The Tennessee Titans’ roster overwent an overhaul this offseason, and perhaps no group underwent more changes than the secondary.
In addition to a new coaching staff, the secondary also added two new starters. L’Jarius Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie were brought in to start at cornerback, replacing Kristian Fulton and Sean Murphy-Bunting.
One holdover in the secondary is safety Amani Hooker. The veteran defensive back is the second-longest tenured Titan alongside Jeffery Simmons. Only Harold Landry has been with the team longer than those two.
Despite his extended tenure in Nashville, Hooker has to start from scratch in 2024 after the change at head coach.
“It’s all about accountability, with me as well,” Hooker said, per Jim Wyatt. “This is all new for me – it’s a new style, a new defense, new scheme, so just like everyone else is learning, I am doing the same thing. But my job is to make sure everyone learns at a progressive level and we’re doing it together as a unit.”
“I’ll just say it’s a lot more aggressive,” Hooker said of the defense under Dennard Wilson. “There’s times when it can be aggressive and there’s times when not to, so our coaches are doing a good job teaching that.”
Hooker has lived through staff changes before, so having his presence in the locker room will help the young guys get acclimated. Having two talented corners in Sneed and Chido will be a huge help, also.
“We have two dogs – we have Chido and Sneed out there,” Hooker said. “I can’t wait to go full speed with them, with the pads on. I have been watching them make plays for the other team against us, so I am excited that they’re on our team now and it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
It’s no secret that the Titans’ secondary struggled in 2023. For example, Fulton ended with a pitiful 46.4 PFF grade and allowed 37 receptions on 51 targets. Hooker perhaps threw shade at his former teammates, saying he will be able to “do my job now” because he can bank on the fact that Sneed and Awuzie will be in the right places.
“These guys have proven they can be in the right position to make the plays, and when I’m out there I am able to do my job now, and start searching for plays as they come to me. Knowing you have guys that are aggressive out there, it makes me as a safety have that same mentality that they have and bring it to our defense.”
Having quality corners will go a long way toward helping Hooker perform at the highest level. The DB is excited for the 2024 season, and Titans fans should be as well.
