Tennessee Titans Fan Poll 10/2: Ryan Fitzpatrick vs Matt Hasselbeck
Sep 15, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) talks to offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton and quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (8) during a timeout late in the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Lucas Oil Stadium. Miami defeats Indianapolis 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Let’s start with some comments that former Tennessee Titans No. 2 quarterback Matt Hasselbeck made following his departure from the organization this past offseason. From Jim Wyatt of USA Today Sports and The Tennessean:
“I’m still in shock a little bit. It happened so fast. But there’s no reason for anyone to feel bad for me; I’ve sort of sensed that at times when I’ve talked to friends and teammates. It’s unfortunate it went down the way it did, and it’s hard on the kids. But you have to move on, and I have to focus on all the good that came from the experience in Nashville.”
Everybody moved on. The Titans replaced Hasselbeck with Ryan Fitzpatrick, a nine-year veteran who started most of the last 3.5 seasons with the Buffalo Bills. Hasselbeck went on to become the No. 2 quarterback behind Andrew Luck of the Indianapolis Colts.
Instantly, Fitzpatrick gained the support of many fans who wanted him replace Jake Locker as the starting quarterback. Check out this fan poll from Aug. 25. Of 914 votes 431 respondents (47 percent) preferred Fitzpatrick over Locker.
Some people got their wish, just not in the way that they would’ve preferred it to happen. For at least the next three games, Fitzpatrick will start for Locker. Locker is expected to miss 4-6 weeks with a sprained hip. Best case scenario, Locker will return for the Nov. 3matchup against the St. Louis Rams.
Will Fitzpatrick provide an upgrade over Hasselbeck? Hasselbeck had his moments in two-toned blue. In 2011, Hasselbeck led the Titans to a 9-7 record. Their playoff dreams were ruined after inexplicable losses to the Jacksonville Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts. In 2012, Hasselbeck started five games, winning two of them. Hasselbeck’s 2-3 record was superior to Locker’s 4-7 mark.
What do our readers think? Should the Titans have kept Hasselbeck? Did they make the right decision when they signed the younger Fitzpatrick? Maybe they should’ve promoted Rusty Smith to the No. 2 position? Or do you prefer one of the “winners” in free agency?
Answer in the poll below and discuss on Twitter or Facebook. Results later this week.
SOURCES: Jim Wyatt