Everybody who has watched the NFL knows that Zach Mettenberger doesn’t lack for confidence, and he dropped a major hint about his future.
One thing was for sure. He was not a happy man in Tennessee the day they drafted Marcus Mariota 2nd over last year. It all but guaranteed he would be the backup long-term, something that didn’t seem to sit well with him. So it must’ve been a relief when the Titans decided to waive his contract last week, enabling him to be picked up by the San Diego Chargers. One of the first statements he made was an honest, and somewhat confident one.
"“It was tough to be in Tennessee behind a guy like Marcus [Mariota], where there isn’t a light at the end of the tunnel,” Mettenberger said, via Chargers.com. “Being here has put the wind back in my sails.”"
Obviously he doesn’t use the specific words, but it’s not hard to read between the lines that Mettenberger believes he is the heir apparent to veteran Philip Rivers for that team. It’s not a surprise he should think so. Rivers turns 35 this December and there is no telling when he might experience a sharp decline in his play, thus opening the door for a younger quarterback to get his opportunity.
Given his connection with Ken Whisenhunt, Mettenberger believes he has the inside track to that goal.
More from NFL Mocks
- 2024 NFL Mock Draft Journal: Cardinals, Falcons tank for USC QB Caleb Williams
- Patriots News & Rumors: Ezekiel Elliott talks fun in Foxboro; Mills to Packers?
- Fantasy Football: 5 reasons Colts QB Anthony Richardson can be a top-end option
- Packers’ Lukas Van Ness will make a Lambeau leap into the NFL in 2023
- 2024 NFL Draft: Hunter Haas’ Top 50 Big Board
"“Coach Whiz called me right after,” Mettenberger said. “He is the one who really broke the ice for me. I was definitely relieved to come to a situation where the future looks good for me. That was a long 24 hours to be waiting, so it was great to hear his voice. The first thing he asked was if I still remembered the playbook. Fortunately, I know it really well. He was really excited to get back to work with me. He was the one who drafted me, so it’s worked out really well. It’s awesome to be back with Coach Whiz and Coach (John) McNulty.”"
The question of course is do the San Diego Chargers feel the same way? Zach Mettenberger is only 24-years old, so he has plenty of years ahead of him, has size and a rocket right arm to make any throw. At the same time in the 10 games he’s started it hasn’t been the prettiest venture. He has 12 touchdowns to 14 interceptions and went 0-10 in those games while taking 31 sacks.
If he has plans to take over the throne when Rivers steps down, he’ll have to show he can be better than that.