NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- For years the safety position has been an afterthought for some NFL franchises when building a defense. Not in Tennessee, where safeties Kevin Byard and Kenny Vaccaro are the focal points of a defense that is tied for the NFL lead in points allowed.
On Sunday, the Titans shut down rookie sensation Saquon Barkley (14 carries for 31 yards) and shut out the Giants after New York had rolled up 70 points in wins against the Bears and Redskins over the previous two weeks.
"You can see when you have that guy in your defense, it's a big deal.