Defensive tackle looking for more in second NFL season

“Right now I expect myself to be a factor, not just be a body out there but make a difference and help this team win,” Starks said.

“I feel last year I was trying to see what was going on … Right now I know my role. My role is not to be a guy out there but a factor.”

Starks, a third-round pick out of Maryland, started eight games and played in 14. His 4.5 sacks led all NFL rookie defensive tackles, and only three Titans had more sacks than Starks.

But it wasn’t a good year overall with the team’s 32 sacks in 2004 their lowest total since 2001 when they went 7-9.

The 6-foot-3, 312-pound Starks thinks they will be better with Albert Haynesworth the other starting tackle with help on the outside from Antwan Odom, Kyle Vanden Bosch, Bo Schobel and Travis LaBoy.

“Some people right now, they don’t think we’re going to be very good. We’re going to go out and prove everybody wrong,” Starks said.

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THE ACL GUYS: The Titans had a variety of injuries in 2004, but they had enough torn anterior cruciate ligaments that they still have a trio who can be called the “ACL guys.”

Strong safety Tank Williams, who tore his left ACL on Nov. 14 against Chicago, has been working his way back into the defense in training camp and had a sensational practice Tuesday. Receiver Tyrone Calico, who had his left ACL repaired in October, also has been practicing.

Offensive lineman Jacob Bell, who started 14 games as a rookie in 2004, was the last big injury last season. He tore his right ACL against Denver on Christmas night, but surprisingly has been working in drills and practices in training camp.

None of the three played in last week’s exhibition opener. Coach Jeff Fisher said Wednesday he’s leaning toward not taking the trio to Atlanta.

“They’re doing so well on the practice field. I think with a good week of practice next week and a slightly different surface they’ll go out, make the trip with us, and all three of them will play,” he said.

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WEATHER CHANGES: Hot weather in the morning, then thunderstorms in the afternoon forced coach Jeff Fisher to swap up his practice schedule. When running backs Jarrett Payton and Walter Reyes struggled in the morning, Fisher acted.

“It was extremely hot this morning. We had to get through the padded portion of practice, and Jarrett had a moment, then was able to come back. Walter didn’t, so I shortened it to a walkthrough to get through practice knowing that we had to get through this afternoon,” Fisher said.

“It worked out. We got plenty done.”

It was sunny and hot with the Titans starting to stretch on the field in the afternoon when Fisher ordered them to their indoor practice field. The big storm finally hit around 5 p.m. CDT.

“It was a good move,” Fisher said. “I was second-guessed earlier I think, but it worked out.”

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EXTRA HANDS: Coach Jeff Fisher has tried rookie quarterback Shane Boyd at catching punts along with Brandon Jones. But Boyd will be the third quarterback in the game Friday night, so Michael Waddell will get his chance to catch punts first. Boyd might get another chance at a punt late.

Recently signed receiver Adrian Madise had been practicing at handling punts during the contract holdout by Adam “Pacman” Jones that ended Wednesday night.

“He’s done it before,” Fisher said. “He did it in 2003 for Denver. We’ll give him a chance. You’ll probably see him back there.”

Jones’ agent told The Associated Press that they have reached a deal and that Jones will begin practicing Sunday after the team returns from its exhibition at Atlanta.

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PICKUP: The Titans filled the roster spot emptied with Tuesday’s release of cornerback Kevin Timothee by adding defensive end Jonathan Jackson. The lineman from Oklahoma was waived Monday by Chicago.

“He’s an active rusher,” coach Jeff Fisher said. “He’s an edge, speed rusher. He’s slightly undersized but he makes up for it with his effort. He’s a smart guy, so there’s a pretty good chance that he’ll be able to play for us in the second half.”

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YOUTH FOOTBALL: The Titans are working with Nashville Metro Parks, Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association, National Recreation and Park Association, USA Football and the NFL to host a Youth Football Summitt on Sept. 12 at The Coliseum.

It’s part of “Play Football Month,” which is celebrating youth and amateur football. The summit is open to all youth football administrators and personnel in the region, but not coaches.