Greg Cosell Breaks Down the Titans Quarterback Battle

I know I have said this before, but Greg Cosell is one of the best film review guys there is out there. He wrote a column today on the Titans quarterback battle where he really broke down the strengths and weaknesses of each guy. Here is the money paragraph:

Hasselbeck would provide more stability and greater consistency. Most offensive coaches just want their game plans executed as intended. Hasselbeck, who is better at recognizing, adjusting and manipulating than Locker, would offer the Titans more continuity and greater certainty. Based on tape of him in college and from last season, Locker can be a bit undisciplined. Like many quarterbacks with excellent athletic ability and a history of making plays with their legs on Saturday afternoons, Locker has walked a fine line between following his playmaking instincts and leaving the pocket too early. The bottom line, though, is that in the NFL, quarterback is a pocket position. The traits that produce quality play from the pocket must be honed and sharpened if true consistency is to follow.

That goes along very well with my theory that this battle is more about what Locker proves to them than Hasselbeck does. Hasselbeck is the safe option because, as Cosell points out, he is going to go the right spot with the ball more times than not, but he also limits to potential of the offense.

My hope is that Locker proves that he can make the same reliable plays as Hasselbeck while making the huge plays down the field. That, my friends, is what we call a win, win.