Munchak addresses surprise moves

Discussion in 'Tennessee Titans and NFL Talk' started by Titans Insider, Sep 2, 2013.

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  1. Titans Insider

    Titans Insider Titans News

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    Titans coach Mike Munchak on Monday addressed two of the team’s more surprising 53-man roster decisions – cutting center/guard Fernando Velasco in favor of Chris Spencer, and placing wide receiver Marc Mariani on injured reserve.

    The Titans saved $1.4 million by holding onto Spencer as opposed to Velasco, but asked if money played a part in the decision, Munchak said “not as far as who we kept.”

    “Fernando’s a guy who grew up with me as a line coach, so you know I felt about him,” Munchak said. “(But) Chris did a nice job. He came in and got better. He missed OTAs, which I thought would hurt him more than it did. But he came out here, played good and just continued to get better over the six-week period. So it was a very difficult decision between those two.”

    As for Mariani, many figured the Titans would come to some type of injury settlement with the return specialist, which also would have allowed to go on the open market. But Munchak said the team wanted to keep Mariani – who’s in the last year of his contract – with the organization. He’ll make his $575,000 salary this year while recovering from a shoulder injury that should heal in a few weeks.

    “We’re going to sell the advantages (to Mariani),” Munchak said. “His body will get a year’s rest, and his (previously injured) leg and foot will definitely get a chance to recover the way he needs to. Could he have come back to play (this year)? Yes, he could have.

    “But it just seemed like the best way to go. He’s disappointed because any player wants to play. He doesn’t want to sit for another year, technically. But I think he’s happy we’re committing (to him). He knows how much we want him here. It’s going to be hard on Sundays, no doubt.”

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    Source: Titans Insider
     
  2. JCBRAVE

    JCBRAVE goTitans 2019 Survivor Champion

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    Damn I figured Mariani was going on PUP, but IR is tough.
     
  3. Msut10

    Msut10 Starter

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    I dont remember where I read it but Mariani sounded like he was pleased with the decision. Obviously he doesn't get to play but he sounded like he understood the move. I'm glad we're committed to the guy. I still remember watching the video of Fisher telling Mariani he made the pro bowl. Such an awesome clip!
     
  4. GOFIGURETITANS

    GOFIGURETITANS Pro Bowler

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    How bad is his shoulder? Is that really the issue you think or are they deciding to just go without him for a year to let leg heal better.
     
  5. JCBRAVE

    JCBRAVE goTitans 2019 Survivor Champion

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    His leg looked fine 3 1/2 weeks ago. He did an interview last week making it seem like hed ve back in action soon after, he had PUP written all over him, then they end his season on IR because of a shoulder? IDK something seems fishy about this whole thing.
     
  6. Scarecrow

    Scarecrow All-Pro

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    The reason he was placed IR with no chance to return is because he would have missed time.

    Enough time to warrant placing him on PUP but not to cut, likely a WR, for his roster spot. We placed him on IR for the season because as of now, he is only a return man. Munch did not want to use the IR with a chance to return for a guy only returning kicks and punts. We are going to have a ton of turnover next year so Munch wants him around because he improved as a receiver from the limited action we saw. This was a smart roster move by the front office.
     
  7. Fry

    Fry Welcome to the land of tomorrow!

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    I don't think you can PUP someone who has already practiced in training camp.
     
  8. Ten_Titans

    Ten_Titans Pro Bowler

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    If I am Mariani I am mad....


    .... Right up until I realize I am getting paid $575,000 to do literally nothing.

    If we cut him and he doesn't get picked up, guess what, he is looking in the classifieds. Now I think someone would have picked him up, but he can't be that mad.
     
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  9. ImATitan

    ImATitan Pro Bowler

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    No guarantee Mariani would have been picked up, he's probably just happy he has a job and I'm not saying that in a mean way. I'm rooting for the guy!
     
  10. Smash

    Smash 2017 Survivor Winner

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    Exactly. I think Mariani likes this decision, it gives him time to completely recover from the broken leg. Chances are he would've gotten some injuries related to that during the season. - And he gets paid. It's better than being waived/injured and having to fight for a roster spot later in the season which might/might not come on an unknown team.
     
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