There’s a lot of newness around Tennessee, but one steady piece in the Titans’ secondary through the recent changes has been veteran Amani Hooker.
This fall, the safety is preparing to play his sixth season with the Titans, making him one of the team’s longest-standing members. He has experienced the team’s highs and lows over the past five years under former head coach Mike Vrabel. Now, as they enter a new era with Brian Callahan at the helm, Hooker is energized by the prospect of an “aggressive” defensive strategy, as well as the opportunity to play alongside his new teammates.
Most important among the defensive changes are the additions of cornerbacks L’Jarius Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie, a pair of high-value players who should elevate a Titans secondary that struggled often in 2023 and lost three starters this offseason.
Sneed was acquired via trade fresh off of his second straight Super Bowl win with the Chiefs, and signed a four-year deal with the Titans. Awuzie, who spent the last three seasons with the Bengals and Callahan, also signed a three-year deal.
The addition of the duo should greatly enhance the Titans’ pass defense, which was ranked 18th last year in terms of yards allowed. Hooker believes they are already setting a positive example for the team and this should put them in a stronger position for future success.
“We have two dogs — we have Chido and Sneed out there,” Hooker said recently, via the team website. “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.
These individuals have demonstrated their ability to be in the correct position to execute plays. Now, when I’m on the field, I can focus on my role and anticipate incoming plays. Aware of having aggressive teammates, it motivates me as a safety to adopt their mindset and contribute it to our defense.
Hooker, as the veteran of his position group, feels responsible for helping everyone else adapt to the recent changes in personnel and scheme introduced this offseason, even if the scheme is just as new to him.
“Accountability is crucial, for myself included,” said Hooker. “This is a fresh experience for me – a different defensive style, a new scheme – so I’m learning just like everyone else. However, it’s my responsibility to ensure everyone’s learning progresses and that we’re working as a team.”
Hooker, Sneed, Awuzie and Co. will take the field when players report to training camp on July 23, giving fans a first glimpse at the potential of this new-look secondary.
