Tennessee Titans: Do You Believe in Ryan Fitzpatrick?
By Trey Frisbey
Sep 29, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (4) drops back into the pocket against the New York Jets during the second half at LP Field. The Titans beat the Jets 38-13. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports
Ryan Fitzpatrick is a seasoned NFL veteran who is an admiral backup for the Tennessee Titans and Jake Locker. Fitzpatrick has never been afraid to throw the ball down-field and even use his legs to create plays man quarterbacks can’t make, but he’s been turnover prone since coming into the league. He will make plays and have multi-touchdown games. Can he keep the no-turnover streak alive? I have a hard time believing in Fitzpatrick and his ability to make good decisions on the fly.
According to NFL.com, Fitzpatrick has thrown 91 touchdowns and 81 interceptions since coming into the league in 2005. While the touchdown number is impressive, the interception number is equally unimpressive. Fitzpatrick will be facing a scorching hot Kansas City Chiefs defense who creates tons of turnovers. If he reverts back to his old ways, the Titans could be in trouble.
He is expected to start at least three games in the coming weeks against tough opponents. He’ll face the Chiefs, Seattle Seahawks, and 49ers. It may not get any worse than that. Titans fans have no reason to optimistic about Fitzpatrick, and shouldn’t be. It will be interesting to see if he can stay healthy throughout these three games. If he doesn’t, fans will see Rusty Smith, a guy that Titans fans have had a love-hate relationship with since the Jeff Fisher era. Fitzpatrick is going to make many flashy plays and look better than Locker at some points, but the old saying applies: Fitzpatrick giveth and Fitzpatrick taketh away.
I’ve been known to criticize the Titans’ decision on signing him from the beginning. Granted, I’ve mostly only seen him on the highlight reel, which shows only great and awful plays, but I still don’t have a feeling that he can get it done. He has a chance to change my opinion in the coming weeks.
He gets his first start against the undefeated Chiefs. He’s getting thrown into the fire and we’ll see if he can respond. He’s got a great opportunity in front of him. This is why the Titans signed him in the offseason. They didn’t expect Locker to start to all 16 games. They needed someone with the ability to come in for a few games and perform at a high level.
Is Fitzpatrick worth the money? Can he keep the interceptions to a minimum? Tune in this Sunday to find out.