It is understandable that some quarterback-needy teams might have their eye on Tennessee Titans backup quarterback Zach Mettenberger, who has been playing rather well so far during the preseason.
Yesterday. RT:@Iknowmydaddoyou: @LRiddickESPN if you're cleveland would you trade for Zach Mettenberger
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) August 24, 2015
However, according to head coach Ken Whisenhunt, Mettenberger is not on the trade market:
“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.”
As a rookie, Mettenberger struggled to put points on the board, and therefore to win games. Now, the second-season quarterback is improving. In his first preseason game Mettenberger completed eight of 11 passes for 129 yards and a touchdown. The Week 2 preseason game saw Mettenberger nail seven of nine passes for 91 yards and a touchdown. He also went without one pick in both outings.
For that, the Titans couldn’t be more thrilled to have two exciting, young signal-callers they can boast about this season.
“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.”
Indeed, it is a great problem to have. It has been ages since the Titans have had a strong quarterback in play. And, should Mariota endure any type of injury, the team would appear to be in quite capable hands with Mettenberger in the driver’s seat.
Sorry, Browns, Jets and Texans. It appears that the Titans are going to keep their second-season signal caller all to themselves this year. Things might just be looking up for the Titans in 2015.