
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Finding his locker parked in the middle of the defensive backs left linebacker
A defensive captain in Denver, Woodyard wasn't quite sure what to think.
Turns out the Titans knew exactly what they were doing with the locker assignment.
Adding talent and winning experience has been a priority for the Titans. They added some winners a year ago in safety Bernard Pollard and tight end
Walker and Pollard did what they could in 2013 with the tight end catching a career-high 60 passes and the safety having a career-high with 152 tackles. But it wasn't nearly enough as
Webster also added Oher, who won the 2013 Super Bowl with Pollard while teammates in Baltimore. The Titans signed running back
Pollard said players who have reached the Super Bowl understand what it takes to win and how to prepare for games that matter most in November and December. They also help hold teammates accountable for missed assignments and mistakes with a winning mindset that Pollard sees spreading through the Titans.
The Titans' goal is reaching the playoffs this season in Whisenhunt's debut, and the coach said he hopes that changing the team's mindset about expectations already has started. He said the Titans saw how he and his assistants work through the offseason, Whisenhunt installing the offense and coordinator Ray Horton putting in the new defense.
"One of the things that I like about this group, we have a lot of good leadership, a lot of good, young leadership," Whisenhunt said. "We've got some guys like Wesley Woodyard that played with a playoff football team, that was one of the best in the league last year. They bring a lot to the table from the leadership perspective that way."
Washington said going into his sixth season without a playoff appearance has put quite a chip on his shoulder. All the new players have stoked the Titans' desire even more.
"It makes us work even harder," Washington said.