By Meghan Rose, Titans Online
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- This season, the Titans will look to cornerback Jason McCourty to provide leadership in the Tennessee secondary. McCourty enters his fourth season with the Titans, and his fast, athletic play at corner will help the team on defense. When the Titans host New England in the regular season opener on Sept. 9, McCourty will see a familiar face on the Patriots' sideline: his twin brother and fellow cornerback, Devin.
What do you hope to accomplish as a leader on defense this season?
I think part of it is just leading by example, being a professional and coming in, watching tape and taking care of your body. From doing that, the younger guys will follow you, and they'll know that you're the type of guy to look up to.
How have the young cornerbacks impressed you during training camp?
We come and watch tape after every practice, and you can tell that guys are really trying to work on making corrections. You can just tell as a unit we're bonding together as young guys and trying to continue to improve ourselves and go out there and make plays.
How has it been to have two new secondary coaches (Brett Maxie and Steve Brown)?
They've been big for us — preaching technique. We had some technique, but wouldn't stick to it when it got to game time or crunch time. I think that their harping on us all throughout OTA's and mini camps, and now throughout camp, continuing to focus on that, has helped us a great deal.
How excited are you to play your twin brother Devin in the regular season opener?
It's a really exciting thing for Devin and myself, and also for Mom—she'll be down here for the game with some other family. We probably won't get a chance to go head-to-head in the game at all. But it will be cool to look over to the other sideline and see the guy you've grown up your entire life with on the other sideline.
What is the best part about having a twin brother?
The best part is just having someone always there to be able to talk to when you're going through some of the things in life. Even with me coming into the NFL before him, I was able to help him with his transition because I kind of knew what to expect. The whole time we were in college playing together we were able to talk about what teams were going to do, playing the same position.
Who do you expect your family to cheer for in the season opener?
If they're going to be staying with me, they have to be rooting for the Titans. I think they're all well aware of that. When they're in New England, they can root for Devin.
