Tennessee Titans: 5 Things That Have to Happen for Jake Locker to Have Success

It's seeming more and more likely that Jake Locker could end up being the starter for the Tennessee Titans right out of the gate once the NFL season gets underway.

Several of Locker's teammates have publicly said how impressed they are with his skill set, including Chris Johnson.

No matter how talented he his, the reality is that very few rookie quarterbacks enjoy success in their rookie year.

Sam Bradford had moderate success last season for the Rams, and there have been a handful of others in recent times.

However, if the Titans manage to do these five things, then things will be a lot easier for Locker in his rookie season.

1. Chris Johnson Has to Improve from Last Season

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NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 24: Chris Johnson #28 of the Tennessee Titans runs with the ball during the NFL game against the Philadelphia Eagles at LP Field on October 24, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans won 37-19. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Last season was a major disappointment for Chris Johnson in comparison to his 2,000-yard season in 2009.

By no means does Johnson have to rush for 2,000 yards for Locker to be successful, but he has to avoid those games where he's held to less that 60 yards.

That happened seven times in 2010 and the Titans lost all of those games.

We all know the old rule of thumb that the running game takes pressure off of the passing game. It may sound cliché, but it's true.

Johnson echoed this importance recently to the Tennessean, saying that he thinks Locker could be successful but stressed the importance of his role to take pressure off him with more carries.

If Johnson can manage to be consistent week in and week out, then that will do wonders for Locker in the passing game.

2. A New Impact Receiver Will Have to Emerge

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SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 31: Marc Mariani #83 of the Tennessee Titans carries the ball against the San Diego Chargers in the game at Qualcomm Stadium on October 31, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Chargers defeated the Titans 33-25. (Photo by Jeff Gross/G

Someone new is going to have to step up at wide receiver, and that's been magnified now that Kenny Britt is facing a possible suspension.

There's plenty of viable prospects that could fill this role.

You have Marc Mariani, who is looking to finally break into the rotation of offense and not just be used on special teams. He has the capability to make life so much easier for Locker by being such a dangerous yards-after-catch receiver.

There's also Damian Williams, who had a solid rookie season considering the low number of targets he received.

Williams has the potential to make the Titans a more vertical team, and he'll get that opportunity if Britt is suspended.

Then you have Lavelle Hawkins, a receiver that's been with this organization for four years. He could also end up having his breakout year.

If any of these players decide to emerge has a consistent threat in the passing game, it will open things up for Nate Washington on the outside.

3. The Defense Will Have to Be One of the Best

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NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 21: Alterraun Verner #20 of the Tennessee Titans braks up a pass intended for Chris Cooley #47 of the Washington Redskins at LP Field on November 21, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Redskins won 19-16 in overtime. (Photo by Gr

Free agency could end up being the obstacle that keeps this from happening.

Both Stephen Tulloch and Jason Babin, arguably the two best players on defense for the Titans, could end up leaving to other teams once the lockout is lifted.

The worst part of the Titans defense was the secondary that was fourth-worst in terms of yards given up.

That ranking should improve this season with Alterraun Verner having a year of experience under his belt, and Cortland Finnegan should also bounce back.

This also hinges heavily on another rookie, and that's Akeem Ayers. He was the Titans' second-round draft pick, and he has the talent to make an impact immediately in both pass coverage and stopping the run.

If all these things can come together, then Locker won't be forced to lead the team on so many scoring drives. It's simple logic really, but that doesn't mean it's easy.

4. Bo Scaife Has to Return to Old Form

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NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 05: Bo Scaife #80 of the Tennessee Titans reacts after dropping a pass in the end zone against the Jacksonville Jaguars at LP Field on December 5, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Jaguars won 17-6. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Gett

Bo Scaife played a huge role in Vince Young's early success by being a great underneath receiver when things got hairy in the pocket, but his production has gradually declined recently.

He's also had his fair share of crucial drops that can really crush a young quarterback's confidence.

Scaife has the grit and toughness to grind out first down on short throws, and Locker will need that kind of a player to get his confidence up early on.

Another problem that the Titans have faced in recent seasons is converting touchdowns once they're in the red zone. Scaife plays a big role in getting in the end zone once the offense is knocking on the door.

Locker will be looking for Scaife on a consistent basis, and Scaife will need to deliver.

5. Offense Needs to Be Creative

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 25: Washington Huskies quarterback Jake Locker answers questions during a media session at the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 25, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

One of the biggest knocks on Jeff Fisher was his predictability in the offensive game plan, and it was well-deserved.

The Titans can't fall into that same pattern if Jake Locker is the starter. He's too dynamic and too talented.

If the Titans become a predictable offense like last season, then Locker will bear the brunt of it. It'll force him into rookie mistakes that all quarterbacks make.

Throwing outside of the pocket is one of Locker's major strengths, and the Titans will need to work in plenty of rollouts for him. This will be especially important during Locker's first few games.

Opposing defenses will know of his threat to run when needed, so using that as bait could be something that may work on occasion.

Anything the Titans can work in to keep opposing defenses guessing will make life so much easier for Locker, and ultimately the rest of the team.