Aug 23, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger (7) during the first half against the St. Louis Rams at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Somewhat lost in the hype surrounding Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota is the fact that second-year QB Zach Mettenberger is actually putting up better numbers so far in the preseason.
While Mariota, the second overall selection in the NFL draft is the unquestioned starter in Tennessee, Mettenberger has shown thus far that he has the makings of a quality quarterback as well.
Through the first two exhibition games, Mettenberger has completed 15-of-20 passes for 220 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. He's posted a passer rating of 122.9
Mariota has connected on 12-of-16 passes for 153 yards and an interception, with a passer rating of 78.4.
With the Heisman Trophy winner entrenched as the starter and plenty of teams around the league in need of quarterback help, the temptation to deal Mettenberger for haul of draft might be there, but Titans head coach Ken Whisenhunt said the team plans to hold on to the former LSU standout.
"In the league today it is very hard for one quarterback to make it through the whole season," Whisenhunt said, per the Tennessean. "So you better have a plan in case your starter doesn't go. So we certainly feel very fortunate that we have Zach, and what Zach brings to the table."
The 24-year-old Mettenberger played in seven games as rookie last season, with six starts. He threw for 1,412 yards with eight touchdowns and seven interceptions and posted a passer rating of 83.4.
Whisenhunt said the team is fortunate to have an abundance of talent at the game's most important position.
"Our whole quarterback group has played very well." Whisenhunt said. "So it's a good problem to have."
(h/t The Tennessean)
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.