Kerry Collins' surprising retirement Thursday will force the Tennessee Titans to alter their plans at quarterback.
The team originally wanted to slowly groom Jake Locker, the 8th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, till he was ready to act, but the loss of Collins could force the rookie on the field this season. Although the recent trend of playing first-year quarterbacks has been positive, Locker Is not closely as polished as Sam Bradford, Mark Sanchez and Matthew Stafford.
Locker enters the NFL with a host of flaws as a pocket passer. He has issues with his accuracy and timing, and he Is not ready for the speed of the pro game. If the Titans are pressured to immediately play him, they'll struggle mightily unless Chris Johnson is able to post some other 2,000-yard rushing season.
That's why it's imperative that the Titans sign Matt Hasselbeck, the longtime Seattle Seahawks signal-caller who will be a free agent, or another veteran once the lockout ends. Hasselbeck makes the most sense because of his longstanding relationship with Titans general manager Mike Reinfeldt and proven track record as a starter. Even though coordinator Chris Palmer's system would be slightly unlike than Hasselbeck's preferred West Coast scheme, the veteran's experience and skills should allow him to well assimilate into Tennessee's offense.
With CJ2K's presence pushing eight-man fronts on most downs, Hasselbeck could experience a rebirth in Nashville. That's why the Titans' backup plans should begin and end with Hasselbeck.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Hello, Hasselbeck? Titans would be wise to sign veteran QB
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