The Tennessee Titans entered training camp with an established tandem of off-ball linebackers. Cedric Gray and Cody Barton returned to command starting roles in head coach Robert Saleh's defense. After Tennessee's first preseason game, the picture is much less clear.
Third-year pro James Williams Sr. and rookie Anthony Hill Jr. have both stood out throughout camp, flying around the field and making plays on the ball. While still considered backups, their rise has put pressure on Barton to perform.
Williams was one of the few bright spots in the Titans' preseason win, while Barton failed to make the most of his opportunities. Now, the position battle is looking more even than ever.
Titans linebacker competition is even more heated after preseason opener
Barton took the field with the Titans' starters in Santa Clara. On the first defensive drive of the game, he had two clear opportunities to make game-changing plays. He let both chances slip through his fingers.
First, he broke on a pass, getting his hands on the ball but failing to haul in what could have been an interception. Shortly after, he came free on a blitz but couldn't bring 49ers quarterback Kurtis Rourke down for the sack. Rourke escaped to extend the play.
Barton wasn't bad in the preseason opener, but he could have put the position battle to rest. Instead, he left the door open for Williams and Hill.
Williams wasted no time walking through it. He continued his training camp trend of flying to the football, making plays all over the field on Thursday night. The third-year defender worked into the game early on when the Titans put three linebackers on the field, and he continued to play after the starters called it a day.
Early in the game, he broke on a screen pass in the flat, making a secure tackle for a minimal gain. He delivered a big hit later on after driving down on a quick out route. The former safety's athleticism was on full display, and he stood out as a clear winner in the Titans' shaky defense. Williams finished the game with five tackles, tied for the team lead.
Saleh and his staff will no doubt continue to assess the pecking order of the linebacker room in the coming weeks. If Williams continues to show progress, he could eat into Barton's playing time before the start of the regular season. This decision isn't getting any easier for Saleh.
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