Kerry Collins: Jake Locker’s Nursemaid?
Sports Illustrated’s Peter King wrote today in his Monday Morning Quarterback about the Titans within his Ten Things I Think I Think. Check this out:
"9. I think I’ve thought all along that Kerry Collins would be back for a training-wheel season for Jake Locker in Tennessee … until I heard what veteran guard Jake Scott of the Titans had to say. “I’m not sure Kerry isn’t going to say, ‘I’m done,’ and ride off into the sunset,” Scott told Ross Tucker and me on the radio last week. “I don’t think he wants to come back and be a nursemaid to a young kid. Money’s not an issue to him.” The Titans will certainly need a vet, and a better one than a Rusty Smith-type, in 2011, and maybe beyond."
Nursemaid? I love the word, but not the idea. If brought back, Collins would be playing one of two roles.
1. The Bridge.
Collins would be brought in to start for the 2011 season. In this case, Collins would be considered the best way for the Titans to win now. There would no other reason to play him. I can imagine this happening if there is more lost practice time, including training camp and pre-season.
2. Nursemaid.
I assume this means that he would be the veteran QB on the bench as a security blanket in case something happens to Locker. Personally, I’m not too high on bringing back guys that have previously started and moving them into a backup role. However, it has happened before with Collins and Vince Young.
Let’s review Kerry Collins.
Stats via NFL.com
Kerry Collins, QB
Size: 6’5″, 247 lbs
Exp: 17th NFL Season
Collins has played in 43 games for the Titans with an average of 70.2 QB Rating during that time frame. Collins reached the Pro Bowl after the 2008 season where he threw 58.3% completion, 2,676 yards, and 12 TD’s with 7 INT’s. While the numbers alone fail to create Pro Bowl buzz, the 13-3 record likely propelled Collins to Hawaii (site of the Pro Bowl). Collins threw for over 60% completion and 281 yards in a 13-10 losing effort against the visiting Ravens in the 2008 playoffs. Collins would go on to start the first 6 games of 2009 before Vinc Young retook the reigns as Collins once again became labeled the “veteran mentor”, or nursemaid. His 2009 season fostered 6 TD’s and 8 INT’s. Collins’ began to glance upon the proverbial ‘light at the end of the tunnel’.
Last season Collins started 7 games, including the last 5. He totaled 8 TD’s and 13 INT’s along with 1,823 yards. The dispraportionate ratio between TD’s and INT’s since his Pro Bowl season of 2008 coupled with his high contract almost assuredly shows that Collins will be playing elsewhere in 2011, if he decides to play.
Kerry Collins Contract
Keep in mind that rookie QB Jake Locker will have a large contract due to being drafted 8th overall, unless the CBA gets fixed and heavier guidelines are placed upon rookie contracts.
In February of 2009, Collins signed a two year , 15 million dollar contract. $8.5 million Collins would acquire as guaranteed money.
Collins would cost money and more than likely stay on the bench. Is he really worth bringing back to simply be a mentor and fail-safe option?
I vote no, let me know what you think in the comments below.