Tennessee Titans' Cody Barton on early impact, 'scheme lets us play fast'

Yahoo

4 days ago

When the Tennessee Titans signed linebacker Cody Barton as an unrestricted free agent, they set out to completely rebuild their linebacking corps around him. So far, that decision appears to be paying off.
Barton came into his first training camp with the Titans and exceeded all expectations early in his tenure. The veteran linebacker is playing fast and making plays. This is a welcome sight, especially in pass coverage, where the Titans struggled in 2024. At this point, he looks to be a tremendous upgrade over Kenneth Murray in the middle of the defense.
There is no doubt that Barton has the athleticism and mindset to make an impact, but what has allowed him to make such a smooth transition into the Titans' defense early? Barton said it's familiarity with the scheme and his comfort level within the system.
He broke this down while speaking with the media after practice on Thursday, while discussing his pick-off of Cam Ward early in the session.
'I was in a similar scheme last year, so coming here wasn't some crazy new (system),' he said. 'In this scheme, he lets us play fast. I feel like the scheme matches what I have to bring to the table.'
Throughout the offseason and now into camp, Barton appears to be a natural fit in the defense and has been a thorn in Cam Ward's side the entire time. His interception on Thursday was his third of the young quarterback since offseason workouts began in May. But his goal isn't just to make life difficult for the Titans' quarterbacks; it's to help them all improve and grow as a team.
With Barton appearing to be the answer at one linebacker spot, the attention will now turn completely to the battle for playing time next to him on defense, and that competition should go up a notch once pads go on Saturday for the first time in training camp.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Titans' Cody Barton on early impact, 'scheme lets us play fast'