NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- In addition to helping the Titans return to the playoffs for the first time in six years, Kamerion Wimbley has his own goals in mind as he approaches his third season with the Titans in 2014.
"Obviously, I would like to increase the sack total," said Wimbley, who posted 11 sacks as a rookie with the Cleveland Browns in 2006 and has totaled 51.5 career sacks over his first eight NFL seasons. "That's what I was brought in here for. Most guys want to get up into the double digits. I was there once. I've been trying to get back, and hopefully this year is the year to do it."
The 6-foot-4, 258-pound Wimbley said he has a total number of sacks in mind for 2014, but wouldn't admit that number when asked by a reporter this week.
"I won't tell you the number, but obviously the goal is to get as many as I can," he said with a smile.
After registering nine sacks in his first two seasons in Tennessee, Wimbley appears poised to increase his overall production as a hybrid linebacker/defensive end in defensive coordinator Ray Horton's new defensive scheme.
"It's an exciting defense and I know the guys here are excited about it," Wimbley said. "When we go out there, we try to practice with enthusiasm. We try to execute so we can run as many plays as the coach wants to call. It gives us options on Sundays."
Wimbley and his teammates wrapped up another productive week of OTAs at Saint Thomas Sports Park as they continue to prepare for the start of training camp next month.
"I think we've put in a lot of work for these first couple of OTAs," he said. "We still have a lot of work to do, but everyone is doing a great job of picking up the defense. We've been putting in extra time in the classroom going over what we practice and making sure we correct any mistakes. Guys are attacking this with enthusiasm, and I believe if we continue on this pace, we'll give ourselves a chance to be successful."
Wimbley said he and his teammates realize there's a chance to "do something special" this season and beyond. That was one of the primary reasons he agreed to take a pay cut during the offseason to remain a Tennessee Titan.
"For me, I just wanted to come back and have the opportunity to compete and go out and prove that I am the player they thought I was when they brought me in here," said Wimbley, who joined the Titans as an unrestricted free agent from the Oakland Raiders in 2012. "I feel like the fans deserve to see me come back and produce for the team and I want to help us win. I also love the players that we have here. We've got something pretty good started.
"It's really up to us to go out there and put a good product on the field and give the fans what they deserve," he added. "They've been so supportive and loyal…that's really what it's about. I didn't feel like going to any other team. I like the city of Nashville, I like the fans here and I feel like we can win games here."
Now, Wimbley said, it's a matter of taking advantage of every opportunity he has, both during practices and in games.
"I'm just working hard with my teammates and doing what the coaches are asking of me," he said. "If I do what they tell me to do and play hard, I feel like everything will work itself out."
