Ken Whisenhunt on Monday laughed at the concept of shipping quarterback Zach Mettenberger out of Tennessee.
Responding to whispers, onlinechatter and wishful thinking suggesting that quarterback-needy clubs should package a draft pick for Marcus Mariota's backup, the Titans coach instead talked about the value of having multiple signal-callers.
"In the league today it is very hard for one quarterback to make it through the whole season, so you better have a plan in case your starter doesn't go," Whisenhunt said, per the team's official website. "So we certainly feel very fortunate that we have Zach, and what Zach brings to the table."
Mettenberger's play has generated its share of radioactive debate, with detractors swatting him down as a "statue in the pocket" with "slow eyes." Supporters, for starters, see his NFL-ready 6-foot-5, 224-pound build and massive arm.
Mettenberger struggled to generate points on a talent-poor offense as a rookie, but the second-year signal-caller has shown improvement this preseason, hitting 15-of-20 passes for 220 yards with two touchdowns, one pick and a passer rating of 122.9. Instead of pouting in the corner after Mariota was drafted, he's continued to compete.
"You have to give credit to Zach, he is really playing well," Whisenhunt said. "We are excited about Zach, and we are excited about Marcus. Our whole quarterback group has played very well. It's a good problem to have."
Who can blame Whisenhunt for wanting too much of a good thing? Tennessee has gone eons without strong quarterback play, leaving the Titans as a quickly dismissed and chuckled about outfit in recent years. Now they're sexy again and everyone's hopping aboard.
At the same time, who can blame the rest of the NFL's quarterback-needy clubs looking for turning over every stone in search of an answer at the most important position in sports?
The latest Around The NFL Podcast discusses Jordy Nelson's knee injury and gives its winners and losers from Week 2 of the preseason.
