Now that Albert Haynesworth is no longer anchoring the Tennessee Titans’ defensive line, there’s an ongoing push to fill the void created this offseason when the big defensive tackle signed with the Washington Redskins.
According to Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.com, defensive lineman Jason Jones’ role is expected to increase following Haynesworth’s departure.
Jones, who registered five sacks last season while Haynesworth recorded 8.5 sacks, is applying himself this offseason with a particular concentration on fundamentals during his work with defensive line coach Jim Washburn.
“My hand placement was all off [last season],” Jones told ESPN.com. “If my hand placement is all over the place, it won’t help me on the block that I am getting. If my hand placement is there, everything will be all right.
“It’s recognizing the blocking and focusing on your aiming points. Coach Wash gives us aiming points on the offensive line body that I have got to concentrate on. . . . I’m blowing you into the backfield. If your hands are in the right place, it helps you a whole lot.”
As a rookie, Jones posted 31 tackles and three forced fumbles. The 6'5", 275-pounder from Eastern Michigan also deflected two passes.