ATLANTA – Titans linebacker Jayon Brown ended the 2018 season with a bang.
In the team's finale against the Colts, Brown was a one-man wrecking crew, returning an interception for a touchdown before forcing another fumble – and recovering it – a little later.
On Sunday Night Football, it was a primetime performance.
"It was fun," Brown said on Friday from Super Bowl LIII Radio Row. "And no doubt I want to keep being a ball hawk next season. That last game was what I want, and I just want to try and do that more often."
A month after the end of his second NFL season, Brown reflected on his growth with the Titans before making the rounds with media across the country covering this weekend's game.
Statistically, Brown had a great year in 2018. Brown was second on the team with 107 tackles, and he also racked up six sacks and 18 quarterback pressures. He was one of the team's most consistent players.
Yet Brown is far from satisfied.
"It was a good stepping stone for me to get in the starting lineup and perform," he said. "But I have so much stuff to improve on, so much. My pass rushing, my coverage, shedding blocks off the run, being able to react quicker. It was a good year, but I have way more to improve on.
"I have to keep improving, and that's on pretty much everything. Again, run defense, my pass coverage, man coverage, getting off blocks, I have to get better. And I want to be more of a vocal leader for our defense also."
Brown plans to learn more from those around him, from his veteran teammates to defensive coordinator Dean Pees to inside linebackers coach Tyrone McKenzie to head coach Mike Vrabel, of course.
Judging from their interaction in practices, Vrabel seems to have taken a special interest in Brown.
But Brown said the constructive criticism is great with him.
"He is very hard on me, but he demands a lot and he expects a lot out of me and I want to live up to those expectations and keep performing to help the team win," Brown said. "He does that with everybody, just to get the best out of you.
"He is a hard coach, but he is very smart, and his football IQ is outrageous. He just demands a lot, and it's going to help us win."
Looking ahead to 2019, Brown said he's hopeful the Titans can take the next step, into the postseason.
In the Super Bowl city, he knows it would be fun to play in the big game himself.
"Looking at the stadium yesterday, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, it looks amazing," Brown said. "The Super Bowl banners are up around town, fans are everywhere with painted faces and jerseys, and it's just a great atmosphere in the Super Bowl.
"We had a good season this past year, but we didn't accomplish what we wanted. Our goal is to be right here, playing in this game. We took steps in the right way and we are going to learn from this year, from our mistakes, and get ready for next season."
