Tennessee Titans Players Focusing on Health & Fitness
November 25, 2012; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kendall Wright (13) is defended by Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Jeremy Mincey (94) and cornerback Derek Cox (21) during the game at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports
Competition brings out the best in any true competitor. Fans should anticipate much competition from the Tennessee Titans, who prepare for training camp with many roster spots that are up for grabs. There’s a logjam of talent on the offensive line and defensive line. That doesn’t include John Abraham or Israel Idonije, who may join the rotation at defensive end.
Kendall Wright and Derrick Morgan are two players who are locks for the 53-man roster. Both players are all-but-guaranteed starting jobs or key role positions (e.g. slot receiver). Despite that, they’re searching for every advantage that will help them take their games to the next level. Simple things that will make them more productive on Sundays—and a Thursday night.
Craig Peters from Titans Online wrote an article about how Wright and Morgan have both spent this offseason focusing on their health. Wright lost 14 pounds after he eliminated junk food from his diet. He has replaced his junk-food habits with fruits, vegetables and a daily breakfast that often consists of turkey, bacon and either eggs or egg whites. This puts Wright at 5-10 and 187 pounds.
Will Morgan enjoy a breakout campaign during the 2013-14 NFL season? He’s another player who has emphasized a stronger focus toward strength and conditioning. According to Morgan:
That’s one of my major goals, is to be in the best shape of my life coming into the season and just taking care of my body.
With or without Abraham, the Titans need Morgan to develop into what that they had hoped for when they drafted him with the No. 16 pick of the 2010 NFL Draft. A perceived lack of depth at defensive end has made it more important that he’s in the best shape possible. The Titans can’t afford any long-term injuries similar to his ACL tear from 2010.
What can fans expect from this offense? A lot of change. Dowell Loggains will get his first full-season opportunity to install his offense and everything that goes with it. Jake Locker will have a healthy shoulder. Two-fifths, possibly three-fifths of the offensive line have been upgraded. Jared Cook has been replaced with Delanie Walker, a more-complete tight end. While Wright has lost weight, the Titans have asked Justin Hunter to gain weight. Kenny Britt is another season removed from his 2011 ACL injury.
Many different faces. Many different philosophies. For the Tennessee Titans, it all starts with getting the players physically and mentally prepared for training camp. Good to see two of the future cornerstones taking their off-field responsibilities seriously.