The Tennessee Titans' new coaching staff is tightening the reins on standout wide receiver Kendall Wright.
Wright recorded 1,079 receiving yards in 2013 while playing a more freewheeling style under the old coaching regime, but new coach Ken Whisenhunt wants him to follow the playbook more closely this season.
"We've asked him to do what this offense dictates, and he's done that very well," Whisenhunt told The Tennessean.
I've been very impressed with Kendall, how he goes about his business. He's changed since when we first got in here, and I'm really excited to see what he's going to do for us this year. He's matured a little bit. I think we've put more responsibility on him. I can't compare it (to last year), because I don't know (how he was) before. But I've asked him to do some things, and he's responded well.
Sticking tighter to routes does not appear to concern Wright, who is embracing the changes.
"However they tell me to do it, that's what I'm going to do," Wright said. "I'm a receiver and I adjust to whatever they want me to do. I don't have to play the way I was playing last year as far as what everybody calls 'streetball.' … He tells me he wants this route run like this, that's how I'm going to do it."
Wright is also working on shedding a few extra pounds, which has been a point of interest between he and Whisenhunt ever since Whisenhunt saw Wright at the draft and jokingly told Wright he had a belly.
Wright, who is down to 184 pounds from 197, is noticing the difference the weight loss is having on his on-field abilities.
"It would just help me be out on the field longer, as far as not coming out of the game," Wright said. "When you're a bigger guy at my size, you get tired a little quicker. But now I'm rolling. I feel like I'm in much better shape, and I appreciate coach Whiz for doing that."
