Tennessee Titans: Jake Locker Will Have a Breakout Year in 2012

The Tennessee Titans barely missed out on the playoffs this year in what was a roller-coaster ride of a season. From highs like beating Baltimore to lows like losing to the Colts, it was a tale of two halves for the Titans.

Speaking of another two halves, the debate on who should start at QB for the Titans next year rages on. Hasselbeck supporters cite his experience and leadership, while Locker lovers display his talent and youth. Both sides have a good basis.

But there can only be one. The one that will lead the Titans to success.

That one is Jake Locker.

Now, that isn't anything against Hasselbeck. He has been a great QB and has brought stability to the position. Without him, Locker wouldn't be ready to take over. Hasselbeck has had a great career in the NFL and who knows, maybe he still isn't done (though that's highly unlikely). 

But the Titans have to look to the future. That is the reason why they drafted Jake Locker in the first place. He showed a lot of promise as a QB and could develop into something great. The Titans will not be disappointed.

Locker showed flashes of being a great QB over the season. Against teams like the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints he had a 107.3 and 91.5 passer rating, respectively. In his limited time this season, he threw four touchdowns and no interceptions. He finished the season with a 99.4 total passer rating.

Keep in mind, the Titans didn't even have their best receiver Kenny Britt with them.

Other Titans did step up in the wide receiver department though. Damian Williams and Nate Washington combined for 12 touchdowns and 1,615 yards. Those two with Britt next year would be a young quarterback's dream.

Then there is the situation of Chris Johnson.

We've all been frustrated at him one point or another. Some were saying that they needed to cut him, but that's very irrational. He did have a bad year, but who doesn't? He still had 1,047 yards and four touchdowns. Not the stats we've expected, but still respectable.

Johnson will rebound next year and be a more dominant force in the Titans offense. Having a nice running game will certainly help out Locker's confidence and help the Titans become a multi-dimensional offense.

Right about now you're wondering what this all has to do with Locker.

Well the answer is simple. The Titans have a perfect formula for Locker to succeed. 

Locker is a talented quarterback. He has already showed it in his restricted play time this season. Even without some of the Titans' best playmakers and a disappointing running game, Locker was doing great.

Locker's talent plus an improved running game plus a full receiving unit equals Titan success. Locker will show to his team and his fans that he is ready. 

He will show that he is the future.