]
Entering year three of his NFL career, CB Kristian Fulton is being counted on by his teammates to be the x-factor of the Tennessee Titans defense.
At just 23 years old, Fulton is one of the older and more experiences players in a young cornerbacks room, and him taking another step froward will be essential to the success of the Titans secondary.
Things seem to be off to a really strong start to his 2022 campaign.
Fulton and the defensive backs shined in Wednesday's joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, dominating the 7-on-7 and full team periods against the Tampa offense.
While notable starters Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Russell Gage, and of course Tom Brady did not practice, the Titans starting defense was dominant all day, and Fulton was locking up everyone in sight.
Fulton spoke to me after practice about matching up with former Titans teammate Julio Jones and how he felt the Titans defense performed throughout the day.
"I feel like we competed real well today. Everybody knows we have a young corner group and this is good test for us today going against Julio," Fulton said. "I feel like as a defense, our intensity was there. We want to set the tone for the year. That's the standard we're going to play to every time we step on the field."
Fulton also mentioned that his goal for the defense throughout the rest of the week was to "get more picks". While the Titans secondary forced a good number of turnovers and made plays on the football, Fulton knows how crucial every turnover opportunity can be.
"Gotta catch the ones they throw to you, the tips. We gotta have those, because they don't come easy in this league," said Fulton.
A lot of those turnovers start with Fulton, who did a nice job of consistently disrupting plays and sticking in coverage with Julio Jones. Fulton earned praise from Titans All-Pro safety Kevin Byard for his performance.
Byard touted Fulton as the "x-factor" of the Titans defense in 2022, and said he's challenged Fulton to take the next step.
"He has to be an x-factor for us, and I told him that," Byard said of Fulton. "I told him, 'you have to come out here every day and set the tone, you have to be the leader of that group and make sure you're bringing the energy.' He's been having really good days and a really good camp."
It's no coincidence that on what might have been the defenses best day of camp thus far, Fulton also seemed to have his best day.
The Titans' front-four is elite, and the linebacker play is sound. The Kristian Fulton "x-factor" could very well be the straw that stirs the drink and completes an incredible Titans defense.
When he's on, it's an uncomfortable day for any opposing quarterback. That shined through during Wednesday's practice.
Image via George Walker IV / Tennessean.com-USA TODAY NETWORK
