One aspect of Jake Locker's game to keep an eye on as his first regular season start approaches is his footwork.
It's been a point of emphasis for Locker and the Tennessee Titans' coaching staff throughout the offseason.
Quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggains has worked with Locker on his footwork at the top of his drops or the point when a quarterback is about to make his release. It's critical for Locker to remain balanced while dropping back, according to offensive coordinator Chris Palmer.
“There's a reason why we drafted him in the first round with the eighth pick,” Palmer said. “When he's balanced and in rhythm he throws the ball very, very well.”
Locker was named the Titans' starting quarterback by Munchak on Monday. A closely-watched training camp battle between Locker and Matt Hasselbeck allowed Munchak to become better acclimated with Locker's capabilities.
“I am watching these guys," Munchak said. "Hearing what they have to say, when they are being critiqued, what they would do differently and what they were thinking when this play was happening. (It helps me) understand their world a little more and what they go through.”
Locker is hoping to improve on a 51.5 completion percentage in 2011. The former University of Washington quarterback ended his collegiate career with a completion percentage of 54.0.
“They have been working a lot on his footwork,” Munchak said. “It looks like it has paid off. Now he has to get 20 to 25 passes in a game to see where he is at.”
Rookie haircuts a safer alternative to hazing: As training camp comes to a close later this week, a number of Titans' rookies have received haircuts from their veteran teammates. The haircuts border on being cartoonish. Center William Vlachos had three-quarters of his head shaved by several offensive linemen, leaving just a swath of hair on the top. Vlachos' thin beard appears incongruous with the shaved portion of the hairdo. The rookies are allowed to shave the remaining hair after Thursday's game vs. the Cardinals.
Munchak vividly recalls rookie hazing in training camps during his playing career with the Houston Oilers (1982-1993).
“It’s kind of like a rite of passage, everyone’s been through this as rookies,” Munchak said. “I think it’s fun, putting guys in hot tubs or cold tubs or throwing their clothes in -- doing things that don’t hurt someone. It's all part of acceptance so long as it doesn't get out of hand.”
Babineaux a game-time decision vs. Cards: Safety Jordan Babineaux (shoulder) practiced for the first time since missing last Friday's win over the Buccaneers.
“I've been making progress, I've been getting better each day,” Babineaux said. “I just have to continue to rehab it and treat it the right way.”
Defensive end Dave Ball (concussion-like symptoms) and CB Terrence Wheatley (hamstring) remain out.
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Tennessee Titans, follow Matt Rybaltowski @CBSSportsNFLTEN
