NASHVILLE – As Titans defensive lineman Jurrell Casey prepares for his ninth NFL season, he's looking at himself and at those around him.
Casey's personal offseason priority is to get bigger, and stronger – and it's working.
Speaking on the Titans Caravan recently, Casey said he weighed in at 284 pounds the other day. He'd love to play at 290 pounds this fall, but knows it could be a challenge based on the rigors of the season. But he already feels stronger than he did in the fall, when his weight dipped to 275 pounds – his lowest playing weight in the NFL.
He's adjusted his diet and training regiment in time to help.
"I want to be a little bit stronger," Casey said, "and a little bit stouter to help the overall team as a whole."
Casey said another focus is on the big picture of the defense.
"The biggest thing is really getting to know the guys around you, getting to know what their jobs are, getting to know their assignments," Casey said. "If you understand what the guys next to you are doing, and what is coming beforehand, it makes your game go to another level and I think that is what this season is going to be about – understanding what my safeties are doing, what my corners are doing, understanding where the blitz is coming from beforehand. If you do that while understanding what you can do, it can take your game to another level and you can play 10 times faster."
Casey finished the 2018 season with 72 tackles, a whopping 50 quarterback pressures, and a team-high seven sacks.
In the midst of the team's four-game winning streak, Casey suffered a knee injury in the team's December 22 win against the Redskins, and it robbed him of a chance to play in the season finale vs. the Colts, a game with playoff implications. The Titans lost that contest against Indianapolis, and their season ended short of the playoffs, and their Super Bowl dream.
Earlier this offseason, Casey told Titans Online the memory of that game – and being forced to be a spectator -- will motivate him heading into 2019.
"It was definitely hard – very tough for me," Casey said. "I probably cried the first couple of nights. I know it wasn't too bad of a crazy injury, but just to know that I wasn't able to help my team the following week, couldn't participate in one of the biggest games of my career with my teammates, it hurt. It hurt me bad.
"But at the end of the day I have to get ready for another season. I have to chuck that behind me and get ready to go."
Casey said he's feeling good now.
He spent a lot of time rehabbing, and he's working to be in the best condition of his playing career while also getting stronger. After being on a Vegan diet, he's switched to a Pescatarian diet to get extra protein, but is still on a plant-based diet.
Casey said he's looking forward to 2019, and being led by head coach Mike Vrabel and defensive coordinator Dean Pees.
"The biggest thing I'm looking at is trying to make it the playoffs, and trying to get to the Hall of Fame," said Casey, a four-time Pro Bowl selection who has 611 career tackles and 46 career sacks. "I have been to the playoffs one time since I've been here. Our team has been good, winning nine games three years in a row. But we have to take it to another level. And I want to do my part to help get us there.
"We have a coach who understands football and understands how players should play. He's putting is in great situations, and with two great defensive minds in Vrabel and Pees, we could be unstoppable on defense."
TitansOnline.com looks back at defensive tackle Jurrell Casey's Pro Bowl season in 2018. (AP Photos)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey poses June 11, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey poses June 11, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey poses June 11, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey poses June 11, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey poses June 11, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Dallas Cowboys offensive guard Connor Williams (52) and offensive tackle Tyron Smith (77) block Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (99) and linebacker Brian Orakpo (98) during a 2018 NFL week 9 regular season game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. The Titans defeated the Cowboys, 28-14. (James D. Smith via AP)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey poses June 11, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey poses June 11, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey poses June 11, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey poses June 11, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey poses June 11, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey poses June 11, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey poses June 11, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey poses June 11, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey poses June 11, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey poses June 11, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey poses June 11, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey poses June 11, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey poses June 11, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey poses June 11, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey poses June 11, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans' defensive end Jurrell Casey gives instructions during an NFL flag schools event at King's House Sports Ground in Chiswick, west London, Wednesday, July 18, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Tennessee Titans' defensive end Jurrell Casey, foreground, throws a ball after posing in a group photo as he takes part in an NFL flag schools event at King's House Sports Ground in Chiswick, west London, Wednesday, July 18, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
A boy throws a ball next to Tennessee Titans' defensive end Jurrell Casey, left, after posing in a group photo during an NFL flag schools event at King's House Sports Ground in Chiswick, west London, Wednesday, July 18, 2018. (AP Photo/Robert Stevens )
Tennessee Titans' defensive end Jurrell Casey, right, chats with Philadelphia Eagles' wide receiver Mack Hollins as they give a video interview during an NFL flag schools event at King's House Sports Ground in Chiswick, west London, Wednesday, July 18, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
NFL players, from left, Seattle Seahawks' cornerback Neiko Thorpe, Tennessee Titans' defensive end Jurrell Casey, Philadelphia Eagles' wide receiver Mack Hollins, Oakland Raiders' tight end Jared Cook, Los Angeles Chargers' linebacker Kyle Emanuel and Jacksonville Jaguars' kicker Josh Lambo pose for photographers with large sandwiches during a promotional event for a sponsor during an NFL flag schools event at King's House Sports Ground in Chiswick, west London, Wednesday, July 18, 2018. (AP Photo/Robert Stevens )
Tennessee Titans' defensive end Jurrell Casey gives a television interview during an NFL flag schools event at King's House Sports Ground in Chiswick, west London, Wednesday, July 18, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel runs a drill with defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (99) during NFL football training camp Thursday, July 26, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, right, runs a drill against defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (99) during NFL football training camp Thursday, July 26, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey takes a break during NFL football training camp Thursday, July 26, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Jacksonville Jaguars running back T.J. Yeldon (24) is upended between Tennessee Titans linebacker Jayon Brown (55), defensive back Kevin Byard (31) and defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (99), right, during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Titans won 9-6. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel runs a drill with defensive tackle Jurrell Casey during NFL football training camp Thursday, July 26, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (99) talks with defensive end Julius Warmsley (72) during NFL football training camp Thursday, July 26, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey takes a break during NFL football training camp Thursday, July 26, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey waits to run a drill during NFL football training camp Thursday, July 26, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey takes a break during NFL football training camp Thursday, July 26, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey answers questions following a practice at NFL football training camp Thursday, July 26, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (99) talks with defensive end Julius Warmsley (72) during NFL football training camp Thursday, July 26, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans defensive end David King (95) talks with defensive tackle Jurrell Casey, right, during NFL football training camp Thursday, July 26, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (99) talks with teammates during NFL football training camp Thursday, July 26, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey answers questions after NFL football training camp Thursday, July 26, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey takes a break during NFL football training camp Thursday, July 26, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans payers, including Jayon Brown (55) and Jurrell Casey (99) stand for the national anthem before a preseason NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner (30) runs past Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (99) in the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (99) waits to take the field before a preseason NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (99) warms up before a preseason NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (99) walks the sidelines, during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel talks to defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (99), following a scuffle on the field, during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (99) waits to take the field before a preseason NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) and Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (99) exchange jerseys following an NFL preseason football game, Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018 in Nashville, Tenn. (NFL Photos via AP)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) throws a pass over Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (99) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey leaves the field after NFL football training camp Thursday, July 26, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey takes a break during NFL football training camp Friday, July 27, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (99) and linebacker Brian Orakpo (98) walk out during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018 in Nashville, Tenn. (NFL Photos via AP)
Tennessee Titans players, including Kenny Vaccaro (24), Brian Orakpo (98) and Jurrell Casey (99) take the field before an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans players including Taylor Lewan (77) and Jurrell Casey (99) get ready to take the field before an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith (77) and offensive guard Connor Williams (52) block Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (99) during a 2018 NFL week 9 regular season game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. The Titans defeated the Cowboys, 28-14. (James D. Smith via AP)
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (99) and linebacker Brian Orakpo (98) wait to take the field before an NFL football game between the Titans and the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) is sacked for an 11-yard loss by Tennessee Titans linebacker Harold Landry (58) and defensive end Jurrell Casey (99) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey runs onto the field for an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey seen during the second half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, left, is sacked for an 11-yard loss by Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey, right, in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (99) and nose tackle Austin Johnson (94) set up at the line of scrimmage during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey waits to carry an American flag onto the field before an NFL football game between the Titans and the New England Patriots Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey (99) takes the field before a Salute to Service NFL football game between the Titans and the New England Patriots Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey (99) shakes hands with a soldier before an NFL football game between the Titans and the New England Patriots Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey walks with a soldier and carries an American flag onto the field before an NFL football game between the Titans and the New England Patriots Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey looks at the scoreboard in the first half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey (99) greets New England Patriots wide receiver Matthew Slater (18) before an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Jermey Parnell (78) and offensive guard Chris Reed (64) sets up at the line of scrimmage in front of Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (99) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Titans won 9-6. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey (99) takes the field before an NFL football game between the Titans and the New York Jets Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey (99) sacks Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Cody Kessler (6) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Jacksonville Jaguars center Brandon Linder (65) and guard Andrew Norwell (68) block Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (99) in an NFL game Sunday, September 23, 2018 in Jacksonville, Fl. (Rick Wilson via AP)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey (99) during an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018 in Nashville, TN. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey (99) lines up against the New York Jets in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner (30) runs past Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (99) in the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey plays against the Washington Redskins in the first half of an NFL football game Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans inside linebacker Jayon Brown (55) and defensive end Jurrell Casey (99) celebrate a sack against Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Cody Kessler (6) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey (99) sacks Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Cody Kessler (6) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey (99) during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Thursday, Dec. 06, 2018 in Nashville,TN. (Aaron Doster via AP)
