Amani Hooker is heating up at the right time for the Tennessee Titans
By Will Lomas
Over the last few years, the Tennessee Titans have handed out some big contracts to defensive players, including standout safety Amani Hooker.
Last year after camp, the Tennessee Titans signed him to a 3-year/$30 million deal to make sure that he and Kevin Byard were locked in for years to come.
Unfortunately, just three games into the season he started dealing with nagging injuries (like the entire roster did) and it led to an up-and-down 2022.
As the entire team tries to put 2022 in the rearview, it helps that guys like Harold Landry, Jeffery Simmons, Denico Autry, and Kristian Fulton are all bouncing back strong after those injury-riddled campaigns. While those four have been well covered, it might be time to put Amani Hooker's name in some headlines.
Hooker has had three interceptions in the last two practices, and Jim Wyatt noted that he was already the team's leader in interceptions throughout camp (including the joint practices with the Minnesota Vikings).
Hooker's hot streak could be crucial for Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans play their first regular season game in just over two weeks, and Hooker's hot streak could be a game-changing factor in the Week 1 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.
As of today, it certainly seems like the Tennessee Titans will be missing at least two starters on offense. NPF is obviously suspended and Kyle Philips looks like he could miss the first month or so thanks to an injury on a punt return.
On top of that, Treylon Burks is a big question mark right now which is an absolute shame considering he was dominant throughout the entire preseason process.
Even if Burks can play, no one knows how involved he will be in the game plan or if he will be on a snap count.
With a new playbook, a depth chart full of players who haven't played together, and the mystery surrounding the severity of those injuries, it would be huge if the Tennessee Titans defense could steal some possessions to help their offense.
Adding a ball-hawking Amani Hooker to a defense with one of the best defensive fronts in the NFL could be just the thing to help them get over the edge. That would make life much easier for a Tennessee Titans offense that will improve in time, but who might struggle to get going early.