The 2013 season for the Titans' secondary included a year by Alterraun Verner that earned him selection to the Pro Bowl, Jason McCourty's continued play at a high level and the renaissance of Michael Griffin at free safety.
The year also included the injection of two styles of leadership from veteran safeties Bernard Pollard and George Wilson and opportunities for younger players like Coty Sensabaugh, Tommie Campbell and rookies Blidi Wreh-Wilson and Daimion Stafford.
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| Click here for a slideshow of Titans defensive backs in 2013. |
Verner led the group with five interceptions and 26 pass deflections after solidifying his starting spot through a training camp battle with Campbell. Quarterbacks challenged Verner instead of McCourty early in the season, and the fourth-year pro responded with four interceptions in the first four games that included a 23-yard return for a touchdown against Houston for his first career "pick-6."
More often than not, Griffin patrolled the back of the defense, lining up 20 or so yards off the line of scrimmage to prevent deep pass attempts but showed his ability to play at the line of scrimmage. The year included the first time Griffin had missed a game in his pro career (quadriceps injury). Griffin also missed one game (at Indianapolis) because of a suspension for what the NFL said was a pattern of illegal hits.
Pollard brought a fire to the defense during a one-year deal he signed with Tennessee after helping Baltimore win Super Bowl XLVII. He was credited by Titans coaches with team highs of 142 total tackles and 93 solo tackles. He added three interceptions.
Wilson joined the Titans on a two-year deal after starting 29 games for Buffalo in the previous two seasons. He brought a leadership style that was different from Pollard's, but both were effective in shaping one of the most tight-knit position groups on the team. Wilson gave Tennessee the option of having a three-safety package and sealed a win at Jacksonville with a remarkable one-handed interception.
Sensabaugh grew into the nickel back role during his second pro season, covering slot receivers as an extra defensive back.
Campbell, Wreh-Wilson and Stafford played primarily on special teams but also played in specialty packages on defense.
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Tackles (from coaches' tally) |
Tackles For Loss |
Pass Delfect. |
INTs | ||
|
|
G/GS |
Total |
Solo |
Assists | |||
|
Bernard Pollard |
16/16 |
142 |
93 |
49 |
3 |
12 |
3 |
|
Michael Griffin |
14/14 |
106 |
71 |
35 |
1 |
5 |
1 |
|
Jason McCourty |
16/16 |
77 |
68 |
9 |
2 |
16 |
0 |
|
Alterraun Verner |
16/16 |
73 |
61 |
12 |
0 |
26 |
5 |
|
Coty Sensabaugh |
14/3 |
37 |
29 |
8 |
1 |
6 |
0 |
|
George Wilson |
16/3 |
33 |
25 |
8 |
2 |
5 |
1 |
|
Blidi Wreh-Wilson |
13/0 |
9 |
6 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Tommie Campbell |
8/0 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Daimion Stafford |
16/0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
