Munchak to Locker: When in doubt, run

Here are a couple of stats to keep in mind regarding Titans quarterback Jake Locker:

• He’s averaging one interception every 27.44 pass attempts, which is the worst figure among any of the league’s 11 first- or second-year starting quarterbacks.

• He’s averaging 8.5 yards per carry, the best figure of any quarterback in the league.

With those numbers in mind, it’s no surprise that Titans coach Mike Munchak earlier this week offered this advice to Locker: When in doubt, run the football.

The topic arose when Munchak was asked to break down what happened on Locker’s second interception against Indianapolis, when he headed out of the pocket — toward the right sideline – and threw a pass intended for Nate Washington that was picked off by Vontae Davis.

It was his second interception of the game and his seventh in the past three contests.

Locker after the game called it a misunderstanding – saying he and Washington weren’t on the same page about where the receiver was going.

So who was at fault?

“You can’t blame either one,” Munchak said. “It happens at the split second. (Locker’s) making a split-second decision.”

However, Munchak compared it to a better decision Locker had made just before the half, with the Titans facing third-and-7 at the Indianapolis 10. Locker was on the run during that play as well, but instead of trying a risky throw to Kendall Wright in the end zone, he held onto the football and took a three-yard sack.

The Titans kicked a field goal on the next play.

“He decided I’m going to run because I know we’re getting three points,” Munchak said. “He didn’t turn the ball over there. He could have maybe thrown a touchdown pass or he could have thrown a pick there. You never know when you’re running.”

The point is that until Locker progresses in his development as a passer, he’s better off using his legs instead of risking a turnover.

“He just has to make the decision that if something is not wide open and obvious, run,” Munchak said. “He maybe could have gotten a first down there (on the throw to Washington that was intercepted). He decided he thought he could stick it in there, so it’s not necessarily anyone’s fault. He ended up making a decision that turned out to be a bad one.”

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Source: Titans Insider

soooo....

it took what... 14 weeks into the season for him to tell Jake this....

Could have been worse. When it was Fisher and Collins it was "When in doubt, throw it away. It is okay to punt."

Honestly, I don't like Munch telling Locker this, at least not at this point in the season when we aren't going to the playoffs or anything. It might help us win games right now (which is probably best for Munch's career), but I think it is not in the best interest of Locker's development. Let him throw some passes that might be difficult. Don't tell him to only throw if it is "wide open" or obvious. That is something that young QBs struggle with anyway since "wide open" in the NFL is much different than wide open in college.

I would much perfer to see Locker trying to make some difficult throws, even if it results in an int, because he will learn a whole lot more from that than he will pulling the ball down and running. If it were the start of the season, or if we are in the PO race, then I have no problem with this, but now I have a BIG problem with it.

Players and people in general will always revert back to their bad habits, Jake has a tendency to force balls or have them sail/batted down, his best chance at a good career is to utilize the legs that got him to Washington and the Titans.

I have no issues with Munch telling Jake to run more, he should.

Now locker is going to average 3 fumbles a game over the final 3 games. Good going Munch.

Has he fumbled once passed the line of scrimmage?

I feel like all his issues come from behind the LoS

I think just one against Houston, feels like more though. Surprised he only has 4 for the year that's not bad at all.

Youre right this is coach-speak, but Jake doesn't look comfortable in the pocket at times, letting him know its cool to run should make things easier for him.