When the Tennessee Titans introduced free-agent acquisition and edge rusher Arden Key, it was quite apparent he was going to bring plenty of energy — or “juice” as general manager Ran Carthon put it — to the team.
And, on top of his early dominance in training camp, Key has also stood out because of the infectious energy he’s bringing to practices, and more specifically, to the defense.
When asked how he keeps his energy level so high, Key, who claimed he had seven sacks on Day 2 of training camp, said it’s even a mystery to him.
“I don’t know, I just wake up and I’m just on 10,” he said with a laugh after practice on Saturday, per Sam Phalen of AtoZ Sports. “I don’t know, it’s just something God blessed me with and I’m born with, so I don’t get tired at all.”
One of the most notable victims of Key’s impressive performance early on in camp is projected starting left tackle Andre Dillard, who did not have a good showing against Key on Friday.
#Titans Arden Key had his way with
LT Andre Dillard today.— Sam Phalen (@Sam_Phalen) July 28, 2023
When asked about matching up against Key, Dillard leaned on the old “iron sharpens iron” adage.
“Arden, an amazing teammate,” Dillard said, per Jim Wyatt. “We go against each other pretty much every rep of the whole practice. Iron sharpens iron; he’s an amazing pass-rusher, run defender, everything. So, he definitely has all the tools that a defensive player needs. I’m glad I get to go up against him and sharpen my own skills.”
After serving as a reserve in previous years, Key figures to play the biggest role of his career in Tennessee, starting opposite Harold Landry — and he has big goals for the Titans’ unit as a whole.
“No. 1 in all categories, that’s what we’re pushing towards, No. 1 in all categories” he said. “We know our goal, each and every week, as far as quarterback ratings, yards per carry, all that.
“We’ve got a goal each and every week. As long as we meet those, we’ll be No. 1.”
Never change, Arden Key. #Titans pic.twitter.com/UfFouQRlLu
— Sam Phalen (@Sam_Phalen) July 28, 2023
Arden Key on how many sacks he had today.
“I think had about 7 today.” #Titans pic.twitter.com/d7hcJCzlcs
— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) July 28, 2023
