Matt Mauck starting

Tatortot · ^#1 12-31-2005, 08:36 AM

Matt Mauck will be starting for the Titans against the Jags for the injured Steve McNair.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2275635

Mauck to make first start for Titans vs. JaguarsBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

With quarterback Steve McNair still hampered by a sore pectoral muscle, second-year veteran Matt Mauck will get the first start of his career Sunday for the Tennessee Titans as they conclude a disappointing season against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher decided early in the week that, if McNair could not play, he would start Mauck over veteran backup Billy Volek. His rationale was that the coaches were familiar with what Volek can do and it was more important to the staff to get a look at Mauck under game conditions.

Mauck, signed at the outset of the season after the Denver Broncos released him, took most of the snaps this week with the No. 1 offense. According to Fisher, his performance improved every day, as did his tempo. Mauck was quicker in and out of the huddle as the week progressed as he gained confidence in his ability to operate the offense.

"He knows what to do," Fisher said. "He's well prepared."

The LSU standout was chosen by the Broncos in the seventh round of the '04 draft. Mauck has played in only one other regular-season contest. He completed eight of 13 passes for 71 yards in a brief appearance against Arizona on Oct. 13. Last year, he spent most of the season on the Broncos' practice squad.

Mauck will become the 58th different starter leaguewide this season, tying the number of different starters utilized in each of the last three seasons. Tennessee will become the fifth team to use at least three starting quarterbacks in 2005.

The feeling of league scouts is that Mauck has the tools to play in the NFL but that he needs some seasoning. He has solid size and a good arm, and his potential attracted the Titans, who began the season with only two quarterbacks on the roster, but jumped at the opportunity to sign a highly regarded youngster.

Tennessee initially signed Mauck to its practice squad and then elevated him to the active roster on Sept. 28 when the New York Jets tried to steal him away.

One of the NFL's most accomplished backups, Volek has started nine game in place of McNair over the past two seasons. Given the degree of excitement over Mauck, especially by coordinator Norm Chow, the decision to go with the younger player in a game that has no bearing for either the Titans or the Jaguars was an easy one.

"He's passionate and he cares about what he is doing," Chow told local reporters earlier this week. "He's spunky and I like that."

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Congrats to him

Emancipator · ^#2 12-31-2005, 08:38 AM

I hope he performs well for the Titans. Good for Matt.

RBDynasty · ^#3 12-31-2005, 08:43 AM

Already been posted - http://forums.denverbroncos.com/showthread.php?t=50075

plummer4presdnt · ^#4 12-31-2005, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emancipator

I hope he performs well for the Titans. Good for Matt.

yeah, he deserves his chance after his nat'l title with LSU and since he didn't play for us, let him have a shot on another team. good luck Matt yet it will be a little in vain