Mauck to make first start for Titans vs. JaguarsBy Len PasquarelliESPN.comWith 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." ____________________________________Im shocked that Volek isnt starting over Mauck, maybe a sign that he isnt worth going after this offseason.
Volek > MauckI guess they are just trying to see what the guy can do, they already know Volek can carry the load if he has to. But that's the thing, there is no REASON for Volek to be starting, because there is no real load to be carried. Their season was over a long time ago.So like I said before, they are probably just testing him out with their offense in a real game.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (JHair @ Dec 31 2005, 12:37 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'>Volek > MauckI guess they are just trying to see what the guy can do, they already know Volek can carry the load if he has to. But that's the thing, there is no REASON for Volek to be starting, because there is no real load to be carried. Their season was over a long time ago.So like I said before, they are probably just testing him out with their offense in a real game.</div> Volek should be playing just to improve his trade value. He is going to be 30 and if they want to go with Mauck, or draft a future QB they will need to unload Volek this offseason.
Maybe they are worried if he has a bad game, then his trade value will drop. They are playing the Jaguars who aren't the easiest defense to play against in the league, so maybe they just want his trade value to remain the way it is.If he has a bad game, or if he gets injured, that would really suck for them.I bet most teams in the league already know Volek is a good player and could take on the starting job for them, they don't need anymore proof of his talent.
