8/25 Jake Locker Poll Results: 59 Percent Support Tennessee Titans QB
Aug 17, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Jake Locker (10) takes a snap from center in the first quarter of a preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Look around you. Are there 10 people within viewing distance? If not, then just imagine that you’re looking at a group of 10 Tennessee Titans enthusiasts. Each of them has an opinion on whether Jake Locker or Ryan Fitzpatrick is the best option for starting quarterback.
Four of them probably want Fitzpatrick, not knowing what Buffalo Bills fans learned over the last four seasons: Fitzpatrick is Mr. Hyde in disguise.
Check out these poll results from “Jake Locker vs. Ryan Fitzpatrick: Tennessee Titans Fan Poll, Aug. 25.” As of Aug. 29 at 3:00 p.m. CT, 779 respondents have voted. Here are the results:
Joshua Huffman, Titan Sized poll.
I’ve kept an eye on this poll. For the most part, the results have remained within 59-61 percent in Locker’s favor. It’s fair to say that approximately 60 percent of Titan Sized readers prefer Locker. Approximately 40 percent prefer Fitzpatrick.
These votes came days after Locker had one of his best performances as a starting quarterback, preseason or regular season. Facing the Atlanta Falcons, Locker completed 11-of-13 passes for 133 yards with one touchdown. He led one touchdown drive and two field goals. One of those field goals came during a two-minute drill. Locker did lose a fumble in Titans territory.
That wasn’t enough to sway the opinions of Fitzpatrick supporters who insist that his Buffalo struggles were a result of an inferior team. If this poll were conducted after Locker had an average showing or worse, then the results would’ve been closer to 50-50, possibly in Fitzpatrick’s favor.
All of this interest to replace Locker with a quarterback who has a 1-5 record as a starter against New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (Fitzpatrick did win once in relief of Trent Edwards in 2009)? An 0-2 record against Miami Dolphins backup quarterback Matt Moore? Never led his team out of the AFC East basement? Do you honestly want Fitzpatrick quarterbacking that Week 4 game against a Rex Ryan-led defense? That normally doesn’t end well for Fitzpatrick.
Such a lack of confidence in the third-year wonderkid. It’s not the first time. Remember this poll back in Apr. 2013?
Joshua Huffman
Best quarterback on Titans roster? Heading into the New England Patriots preseason finale, Tim Tebow has completed 5-of-19 passes for 54 yards with an interception. Some of those completions were screen passes. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick didn’t bother playing him during the third preseason game. When If Tebow gets released on Aug. 31, please don’t campaign for him to start against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
You know what? Maybe commenter “Truth Gun” is on to something:
Lot‘s a Jag fans voting I see..
What a fascinating conspiracy theory. Jacksonville Jaguars fans have invaded this poll because they’re jealous of the Titans’ quarterback situation. Oh how those fans would love to have a few games with Fitzpatrick’s Dr. Jekyll side instead of their current two-headed monster (Blaine Gabbert, Chad Henne) who’s as dangerous as Crazy Quilt and Kite Man.
Let’s face it: Jaguars fans would consider Rusty Smith as an upgrade over their current rotation. Imagine the excitement if Smith were on the Jaguars sideline and the following scenario played out:
Gus Bradley (Jaguars Head Coach): Hey Rusty! Gabbert’s stinking it up again! The city of Jacksonville and NFL football depends on you. Get in there and do your thang!
Rusty Smith: (Nods. Enters Game)
Aug 4, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Rusty Smith continues to practice inside following training camp workout at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Jim Brown (Photographer): Oooh! I’ve got to take a picture of this! Rusty is so photogenic!
Rusty Smith: (Completes three touchdowns to his favorite target and No. 1 tight end, Tim Tebow)
Don’t buy into conspiracies? Titan Sized staff writer Nicholas Pitakos has your common sense approach to this debate: Too soon to call for Ryan Fitzpatrick.