Tennessee Titans training camp preview: linebackers

Veteran leadership and experience are valuable at any position in the NFL.

The Titans, however, have put a greater emphasis on youth and speed in their linebacker corps. The future looks bright.

Zach Brown was among the top five NFL rookies last year in both interceptions and sacks, and he returned two interceptions for touchdowns. Akeem Ayers led the Titans in tackles in his second season even though he was used more as a pass rusher later in the year.

If all goes well, third-year pro Colin McCarthy will stay healthy and regain the form that prompted teammates to vote him a captain heading into the 2012 season. Now he’ll have to hold off veteran Moise Fokou at middle linebacker.

New linebackers coach Chet Parlavecchio no longer has a veteran such as Will Witherspoon in the meeting room or on the field, but he likes the different energy. The youngsters need to overcome some growing pains, however.

One reason the Titans gave up so many big plays in the middle of the field last year was because the linebackers did a poor job in coverage. Sure tackling wasn’t exactly a given, either.

The coaches believe injuries — and the resulting lineup shuffles — contributed to the inconsistencies.

In camp
Akeem Ayers, Zach Brown, Moise Fokou, Colin McCarthy, Zaviar Gooden, Patrick Bailey, Tim Shaw, Greg Jones, Jonathan Willard.

Key stat
Ayers led the team in tackles (110) last season and ranked second in sacks (6). The 2011 second-round pick has 198 tackles in his first two seasons.

On the spot
McCarthy. A team captain, he missed nine games because of an ankle injury and a concussion. It was the second straight year injuries derailed his season. The Titans limited his offseason work so he would be full-speed for camp. He now needs to prove to everyone — including himself — he’s the man for the job.

Battle to watch
McCarthy vs. Fokou. Fokou has momentum following a strong offseason. He’s also faster than McCarthy. Yet McCarthy has experience in the defense, the admiration of coaches and was arguably the best defensive player in camp last year. McCarthy has the edge for now.


(tennessean.com)