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Cortland Finnegan Chat on NFL.com

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. --** Tennessee Titans Pro Bowl cornerback Cortland Finnegan stopped by after minicamp practice to chat live on Tuesday, May 12, discussing why the Titans are a better team than last season, why he could cover LeBron James, and what Titans could be ready for a breakout season.

• Joe, New Jersey

How will the Titans Defense fair without Albert Hanyesworth this year?

Cortland Finnegan, Tennessee Titans

I think we'll do well. These guys are hungry to pick up where we left off last year. People forget that we return 10 starters. We have guys who can come in and play. I don't look for any dropoff on defense at all.

• Chris GRatton, Boise, Idaho

Hey Cortland thanks for taking the time for us today. After the way it ended last season, what's the team feel, or locker room morale like right now?

Cortland Finnegan, Tennessee Titans

We feel good. We were close last year. We didn't play that game to lose it, we know that. Right now, we're just trying to become a better football team. The morale is really up right now. Guys are confident right now. We knew how close we were, but at the same time, the morale is up, because of the leaders on the team.

• Jeremy, Nashville TN 
Hey, Cortland. Who do you see having a breakout season this year for the titans? I'm sure everyone is trying to get better at this time. But are there any younger players that stick out to you because of their work ethic during the offseason?

Cortland Finnegan, Tennessee Titans

I think Lavelle Hawkins is a candidate for that. Cary Williams would be another guy that comes to mind. Those two guys, I can see them contributing a lot to the team this year.

• Nathan Levin, Toronto, ON, Canada 
Having played against him in mini-camp what can you say about this year's first round pick in Kenny Britt?

Cortland Finnegan, Tennessee Titans

I haven't had a chance to see him, actually. It won't be till next week. But I will say that they drafted a receiver in the first round because they believe in him. I'll get a chance to see him at the next minicamp, and I'm looking forward to that.

You already know I'll give him the rookie treatment when I match up against him.

• Lil'Bam Patterson, Cashville Tennessee 
Hey Court, I was at the Celebrity basketball game at TSU last month, and you have some serious basketball skills. Can you beat Chris Paul one on one?

Cortland Finnegan, Tennessee Titans

Haha! I wish. No. He's a great player. I wish I could, but I can't.

• Joe, New Jersey

Which current NFL WR would you least like to go up against any why?

Cortland Finnegan, Tennessee Titans

There's not just one. I don't have one! I enjoy them all. They all bring something different to the table. I look forward to all of them.

• Chris, New Hampshire

Throughout your career, which wide reciever has been the most difficult to cover?

Cortland Finnegan, Tennessee Titans

I haven't had a chance to go against Randy Moss, so I have to say Chad Ochocinco. He's fast, and he runs tremendous routes, too.

• AyRee, Dearborn

What is your Favorite Movie

Cortland Finnegan, Tennessee Titans

Armageddon. It always makes me cry.

• Evert Geerlings, Kentwood Michigan

Hey Cortland! Im a huge fan of your style of play. I love watching in your face type CB play it is fun to watch. But what team are you looking forward to playing the most this season?

Cortland Finnegan, Tennessee Titans

That would be Pittsburgh in the opener. Hines Ward, if I was a receiver, I would be Hines Ward. I look forward to all of them, but the Steelers in the opener is where it's at. Tune in.

• Marcos Moreno, San Antonio, TX

What part of your game have you focused on more during the offseason? Also, crush the Steelers on that first game, so they know we're Super Bowl contenders.

Cortland Finnegan, Tennessee Titans

Hi Marcos. That would be technique. Coming in and out of breaks, the little things like that. Last year I worked on route recognition. Also going up and getting the football, and things at corner that you constantly need to get better at.

You know what? We're gonna try. We look forward to that one.

• Peter, New York

Cortland, Im curious as to what you thought of covering Larry Fitzgerald in the Pro Bowl.

Cortland Finnegan, Tennessee Titans

I didn't think too much of it. They have all the rules and regulations. He's a great receiver, don't get me wrong. But the regular season is much different. I will say this -- tune in when we face the Cardinals this year. The regular season is different, brother.

• Kyle, Denver

Who is the best CB in the league?

Cortland Finnegan, Tennessee Titans

I would say Antoine Winfield on the Vikings. He and Al Harris of the Packers.

• Justin T Smith, Hoboken, Nj

Cortland, What is your favorite characteristic of Coach Fisher?

Cortland Finnegan, Tennessee Titans

Oh man. Probably that he's so personable. You can go up and talk to him about anything. You can carry on a conversation about anything ... he's more than a coach. I really like that about him.

• Shaun, Jersey

Are you excited to see these so-called "changes" to this defense, brought on by Chuck Cecil.

Cortland Finnegan, Tennessee Titans

Absolutely. You have to love the way he played the game, so you have to love how he'll carry that over to our defense. Much will be the same as what we did last year, but he'll bring his own little twists to it. I really look forward to it.

• Jack Flippin, Lynchburg, VA

Who is the biggest trash talker you have played against or with?

Cortland Finnegan, Tennessee Titans

Steve Smith. Hands down.

• Terry, Chattanooga

Did you always know you would become Pro Bowl caliber in the NFL or did you surprise yourself?

Cortland Finnegan, Tennessee Titans

I knew that was one of my goals when I got into the league. To answer that, it came a little faster than I expected. It was something I wanted to obtain, it was a goal. But the fact it came in my third year, I was a little surprised but also thankful to be on a team that allows me to make plays.

• Tyler Bellis, Haida Gwaii, British Columbia

Hey Cortland, no matter what you are going to get passes caught on you….it's just the nature of the game….do you simply put it behind you and move on or are you thinking about the play that got you during the game to figure out what you need to do differently the next time. Thanks

Cortland Finnegan, Tennessee Titans

You don't think about it then, you put it behdind you. But its during the film work the next week, when you go back and look at it again. Cornerbacks have to have a short memory. You just try to limit as much as you can and not give up any deep balls.

• robert, nashville

titans vs bears game. i saw you and devin hester going at it. who was doing the trash talking?

Cortland Finnegan, Tennessee Titans

You know, I don't remember ... it probably was me. They would probably say it was me doing it.

• Tommy Gardner, Rochester, NY

What would you say is the hardest hit you've dished out during your time in the league and who was on the receiving end of it?

Cortland Finnegan, Tennessee Titans

Actually, it was Todd Heap on the Ravens. It was last season in Baltimore. He ran an out route, and then I got him, I feel like I baptised him.

• tuna, california

hey court, i buy a jersey every year for regular season. last year it was a toss up between you and griffin. both of you had great seasons....i think i went with griffin because he was drafted so hi. do you see any finnigan jerseys in public? i will rock it this year promise!!!!

Cortland Finnegan, Tennessee Titans

I do Tuna. Looking at it, it's one of the most humbling things you can have as a player, when you see people wearing your jersey. I appreciate the love!

• Will , London, England

Who is the hardest Quarterback to play against in the NFL?

Cortland Finnegan, Tennessee Titans

C'mon Will. Everyone knows that. It's Peyton Manning. Peyton Manning!

• chris, new york 
How do you prepare for when go up against a WR like andre johnson
Cortland Finnegan, Tennessee Titans

You know, a lot of film work. At the end of the day, you just have to go out and play. But the preparation starts with film work, and then you go into scheme things during meetings with your coaches.

• Cody, Arizona

Could we see more stomping of the terrible towel this year?

Cortland Finnegan, Tennessee Titans

No, absolutely not. Certain individuals may do that, but that's not what this team is all about. That's not what this coach is about, that's not what our team is about. You do it in between the lines ... the rest of it is unacceptable.

• Russell, Nashville

First off congrats on last seaon and the pro bowl, I love your style of play. My question is even after a 13 win season I can't help but notice all the so called experts seem to believe that Tennesse will be one of the 08 playoff teams that will NOT make the post season this year, how do you respond to all the non-believers?

Cortland Finnegan, Tennessee Titans

You know, you play it one game at a time. Everyone has their own opinion. We put that in our back pocket. We just worry about what we're doing as a team, and that will be enough. That comes straight from our coach. We do that, and we'll be alright.

• Dan McD, Pottstown, PA 
What was your favorite team growing up?

Cortland Finnegan, Tennessee Titans

It was the Cowboys. America's team.

• Gabriel, Costa Rica

Hi Cortland, do you think Vince Young will have the season that all of us have been waiting for? because if not, I think he could be labeled as a bust...

Cortland Finnegan, Tennessee Titans

Right now, Kerry is our starter. I believe in what Vince Young is all about. He's a winner, he's our future, but right now Kerry is our starter. That's what we're going with. That's what coach Fisher decided, and we support his decision.

• Andrew Papadopoulos, London

Yo Finnegizzle! who's the funniest player on your team?

Cortland Finnegan, Tennessee Titans

That would be Chris Hope. That's an easy call. Anyone and everyone would say him.

• Davis Kreiser, Rochester, NY

As a well established player in the league now, are their any veterans in the league who really helped you elevate and coach your game to what it is now?

Cortland Finnegan, Tennessee Titans

I think, when I came into the game, I didn't have a whole lot of experience playing corner. So the two that really helped me were Nick Harper and Chris Hope. Harper was always helping me out on little things on playing corner. Hope had a played in the Super Bowl, he had a lot of knowledge. They really helped me.

• Chris, Idaho

A follow up on the previous WR question, how much are you looking forward to taking on T.O. ? Who do you think will win the match up?

Cortland Finnegan, Tennessee Titans

Oh man. Being that he's one of the elite receivers, you always look forward to playing against them. I look forward to that challenge. I look forward to T.O. Fitz, Andre Johnson. The matchup? That's to be determined. That's why we play the games.

• Josh, Nashville

Was Nate Washington everything he's supposed to be when you saw him in minicamp?

Cortland Finnegan, Tennessee Titans

Absolutely. The coaches believe in him, and what's we've seen so far, it's what he's got. He's the real deal.

• Branden Burke, Connecticut 
What person really inspired you to achieve so highly in football? What did you want to be when growing up? THanks

Cortland Finnegan, Tennessee Titans

It's not what I wanted to do growing up, but my mom always inspired me to do my best in everything I did. She worked really hard, and it rubbed off on me in whatever I was doing.

• James Loosemore, Youngstown, Ohio 
Can you cover LeBron James?

Cortland Finnegan, Tennessee Titans

Haha! In basketball of football? Absolutely. I'm not even sure if you mean in football or basketball! It would seem impossible, but I'll say yes.

• Hunter, Virginia

Do you think that the team is better than last year and could win the superbowl this season?

Cortland Finnegan, Tennessee Titans

Absolutely. I think we're a year more mature. We return 10 starters on defense, and our whole offense comes back. I think this team is a better football team. We're more mature. I'm looking forward to a run at the Super Bowl.

Cortland Finnegan, Tennessee Titans

Hey everyone, that's all I have time for today. Appreciate all the questions. I'm going to be back for another live chat with you guys later this offseason. Thanks!

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