Fight for No 1 spot: Tennessee Titans QB Matt Hasselbeck refuses to concede role to Jake Locker
Quarterback, Jake Locker, who impressed onlookers with his performance during a couple of appearances with the Tennessee Titans in absence of Matt Hasselbeck last year, is reported to be capitalising well on the opportunity to prove his credentials on the
starting line.
Locker had been content with playing as Hasselbeck’s backup during most of the 2011 National Football League (NFL) season, but proved to be a player equally rich in talent and skills, whenever he got an opportunity.
His impressive form, as a matter fact, triggered a controversy about who should get the starting role.
Later on, it was coach, Mike Munchak, who settled with his decision of allowing Hasselbeck to continue as the starting quarterback, but apparently Locker did not lose hope of gaining more opportunities.
Munchak has spoken of Locker’s ambitions of competing for the starting place with Hasselbeck while projecting him of having equally greater prospects.
The player himself has spoken of the same hopes and apparently showed the preparedness for the starting position.
Locker said:
"Just knowing a routine-I know what to expect now, somewhat. I know what to expect out of camp. I know what to expect out of our first road game, our first preseason game. It is not all new to me now, and there is a sense of comfort in that."
He added:
"My goal is to earn the respect of the guys around me. Not to ask for it, but how you go out and work and how you prepare yourself, they can tell it means something to you."
So, now Locker sees it as a matter of prestige for him to play as the starting quarterback. Interestingly, Hasselbeck has not thrown a light on the issue, especially talks of the competition.
Meanwhile, Hasselbeck is not willing to concede the role to Jake. Amid the situation, it all looks that winning of the starting role will not be an easy task at all for Locker.
The first thing he should be hoping for is availability of the opportunity consistently, and then capitalise on them to his best.
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