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How will the Titans use their WRs?

The Titans have made it a point over the last two years to add weapons for Jake Locker. Now that the Titans have the weapons, how will they prioritize their time?

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The Titans didn't need Justin Hunter, but when their top rated WR fell into the second round they felt they had to make a move to get him. The issue now isn't getting Jake Locker talent, it is getting the talent on the field.

The Titans most contested positional group right now is clearly WR. With Kenny Britt and Kendall Wright slated to start, the Titans will have to devise a way to get their third best WR on the field in clear passing situations. The issue with that is, how do you use WRs as role players without tipping your plan to what sort of play it is. For example, if the additional WR is Nate Washington or Justin Hunter then you can assume that the ball will be a deep pass. On the other hand, if Damian Williams or Kevin Walter end up on the field then the opponents will know that the next play is likely a targeted short pass to one of the sure-handed guys.

With that in mind the Titans face the tough decision of who to play when. This is my guide at when to play each player and how you can keep the defense honest.

1. Nate Washington.

When to use him: when you need a long ball or a quick crossing route with Wright.

How to keep the defense honest: Have Jake Locker roll out towards where Washington is going. If the defender plays him honestly then that means that Locker will have the option to throw or pump-and-run depending on the defender's depth and ability to close.

2. Justin Hunter

When to use him: When you want to beat press coverage.

How to keep the defense honest: If defenders are playing too far off Hunter and are trying to undercut his routes use a "sluggo" route or any other double-move.

3. Damian Williams and Kevin Walter

When to use them: When you need a sure handed target that you can depend on.

How to keep the defense honest: if all the WR is doing is running certain routes then instead of blocking the defender take him on a wild goose chase. That way he starts staring into the backfield to make sure that he isn't getting duped, and when he does, that is when you pull out the play action.