NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Covering tight ends was an issue for the Titans last season, and rookie Jayon Brown’s role as the new nickel linebacker has been thoroughly discussed.
But Brown won’t be part of the Titans’ base defense, and even the best coverage linebacker won’t always be asked to cover the tight end. Plenty of them are simply too fast and athletic for a linebacker to match up with.
It’s new strong safety Johnathan Cyprien we are likely to see trying to slow Jared Cook and the Raiders’ tight ends on Sunday at Nissan Stadium.
“I feel good about that matchup,” Titans defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau said. “Johnathan’s got plenty of size, he’s fast, very agile. I’m very happy that Jonathan is on the Titans’ side.”