You can call this guy Vince Young, VY, or even In-Vince-ible, because it seems that he answers to many names. Though the most important name he now answers to would be the starting Quarterback of the Tennessee Titans . In order to fully know whether or not Young is getting worse, or just had a tough day against the Falcons, one has to look into the past in order to see the present clearly. . . .
Vince Young made a name for himself early in his football career. After graduating High School in Houston Young went on to become one of the greatest Longhorns to ever play at the University of Texas. If there was a record to be broken,or a championship to be won Vince was your man. If there was an award to be handed out, Young was there to receive it, with only one exception, the trophy of all trophies, The Heisman.
Young came in second behind another shining star at that time, Reggie Bush. You would think that after finishing his rookie year in the NFL with much success and fanfare; Vince would be content with his accomplishments and ready to move on. Well if that is what you are thinking you would be wrong my friend. Young said during an interview with 60 minutes earlier this year he is still upset that he lost the Heisman Trophy to Reggie Bush.
Now some would think that statement makes Vince Young seem vain, arrogant, or even a poor sport, but in truth, I believe it shows the competition inside that drives the man. . . .
Vince Young was drafted by the Titans in the first round (third pick) on April 29, 2006, but unlike most QB's drafted, Young would become the starting quarterback for the Titans sooner rather than later. He started a total of eleven games last season proving that his talent was not something he left behind back in Texas. The "Duel Threat Kid" who can rush as well as he passes, seemed to be just what the Doctors ordered in the Music City!
Drawing so much limelight from his rookie season, Young has gone on to star in numerous commercials and a Mike Jone's music Video. Some would say that with so much going on it might be possible that Young has started to believe his own hype. And while there may be some credence to that, in looking over his stats from the '06 season, compared to this season, the only difference I can see is in the amount of interceptions he has thrown. The rest of his stats are right on schedule.
In the '06 season Young threw a total of thirteen interceptions, and so far during this season he has thrown for a total of five already, three would come from his last game against Atlanta. Not great by any stretch of the imagination, but if you were going to contrast and compare, the Great Brett Favre threw a total of eighteen interceptions last season, and has already thrown four this season, two in his last game against the Bears.
The Titans are actually off to their best start since the 2003 season. In the first three games Vince Young beat the Jags, barely lost to the 5-0 Colts and shined on Monday Night Football against Reggie Bush and his Saints, but that all came to a screeching halt on an unusually hot Sunday afternoon in LP Stadium.
The Titans should have won this game with no problem, but instead it started with a fumble by White on Tennessee's opening drive, resulting in a fifty six- yard touchdown. The next blow would come in the form of Falcons Bailey intercepting a pass by Young and setting up a thirty two- yard field goal.
It only got worse for Young when he was once again picked off allowing the Falcons to kick a field goal for their final score of the day. I am sure that Titans fans groaned again, when in the fourth quarter Vince Young threw his final interception. The offense was so bad in the game against Atlanta they could not even run out the clock during the final few minutes. It was left up to the defense to finish the game; advancing the Titans to a 20-13 Victory over the Atlanta Falcons.
In a game where the Titans offense never picked up more than two first downs on any drive, and no more than four or fewer plays in seven possessions, one has to question if Vince Young is nothing more than an unseasoned quarterback or a good quarterback who was having a tough day.
I would have to say that Vince has come a long way since the last time he threw three interceptions. The game was against Jacksonville last November and it cost the Titans a loss. When asked Sunday about matching his career high Young went on to say that he made bad decisions by trying to force the ball. Still if you think about it any great quarterback will at some point in their career try to force the ball and suffer an interception.
To sum this up, I think that Vince Young should be considered the latter of the two. He showed that he has what it takes too win in his first season with the Titans. And now he has won three out the first four in this season. Coming off a bye week combined with ungodly heat, all seemed to attribute to Young's unusually sloppy performance on Sunday. And though the true test will come later this week on the road against Tampa Bay,it is my opinion that Vince Young will undoubtedly continue to get better with each passing game.
As much as I would like to tell you yes, we both know that is not the truth. If they were that good they would have forced more fumbles, but the only scores that Atlanta could put on the board were simply from the mistakes the Titans Offense committed. In truth, the only defense that dominated that game was the Titans.
I know you are an Atlanta fan, and I can understand your passion. I wish it could have turned out differently for your fans sake!
Really nice blog VB I think if he can keep his head together the skys the limit for VY. His pocket passing seems to be getting better and we know how strong his arm is...just a little better than Pennington LOL, and be afraid when he tucks the ball and runs!
mtmarinerfan
Thank you very much. Yeah, I am really impressed with Vince Young. To be thrust right into the game after being drafted, shows me this guy has the makings of greatness!
Thank you for the comment it is very appreciated.
Have a great weekend,
Ang
Thank you, thank you! You know I thought about including the Madden pic in here, but even I don't want that curse near me, lol.
I am always amazed at players who know about a curse and still go ahead with it. Madden and SI are two I would advise my clients, that is if I had any, to stay far away from!
I see you have a new post, and I will be by in just a few minutes. I hope work has eased up a bit, and that you get to enjoy a beautiful fall weekend!
I am sorry that I misunderstood, so please forgive me. I do agree that the Falcons defense was a bit stronger in the game against the Titans. To have had the kind off season the Falcons did, it is nice to see someone loyal out defending them!
But I do appreciate you coming by Falcons, and I hope you enjoy your weekend!
Ang
Ang, no problem I give credit where it is due. If you get a chance checkout mine for the competition it's the one titled "Can the Buc's come back." no rush, just whenever you get a chance to. Once again goodluck and you also have a great weekend.
Last edited by gambitxxx on October 12th at 11:46 AM.
Vince has made a believer out of me. I'll admit it, I was a hater. I predicted doom and gloom for him in the NFL; ran the simple spread offens at UT therefore somewhat of a "system" QB, running QBs (as opposed to passing QBs that have the ability to run when necessary) never win super bowls, unortodox passing style, etc. I felt it would take several years for VY to be productive.
There were a couple of things I didn't account for though. First and foremost is VY's intangibles; the guy just finds a way to win. Joe Montana came into the league with a rep for having a weak arm, but he sure could win games. The second factor that I think many people don't recognize is OC Norm Chow. The guy has a knack for churning out great QBs wherever he goes, and it looks like he will do the same with VY.
VY still has some learning to do, and I'm still not completely sold on his passing skills, but the more I watch him the more confidence I have that he'll work it out. Good post, well done (especially for a Redskins fan).
Last edited by UltTroyDos on October 12th at 12:18 PM.
Nice write-up! I always get perked up at a VY article, since I'm a Texas Ex.
VY is far from a prototypical NFL QB, which has some positive and negative points. I think he follows in Michael Vick's shoes as a great mobile QB (and not PETA target), and my general belief is that's the general direction QB's in the NFL will become. It's not a change in the NFL that's bringing this about, but a change in the high school and college games. QB's like Vince just tear up the HS and College levels, and prove running QBs are a viable threat. I think one Vince masters the throwing skills and wisdom on when to throw and pass, then he'll be the full function QB that every team dreams of. For the time being, he's got NFL running back legs and moves, but a high school QB mentality. He's only going to get better (no injuries assumed).
vb chic redskinsfan'(Ang)
If there's one thing you know already about Young. It's that he's determined to prove all others wrong about him. And with Norm Chow as his offensive coordinator and quarterback's coach I see no reason for him to fail. That's unless he's unwilling to listen. And somehow I believe him to be far too intelligent for that.
Let's not get down on Vincent yet. I do believe I saw Tony Romo throw 5 picks Monday night to a sorry #### Buffalo team. VY is a winner and he is motivated by people telling him what he can't do or that he is not as good as someone else (Reggie Bush and Heisman Trophy). There was no doubt after the Rose Bowl who the best player on that field was. VY is a freakin animal and he will do well in the NFL. Damn...that rhymes. Peace out.
I don't blame you Ang... I'd be trying to stay away from that Madden curse myself. I'm with you there.
thanks, you too... hope you have a great weekend... I'll write you back at some point this weekend... possibly as early as tonight. I have to finish up my Greenspire post... see ya
Well I do appreciate it. I did stop by, and I am in agreement with you about the Bucs. Like I said there on your post, I learned a long time ago to never count them out! It is a great article, and I would suggest that everyone go and check it out.
First off, thank you for stopping by and I have to say, this ole Redskins fan really enjoyed writing this. I have to say that I learned a lot I did not know about VY, and I am impressed!
I wanted to write more about his style of throwing, and all the accomplishments he achieved through his time in HS and College, but I had to condense the post and cut out the extra's, but he is well worth the research if anyone is interested.
He is still a young man, but under Norm Chow Vince will continue to get better and better. I am sure I will be very focused on that whenever the 'Skins go to play the Titans!
Thanks for the comment I really do appreciate the feedback.
Thank you so much. I can understand now how you can get excited about a VY article. He is very impressive and talented!
He is definitely not the average quarterback in the NFL. I do agree that the change is coming from the way this kids now play in HS and College. The mobile QB will become the norm within the next 5-10 years and the stationary QB will become obsolete.
Thanks for the great comment and I am glad you enjoyed the post.
You are exactly right about Young. He loves to prove people wrong, and truthfully that is a good motivating factor. Norm Chow will be the key in Young becoming one of the top QB's in league for many more years to come.
No I think he will listen because he was raised by his Mother and Grandmother, and they made sure that he listens, lol.
Thanks as always for your insight and I hope you have a great weekend.
Ang
Nice post, Ang. I don't exactly what to make of Young, except he is quite a competitor...and seems to make plays when they are needed. Unconventional QB, and an unconventional team...but you can't argue with the results.
I didn't know until reading an article earlier, but the Titans' defense last year was one of the worst in the league statistically...but they still won a fair share of games. If the defense plays like they have so far...and Vince continues to improve, could be a nice season in Tennnnnnesssssee.
By the way, I always add all the extra "N's" & "S's"...just so I don't have to worry about trying to spell the word correctly for real.
I am no where near getting down on Young. If anything, I am really impressed with this young man. You do not have to sell me on how bad Romo was Monday night against Buffalo. I saw it.
There was absolutely no doubt who was better in the Rose Bowl. Young rushed for more yards than Bush, and oh yeah not to mention all the passes he threw as well.
And you did rhyme, good job! :0)
Thanks for the comment and have a great weekend!
Ang
p.s. Someone may have asked you this already. But are you a fan of The Office. The pic in your avatar looks a lot like Pam Beesly (Jenna Fisher). In fact, I just assumed it was at first glance...but now I see it is probably just a pic of you.
I already told KP that he looks like Steve Stifler. This is quite a celebrity cast of bloggers we have.
You know me superstitious to the core, lol. Write me back when you have the time. There is no need to rush. Plus, I know you still have to finish the post for the competition. I will be here all weekend... so please don't forget to tip your Bartenders and Waitresses! :0)
How are you? I hope you are doing alright. You know I felt the same way about Young before I did the research on this kid.
Now I see he is truly something else! The amount of awards and accolades he has received since he was starting out is amazing in itself. Not to mention the fact he was almost killed when he was 7. He was hit by a car while on his bike and the handle bars went strait into his stomach. He spent several months in the hospital. But to his credit he overcame it.
Yeah the defense was terrible last year for the Titans, but this year they are ranked as one of the highest in the league. So with that combined on top of a talented QB....well let's just say we could be looking at a playoff team.
I think I might barrow the way you spell Tennnnnnesssssee, because I too have trouble remembering how many n's and e's go into it. Why couldn’t they give us some kind of little saying like they did when were kids learning how to spell Mississippi?
Thanks for the great comment and enjoy your weekend.
Ang
No not that I can recall, but I do know who you are talking about and thanks, I have always thought she was pretty. :0)
Kev as Steve Stifler huh? I think I can see that. I have always liked Seann William Scott. He always makes me laugh in whatever role he plays! So how did Kevin take the comparison?
Hey did anybody ever tell you that you look like that guy in Happy Gilmore? lmao...j/j
Just a side note; mobile QBs have been valued for a long time. Roger "the Dodger" Staubach was a nightmare for teams that faced him. Steve Young as well. But the prototype for what seems to be the rage for modern QBs was Randall Cunningham. Not only could he throw the ball 50 yards on a rope but he had more speed and power than Michael Vick. What he lacked was the intangibles that VY seems to have.
Another reason that you won't see running QB's become quite the rage that they are in HS and college is the injury factor. HS and college players are only there for 3 or 4 years, in the NFL you build your franchise around a QB. To risk that franchise, not to mention the $$$$ you pay the guy, by turning him into a glorified RB is not something most coaches and GM's are willing to do. Yes, they want a guy that can escape, and a guy that you can design a couple of run plays for special occaisions, but don't expect a steady diet of run plays for a guy who wins with his arm. The playing days of a RB are short for a reason.
Thank you for a well informed side note. I understand what you are talking about, because I am seeing it first hand with Jason Campbell. When he started last season he ran more, and now since he is truly the future of the Redskins he stays in the pocket. So you are right about the coaches and management putting a stop to it.
But for some reason I just cannot see the Titans putting a lid on Young. I think if they did he would spontaneously combust in the pocket.
As far as the future of the NFL QB goes, I would have to think that at some point with the ever changing dynamics of these younger QB's, that there would have to be some room for change.
Again thank you so much for such a thought provoking side note. I really do enjoy a good conversation that allows me to benefit from.
Titans are 9-2 in Young's last 11 starts dating back to last season, which is quite impressive. Young is the real deal and Fisher is a heck of a coach.
Check out my just finished story on your beloved Redskins and tell me what you think, will ya?
I actually jumped right on to your post as soon as I saw it, and I am so very impressed and pleased. You are a great writer and it shows, because when someone can put aside their real feelings and write something without bias and do it effortlessly, it just goes to show they are a Pro!
Oh wait we are on my blog, lol. Thank you my friend and I wish you the best of luck as well. Young and Fisher will become something we NFC fans will come to be cautionary of for many years. Of that I am sure!
Again, thank you for your comment here and for that beautiful article over on your blog! I did not do it over there because I thought you had suffered enough, but I have to do it here....HAIL TO THE REDSKINS!
Ang
To answer your question, VY had a tough day. As the old song says, "Mamma said there'd be days like this." He'll bounce back. I also replied to Midnite's good post about Jason Campbell. I think Campbell and the Skins go into Lambeau and pull out a tough win. Hope that happens.
VY will have a good game against the Bucs, and go on to be a top QB in the league for a long time to come.
That was a fantastic article Midnight Cowboy wrote. I am praying you are right about the 'Skins. I am already nervous and it is not even Sunday yet, lol!
Thanks for coming to see me, and have a great weekend!
Ang
The only issue I see in it is that VY didn't start 15 games last year, it was either 11 or 12. Collins started the first 4 games I believe (maybe the first 5).
But this really doesn't matter. As a big Titans fan, VY's biggest contribution is his field leadership. He just HATES to lose, and has enough talent to put the team on his back in crunch time and reel in a win most of the time. If the Titans can get him some receivers he will be awesome.
Last edited by centerhill on October 13th at 8:28 PM.
I am so glad that you brought that to my attention, because I believe it was 11 games with 4 this season. I am going to make the change write now.
You Titan fans have a great QB, and I am sure he will be there for a long time. It is good to have a QB that hates to lose, it insures he will always try to play at his best!
YeeMum~ Thank you very much! Promise me that we have not seen the last of Fred! I so much enjoyed your post and I think it would be a great weekly idea!
MidniteCowboy ~ Yes it was a tough loss. My Son and I are not speaking because I was so upset with Santana yesterday. But the problem is not just yesterday, he has done it a lot this season, and Santana even benched himself. My jersey for the past two years has been #89 Moss. I have always loved him, but I am just upset is all. Sorry I could go on, but I will stop.
I did not get to see the whole Cowboys game, but I know it was tough for you as well. Sorry my friend! Congrats to you on advancing as well!!! :)
bluegrassLady~ Thanks. Yes I am extremely upset over that game, but we will be okay....I hope. Did the Steelers have a bye yesterday? I don't remember hearing anything on them.
Thanks guys for your comments! I will be getting around to everyone today, because I was out all weekend buying a new car. Have a great week!
Getting back to my "side point", I think the point was made Sunday. The Titans may not limit plays designed for VY's to run the ball, but if they don't "injuries happen". It was only a 2 yard run, nothing spectacular, but VY is out and there goes the game. I haven't heard how serious it was, but if this one wasn't the next could be "there goes the season", or worse there goes the franchise. VY's value lies in his competitive "never say die" attitude, and his escapeability. You run a QB too much and Sunday you saw what happens.
Hi there. I am glad you stopped back in, because you are right about VY getting hurt when he takes off running. I read today that he is day to day, so I think he should be okay. It will be interesting to see if Vince will now have trepidations about running out of the pocket?Thank you for your "side point" it truly was a dead on one.
I hope that you had a good weekend, and that this week will be a good, fast one!
Ang
I have been watching and anylazing vince young and the titans since last year.. every game.
I see no problem with Vince Youngs Game. I think that the Coaches are using him all wrong. the only game where they used him correctly was against the Saints. If you notice they run the ball almost every time on first and second down usually averaging 1 or 2 yards a carry. ( Lendale white should not be a starting every down back) That leaves vince with third and 5 or long. The defense knows he has to pass so they load up the secondary and blitz also. This Makes it appear that Vince is not playing well.
Problem and solution: need better running back like they had last year.. dont be so predictable and run on 1st and 2nd down every time with a slow lendale white.
Use more play action on 1st and 2nd down like they did against N.O.
By doing this you would allow vince to make more running plays in crucial 3rd and fourth down plays. Also they need to let him roll out of the pocket more like they did against N.O.
Imagine if INDY ran on 1 and 2nd down 90% of the time then threw on 3rd 90% of the time???? you would get about the same results as the titans are getting. Very predictable offense..
I will go look up a play by play of the titans offense and post a link to support my comment.. its rediculous when you see it.
go to this link of play by play vs. the bucs.
Look how many times they run on first and second for hardly no gain. then vince is forced to throw into coverage on third. When they do let vince throw on first or second its always a very short pass that doesnt open up the defense.
free counter
I have been a Washington Redskins Fan all of my life. I come from four generations of "We bleed Burgundy and Gold" Redskins fanatics! I have three teenage sons who are following in this great tradition.
I also am a huge Cal Ripken fan. Congrats to his Hall of fame induction. I would rather go and see a baseball game in person, then watch it on TV. My oldest Son is doing his best to make his dream come true. He has played baseball his whole life, and is being scouted now.
I live in Virginia Beach, Va. I am a native, not a tourist. I work for Canon USA and I love every minute of it! I believe you should Love life, and Live for Redskins Football! HAIL TO THE REDSKINS!
You can call this guy Vince Young, VY, or even In-Vince-ible, because it seems that he answers to many names. Though the most important name he now answers to would be the starting Quarterback of the Tennessee Titans . In order to fully know whether or not Young is getting worse, or just had a tough day against the Falcons, one has to look into the past in order to see the present clearly. . . . 
Now some would think that statement makes Vince Young seem vain, arrogant, or even a poor sport, but in truth, I believe it shows the competition inside that drives the man. . . . 
Drawing so much limelight from his rookie season, Young has gone on to star in numerous commercials and a Mike Jone's music Video. Some would say that with so much going on it might be possible that Young has started to believe his own hype. And while there may be some credence to that, in looking over his stats from the '06 season, compared to this season, the only difference I can see is in the amount of interceptions he has thrown. The rest of his stats are right on schedule.
The Titans are actually off to their best start since the 2003 season. In the first three games Vince Young beat the Jags, barely lost to the 5-0 Colts and shined on Monday Night Football against Reggie Bush and his Saints, but that all came to a screeching halt on an unusually hot Sunday afternoon in LP Stadium. 
