Titans Move Alontae Taylor to the Slot, and Saleh Wants His Energy Back

Titans fans, this is the kind of move that tells you a staff is paying attention.

Our Take: Sitting Alontae Taylor stung, but moving him to the slot is the right call. Saleh isn't giving up on him. He's putting him where he can be physical and win. Let him attack from the inside.

Per Titans Wire, Taylor was signed to play on the outside, then was made inactive in the 26-20 win at Indianapolis after early-season struggles. This week he's taking reps at nickel, learning a new spot in the middle of the season.

Robert Saleh made clear it isn't a demotion. "He's very, very talented in that regard, and he's not just going to play nickel. I just want to make sure he can still play corner," Saleh said. "For me, it's more about getting his energy back, getting him back to who we know he is."

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler noted that Taylor is at his best as a disruptive slot, per Wire Report, and Saleh acknowledged the plan was originally to play him only outside. Titans Wire adds that Taylor can match up with receivers, blitz and play the run, giving the defense another dynamic player inside next to Marcus Harris.

The Titans are 1-5 and coming off their first win of the season.

What to watch: Whether Taylor is active on Sunday at Nissan Stadium, and how often he lines up over the slot on passing downs. If he plays fast, this secondary gets a lot deeper.

Sources: Titans Wire, Wire Report