NFL: Grading the New Starting QB Choices for Titans and Dolphins

First it was Jake Locker. Hours later, Ryan Tannehill got the nod as his team's starting quarterback for the start of the 2012 NFL regular season. 

About time, right?

Matt Hasselbeck and Matt Moore will be the Tennessee Titans' and Miami Dolphins' backup signal-callers, respectively.

Before we are quick to collectively jump to conclusions about each coaching decision, let's break down each move and hand out appropriate grades. 

Mike Munchak's Choice to Name Jake Locker the Titans' Starting QB

Both Locker and Hasselbeck head into the 2012 offseason fully aware they'd be in a traditional quarterback competition.

Locker, 12 years Hasselbeck's junior, was drafted in 2011 to be the quarterback of the future, while the former Seattle Seahawks great entered the battle for the starting job as the experienced incumbent who pieced together a respectable 2011 campaign. 

However, in late April, the scales were slightly tipped in Locker's favor before either stepped onto the practice field for minicamp. 

Tennessee opted to select downfield burner Kendall Wright out of Baylor with its first-round selection. He's an ideal piece to a more vertical and dynamic offense that suits Locker's stronger arm. 

In training camp, the competition truly began, and neither quarterback separated himself. 

Through two games in the preseason, Hasselbeck's struggled, throwing for 74 total yards on 18 attempts with two interceptions. Locker hasn't been decidedly better, but it makes sense that in the case of any "tie," Locker would be awarded the starting job after learning a great deal in 2011. 

It would be illogical to delay Locker as the team's starter any longer. The future is now for the Titans, and they know they have a seasoned veteran as a backup for insurance purposes. 

The sky's the limit for Locker, who brings a strong arm, deceptive running ability and a young, hungry, competitive spirit to the field in Tennessee. 

Grade: A

Joe Philbin's Choice to Name Ryan Tannehill the Dolphins' Starting QB

This decision isn't as much of a home run, but is the right choice nonetheless. Due to the unenviable quarterback situation in Miami, Joe Philbin almost had to make this decision. 

The Dolphins entered training camp with a three-headed quarterback competition, but David Garrard's arthroscopic knee surgery took him out of the running. 

Philbin's decision was similar to that of Mike Munchak's in that he was dealing with an incumbent who had likely reached his ceiling as a quarterback and a talented, live-armed youngster drafted in the first-round. 

Tannehill's not nearly as ready as Locker, having only started 19 games in college, but through the team's first two preseason games, he's unequivocally been the best quarterback on the roster. 

The Dolphins are going with the popular "future-is-now" approach, which will give Tannehill invaluable learning experiences in 2012—some good, some bad. 

Moore's a capable backup, but Tannehill's arm, familiarity with offensive coordinator Mike Sherman's system and scrambling ability gives Miami its best chance to win football games in 2012 and beyond. 

Grade: A-

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