NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Perrish Cox has turned the page, and he's hoping the next chapter is his best yet.
Coming off a disappointing season in 2015, the Titans cornerback is optimistic about what's ahead for 2016 -- for himself, and the Titans.
"I wasn't happy with last year,'' Cox said. "It was everything. It was me not making plays I could've made, me guessing routes instead of me playing my own game. And then to get injured, and when I did get back to myself we were on the losing end.
"I was more frustrated with last season than anything, and to not finish like I wanted to finish, it hurts. It makes me frustrated and it makes me mad. I know I have to go out and show what I can do because I know I can do it."
Cox, who signed with the team as a free agent last offseason after playing previously with the Broncos, 49ers (twice) and Seahawks, played in 13 games for the Titans after earning a starting spot. He had an interception, and also tallied 31 tackles and seven passes defensed.
But he admits he also batted inconsistency when he played. He didn't make plays he thought he should have in the run game and in pass defense. Late in the season, his effort was called into question when he failed to make a hit on Jets running back Bilal Powell near the goal-line. It was part of an embarrassing team performance which resulted in a 30-8 loss.
Heading into camp, Mularkey said tackling is one of the things he's looking for in the fight for the starting outside spot opposite Jason McCourty. Cox's chief competition for the spot – Brice McCain – has been sidelined with a hamstring injury in camp.
"I'd like to see who can be the most consistent, and I've been saying that really from early on,'' Mularkey said. "Making the plays, being where they're supposed to be. When we get into these games, who's going to force the runs like we want. If you play corner for our team, you have to tackle. That's important, we going to see who wants to tackle."
Cox said he wants to leave no doubt in the fight for the starting spot.
He believes he's poised for a solid season.
"I want to be the best, not just on the team, but around the league,'' Cox said. "I am looking at the bigger picture, as far as what I can do right now. I want to make it to the playoffs. I want to get back to the Super Bowl again. I want to help change the atmosphere of the Tennessee Titans. If I can do my best to help that out, and compete to be the best, I think that will help out.
"Last year was a frustrating one, but I plan on making this one better. And I know I can do it. I've worked hard, I've competed against players my whole career as far as making the team and earning a spot. So I want to earn it by showing what I can do. I hope my teammates, the guys I am competing with, do the best they can. But I want to earn it and I want to come in and make as many plays as I can to help the team."
