The Titans once made Steve McNair into a pocket passer. Under coach Ken Whisenhunt, the franchise apparently is trying to do the same thing with quarterback Jake Locker.
As explained by David Climer of the Tennessean, Whisenhunt is adapting the mobile (and oft injured) Locker to Whisenhunt’s system, which means that Locker ideally will be less mobile. And possibly less injured.
It may be easier said than done, but men like McNair and Hall of Famer Steve Young found a way to run as an absolute last resort. For Locker’s longevity in Tennessee or elsewhere in the NFL, he needs to find a way to stay clean and thus healthy.
It may work. It may fail. But Locker’s future hinges on his his ability to become a better quarterback. Which hinges on his ability to be able to play quarterback more often. Which hinges on his ability to remain healthy enough to play.
When he’s been able to play, he hasn’t played poorly, generating a 7.1-yard average per attempt. Last year, his passer rating was a respectable 86.7 in seven starts.
Regardless of what happens, the Titans appear to be all in with Locker, for 2014 and perhaps 2014 only. They didn’t pick up his fifth-year option, but the primary backup is Charlie Whitehurst.