Rob Turner Out, Brian Schwenke In as Tennessee Titans Center
May 10, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Munchak (left) talks with rookies as rookie center Brian Schwenke (62) looks on during the rookie minicamp at Baptist Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Rookie Brian Schwenke taking over at center for the #Titans. He'll replace veteran Rob Turner on Sunday vs 49ers http://t.co/LbDFUg9S1L
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) October 16, 2013
Interesting. Just a little more than one week ago, Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Munchak had no plans to change his offensive line. According to Wyatt, Munchak made the following comment:
"“The problem with the inside deal is it’s not a one-man show. (Rob) has been solid. They can all be a lot better as an offensive line. We’re not playing nearly as well as we hope we will be at some point this season. We have played well in spurts. … But it is never just Rob Turner’s fault. To change someone is not necessarily going to be the answer at this point.”"
Fair points, however, it was obvious that Andy Levitre, Chance Warmack and Turner were developing chemistry at a turtle’s pace, if that. Why not insert Brian Schwenke into the starting lineup and let him grow along with the rest of the struggling offensive line? I think that’s a large reason for why Munchak made the switch.
Starting Schwenke is the correct decision. With that said, don’t expect an overnight miracle. Notice how much difficulty Warmack has had with the transition from college to pros? Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Eric Fisher—the first-overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft—has had his own issues. Luke Joeckel and Jonathan Cooper were lost for the season with injuries.
Offensive linemen need time to adjust. If four top 10 picks have either fell to injuries or growing pains, what will a fourth-round pick who missed most of training camp do?
Don’t panic if Schwenke isn’t playing at an All Pro-level right out of the gate. With Warmack and Schwenke, it’s all about patience. Get better each week and hopefully they’ll make huge strides this offseason.
What do our readers expect, both short-term and long-term, from Schwenke? Give us your take in the comments, Twitter or Facebook.
SOURCES: The Tennessean