NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Titans rookie linebacker Sharif Finch never believed in the whole "rookie wall" thing.
During a long season, he's just kept working.
And it's paying off for the Titans.
An undrafted free agent out of Temple, Finch has played in all 13 games, and he's showing up more and more. Against the Jaguars, Finch recorded a half sack and his first career fumble recovery after knocking the ball out of the hands of Jaguars quarterback Cody Kessler.
"It feels good to go in there and make an impact with the opportunities given to me," said Finch, who has 18 tackles, and 1.5 sacks on the season. "I feel like with the help of coach (Shane) Bowen, I have been steadily improving during the season. It is starting to come together with me as I get older and get more experience."
Finch (6-4, 250) has played in 180 total defensive snaps this season, which ranks third in the NFL among all undrafted rookie linebackers. Jets outside linebacker Frankie Luvu is first on the list with 329 defensive snaps, followed by Giants inside linebacker Tae Davis (183), who the Titans are scheduled to face this week.
Titans outside linebackers coach Shane Bowen said Finch's work ethic has helped him.
"He's done a good job," Bowen said. "He is quiet, and he is very smart. He takes everything in and processes it. He's bought into what we are doing, what we are teaching. And he's done a good job when he's had his chances, getting out there and producing."
Finch, who has also contributed on special teams, made the transition from a hand-in-the-dirt defensive end in college to an outside linebackers with the Titans.
Since May, Finch has worked on his technique, especially hand placement on his pass rush. He's focused on his fundamentals, including his pad level.
It wasn't easy.
"I think that any time that you look at those types of guys, that's the transition even going all the way back to Willie McGinest, me and all these guys that are outside linebackers in the NFL and defensive ends in college," Titans coach Mike Vrabel said. "You have to kind of give them some time. (Sharif) Finch and Harold (Landry III) have tried to take the coaching and do some good stuff. He has a great attitude. He plays hard. He practices hard. He prepares. Hopefully, he keeps getting better."
Finch, who posted 14.5 sacks and 32 tackles for a loss at Temple, said the veterans have helped him along the way.
Born in Queens, N.Y., Finch returns to the area this weekend when the Titans face the Giants. Up to 20 family members are expected at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
"It should be fun," Finch said. "I just want to keep improving, and do what I can to help the team."
TitansOnline.com looks back at the all-time series against the New York Giants. (Photos: AP, Donn Jones)
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Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair (9) is dropped for a 4-yard loss as he is sacked by New York Giants defensive tackle Keith Hamilton (75) in the third quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2000 in Nashville, Tenn. Also defending for the Giants are Cedric Jones (94) and Ryan Phillips (91). (AP Photo/John Russell)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer (81) catches a pass as he is defended by Tennessee Titans cornerback Dainon Sidney (37) in the fourth quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2000 in Nashville, Tenn. Toomer gained 40 yards on the play. The Titans won 28-14. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George crosses the goal line on a 7-yard touchdown run in the second quarter during the Titan's 28-14 win over the New York Giants on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2000 in Nashville, Tenn. George led the Titans in rushing with 125 yards and one touchdown. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) is hit by Tennessee Titans safety Perry Phenix (35) after Barber caught a pass for a 6-yard gain in the first quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2000 in Nashville, Tenn. At left is line judge Mike Spanier. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans tight end Frank Wycheck (89) catches a 14-yard touchdown pass as he is defended by New York Giants linebacker Ryan Phillips (91) in the first quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2000 in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Russell)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair, right, congratulates running back Eddie George after George scored on a 7-yard touchdown run in the second quarter during the Titans' 28-14 win over the New York Giants on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2000 in Nashville, Tenn. The win for the Titans was their 10th straight home win, setting an NFL record for the most wins to christen a new stadium. The Titans began playing in Adelphia Coliseum in 1999. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair throws a pass during the second quarter against the New York Giants Sunday, Dec. 1, 2002, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. NcNair completed 30 of 43 attempts for 334 yards and three touchdowns leading the Titans to a 32-29 overtime win. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
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Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George (27) looks for running room as New York Giants linebacker Brandon Short (53) and defensive tackle Lance Legree (70) pursue during the first quarter Sunday, Dec. 1, 2002, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. George gained 64 yards on 20 attempts and scored a touchdown as the Titans beat the Giants 32-29 in overtime. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Tennessee Tiatans kicker Joe Nedney celebrates after kicking a game winning field goal in overtime against the New York Giants at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday, December 1, 2002. The Titans won 32-29. (AP Photo/Bernie Nunez)
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New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) protects the ball from Tennessee Titans safety Chris Hope (24) in the third quarter of an NFL football game in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006. (AP Photo/John Russell)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Pacman Jones (32) intercepts a pass intended for New York Giants wide receiver David Tyree (85) in the final minute of the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006. The turnover allowed the Titans to kick a field goal and win the game, 24-21. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young (10) is sacked by New York Giants linebacker Reggie Torbor (53) and other defenders in the first quarter of an NFL football game in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young (10) throws as he is chased by New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce (58) in the first quarter of an NFL football game in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006. The Titans defeated the Giants, 24-21. (AP Photo/John Russell)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) gets a pass away as he is hit by Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth (92) in the first quarter of an NFL football game in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Brandon Jones (81) catches a 14-yard touchdown pass ahead of New York Giants cornerback Frank Walker (41) in the final minute of the fourth quarter to tie the football game in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006. The Titans went on to win with a field goal, 24-21. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young (10) breaks away from New York Giants defensive tackle Fred Robbins (98) in the first quarter of an NFL football game in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006. The Titans defeated the Giants, 24-21. (AP Photo/John Russell)
FILE Tennessee Titans kicker Rob Bironas (2) and holder Craig Hentrich watch as Bironas' 49-yard field goal goes through the uprights with 11 seconds left in the fourth quarter to beat the New York Giants, 24-21, in an NFL football game in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006. New York Giants cornerback Kevin Dockery (35) watches at left. The Titans' comeback, in which they scored 24 unanswered points in the fourth quarter, was voted the No. 8 Tennessee sports story in 2006. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Bobby Wade (19) makes a reception in front of New York Giants cornerback Jason Bell (33) in the second quarter of an NFL football game in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006. (AP Photo/John Russell)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young (10) talks with head coach Jeff Fisher, right, and quarterbacks coach Craig Johnson in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Giants in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006. The Titans defeated the Giants, 24-21. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans kicker Rob Bironas (2) boots a 49-yard field goal with 11 seconds left in the fourth quarter to beat the New York Giants, 24-21, in an NFL football game in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006. (AP Photo/John Russell)
Tennessee Titans kicker Rob Bironas (2) and holder Craig Hentrich watch as Bironas' 49-yard field goal goes through the uprights with 11 seconds left in the fourth quarter to beat the New York Giants, 24-21, in an NFL football game in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006. New York Giants cornerback Kevin Dockery (35) watches at left. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Pacman Jones, right, intercepts a pass intended for New York Giants wide receiver David Tyree (85) in the final minute of the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006. The turnover allowed the Titans to kick a field goal and win the game, 24-21. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher celebrates a 49-yard field goal by kicker Rob Bironas with 11 seconds left in the fourth quarter to beat the New York Giants, 24-21, in an NFL football game in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006. (AP Photo/John Russell)
Tennessee Titans kicker Rob Bironas (2) is hugged by holder Craig Hentrich after Bironas kicked a 49-yard field goal with 11 seconds left in the fourth quarter to beat the New York Giants, 24-21, in an NFL football game in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006. New York Giants cornerback Kevin Dockery (35) leaves the field at right. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kenny Britt (18) celebrates a touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young looks for a receiver during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kenny Britt (18) celebrates a touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) rushes the ball during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) rushes for a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Titans won 29-10. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Tennessee Titans place kicker Rob Bironas (2) kicks a P.A.T. during the second quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Titans won the game 29-10. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a pass as Tennessee Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan (31) defends during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Titans won the game 29-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kenny Britt (18) celebrates a touchdown with quarterback Vince Young (10) during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quaterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass against the Tennessee Titans in a week 3 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday September 26, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
In this Sept. 26, 2010, photo, Tennessee Titans' Kenny Britt warms up before an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Titans in East Rutherford, N.J. Thanks to a sit down conversation with new Titans coach Mike Munchak, none of Britt's off-field problems from the offseason are following Britt into Tennessee's training camp because Britt's boss gave the receiver possibly the best news he's heard all year. Britt's getting a fresh start. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin shakes hands with Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher after a week 3 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday September 26, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) evades New York Giants safety Kenny Phillips (21) and teammate Antrel Rolle (26) during the second quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Titans won the game 29-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss, center, is tackled by Tennessee Titans defense during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) rushes for a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Titans won the game 29-10. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) reacts after rushing for a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Titans won the game 29-10. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) rushes for a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Titans won the game 29-10. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants linebacker Keith Bulluck (53) pose for a photo with formerTennessee Titan team mates Vince Young and Chris Johnson (28) after a week 3 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday September 26, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants play against the Tennessee Titans in a week 3 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday September 26, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
The Tennessee Titans, left, line up against the New York Giants during the third quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger (7) passes to Tennessee Titans running back Bishop Sankey (20) in the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants running back Andre Williams (44) runs into Tennessee Titans linebacker Wesley Woodyard (59) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. Williams ran for 131 yards and a touchdown as the Giants won 36-7. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Jake Locker (10) is sacked by New York Giants defensive back Mike Harris (37) for a 10-yard loss in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. The Giants won 36-7. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
FILE - In this Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, file photo, New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) tries to get past Tennessee Titans cornerback Jason McCourty (30) in the first half of an NFL football game in Nashville, Tenn. In just 12 games, Beckham caught 91 passes for 1,305 yeards and 12 touchdowns. The question mark is his hamstring, which cause him to miss the first four games of last season. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski, File)
Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) is stopped by New York Giants defenders Antrel Rolle, left, and Quintin Demps (35) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. The Giants won 36-7. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Nate Washington (85) is defended by New York Giants free safety Stevie Brown (27) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the Tennessee Titans take on the New York Giants during a week 14 football game on December 7, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) makes a catch against Tennessee Titans cornerback Jason McCourty (30) during a week 14 football game on December 7, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the Tennessee Titans take on the New York Giants during a week 14 football game on December 7, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
