BREAKING NEWS: Merril Hoge Doesn't Think Vince Young is Good

by Jimmy on Jan 17, 2008 8:28 AM CST in News Comment 16 comments

Numbertenox predicted that I would post about this. He is a prophet. Hoge was once again shooting his mouth off about Vince Young in this morning's Tennessean:

"What they've done is the first indicator of what happens when you make a mistake with the quarterback you drafted in the first round and he starts to erode your organization,'' Hoge said. "Norm Chow was not the problem. He did what his quarterback was capable of doing, which is not very much. And it is much easier to fire the offensive coordinator than to get rid of your quarterback.

"If it's your quarterback you're saying 'We made a mistake.' Now you get rid of the offensive coordinator and say the reason he is not playing well is because of him. What you're doing is buying yourself another year and you avoid the public relations hit of actually fessing up and admitting 'We screwed up.' ''

Because of Young's limitations, Hoge said, Heimerdinger would not have the freedom of changing game plans each week like he's been able to do with Cutler. He said with 28 starts under his belt, it's up to Young to prove he's a capable NFL quarterback.

"I don't know what coach you fire next, but at some point you have to face the music," Hoge said. "You have a great athlete back there, but you don't have a great quarterback no matter who the coordinator is. One day they'll wake up to that.''

As DannoE said, it is just getting ridiculous at this point. Hoge needs to find something better to do with his time.

I don't understand how he is so sure that it wasn't Norm Chow's fault. What has Chow proven in the NFL? It is impossible to assume he will have success in the NFL just because he did in college. The playing field, especially at USC, is not equal in college football. Norm had better athletes than the teams he was playing almost every time. You just don't have that in the NFL. Chow even admitted that during his first season with the Titans:

"This is the biggest challenge of my life. ... This is hard. Honestly, it's harder than I thought it would be. Defenses are just so good, so fast. It's such a challenge to find ways to attack."

Anyone who watched the Titans this season, and doesn't just hate VY, could see that the play calling stunk. Now was that because Norm felt limited by Vince's ability? I don't know, but regardless the play calling was still terrible.

All of this being said, we will learn what VY is when Mike Heimerdinger comes back to town. We know Dinger is a good NFL offensive coordinator. If this time next year we are still talking about the same things, it will be time to take a look at VY. If not, and I don't think we will be, Hoge will look like a bigger moron than he already does. If that is even possible....

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Does anyone think...

that Joy Kat is Merril Hoge?

Just kidding Joy Kat....I read your post on your family.

Hoge needs to realize that we get it already. Even when VY had a great rookie season, all he did is criticize him. In some ways he is right, in other ways, he is wrong....but the horse is dead...get off of it already!

by gotitans27 on Jan 17, 2008 9:01 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

To give credit to Joy Kat

I can't believe I am doing this

She doesn't like VY because of his "attitude." I am not sure she argues his athleticism or talent.

Hoge says VY has "limitations." What are those?? Huh, Hogey? Footballs bouncing off wide receivers hands?? The OC calling a pass play on 3rd and 4 instead of giving to the player on the field with the little flashing icon underneath him costing us the game? That was for you Danno. (And that was a Madden/NCAA reference for those of you who don't get it). Someone telling VY not to run on 3rd and 10 when he could get 25?

Hoge never makes a good argument. Never.

"the quarterback is not capable of doing much" and "he has limitations" is not very good analysis.

How does this guy get paid?? Must be the same people who pay Peter King to say "the Patriots are good" and "Tom Brady is a good quarterback."

Hard hitting stuff there.

Go Titans!

by gramsey712 on Jan 17, 2008 9:20 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I don't play Madden, but thanks.

And, in fairness, I think Joy Kat also thinks VY is stupid.

BTW, a far more plausible explanation for his Wunderlich score is dyslexia. That also explains why he would be allowed a re-test.

I was married to a dyslexic (but very, very hot) girl when I was younger, and it was weird because you could talk to her and realize that she was bright, but at the same time, she'd never actually READ anything. It was just very, very hard for her. And if that's what Vince is sturggling with, then I can well-imagine why he'd be throwing his helmet across the stadium after a bad play, especially if Chow didn't make much of an effort to deal with the issue.

DannoE

Go read FRIDAY MAD SCIENCE at www.paperbackreader.com
Thanks!

by DannoE on Jan 17, 2008 11:04 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

is vince dyslexic? (sp)

by nvemvp23 on Jan 17, 2008 11:29 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I've never actually met him, but...

...as Dr. House would say, "It explains everything."

DannoE

Go read FRIDAY MAD SCIENCE at www.paperbackreader.com
Thanks!

by DannoE on Jan 17, 2008 11:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Gramsey

Regarding Young, I feel he has a great deal of atheticism. It is clear he is blessed with lots of ability and desire, however I don't necessarily beleive that automatically translates into the ability to play great as an NFL quarterback. Time will tell. The attitude is an issue for me is correct, however VY has a lot of growth to do if he is going to be a great quarterback. THe following has nothing to do with his attitude: I seen problems this season with him not being on the same page as the receivers, do I think that is entirely Young's fault? Absolutely not, only part of it is. I seen him look very undecisive a lot of times with whether to pass or run, will that improve? I don't know, I would think it should over time. I have seen him throw very errant passes at times, will that change? I don't know, I sort of doubt it. Young has HOT streaks like plenty of other quarterbacks. If he is in a "zone" he can hit receivers for quite a few plays, and then he will have a poor throw which results in an incompletion or worse yet an interception, it is that statistic right there that gets so many would be terriffic quarterbacks into trouble. I don't expect any quarterback to be perfect, but I think it is reasonable to expect a better TD/INT ratio than 9/17. IF he has the ability to overcome the really bad throws it will work out for him. If not, then no. It appears the Titans are going to do whatever it takes to make it work with him, with the firing of Chow as a key move. The second step will be to hire a superb wide receiver and or T.E. With these things in place it will remove any doubt as to where the problems are, or where. If the TD to INT ratio improves significantly then there is the answer, if not then it will be time to look other directions.
It will be interesting to see if Heimerdinger is re-hired. Will Heimerdinger design an offense that plays to the strength of VY and his ability to run well? Will he have VY pass downfield? His no-nonsense approach and harsh criticisms of ineffecient play will be something for VY to adjust to, as well as the other guys who haven't been exposed to him already. I am excited for the upcoming season and find it hard to wait.

JOY KAT

by Bergman on Jan 17, 2008 11:16 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Who are you?

And what have you done with Joy Kat?

That post is a big step up from "Yung sux Playe Collinz" like you used to type all the time.

That actually made sense and good points.

Go Titans!

by gramsey712 on Jan 17, 2008 11:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I am not caught up in it emotionally now

Frustration during the season prompted some of my rants. I am more rational now that it is over and I can step away from it and look at things more clearly. I also recently watched some dvd's I recorded of Titans games this season and based my comments on that.

JOY KAT

by Bergman on Jan 17, 2008 12:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks

That one made me chuckle ;-).

You know, one thing I did learn this season is that Collins is a good backup. If you'd asked me that last year I would have said heck no, waste of roster space. I guess having more time to get used to the plays and organization made all the difference, because he was pretty effective (with a couple of exceptions) in relief of VY this year.

I too am breathless with anticipation as to what playmakers the Titans will add and how the offense will look under dinger next year. It's going to be a lonnnnnng wait for the fall.

by numbertenox on Jan 17, 2008 12:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I cannot

believe what I am reading. But I am very happy about it.

by Big Bad Bulluck on Jan 17, 2008 1:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ridiculous

I can't believe how moronic these so called "analysts" are.

One day they go on and on about how bad Phillip Rivers is. Then a day later he makes a couple nice throws against Indy and he's suddenly a good QB again.

Doesn't anyone realize that it takes time? I am not a Giants fan, but I really felt bad for Eli Manning. They continuously drug him throught the mud because he wasn't the 2nd coming of Petyon right out of the gate. God forbid they give him time to get better every year.

It Merril Hoge was a GM I guess he would cut every rookie after their 2nd year in the league.

by theologic on Jan 17, 2008 9:36 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

My Soap Box!

First and foremost I am a TITANS fan! If VY is our guy that makes me a VY fan. If Mac comes back or even Neil O'Donnell then I am a fan of them too. However, let it be known that if VY were traded tomorrow, then I would wish him well and I am no longer devoted to VY. That isn't gonna happen. So................I am all for Vince.

I know he has struggled a little but what 2nd year qb doesnt? He never was drafted to be a 3500 yard passer, and he never will be. Hodge is stuck in the typical pocket passer mind set. He refuses to believe that a mobile QB can actually win the big one in the NFL. This is personal grudge he holds because VY made him look like the bumbling idiot that he is in his Rookie season.

Hodge needs to stop hating on VY and just say what everybody else knows. He's young has shown improvement and with some hard work and can be great in this league! Stop putting unreal expectations on this guy. He is a 2nd year QB not seasoned vet!

Someone once said "Vince Young bleeds two toned blue!" But I disagree, because The Great One Doesnt Bleed!!

by Vincanity on Jan 17, 2008 9:45 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

VY's feces>Hodge

o ahs[IFJW [3'ILQW FGdw bHLdB O2IRYWLIcbhuQP3R 79Gqw fcbuWPR7Y Gwcfkph sbfpi1guy3wpfiHSBuqf oeuv hgqoW QWPIVHB OIQWEYFG

I'm so effing pissed that about all I can do is foam at the mouth and punch my keyboard.

Born. Hater.

Merril Hoge sucks at life and is a petty, over-concussed twit whose only value in life is to make Jaws look even more brilliant by comparison. Opps... I'm losing it agailjH CVlAW BHVFOQeiwAFLS HVIFOWYf HJLVfy aiowblyAGOI YUDG FOADHILB VLIqugpIUYGI LSDFBHJVAWPI

My name is August West, and I love my Pearly Baker best, more than my wine

by August West on Jan 17, 2008 10:38 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I can't believe

that Jimmy let you type "QWPIVHB" in a post!

You should be fined for indecency!

Go Titans!

by gramsey712 on Jan 17, 2008 10:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

SHHHHHHHHH

quiet man! you'll blow my cover...

My name is August West, and I love my Pearly Baker best, more than my wine

by August West on Jan 17, 2008 1:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hoge is not qualified

to post comments on VYoranyone else for that matter. Evidently he either knew someone at ESPN to get the job. With 3139 rushing yards in eight years NFL that'sless than 400 yds a year. Yea he had a couple good playoff games at Pittsburgbut whoopty-do. He was washed up when he left them and didnt even finish a season at Chicago claiming head trauma (concussions). You don't leave a team and go to another to shortly holler I aint able to play. He manages to keep his analyst job by being contraversal and "stirring the pot". Look at Sean Salsbury who when referring to VY says " I love this guy". I take his analysis anyday over Hoge. Hoge"san ass and should be ignored and his show NFL Matchup boycotted until he is fired.

by coler0kw on Jan 17, 2008 5:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs