Quarterback Jake Locker learned plenty during his first year as an NFL starter, and the Titans think he’ll be much better in 2013 as a result. General manager Ruston Webster hopes Locker will also be healthier and do a better job of protecting himself. Locker is on track for June minicamps after having surgery on his left shoulder in January, Webster said. Locker missed five games in 2012 because of shoulder dislocations, initially suffering the injury in the season opener against the Patriots while making a tackle. “There are times I wish he’d do a better job protecting himself for sure,†Webster said. “That is not his nature. But that is something we are working on. Also, if we can help him offensive line-wise, run game-wise, that might keep him healthy as well. “… He doesn’t have to necessarily have to turn into a free safety when the ball gets picked off or a fumble gets picked up. But you saw him as the year went on – and he was banged up – protecting himself a little more. But we have to do our part protecting him as well.†Locker went 4-7 as a starter, throwing 10 touchdown passes vs. 11 interceptions. He was sacked 25 times. “I think Jake has done a good job, and he has all the talent to be a fine player,†Webster said. “One of the things we have to do is have more consistency around him. When your offensive line is in flux and you are changing coordinators … I don’t think that does anything to help a quarterback’s development.†Source: The Tennessean
