Titans' Palmer breaks down QB battle: It's no secret that the Titans will have a competition for the starting quarterback job between veteran Matt Hasselbeck and second-year gunslinger Jake Locker. What remains to be seen is when they'll name a starter. Offensive coordinator Chris Palmer told the media Thursday that the job is up for grabs, that no preseason starts have been promised and that the coaching staff will pick a winner based on who can lead the team to wins, starting in Week 1 against the Patriots. Palmer said that while Locker's mobility is very appealing, Hasselbeck's experience and body of work from last season also gives him a chance to remain the starter. "Jake may not give all the other guys the opportunity to make plays like Matt does, but Jake can make plays with his legs," Palmer concluded. "When you add up how many plays Matt can make with the team and how many plays Jake can make with the team then you kind of have an idea who's going to give us the best chance to win." (Updated 05/25/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/27/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Hasselbeck started every game for the Titans in 2011 and threw for 3,571 yards with 18 scores and 14 interceptions. But when Locker did play, he did well, passing for four touchdowns with no interceptions and rushing for 56 yards on eight carries with a touchdowns run. Locker's completion percentage continued to be an eyesore (34 of 66 passing for 51.5 pct.), but the stats speak for themselves. Unless Locker can really prove that he's progressed as a passer, Hasselbeck is likely to take this job -- though there's no promise he'll start every game. Neither Titans QB should be drafted with anything more than a late-round pick. We'll keep you posted on the battle. (Updated 05/25/2012).
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Last year, Matt Hasselbeck surprised with his best season since 2007, nearly leading the Titans to the playoffs. Now he'll have to compete for his job with teammate Jake Locker. In 15 games with at least 20 pass attempts (he left one game early with an injury), Hasselbeck averaged 235 passing yards per game with 18 touchdowns. Keeping in mind that he played all but three games without star receiver Kenny Britt, and that the Titans added rookie speedster Kendall Wright, there's potential for that average to rise if he can land the starting job in camp and keep it throughout the season. No one should draft Hasselbeck to be a starter in standard Fantasy fare but he fits the bill as a value-pick No. 2 Fantasy quarterback worth a late-round choice once it's clear that he'll start over Locker. (Updated 5/24/12)
