Titans Expecting To LB Akeem Ayers To Fill Many Roles

While linebacker Akeem Ayers will see plenty of time at strong-side linebacker, the Titans also plan on lining him up on the line of scrimmage as a pass rusher with great regularity. A year ago, Ayers had two quarterback sacks and seven quarterback pressures. During the offseason, he’s worked with new pass-rush specialist Keith Millard on his technique, and Ayers already feels better equipped to take on offensive linemen and running backs trying to block him. Defensive coordinator Jerry Gray said Ayers also will need the right mind-set. “We need Ayers to have a dominant attitude that, ‘You know what? A tackle isn’t going to block me. A running back isn’t going to block me,’ ” he said of Ayers. “This is Akeem’s second year. We expect him to go out and make plays.” If Ayers is able to develop quickly as a pass rusher, it might also allow rookie linebacker Zach Brown to get on the field more in 2012. “I just think it gives us more options,” coach Mike Munchak said of Ayers. “Does that mean he’s going to be a true defensive end? No. It just means he’s going to have more of an opportunity to work there with his speed.”

Source: The Tennessean
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