Tennessee Titans left guard Rodger Saffold had a rough start to his tenure in Nashville, but he slowly rounded into form as the 2019 season progressed, as did the team’s entire offensive line.
But when he first decided to leave the Los Angeles Rams, a team that had made it to the Super Bowl the previous year, Saffold said people thought he was crazy during a Thursday Zoom call with the media.
Saffold on leaving #Rams after a Super Bowl season to come to TN: "People thought I was crazy coming to the #Titans, but look at us now."
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) May 28, 2020
Saffold indeed got the last laugh, as the Titans made it all the way to the AFC Championship game, while the Rams missed out on the playoffs entirely.
That result has given the 31-year-old and his teammates even more motivation.
Saffold said reaching the AFC Championship Game is extremely motivating for #Titans to take the next step. Said they can't have a slow start like in 2019.
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) May 28, 2020
After starting off slow in his first year with the Titans, Saffold now believes having a full year under his belt in the team’s offense will help and says the chemistry of the offensive line is much better.
Rodger Saffold said that he has a full grasp of everything now with a full year in the #Titans system and on the OL. Said he doesn't have to think too much and can play freely.
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) May 28, 2020
#Titans' Saffold: Says offensive line chemistry is a ton better now, started improving ever since about Wk. 6 or so of last year. Communication very easy now.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) May 28, 2020
One of the most important things to Saffold going into 2020 is the team starting fast, which has been a problem for the Titans in recent years.
.@Rodger_Saffold: Big emphasis on starting fast in 2020@Titans
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) May 28, 2020
The veteran complimented the work ethic of first-round pick, Isaiah Wilson.
#Titans' Saffold: Says he loves seeing what he has of the work ethic of Isaiah Wilson so far.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) May 28, 2020
Saffold has also been impressed with right guard Nate Davis, who he says has been working to improve his game.
.@Rodger_Saffold on @Nate_Davis73: He's constantly working to get better, and has been impressed with his willingness to learn @Titans
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) May 28, 2020
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