Chargers' Mettenberger happy to be reunited with Whisenhunt
Most players take it pretty hard when their team places them on waivers.
Zach Mettenberger doesn't stray from that mold, but now that he's with his new team, he's pleased not to be with his former one.
The San Diego Chargers picked up the former sixth-round quarterback off waivers from the Tennessee Titans on Tuesday, re-uniting him with former coach Ken Whisenhunt, who now serves as the Chargers' offensive coordinator.
"Coach Whiz called me right after (the waiver claim)," Mettenberger told his new team's website. "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."
Mettenberger started six games as a rookie for Whisenhunt's Titans, making his transition to the Chargers easier than most teams. The former LSU quarterback admitted it wasn't easy during his last season in Tennessee, but he's ready to play in San Diego.
"I am going to try and do whatever I need to do to make this team better, whatever role that is," said Mettenberger. "Whether that means being the backup or the third-string guy, I’ll do whatever they need me to do. 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. Being here has put the wind back in my sails."
The 24-year-old pass-thrower will compete with Kellen Clemens for backup duty behind Philip Rivers, who Mettenberger feels oddly close to already.
"It’s pretty weird. I played with (Rivers') brother (Stephen) for two years in college," said Mettenberger. "I played with Charlie Whitehurst for a couple years in Tennessee. So I feel like I’ve known Philip for years now. To get to watch him work and go about his business has been special. You get to see how a guy who has been so successful in this league operates."
Barring injury, it's unlikely Chargers fans will see Mettenberger receive meaningful playing time next season, but with his experience in Whisenhunt's system, the young quarterback should be ready when called upon.