There was always a sense of inevitability about Jake Locker winning the Titans quarterback job, and here’s a good reason why — Bud Adams said so.
The Titans owner said Monday, shortly after the news came out that coaches had decided to play Locker instead of Matt Hasselbeck, that he was on board with the decision.
“That’s my man,’’ Adams told Jim Wyatt of the Tennesseean. “That’s the one I wanted to see getting the job.”
Adams said the front office called him to inform him of the decision, which he agreed with wholeheartedly.
“They knew I was interested in [Locker],” Adams said. “They called me to see what I thought and I said, “That’s my man.” Everyone is on board with this one, and I left it that way. I didn’t tell them they had to do it, I just told him I thought he was young enough and tall enough and he can run with the ball.
“Hasselbeck has done a good job for us, but he is getting a little older and we needed a younger guy. They recognized that and made the right decision. Now Locker didn’t look great against the Buccaneers, but neither did Hasselbeck in the game before that [vs. Seattle].’’
Of course, a few months ago, Peyton Manning was Adams’ man, and he told General Manager Ruston Webster to make a run at him, before Manning signed with Denver.
“I watched him the other night and he didn’t look so good,’’ Adams said of Manning. “I’m not sure how he’s going to do. . . . I am excited about Locker. I think we made the right decision. We’re going to be just fine with him. That’s my man.”
But as Vince Young proved conclusively, being the owner’s man can win you a job, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you can play.
If Locker doesn’t meet his expectations, Adams will find a new man, and make sure his football guys get him this time.