By Jordan Long
The Tennessee Titans beat the Chicago Bears 27-21 on Sunday, improving their record to 6-6. On Monday they made a confounding move, cutting veteran cornerback Perrish Cox. Why would they do this now?
Cox is in his second season in Tennessee. Last year he recorded 30 tackles and 1 interception in 13 games. This season he was playing at an even higher level with 42 tackles and 3 interceptions. These interceptions lead the team.
This past weekend Cox struggled to cover Chicago Bears wide receiver Joshua Bellamy. Bellamy had 41 yards receiving but didn’t have a touchdown. He was close to winning the game for the Bears. Cox had fallen down and Bears’ quarterback Matt Barkley found Bellamy in the end zone with 47 seconds but he dropped the ball. According to ESPN, Cox said, “I slipped. I looked up and had the ball bouncing right in front of me, happy that the Lord was working on my side on that one and we came up with the next play.” The Titans were lucky Cox didn’t cost them the game.
The Titans are making this move because they don’t feel Cox can cover the number one wide receivers on the opponents’ team. The problem is Tennessee can’t cover on defense. Against the Bears they allowed 316 yards passing from Matt Barkley. That is not all on Cox. They are thinking he is the goat, even though they won the game.
The Titans have two cornerbacks who will see the field now that they cut Cox. LeShaun Sims should see plenty of action. He is a rookie this year. Sims can tackle with 10 tackles but has yet to intercept the football. He is not a proven cornerback as Cox. Kalan Reed, who they promoted from the practice squad, may also be playing.
The Titans are taking a huge risk with this move. Cox knows how to play in the NFL and has done it for seven years. He has been able to intercept the ball and knock it away from the receivers. They will struggle on defense to cover wide receivers without Cox.
What do you think of the Tennessee Titans cutting Perrish Cox?
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