Justin Hunter is slowly but surely becoming the top wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans. Kenny Britt continues his downward slide with the team, showing no signs of turning his momentum around. After a breakout performance on Sunday, Hunter is the new top threat. As Britt sits out practice with a rib injury, Hunter becomes the new fantasy favorite.
Britt has seen his fair share of setbacks this season. Two weeks ago the veteran was benched for sloppy play and poor route running. Last week against the Chargers, he was not on the field during a crucial game-winning drive in the fourth quarter. Now, he has been diagnosed with a fractured rib, hurting his status even more. As Britt remains uncertain against the Jets, his confidence has never been higher.
"My confidence isn't going anywhere," Britt said, via the Tennessean.com. "I have faith in everything I can do and in my God-given abilities. It is more on concentration and focusing on the task at hand. ... It motivates me hearing negative things because I know I can do it. All I have to do is put my mind to it."
So far in 2013, Britt has 43 yards on five catches. He also has five penalties and a benching to his name. No matter, Britt is confident in his abilities. The receiver expects to be on the field against the Jets and optimistic he will be productive. Quarterback Jake Locker promises to keep Britt active in the game.
Britt may be optimistic, but Hunter is waiting in the wings and ready for the spotlight. The rookie has shown he can handle the pressure. He put up the go-ahead touchdown against the Chargers, earning the faith of the coaching staff.
"We have a lot of faith in Justin. Justin is going to be an extremely special player," offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains said, via TitanInsider.com. "When we had to have it, that's a guy that Jake wanted in, that's a guy that we wanted in as a coaching staff. We knew we were gonna give him a jump ball, and there was an extreme mismatch no matter who was covering him. He was gonna go up above them and catch the ball."
The fall of Britt is coming at the wrong time as the rookie gains momentum with the Titans. The coaching already has shown displeasure in the way he is handling himself. Hunter can expect to see plenty of action whether Britt is healthy or not.
