While Mike Munchak still hasn't said publicly when he plans on naming a starting quarterback, the Tennessee Titans' coach indicated this week that one will probably come several days after an Aug. 23 home game vs. the Cardinals.
Matt Hasselbeck and Jake Locker are engaged in a tight battle in arguably the most closelywatched quarterback competition throughout the league. Locker will receive the first start of his NFL career Friday at Tampa Bay.
“We’re running out of time,” Munchak said. “It’s funny how we talked about it back in April or May saying, ‘Well, geez, we’ve got three or four months,’ and now the season's getting close. I think we’ll make that decision around next weekend.”
Locker looked sharp in a hurry-up drill last week, but Munchak wants to see the second-year quarterback turn extended drives into touchdowns. Munchak also wants Locker to receive more game experience before he makes his decision.
“You want to see more game-like experiences, for him especially,” Munchak said. “We know what Matt is going to do in games. He has a big track record to see. You want to see more of Jake in those situations to see where he’s at.”
Munchak expects Locker to receive 20-25 snaps before he is lifted for Hasselbeck. Both quarterbacks received about 15-18 snaps in the preseason opener.
The Titans' coach lauded Hasselbeck for his professionalism in helping guide Locker this week.
“He’s special in that way,” Munchak said. “I sit at the meetings with the quarterbacks and he does a great job. He’s like a big brother to him. He’s helping him, he’s concerned for him, he’s worried for him. I think that’s why Jake is in the position that he’s in, because he’s had Matt around him for a little over a year now.”
First-team reps possible for Reynaud: A week after showcasing his speed on a 21-yard touchdown run and an 85-yard punt return for a touchdown, Darius Reynaud figures to see time in the first half Friday against the Bucs.
Reynaud is in his first season with the Titans after starting his career with the Vikings and Giants. The fourth-year running back is still working on his blocking after appearing at wide receiver in college at West Virginia.
“That’s the hardest thing for him,” Munchak said. “That’s a vision thing, a feel thing -- that’s something he doesn’t know much of. So for him, that’s something he’ll get a lot better at.”
Contentious battle at corner: One of the final roster cuts might come at cornerback in a battle among Ryan Mouton, Coty Sensabaugh and Chris Hawkins.
Mouton and Sensabaugh can play the nickel in sub-packages, while Hawkins plays on the outside. Sensabaugh, unlike the two others, has eligibility for the practice squad.
“We have some young guys that are fighting for playing time and want to get on the field,” Munchak said. “These games are real important for them to separate from each other.”
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