Matt Hasselbeck Expected To Open Season As Tennessee Titans Starter
By Josh Sanchez
The Tennessee Titans have an open competition at quarterback between trusty veteran Matt Hasselbeck and second-year player Jake Locker. Locker was the team’s first-round selection in the 2011 NFL Draft, while Hasselbeck was picked up in free agency. The direction the offense is moving, Locker’s skillset makes the most sense, however, the team may start the season in a different direction.
During an appearance on ESPN’s NFL Live, Jim Wyatt of the Nashville Tennessean voiced his belief that the Titans would open the season with Hasselbeck under center.
“Mike Munchak has said that the early-season schedule will weigh into his decision when he eventually makes one in training camp,” Wyatt said.
“I think the veteran Matt Hasselbeck gives them the best chance to win. Obviously, they’re very high on Jake Locker. Jake Locker played well when he came into games for Hasselbeck last year. He’s had a good offseason. But Hasselbeck had a good 2011 season as well. … I think Matt Hasselbeck will give them the best chance to win early. I think he has a shorter leash — certainly — in 2012. (But) I think it’s his job to lose at this point.”
Tennessee opens the season with a brutal first month. They will face the New England Patriots, San Diego Chargers, Detroit Lions and Houston Texans.
Since the team is facing some of the NFL’s best in the opening month of the season, they would be wise to use the veteran to help hold the team together. If Locker was to open the season and struggle, it would do some serious damage to his confidence. In the past, we’ve seen that damaged confidence can have a lasting effect on young signal-callers.
For that reason, Wyatt believes Hasselbeck will be the Titans opening day starter. If Wyatt believes it, then it is likely to become a reality.
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