Haslam, at least verbally, supports Mike Holmgren

Posted by Josh Alper on August 3, 2012, 2:42 PM EDT

AP

New Browns owner Jimmy Haslam met the media on Friday, one day after completing his purchase of the team from Randy Lerner.

Haslam touched on various topics, from his business background to putting aside his ties to the Steelers, but one of the matters of most interest to the football world was what he’d say about the future of team president Mike Holmgren. While there wasn’t much chance Haslam would have laid out a plan to replace Holmgren on Friday, it was still going to be a closely parsed statement for those looking ahead to what Haslam’s ownership will mean for the franchise.

“I sense there is a strong feeling here that Mike and the team have things headed in the right direction,” Haslam said. “I think we have to listen, learn and observe. There’s no reason this can’t be a winning franchise. Everything is here. If they don’t, I’ll accept the blame. It’s our fault we didnt execute like we should. Every other piece is in place.”

Putting the finger on himself fit with other things Haslam had to say about being a visible owner, including possibly sitting in the stands for the first preseason game, and running a transparent franchise. Haslam also stressed that they would be making business decisions more quickly than football decisions, as evidenced by his plan to sell naming rights to Cleveland Browns Stadium.

As with all of these press conferences, things sounded pretty good and full of optimism about the future. Backing up those words with actions hasn’t always been so easy for NFL owners.

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Jake Locker fizzles after hot start in camp

Posted by Evan Silva on August 3, 2012, 11:38 AM EDT

AP

A report surfaced early Wednesday that Titans second-year quarterback Jake Locker had emerged internally as the favorite to start this season in Tennessee. The report was especially believable because Locker flashed big-time ability off the bench in 2011. He also outperformed incumbent Matt Hasselbeckon the first two days of training camp.

It’s been downhill since.

Locker has completed just 9-of-30 passes in the Titans’ last two practices. Meanwhile, Hasselbeck has gone 26-for-31. Locker hit rock bottom during Thursday evening’s session, missing on his first seven attempts before finishing 1-of-10 with an interception.

Some of Locker’s passes were interfered with, and receiver Nate Washingtondropped one. But Jim Wyatt of the Nashville Tennessean observed too many “sailed” throws. Added ESPN AFC South blogger Paul Kuharsky, “the accuracy issue is alive and well.” Remember, the book on Locker coming out of college was that he possessed an exceptional arm-athleticism combination, but his accuracy needed fixing.

Coach Mike Munchak promises that he’s not worried.

“If guys aren’t hitting what they want, obviously they start pressing a little bit,” Munchak explained. “But that is something that happens in this league, and you have to move on. We’re in training camp and there’s a lot of ups and downs in camp and [Locker] will be fine.”

We’re sure Locker will be “fine,” too, but he won’t be beating out Hasselbeck if he continues to perform like this. Look for the Titans’ quarterback competition to clear up in exhibition games.

Tennessee opens the 2012 preseason in two Saturdays at Seattle.

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