Jim Wyatt

jwyatt@tennessean.com

Titans president and CEO Tommy Smith promised roster changes are coming in the near future. He'd like to see some things resemble the past, however.

"The game has changed, I know it has,'' Smith said. "But guys like Eddie George never backed down from anybody. Steve McNair, he was the heart and soul of this organization. We need more guys like that, guys who are good people, but when they get in between the stripes, they play hard and they play tough.

"Guys who are tough and play hard and committed to doing things right, that is what we are looking for around here. We need more of that. You can always use more of guys like that."

Smith said he's seen some of those qualities in current players. He mentioned rookie left tackle Taylor Lewan. "He's a tough guy,'' Smith said. "I like that."

Smith said he's been impressed with rookie quarterback Zach Mettenberger's desire to come back from a shoulder injury. He praised safety Michael Griffin for playing through a shoulder injury against the Eagles.

"I don't want players playing hurt or risking their careers or risking further damage, but I like to see commitment and toughness, and we need that,'' Smith said. "Zach getting up and doing what he can to come back and play this week. I like that commitment."

Smith said the Titans need to improve around the quarterback position. He likes rookie running back Bishop Sankey, but wants to see more consistency. An improved offensive line would help, he said.

"I am excited and enthusiastic about our younger guys. I don't want to jinx Zach, but I think he is making progress. He is showing toughness,'' Smith said. "But the offensive line. … Once we can get an offensive line together and working together, it will help. We have to develop a running game, too. We haven't been able to do that."

Smith made it clear he won't hesitate to release players with years remaining on their contracts, even if it results in taking a hit against the salary cap.

Guard Andy Levitre, who signed a $46.8 million contract in 2013, hasn't lived up to expectations. Neither has tackle Michael Oher, who signed a four-year, $20 million contract in March. The Titans don't owe Oher any additional bonus money after paying him $6 million this season.

The Titans have several underperforming players scheduled to be under contract next season. Smith said how much money the franchise has invested in certain players won't be the deciding factor on whether they stay or go.

"This is about winning. Money is not going to get in the way,'' he said. "The money will take care of itself if you put the right product on the field."