So, I saw this trend going around on Titans Twitter a couple of weeks ago and have been meaning to weigh in but just haven’t gotten around to it (#journalism). But, since I have a website on which I can just be straightforward with you guys, tell you I’m just ripping it from some of Titans Twitter’s finest, and don’t have to worry about trying to make it sound like I came up with this idea all on my own, I figured hey – let’s do it.
2021 Preseason Titans Superlatives
Breakout Guy: Amani Hooker – Yeah, I’ll pile on with a lot of you here – I’m all aboard the ‘Amani Hooker breakout season’ hype train. He’s looked good this summer, and he’s done well to earn the opportunity to start next to Kevin Byard. Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen has called Hooker ‘smart’ and ‘savvy’ so far in training camp, and lest we forget, he tied with Malcolm Butler for the team lead in interceptions a season ago with four. It’s his time to shine.
Comeback Kid: Jayon Brown – When he’s 100% healthy, Jayon Brown is a top 10 linebacker in the league. He’s good at everything you need a linebacker to do – cover guys? Check. Blitz? Check. Solid in run support? Check. The Titans defense was beginning to improve with a healthy Brown before he was taken out in the Ravens game a season ago. So, getting him back healthy will be huge for the progression of this defense.
Rising Star: Anthony Firkser – The reason I’m going with Firkser here is because he makes plays in the passing game. He’ll see an expanded role in that regard, and I am counting on him to cash in on the opportunity. Not only does Firkser move the chains, but he’s a reliable play-maker in the red zone. Scoring points leads to a little more visibility. I expect him to have a breakout season (specifically, I mean…if we’re talkin’ fantasy football here…), and catch the eyes of the NFL world.
Don’t Forget About: Chris Jackson – I have felt crazy about Chris Jackson since the guy was forced into starting early in 2020 as a 6th round draft pick. Like, the dude’s versatile, it’s obvious the coaching staff likes him, and he has a ton of talent. That’s why I couldn’t understand why people were so quick to shit on the guy when he got benched a season ago. He was thrust into the action way before he was ready. So, while I’ll admit that he wasn’t great, I always had a soft spot for him because I could see the vision behind having Jackson as a depth defensive back who could come in whether you needed a third corner or a third safety on the field. I didn’t think it was fair to call him trash based on his Pro Football Focus grade. This year, he’s bulked up, come into camp a little more muscular, the coaches still dig him, and he’s making plays to the point that some think he could emerge as the favorite to start the season as the team’s primary slot corner.
Semi-hot take: I wouldn’t be *totally* shocked if the #Titans starting CBs Week 1 are Jackrabbit and Fulton with Chris Jackson in the slot.
— Mike Herndon (@MikeMiracles) August 10, 2021
As @glennonsports pointed out yesterday, it’s been nearly two years since Farley took a live snap. It might take some time (and that’s ok).
I don’t feel so crazy now that the smartest voice on Titans Twitter is saying what I was thinking out loud.
Needs to Rebound: Kevin Byard – 2020 felt like a total anomaly for a guy who I considered the best safety in the NFL not too long ago. For one reason or another, it didn’t pan out – I can still hear Byard talking about “communication issues” somewhere in the back of my mind. He’s the obvious and easy choice for this superlative, but he’s more than capable of bouncing back.
Dark horse: Kristian Fulton – I know the Titans drafted Caleb Farley high, and the dude is a physical specimen, but Fulton is another guy who has had a phenomenal offseason, is showing out in camp so far, and is perfectly capable of starting outside should the Titans need him. I don’t think the Titans will be eager to rush Farley onto the field with Fulton serving as a security blanket of sorts, and Fulton could surprise some people with marked improvement in 2021.
Under the Radar: Teair Tart – I’ll admit it – I need to eat a little crow on Teair Tart. Mad props to that dude for the work he’s put in this offseason. I considered ‘defensive line’ a need, even as recently as just before training camp started. But, Tart showed up hungry, in better shape, and looks lightyears ahead of where he was a season ago. He’s the unquestioned guy when the Titans deploy a nose tackle, and deserves to be appreciated as such.
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Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network, and a Dogs Playing Poker on velvet connoisseur. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD, #BeBetter, and ‘Minds right, asses tight.’ “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, Yankee Candle, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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