NASHVILLE – Roger McCreary watched, and learned, during his rookie season.
While starting all 17 games, the Titans cornerback got plenty of on-the-job training, as he was thrown into the fire right out of the gate.
When the 2022 season ended, McCreary began prepping for 2023 by looking back.
"I spent a lot (of time) just watching over the last games – the bad plays, the good plays," McCreary said. "First, starting off with the bad plays, I paid attention mostly to that. Me, playing in the slot, that was something different for me, so I felt like that was something I needed to focus on and look and see what I need to improve at that the most. I feel like I see it, and I know what I need to work on this offseason.
"I feel like I wasn't at the top of my game at the nickel. So, I feel like it would be great just to work on how they want me to play the nickel, everything. Literally from off, to press, to knowing the plays to better, reactions, to knowing how the game speed goes. I feel like it was great to see myself on tape."
A second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Titans out of Auburn, McCreary finished his rookie season with 85 tackles and one interception, along with eight passes defensed. McCreary led or tied for the team lead in tackles in three games, and he led or tied for the team lead in passes defensed on three occasions as well.
McCreary's first career interception came against Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes on Sunday Night Football. McCreary also made a highlight-reel play when he caught a pass from Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert in the end zone, and in the same motion lateraled it to teammate Josh Kalu, which resulted in an interception.
McCreary has witnessed some changes this offseason. The Titans hired Chris Harris as the team's new defensive pass game coordinator/cornerbacks coach while also signing veteran Sean Murphy-Bunting, formerly with the Buccaneers.
McCreary said he benefited from the early part of the offseason, and now he's ready to work.
The countdown to the 2023 season has started.
"The offseason has been great, just to have that downtime just to get your body back right after a long season, rookie season," McCreary said. "Coming back and meeting the new people on the team, new coaches and stuff, it is great. We are starting our foundation here, and I feel like the stuff we've got going this offseason, it's going to be great.
"Now, I feel like I know a lot. I feel like I know what is coming at me now. Just going over the plays, I just feel confident. I feel comfortable that I know what I am doing. I did it before, so I just have to keep improving no matter what."
