John Glennon

jglennon@tennessean.com

On a roster that features plenty of long-suffering players, it’s impossible to find one who’s persevered through more Titans frustration than cornerback Jason McCourty.

A sixth-round draft pick in 2009, McCourty is the only member of the Titans who’s been here for eight seasons. In seven previous seasons, the Titans have produced just one winning record, posted a combined mark of 41-71 and fallen short of the playoffs on every occasion.

So while the Titans’ two-game winning streak — and 3-3 record — are still modest achievements, it’s understandable that McCourty is enthusiastic about the rest of the season as Tennessee prepares to face Indianapolis on Sunday.

“I’m very optimistic and excited,” McCourty said Thursday. “Good things lie ahead. You go into every game right now and you feel like, `Hey, we should win this game.’ We’re prepared.”

In an AFC South that has no dominant team, might this finally be the year McCourty and the Titans sniff the postseason? That would give him something in common with twin brother Devin, the New England safety who’s made six playoff appearances and won a Super Bowl.

“That’s the reason we play this game — to make it to the tournament, and to try to win games once you get in it,” McCourty said. “It would mean everything. It would mean all those seven years prior that you put into it were worth it.”

There are a number of players who’ve helped the Titans get off to a competitive start through six games.

DeMarco Murray is one of the league’s leading rushers, and linebacker Brian Orakpo is averaging more than a sack per game.

But the contributions of McCourty shouldn’t be overlooked either.

TITANS VS COLTS

McCourty’s 11 passes defensed are tied for second in the NFL according to league statistics, and he appears well on his way to surpassing his career total of 15. McCourty is also tied for the team lead with two interceptions, both of which were secured when he outfought receivers for passes that could have been completions.

“He’s had two fantastic interceptions, really wrestling the guy from the ball and competing,” Titans defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau said. “There’s no question that him being out there back with us has been a tremendous asset for our defense. He’s a real quality corner and a guy you can count on to play well every game.”

The same couldn’t have been said last year of McCourty, who was limited to just four games because of a recurring groin injury. He had to undergo two surgeries, the second of which meant a trip to injured reserve last November.

“Comparing last year to this year is night and day,” McCourty said. “Even the four games I played in (last year), my groin was an issue in every one of them. It was just a concern not knowing how it was going to be that day or still trying to recover from the game before.”

McCourty, 29, explained that returning to top form following the surgeries was a long process, one that really wasn’t complete until the start of training camp in late July.

“That’s when I finally felt like my normal self again,” McCourty said. “That’s when it all kind of clicked for me and I was like, `Hey, I’m cool. I’m good to go.’”

Added Titans coach Mike Mularkey: “He’s definitely a different guy this year. A lot of that injury stuff just psyches you out in your head. But he’s playing with a lot of confidence now, and to me, that’s a lot of his game.”

One of McCourty’s top performances came against Houston, when he spent a good portion of the contest guarding Pro Bowl receiver DeAndre Hopkins. McCourty played a big role in limiting Hopkins to one catch for 4 yards, the lowest yardage total of his career.

In Sunday’s win over Cleveland, Titans coaches credited McCourty with four passes broken up, which tied a career high.

Pro Football Focus grades McCourty out as the 14th-best cornerback in the league this season.

“That’s what I get paid to do,” McCourty said of his coverage. “I’m just trying to stay close to guys. Obviously when you combine good coverage with a good pass rush, you’re going to get your fair share of (break-ups).”

A three-time Titans captain and one of the team members most involved in community work, McCourty is an easy player for fans and teammates to pull for — especially considering the many years of hardship he’s gone through with this franchise.

“I think it would be great for him to have some success and make the playoffs,” Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey said. “He’s been around here for a long time, busting his tail and getting after it.

“Missing the playoffs every year is tough. But one of the things I love about J-Mac is that no matter the situation, he’s going to continue to lead and continue to push each individual.”

Follow John Glennon on Twitter @glennonsports.