The Tennessee Titans are looking for Jake Locker to make a big jump this year. Now in his third season in the NFL, the team is hoping their quarterback can start to look more like the face of the franchise instead of a lost rookie. As the Titans enter into minicamp after a successful stint of OTAs, Locker is doing everything he can to prove this is his team and he is leader.
Locker is reportedly ahead of schedule in everything Tennessee has asked of him this offseason. He is currently rehabbing from shoulder surgery and his recovery is running smoothly. He is learning a new offensive playbook from coordinator Dowell Loggains. He is also working to step into a leadership role, something the coaching staff has been hoping to see from him.
"The thing I wanted him to do, No. 1, was to take over the team. And this has become his team to the point where he takes over and spreads the message. Watching his interactions with the other players and how they react to him, he handles himself well and that is his gift. Guys respect Jake, and I think the guys know all he cares about is winning," Loggains said.
Locker is also working to reduce his mistakes that plagued him last season. Locker threw 10 touchdowns last season, but followed that with 11 interceptions. When participating in drills with the defense, he showed a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 4 to 1, the kind of improvement the Titans are looking for. His chemistry with top pick, Justin Hunter is building and his competition percentage is better.
Locker enters 2013 as the undisputed No. 1 quarterback for the team. Last season he was in a competition with veteran Matt Hasselbeck before winning the starting job. Despite the presence of Ryan Fitzpatrick on the team, Locker is proving that he is ready to play.
"We've gotten to the point where he looks at me like he wants guys to do something different, and my response is, 'You can fix it. It's my offense; I know it. You go fix it.' And Jake has been really good with that. He is not abrasive, he is not confrontational. He handles things well, and guys respond to him," Loggains said.
Locker has seen his struggles this offseason. The quarterback has had some wild throws that are a concern for the coaching considering his history. However, his mental mistakes have decreased leaving Locker to call this offseason a success.
"I have a healthy respect for everyone on this team. We want to get the most out of each other and be the best we can be, and my job is to help us do that," Locker said.
