NFL Picks and Predictions

The Tennessee Titans knew when they drafted quarterback Vince Young that he was a talented quarterback. What they did not know was that he was emotionally unstable on some levels, and that he would have major difficulties adapting to life as an NFL quarterback. After all of the troubles that Vince Young has suffered through, he finally found himself back under center for the Titans on Sunday. His performance in the Titans win over the Jacksonville Jaguars was certainly encouraging. Ironically, it is just that type of performance that Vince Young needs to succeed in the weeks to come for the Titans.

Young does not need to look far for an excellent template of the type of quarterback he needs to be. Quarterback Kerry Collins has shown him that he need not throw for 400 yards. All the Tennessee Titans really need from their starting quarterback is efficiency, accuracy and leadership. On Sunday Young provided all of the above – 15 out of 18 for 125 yds and one touchdown. Most importantly, he did not turn the ball over. While this sounds like a typical Kerry Collins performance, it was actually much better than Collins. We forget that Vince Young can actually run the ball.

That is the dimension that the Titans gain when Vince Young replaces Kerry Collins. On several occasions throughout the game against Jacksonville, Young kept drives alive with his feet. It was rather easy to see how this game could have changed entirely with Collins under center. Had Collins been quarterbacking the Titans in those situations, they likely would have been sacks or fourth downs. Because of his athleticism, Young gave the offense the chance to succeed.

If Young can continue to be efficient and not turn the ball over, he will end up being a pretty darn good NFL quarterback. Protect the football, throw accurate passes and lead the team – that is all he needs to do.

Welcome back Vince Young….