Mike Munchak reiterates support to QB Jake Locker as Tennessee Titans offence leader – NFL News
The Tennessee Titans have refused to get disappointed over continuous failings of first-year offence starter quarterback Jake Locker and are apparently willing to allow him more time for learning and growth at the position.
Although some commentators agree to the Titans’ view that Locker is learning, they do not see an impact of that learning on the field. The crux is that he is learning but not growing in his stature as an offence leader, and this is one of the reasons he
is unable to show potential for quick improvement.
It is another argument that opportunities have not gone his way consistently. He spent first pro season behind then offence leader Matt Hasselbeck, and has already missed five games because of a shoulder injury. Apart from injuries, there is no other reason
that can justify his poor record of 2-5 as an offence leader.
Yet Coach Mike Munchak has refused to budge to an outside pressure that has been doubting the quarterback’s ability as a leader since the start of the season in September. He says an important thing for the QB is that he has been acknowledging his mistakes
all along and working hard not to repeat them.
According to the coach:
"I think our team needs to take a step, it's not necessarily just him."
The player himself has defended his fumbling and sacks in the Houston Texans’ game during past week. With two fumbles and three interceptions he allowed a total of five turnovers. Also, he was sacked six times in the game, which is a too much for a second-year
quarterback, especially when other players of his calibre and stature are winning consistently well.
Locker said of these mistakes:
"You watch the turnovers it wasn't guys doing the wrong things. It wasn't going the wrong place with the ball. Balls got tipped, and guys made plays. If it doesn't get tipped and gets through, we've got guys wide open to catch passes for us. From that standpoint,
it's kind of encouraging almost."
With strong defence from the coach and other members of the team, it may not be the right time for them to experiment something new at this stage of the season. With only four more games to play, it is difficult for the Titans to make the playoffs, even
if they win all those.
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