Tennessee Titans Morning Links: Scorched Lion > Deep Fried Turkey For Thanksgiving Edition
Gary Estwick details the long road Titan CB Nick Harper took to the NFL after stops in division II Fort Valley, the CFL and a Subaru nicknamed 'Doo Doo Brown' (named for this super-awesome 1991 rap song, which contains one of the best old school breakbeats/bridges you'll ever hear starting at about 1:50).
One more win, and we clinch the Titans' first AFC South Division crown since 2002.
I'd like to thank the Colts for making that task much easier by injuring Derek Anderson's knee, meaning we'll be facing for Miami Hurricane legend and perennial NFL 3rd stringer Ken Doresy.
Apparently VY refused to speak to the Nashville media after the Lions game, but did speak to a reporter from Westwood One. That's not going to win VY any supporters and makes him look like a baby.
William C. Rhoden wrote a very good feature on Vince Young last week, and ends it with a good observation when you piggy back this comment with a list of the most recent first round QB draft success like Cutler, Rivers, Flacco and Ryan:
Young’s benching is the end, for now at least, of new-age quarterbacks on the brink of redefining of the quarterback position. With Michael Vick behind bars, Young on the bench and Donovan McNabb morphed more or less into a pocket passer, the league’s quarterback pool has reverted to the statue-like signal-callers who hang tough in the pocket, protected by rules designed to keeping defensive linemen and linebackers at bay.
Jim Wyatt breaksdown the AFC playoff race.
PFW says the comments LenDale made last week were indeed as quickly squshed as the report made it seem, and there's no doubt the big man will get another healthy dose of work against an awful Browns team this week.
AOL Fanhouse driveler Will Brinson brings us some video of LenDale White using some salty language during the Lions game, giving an army of slightly racist commenters the ammo they need to start with the whining.
Scout.com with Foxsports.com on MSN (high-fives for corporate synergy!) breaksdown how ugly of a mismatch we're going to see Sunday. You can definitely blame the Browns skuckiness for why this game didn't get flexed to primetime.
There's a whole lot of internet out there, so if you have a link you'd like to submit for tomorrow's Morning Links, email me at mcmaugustwest@gmail.com! (Be sure to include your commenting handle so I can give you semi-anonymous credit.)
Comments
Is LenDale eating CJ's food?
Titans Blogger at Music City Miracles even though gramsey hates it.
by Jimmy on
Dec 1, 2008 9:15 AM CST
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With CJ's spoon!
LenDale was vocal about how they only gave them three spoons!
Kinda off topic: did anyone else see LenDale on the sideline of the USC/ND game acting classy and making nothing but complimental observations about Notre Dame on camera?
Not making yourself look good LenDale.
I hate Music City Miracles!
by gramsey712 on
Dec 1, 2008 9:49 AM CST
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Re:
Apparently VY refused to speak to the Nashville media after the Lions game, but did speak to a reporter from Westwood One. That’s not going to win VY any supporters and makes him look like a baby.
Give me a break. A baby? So the media is entitled to interviews after every player after every game? Is it really that black and white? Consider that it was Thanksgiving Day. Maybe he was in a rush to be with his family. There are a whole number of explanations. We don’t have one, but, frankly, shouldn’t need one. But to draw the conclusion that he is a “baby” based on:
Young declined interview requests from the Nashville media in attendance at the game, instead choosing only to speak in generalities to a radio reporter from Westwood One.
You’re better than that. Leave those sort of kneejerk reactions to Peter King.
by SuperHorn on
Dec 1, 2008 9:44 AM CST
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So the Tennessean lied about VY giving them the cold shoulder?
I know you are our resident VY apologist, but don’t try to polish the turd here. He specifically ignored the Tennessean reporter and the other Nashville media after that game.
I hate Music City Miracles!
by gramsey712 on
Dec 1, 2008 9:51 AM CST
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Cold shoulder
This is crazy.
People are drawing conclusions without all the necessary information. How can you possibly call him a baby without knowing all the facts? Couldn’t some of that be coming down from Fisher? Maybe he had family issues? These players don’t live in a vacuum. Things happen around them. We need of all of those facts to confirm that he was in fact just being a “turd”.
Simply writing his behavior off as being a baby without have all the data is ignorant.
by SuperHorn on
Dec 1, 2008 10:07 AM CST
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Apologizing for every dumb thing he does isn't getting one into MENSA either.
Where I was raised 2 + 2 = 3rd and 6.
by August West on
Dec 1, 2008 10:09 AM CST
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Jumping him for
every perceived mistake ain’t helpin’ MENSA gain another member either.
Big Bill "You never lose a game if the opponent doesn't score." Darell K. Royal
by Hook em Titans on
Dec 1, 2008 10:12 AM CST
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Ummmm...
you want to cycle through stories on here, AOL Fanhouse over the past 2 years? I defend VY a lot, but this is an obvious cycle of behavior with him and the media. I don’t know if he realizes or cares that they’re his conduit to the people who still support him because this media market has been so much easier on him than anywhere outside of Texas would be…
Where I was raised 2 + 2 = 3rd and 6.
by August West on
Dec 1, 2008 10:23 AM CST
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I know you do
but since the whole suicide incident, you and most people on here are quick to expose any flaw the guy might have.
Doesn’t talk to the media. Is cold with Collins. Won’t listen to anybody. Doesn’t cheer enough. Isn’t involved with the offense. Is in his own little world.
I’m not saying the guy should be playing right now and I’m not trying to excuse or apologize for any of his actions. Dude can be pretty juvenile at times, but I just think that the pendulum has swung way too far into the Vince can do nothing right direction. And yes, I think that it was not too long ago that the same pendulum was way too far in the other direction.
I don’t want people to coddle the man, but hammering the dude these days has become the flavor of the day. That’s all I was getting at.
I usually enjoy your commentary immensely. It just seems to me that there are too many sharks sniffing for the first drop of blood.
Big Bill "You never lose a game if the opponent doesn't score." Darell K. Royal
by Hook em Titans on
Dec 1, 2008 12:37 PM CST
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How is this an apology?
All I’m asking for is objective, reasonable commentary. I’m not apologizing for Vince’s behavior. In fact, if it is the case that he was just being a baby, we are in COMPLETE agreement that it’s not going to win him any supporters with the media. It’s something he should be doing. I just happen to think we need more information.
by SuperHorn on
Dec 1, 2008 10:14 AM CST
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I wasn't calling VY a turd.
I guess you haven’t heard that cliche.’
One of the reporters (Wyatt, maybe?) was on the radio Friday and said that VY ignored them completely after the game. Would not even say “no” when they asked him for an interview. Completely ignored them while in the locker room but spoke with the Westwood One people right in front of them. What other facts do we need?
Why would Coach tell Vince not to talk to certain reporters and to others? And if he did, why would he not tell those reporters that Vince is off limits?
I can’t believe I am arguing about this. Uncle.
I hate Music City Miracles!
by gramsey712 on
Dec 1, 2008 10:12 AM CST
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Oh, and to explain the cliche
The “turd” is the situation, which is so obviously dirty that you can’t possibly “polish it” or make it look better. But you can surely try, meaning you are trying to “polish a turd.”
I hate Music City Miracles!
by gramsey712 on
Dec 1, 2008 10:14 AM CST
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actually...
they proved on mythbusters that you can polish a turd
by Michaeltastic on
Dec 1, 2008 1:48 PM CST
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Take that!
Titans Blogger at Music City Miracles even though gramsey hates it.
by Jimmy on
Dec 1, 2008 2:02 PM CST
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Now we have more information
THAT makes more sense and was not something that was made clear in the article above. If that is the case, we’re in agreement.
by SuperHorn on
Dec 1, 2008 10:17 AM CST
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And,
I get the cliche. Just saying that in this case, Vince would be the “turd” one is trying to polish.
by SuperHorn on
Dec 1, 2008 10:18 AM CST
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Just to add
THIS IS ME NOT APOLOGIZING FOR VINCE.
Can I be considered for MENSA now?
by SuperHorn on
Dec 1, 2008 10:20 AM CST
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Sorry,
The Peter King comment got me going
Where I was raised 2 + 2 = 3rd and 6.
by August West on
Dec 1, 2008 10:24 AM CST
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Sorry
August is a great mod. I don’t want to take away from anything he’s doing. This is the first site I come to every morning at work.
Just trying to keep everyone objective,though.
As a side note, I wouldn’t have any issues with AW’s comment had the post included the information from Jim Wyatt on the radio…
by SuperHorn on
Dec 1, 2008 10:44 AM CST
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It's all good
debate has been hard to find around here since we keep winning!
Hell of a nice problem to have though :-)
Where I was raised 2 + 2 = 3rd and 6.
by August West on
Dec 1, 2008 10:49 AM CST
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"So the media is entitled to interviews after every player after every game?"
Pretty much, yes.
Where I was raised 2 + 2 = 3rd and 6.
by August West on
Dec 1, 2008 9:52 AM CST
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I wouldn't talk to those hacks either.
Aren’t they the ones that hyped up and ran with the whole suicide thing?
Big Bill "You never lose a game if the opponent doesn't score." Darell K. Royal
by Hook em Titans on
Dec 1, 2008 9:52 AM CST
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JEFF FISHER TOLD THE POLICE HE WAS CONSIDERING SUICIDE.
Why do we keep having to rehash this crap?
I hate Music City Miracles!
by gramsey712 on
Dec 1, 2008 9:53 AM CST
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Vince hasn't exactly gotten a fair shake
in the media of late, and I was trying to point out that I too would be careful who I would speak with.
Big Bill "You never lose a game if the opponent doesn't score." Darell K. Royal
by Hook em Titans on
Dec 1, 2008 9:59 AM CST
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No, that was the cops and VY's therapist.
Where I was raised 2 + 2 = 3rd and 6.
by August West on
Dec 1, 2008 9:53 AM CST
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Ok fine. The cops did it.
Look, I’m gonna stay out of it. You love to hate on V these days and I’m done defending him. My head hurts from the brick wall.
Big Bill "You never lose a game if the opponent doesn't score." Darell K. Royal
by Hook em Titans on
Dec 1, 2008 9:55 AM CST
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Sigh....
I hate Music City Miracles!
by gramsey712 on
Dec 1, 2008 9:58 AM CST
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How do you get that I'm loving to bash VY!?
Just because I’m done coddling him and making excuses for stuff like this? Whether he talks with the media has nothing to do with what’s on the field, but playing nice with the press is just part of the job and it’s a part he can’t just keep avoiding like he has since he got here.
Where I was raised 2 + 2 = 3rd and 6.
by August West on
Dec 1, 2008 9:58 AM CST
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I'm just saying he gets jumped on
pretty quick these days. I’m not looking for him to be coddled, but surely you understand his reluctance to speak with the media. Especially media that he may think is looking to pounce.
Big Bill "You never lose a game if the opponent doesn't score." Darell K. Royal
by Hook em Titans on
Dec 1, 2008 10:01 AM CST
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And we're off
Titans Blogger at Music City Miracles even though gramsey hates it.
by Jimmy on
Dec 1, 2008 10:05 AM CST
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It didn't take long, did it.
I hate Music City Miracles!
by gramsey712 on
Dec 1, 2008 10:12 AM CST
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Did someone say Vince Young?
;)
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account and post a diary, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.
by BigBlueShoe on
Dec 1, 2008 1:30 PM CST
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I must admit
I laughed to myself a little there
Titans Blogger at Music City Miracles even though gramsey hates it.
by Jimmy on
Dec 1, 2008 2:05 PM CST
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speaking of sharks sniffing blood.....
by hal41605 on
Dec 1, 2008 2:16 PM CST
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He did come in peace this time though
Titans Blogger at Music City Miracles even though gramsey hates it.
by Jimmy on
Dec 1, 2008 2:18 PM CST
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VY
I have my RSS feeds set to give me anything from this site that discusses the words “Vince” “Young” “Sucks”.
;)
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account and post a diary, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.
by BigBlueShoe on
Dec 2, 2008 3:45 PM CST
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Re: William Rhoden Article
I don’t agree with a lot of this article. Especially…
Now Young is the forgotten star.
I’ve never seen a back up talked about more than Vince.
However, I do agree with one thing:
On Sunday, Young watched Brett Favre outplay Kerry Collins as the Jets convincingly snapped Tennessee’s unbeaten streak, 34-13. Among other things, the loss may be a signal to Tennessee that as the water gets deeper, the Titans may need less of a manager at quarterback and more of a playmaker.
At this point, I think it’s clear that KC is the starter. No one should question that. But, after we’ve clinched the playoffs (crosses fingers), it’s time to consider giving VY some playing time. If we find ourselves in another NYJ situation, the coaching staff needs to be prepared to put in VY for a few series to see if he can spark the offense. Gameplanning for KC vs. VY are two ENTIRELY different things. Bringing him in throws a big curve ball to the defense. As the writer points out, there are no other quarterbacks that play like VY in the NFL anymore. I’d hope at this point Vince could get 6-8 snaps a game without stirring up controversy.
by SuperHorn on
Dec 1, 2008 9:51 AM CST
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I found myself thinking this a few times, too.
I agree that Collins is the starter. I also would not want to do anything to damage his confidence. BUT you’re right that the game-planning for these guys is way different, and since they are both on the payroll, it would be wise to find a way to use both. If you could bring in Vince to spark the Offense in specific situations, I could be happy with that. Granted, it hasn’t been needed much this season, but during the Jets game, there were definitely times when I thought, “It would really screw these guys to put in VY, and then, at least, we could get the running game going with some misdirection stuff.”
I mean, Collins may be the better pocket passer at this point, but Vince is MUCH better at managing the running game because of the way he can force Defenses to defend the run in both directions. We haven’t seen this kinde of thing lately, but it’s definitely in there, and anybody that can remember last year’s first game against the Jags can see exactly what I’m talking about.
DannoE
"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one."
Go Titans!
by DannoE on
Dec 1, 2008 11:01 AM CST
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i've been saying it and saying it
i wish fisher and dinger would listen. there has got to be a way to let vince do his thing a few times a game. our 2nd most explosive player sits on the bench game after game behind an offense that needs all the firepower it can get against quality defenses.
by hal41605 on
Dec 1, 2008 12:23 PM CST
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I still disagree with puttin in VY
Especially in a playoff scenario…….
The PAIN TRAIN is comin baby!
by BigW on
Dec 1, 2008 2:37 PM CST
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Why?
He was obviously more efficient than Kerry against Detroit!
No one is suggesting a changing of the guard, merely a change of pace. Another idea, start doing it once you have the division locked up. Opposing teams will pay attention. Whether you use it or not in the postseason, it will force opposing DC’s to prepare for both quarterbacks. While that may not amount to much, it is something…
by SuperHorn on
Dec 1, 2008 2:57 PM CST
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This
He was obviously more efficient than Kerry against Detroit!
is a joke, right?
Titans Blogger at Music City Miracles even though gramsey hates it.
by Jimmy on
Dec 1, 2008 3:01 PM CST
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It’s impossible to draw any kind of conclusions from one throw.
But if I had to take anything away from it…this gets back to my point: These change ups are good. And while the sample size is small, changing mid game at quarterback has been successful.
by SuperHorn on
Dec 1, 2008 3:08 PM CST
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But why change? I've yet to hear one good argument for it?
Kerry has lost 1 game and most of that was due to drops….. I just can’t get onboard with a change. I’m sorry. We’ll have to agree to disagree on this one. If they want to dump him in there for some crazy wildcat crap I’m against that as well. I do think VY will one day be a starter in the league again and putting him in formations like that when it’s unnecessary is a good way to prevent that from happening. Just hate to see the kid get hurt for nothing.
The PAIN TRAIN is comin baby!
by BigW on
Dec 1, 2008 3:19 PM CST
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I'm not suggesting Wildcat
My argument is above. It causes teams to gameplan for two completely different quarterbacks. That takes time. Time that they could otherwise spend breaking down KC’s game. It also forces the defense to react to a completely different sort of offense if used correctly.
Aside from that, most of the loss to NY was not due to drops. While there were many, the offense was flat to begin with. A LOT of this had to do with Kris Jenkins getting in the backfield all game. Bring in Vince for a change of pace, roll the pocket some, throw in some misdirection and PA passing. With his legs, it’s easier to make KJ less of a problem.
It’s clear to me that a large part of the difference between the 2006/2007 VY seasons had to do with DC’s understanding how to gameplan for him. Now, throw him in there every now and then when the D hasn’t been gameplanning all week and we might just see that same spark again.
Maybe not, but I think it’s at least worth exploring once we have the division in the bag. If it works, we have one extra feather in our cap for the postseason.
by SuperHorn on
Dec 1, 2008 3:58 PM CST
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Here is where I disagree
If running 2 QBs consistently were a good idea The Ol’ Ballcoach would still be in the NFL. 31 other teams would be trying to do it as well. You’re not going to convert me on this one. It’s ludicrous to want to bring Vince back into the game plan. WE ARE WINNING! WE ARE 10-1! WHY CHANGE!!????!!!
If we were 4-7 I could see your point but as it stands it’s just batshit crazy
The PAIN TRAIN is comin baby!
by BigW on
Dec 1, 2008 9:17 PM CST
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Dammit 11-1. We gotta get that edit button
The PAIN TRAIN is comin baby!
by BigW on
Dec 1, 2008 9:19 PM CST
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i really hope i won't have to say "i told you so"
after collins goes 13-35 with 10 drops and 2 picks in a game where we only get around 15 carries because of falling behind or stupid coaching.
but honestly, this is the nightmare scenario i want to avoid. we are going to have, most likely, a bye, and probably a game or two that mean nothing before that. the chances of our passing game getting rusty or being out of synch will be pretty good. this is the one way i see us not making the super bowl. why not work on a back up plan?
how does it hurt us to be prepared with an alternative in the event that we come out and can’t do anything on offense? in the playoffs, 11-1 means nothing. it’s one and done, and you have to be prepared to win by any means necessary. it’s just stupid not to play with a full deck.
by hal41605 on
Dec 1, 2008 10:07 PM CST
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What Hal said...
IF we beat the Browns, the last few games can help prepare us for the playoffs. Work on the “back up plan” for a handful of series a game. We serve to lose very little…
by SuperHorn on
Dec 2, 2008 9:25 AM CST
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hurts nothing to be prepared
but to make a change for no reason is idiotic
The PAIN TRAIN is comin baby!
by BigW on
Dec 2, 2008 1:56 PM CST
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Of course not!
If Hall had scored on that pass, Vince would have had a perfect QB rating of 158.3. Take that!
by TheElusiveShadow on
Dec 1, 2008 4:07 PM CST
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Well, VY is still a subject, huh
Wow, what a discussion over something so small.
He didn’t talk to some reporters. Obviously those reporters will get angry and make him “pay” by ripping him. I think that’s it. I mean, who gets mad that a QB who played in mop-up duty didn’t talk? Really? Is this a big deal?
by TheElusiveShadow on
Dec 1, 2008 2:42 PM CST
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Per VY's past. Yes.
The PAIN TRAIN is comin baby!
by BigW on
Dec 1, 2008 3:19 PM CST
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Since we're talking about VY playing here...
I’m a big VY fan. And it saddens me to see that the love of football, which made him great, seems to have left him. He will never be great again unless he gets that back. You heard me right: It wasn’t just his talent that made him great, but his love of the game and his will to win. You remember it his rookie year, right?
But for now, I don’t think throwing him in there in packages is a good idea. Collins isn’t lighting up the scoreboard but he’s doing his job. They have one loss. That was the pro-Vince argument, right? Don’t change it if the Titans are winning, and they went 10-6 last year. Well, now they’re 11-1, and it’s only fair and reasonable to let Collins continue.
I think VY’s “best” is better than Collins’ “best.” But his worst is also much lower. A team like the Titans, with a killer D and a consistent run game, arguably does not need to “risk” putting in a QB that will give them both great plays and big mistakes (similar to Favre and Romo). They need a QB who will be a steady hand.
If the Titans are facing a big game and they desperately need an offensive spark, then I can see Fisher sticking in Vince. Otherwise, even though I love Vince, it’s just not a good idea to throw him in there just for the sake of changing pace. It’s not fair to Vince either, because half of the world will be expecting him to pull a rabbit out of his hat in that situation and will rip him if he doesn’t.
by TheElusiveShadow on
Dec 1, 2008 4:14 PM CST
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Disagree with some of this
However, we are in agreement in the last part. Don’t put Vince in in the 4th quarter with all odds against him. That is designed for him to fail.
I don’t see any problem in putting him in for a handful of plays, though. It keeps the defense guessing. I think most of your arguments above apply in the context of him being a starter (specifically the 2nd paragraph). And, in that sense, we are in agreement. But in limited situations, you can mitigate some of that downside withthe defense being caught off guard and some vanilla playcalling.
Something else to add. It feels like Vince has changed from the beginning of the year. His enthusiasm on the sideline among other things makes me feel like he has that “passion” back.
by SuperHorn on
Dec 1, 2008 4:28 PM CST
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We all should agree on one thing...
What an awesome problem to have.
Think about it. The Browns are bringing in Mr. Ken Dorsey this weekend who will be set about like a maimed manatee in an ocean full of enormous sharks.
We actually HAVE a backup that is worth something. Not many teams have anywhere near the same chances throughout the playoffs if their starting QB goes down as the Titans do.
Also, 11-1.
The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall.
Vince Lombardi
by TmanInTn on
Dec 1, 2008 9:02 PM CST
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