2013-14 Tennessee Titans Training Camp Preview: Cornerbacks
Aug 30, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans defensive back Tommie Campbell (37) celebrates intercepting a pass from New Orleans Saints quarterback Sean Canfield (4) (not pictured) during the second half at LP Field. Tennessee defeated New Orleans 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Training camp is right around the corner. The 2013-14 NFL regular season is fewer than two months away. What can Tennessee Titans enthusiasts expect from their team as they prepare for those meaningful games that begin in September?
Over the next few days, Titan Sized will give a brief preview on each position. What are some storylines heading into training camp and preseason games? Are there any jobs up for grabs? All players listed are from the roster at titansonline.com.
We started out the defensive previews with defensive linemen and linebackers. Let’s continue with cornerbacks. I’ve projected DBs as either cornerbacks or safeties based on the titansonline roster.
2013-14 Tennessee Titans Training Camp Participants: Cornerbacks
George Baker
Tommie Campbell
Jason McCourty
Matthew Pierce
Coty Sensabaugh
Alterraun Verner
Khalid Wooten
Blidi Wreh-Wilson
Storylines:
No. 1: Where on the Field is Alterraun Verner?
No. 2 cornerback, nickelback, free safety, ruby safety—what’s lies ahead for Verner? In a defense that expects to use more man-to-man press schemes, there are concerns about how Verner fits into the defense. Verner has expressed his confidence in his ability to play zone or man-to-man.
As he faces a contract year, there’s no doubt that Verner will want to earn as much playing time as possible. Less playing time could affect his market value when March arrives.
No. 2: Can Tommie Campbell Take Advantage of New Scheme?
That new man-to-man press scheme may hurt Verner—but it could help Campbell. At 6-3 and with top-tier speed, Campbell has the tools to evolve into a solid No. 2 cornerback alongside McCourty. Here’s the question: Can Campbell avoid foolish mistakes and silly penalties?
For Campbell, this is a huge offseason. A good training camp could mean a starting job. An average training camp could return him to dimeback. A below-average showing—career over?
No. 3: Coty Sensabaugh, Blidi Wreh-Wilson, Khalid Wooten…
Let’s put it this way: after McCourty, it’s fair game. All cornerback jobs are available. Those wide receivers and cornerbacks will go at it all through training camp. Hopefully, that prepares them for preseason games—and the regular season.