QB Jake Locker form in Arizona Cardinals tie excites Tennessee Titans’ coach Mike Munchak – NFL News
Tennessee Titans coach Mike Munchak is happy with performance of the new offence leader quarterback Jake Locker during his first appearance on the starting line in the game against the Arizona Cardinals, producing some impressive numbers.
Jake has been handed the starting job for this season, as confirmed by the team on past Monday, and he is out since then to prove why he is preferred over the incumbent Matt Hasselbeck, who was clearly ahead in contention for the leadership role.
The QB threw passes for 134 yards but his two touchdowns were notable points of the performance that helped his side inflict a clear-margin 32-27 defeat on their opposition. It was his first appearance since being nominated as the starter for the 2012 season.
Mike said of Jake’s performance:
"He does things that people wouldn't notice he was doing that most young quarterbacks wouldn't even think of being able to handle. Most young quarterbacks are coming out, even some veterans, they're more concerned about the coverage. He's adjusted protections
and then getting into coverage. He's way ahead of the line of a lot of guys."
With Jake proving his credentials as the starter of the team, the coach did not say much about the prospects of Hasselbeck and whether he is going to be okay with a backup role or may be weigh some other options i.e. asking for his trade.
It is another phase of uncertainty for the incumbent as earlier in the offseason the ambitious talk of hiring former Indianapolis Colts’ QB Peyton Manning by owner Bud Adams had caused some confusion about his future prospects.
Some commentators believe it is less likely that the Titans will be interested to enter a trade deal with any other team in the league for Hasselbeck’s release. Titans are most likely to retain the player to use him as a replacement in any untoward situation
i.e. a possible injury scare to Jake, they think.
After all, it was down to a rare opportunity that had presented itself to Jake Locker in absence of Hasselbeck due to an injury problem last season, facilitating placing of the former on the starting line and he fully capitalised it there and then. Hasselbeck
can also claim back the role in a similar situation.
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