NASHVILLE, Tenn. –- The Tennessee Titans are getting a good sampling of Zach Mettenberger, but for how often they’ve been playing from behind, is it a complete picture?

The common presumption would be that a quarterback playing from behind a lot would face softer coverages and even prevent defenses, and could put up bigger numbers in such scenarios.

But what Mettenberger’s done this season doesn’t fit into that.

Only 11.7 percent of his work has come with the Titans leading, and he’s been at his best then.

Trailed 79:22, 176 plays: 85.5 passer rating, 27.8 QBR

Tied 21:05, 43 plays: 84.0 passer rating, 44.4 QBR

Ahead 17:09, 29 plays: 108.2 passer rating, 64.3 QBR

I’m surprised that his numbers are better when the Titans are ahead than when they are behind. It’s a small sample size, but it does tell us that his overall numbers aren’t padded as a result of what defenses have allowed for when the Titans have been way behind.

As for a more complete evaluation, the Titans haven’t been able to get into a situation where they can see him handle a close game at the end.

“Probably one of the things that we’re missing is an end of the game where it’s tight and how you handle that situation,” coach Ken Whisenhunt said. “Or an end of the game when you have the lead and what you can do in that type of situation, which is all part of the process.

“But there’s no question that what we’re seeing him do is invaluable as far as evaluating him.”