I know most of you here are familiar with the great work Tennessee Titans Alterraun Verner has been doing on the field and as a contributor to this site. I had the chance to talk to him for a couple of minutes after Wednesday's joint practice with the Arizona Cardinals.
Talk about working against a different team in camp versus going against the same guys everyday and how it helps you.
It's good for the fact that you aren't used to how they play or how they release. You have to play more honest, more disciplined because you don't know how their personalities are or how they do things. It was an uptempo practice. I like that so all that of that is why I like it and what made it different.
You made a couple of big plays in the 7 on 7 period. Where do you feel like you are in the competition for the starting spot opposite Cortland Finnegan?
It's still a big mesh. I don't think anyone has really jumped ahead or fallen off, especially from our eyes and what we know from the inside. I honestly haven't paid that much attention to it. I just try to go out there and do the best I can. Wherever we all fall is where we all fall, and we are going to accept that. We just try to get better and help this team as much as we can. You see it out there everyday, people trying to get better and people trying to make plays.
Were you disappointed about not getting to work against Larry Fitzgerald while they were here?
I'm definitely disappointed. That was one guy I wanted to see from the get go when I saw them on the schedule, but he got hurt and he knows that he has to get better for his team. I respect that, but I was definitely disappointed.
Any word on if you will be starting Saturday against the Panthers?
No idea. We are playing it by ear. Anyone of us can, and whoever it is will do a great job. I am just going to go out there and do my best.
How has your first NFL camp been? How is it different than camps in college?
My first camp has been good. I like the way we practiced, and I like the way they try and take care of us here in Tennessee. I definitely appreciate that from the coaches. Things are upbeat, uptempo and that is what you need to get ready for games. Compared to college, taking care of your body is more important. All you have to do is concentrate on football, you don't have to worry about classes. Even though it is in the summer in college, classes are still in the back of your mind. Here you also have preseason games, so you can't beat yourself up because you have to be ready for the games.
You won't meet a nicer guy in professional sports than ATV. He once again thanked me for letting him post on the site. His play in camp has earned him the starting spot in my opinion. Thanks again Alterraun.