Mike Otto Making Most Of First Team Reps

By Benjamin Seamon August 18, 2009

With Titans starting offensive tackle David Stewart suffering from a knee injury, third-year tackle Mike Otto filled in during Saturday night's win against the Buccaneers. 

Otto practiced all last week at left tackle but was informed on gameday he would be filling in on the right side of the line for Stewart who had inflammation in his knees.

The 6-5, 305-pound tackle from Purdue embraced the opportunity to play with the first string offensive line.

"It was kind of a shock at first," Otto said.  "But I was excited, and I went out there and had a blast playing."

Being able to play both right and left tackle is something that Otto said he needs to be able to do.  With the Titans returning their same offensive line from last season, he believes that his versatility makes him a vital member of the team.

"It is something that I know I have to do," Otto said.  "Mentally it is something that I prepare whatever the situation is.  I know that I could be going in on either side.  It has got to the point where I'm pretty comfortable at either side."

In his rookie season, Otto spent 15 games on the inactive list before being signed to the active roster in time for the Titans last regular season game against the Colts.

The Titans 2007 seventh-round draft pick attributes his progression to the constant work ethic he puts in on and off the field.

"You have to be strong and you have to be fast and you have to work on your technique," Otto said. "That is something that all of us young guys have done a lot of.  It is something that we do year round."

As a young offensive lineman, Otto has learned under veteran players like Stewart and Pro Bowler Michael Roos many different techniques to improve his overall game.

Otto believes that chemistry in the locker room is an important part of a teams success and feels the Titans offensive line is tops in the league.

"We work with good people," Otto said.  "I have Country (Stewart) and Roos in front of me and they really help out.  We all get along very well.  We hang out whenever we can.  Even when we are not in a football type atmosphere, we are still hanging out.''

''We have got some of the best offensive lineman in the NFL."

Stewart has not practiced with the team since he woke up with the inflamed knee last weekend. Otto would receive another start with the first team offense Friday in Dallas if Stewart is held for a second-consecutive preseason game.