Justin Hunter Will Be X-Factor for Tennessee Titans in Week 8
By Taylor Sturm
@TSturmRS
Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
When the news dropped that Jake Locker and Charlie Whitehurst would be put aside for rookie QB Zach Mettenberger out of LSU against the Houston Texans, several important facets of the offense immediately changed for the Tennessee Titans.
Locker, who as you might remember outran Cam Newton at the NFL combine, has the ability to take off at any moment down the field, which was balanced by his disturbingly random lack of accuracy and tendency to get injured. Mettenberger, on the other hand, tends to remain in the pocket, arguably has a stronger arm and clearly has better accuracy.
However, the new, young quarterback isn’t going to be the key to a Tennessee victory; instead, it’s second-year receiver Justin Hunter.
Hunter has been one of the most disappointing receivers in the NFL so far this season. He was expected to have a breakout year, but has dropped several touchdown passes and struggled with a conservative quarterback like Whitehurst in the backfield. He is fast, can jump high and has the ability to rip the ball away from defenders due to his athleticism and ability for explosive plays.
Despite all of the disappointment, Hunter currently sits at second on the Titans in the receiving yards category with 320. The Texans may boast one of the best pass-rushing defenses in the NFL behind superstar defensive ends J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney, but they rank as the 26th worst pass defense in the NFL.
If the Titans are to save any aspect of their crumbling season, they have to win against the Texans. With Houston’s shoddy pass defense, a new quarterback that can air the ball out and plenty of targets in the offense, there are no more excuses for Hunter not to produce. Expect this AFC South matchup to be won and lost on the shoulders of the former Tennessee Volunteer and not the former LSU Tiger.
Taylor Sturm is a Columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @TSturmRS, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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