Tennessee Titans Morning Links: Maybe The Crowd Was Just Chanting 'Freebird' Edition
by August West on Nov 16, 2009 9:09 AM CST
in Tennessee Titans Links
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Der Commish was in the box with Bud Adams, and later on in the stands, at Sunday's game. I guess we're to assume that Goodell wasn't in the box when Bud let this double eagle salute fly. You can already hear the fun police coming down on Bud, but I personally thought it was pretty funny (as long as it stays an aberration). I'm sure he'll be fined, and I'm sure he'll never miss the money.
Vince Young's approach, mechanics and body language are a complete revelation this year and truly fun to watch. Combine that with the 3 game win streak, and Vince is garnering a lot of the respect he didn't get his first three seasons in the NFL.
Chris Johnson is the best running back in the NFL. Don't believe me? Still think it's Adrian Peterson and Chris Johnson has just had a few nice weeks this year? Check-out their career numbers through their first year and a half in the NFL:
| Player | Attempts | Yards | YPA | TDs |
| Johnson | 395 | 2,187 | 5.54 | 15 |
| Peterson | 414 | 2,164 | 5.23 | 18 |
Boom. Pan seared.
Follow us through the jump for my baseless speculation personal theory on why Bud Adams was giving birds for no charge on Sunday...
Mike Florio has a blah blah blah link on Bud's gesture, but I have a Florio-esque-'I have no evidence whatsoever and neither does anyone else so you can't just disprove the insinuation no matter how retarded or irresponsible it is, can ya?'-theory, but maybe Bud was talking to Goodell in that box about the CBA and the possibility of an uncapped year, and Bud didn't like what he heard? Maybe the double clutch wasn't meant for the Bills, but rather the Commish after he had left the box. Sure it's a stretch, but at least I'm admitting it upfront.
CJ extended his lead over the NFL in rushing yards to 174 yesterday. He's also still leading all non-QBs in total yards.
PFW says that Leroy Harris' versatility has boosted our O-line depth, and I couldn't agree more. Having a guy who has proven he can play four positions on the line and play them week gives the coaching staff more time to work with our young guys before throwing them to the wolves when someone goes down.
How awesome was that block VY threw Sunday when CJ reversed the field? Here's the video, with the block at the :37 mark.
Kenny Britt played a nice game overall on Sunday, while Finnegan, Vanden Bosch and Fuller took issue with a surprisingly mouthy Buffalo offense.
Despite all of the good atlk surrounding Young, the man still brings out the haters no matter what, like Ed Thompson of scout.com:
Though some are blinded by the euphoria that winning brings after a six-game losing skid, here are some facts from Young's performance over the past two weeks. He has completed 73 percent of his throws, but has moved the ball through the air an average of only 149 yards per game and thrown one touchdown pass. He has run the ball 17 times for an average of 2.6 yards per rush, scoring once.
Pretty mediocre stuff, to put it nicely.
The Titans defense continues to keep coming up with turnovers, specifically INTs, that simply weren't there in the first six games. Rod Hood also continues to prove why he should be the starter even when Harper returns at 100%.
Every time you read a great Titans-related story on the web and don't share it with the MCM community through the fanposts, fanshots or by emailing me at mcmaugustwest@gmail.com a Ravens (or Steelers) fan smiles. Is that what you want?!!!!?!?!
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I need 26 comments to get to 3000.
I’m getting it today.
"We really feel like we can go 10-0 in these last ten games...we’re trying to do something nobody has ever done." Chris Johnson
"This is the only building in the NHL that the fans get up and cheer for no apparent reason just to support us." - Dan Ellis
Official Graphic Designer/Researcher/Grammar Police of MCM.
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by Aditya T (smashville) on Nov 16, 2009 9:12 AM CST reply actions
100 more and you get a set of steakknives.
"hey, quit reading these ridiculous words of wisdom and get back to work!"
by stetix01 on Nov 16, 2009 9:15 AM CST up reply actions
I'm just a few away from 2000 myself
What do you want to talk about? ;-)
"I condone fun things" ~~ Cortland Finnegan
Re block that Vince threw
That kind of stuff is what made me love him his rookie year. Just that passion for the game. Gramsey texted me during the game “You don’t see #5 throw that block.” He is right, and that is why I love VY.
And the stuff with McNair’s kids makes me respect him even he were to have a meltdown at some point in this season. Some things are more important than football. That is one of them and Vince is showing us the type of person he is there.
Titans Blogger at Music City Miracles even though gramsey hates it.
by Jimmy on Nov 16, 2009 9:16 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
Agree totally
That too is what got me fired up for VY his rookie year. He loved the game and had fun.
Taking the time with Steve’s sons shows me more about him as a person and a man than the game. It really appears to me that Vince is growing up and understanding what is really important in life.
Back To The Future
by Voluntitan23 on Nov 16, 2009 11:09 AM CST up reply actions
fun police here.
i dont think fun was what bud was going for.
"hey, quit reading these ridiculous words of wisdom and get back to work!"
by stetix01 on Nov 16, 2009 9:17 AM CST reply actions
The block by #10 is my play of the game.
Official MCM Hater!
Retire #9!
by gramsey712 on Nov 16, 2009 9:26 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
Vince is the exact opposite
of a QB that just stands there.
"We really feel like we can go 10-0 in these last ten games...we’re trying to do something nobody has ever done." Chris Johnson
"This is the only building in the NHL that the fans get up and cheer for no apparent reason just to support us." - Dan Ellis
Official Graphic Designer/Researcher/Grammar Police of MCM.
Official Graphic Goon of OTF.
by Aditya T (smashville) on Nov 16, 2009 9:29 AM CST up reply actions
Vince's Interception
Even the pick VY threw yesterday was encouraging in that it was different than the ones we saw in the past. In 2007, a lot of the incompletions and interceptions involved Vince being on a different page than the receivers and/or not recognizing what the defense was doing.
Yesterday, Vince slightly over threw the ball and the safety made a great play. But, he was on the same page as Hawk. And, if you saw the replay, you’ll notice that the kid playing safety may have some of the best closing speed in the NFL. There is a reason he leads the league in interceptions.
Maybe the best thing of all is how he responded and recognized the other options that were available:
If you make a mistake, or you make a big play downfield and things like that, put it behind you and just get ready for the next series or the next play. I took a shot down there, I wanted to give Hawk (Lavelle Hawkins) a try, but at the same time, I should’ve just took the underneath route with Kenny Britt on the side.
Agreed
Jimmy and I discussed this last night on the radio show: he responded/rebounded very well, and DInger always encouraged McNair to throw those passes a few times when things were going well because even when he’s picked off it’s a glorified punt.
No matter how it ends, it opens up the field for Chris Johnson.
Music City Miracles blogger and official Jon Bovi tour manager.
by August West on Nov 16, 2009 10:05 AM CST up reply actions
even his screw ups
are revealing a lot of growth. i’m starting to think everything with vince was a case of “too much, too soon”. before, he clearly couldn’t handle his role as an NFL qb. now it seems like we are finally getting to see vince put in the hard work on the practice field/in the film room and it’s paying off on sundays. the most disappointing thing about vince was the lack of any real progress from year1 to year2 to year3. well, no more. he’s playing much smarter, he’s more accurate, and he’s got that leadership/swagger back.
all the nonsense about vince only putting up “mediocre” stats is pure bs, and belies a lack of understanding in regards to the game of football. he’s doing what he is asked to do. period. that’s all that matters from an individual standpoint in this league: are you executing the plays that the coaches put in front of you? vince’s answer so far is a resounding “yes”. it’s the same old discussion we used to have about kerry. vince is managing the game, minimizing mistakes, AND providing some schematic headaches for opposing coaches that never happen with a guy like kerry.
now his biggest test yet: SHOWTIME on monday night in a place where who knows what kinds of thoughts/emotions are going to be flying through his head.
The Dual Threat, Official Enforcer/Stat Geek of MCM.
This.
all the nonsense about vince only putting up "mediocre" stats is pure bs, and belies a lack of understanding in regards to the game of football. he’s doing what he is asked to do. period.
Vince is putting up 8.1 Y/A in the past three games. Drew Brees leads the league with 8.8 Y/A. As a starter, Vince is completing 70.9% of his passes, which would lead the NFL. His stats are dropped to 65% because of his limited play in back up duty.
That wasn't a bad pick, though.
I mean, it was 3rd and long, and if they don’t make a GREAT play, they have to punt. Where VY threw the ball was about as far as a punt+return would have swung the field. So… that’s a net non-factor.
What’s really impressive is that VY seems to have understood that and taken the chance anyway.
DannoE
"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one."
Hate from Scout.com
Missed the 1st lesson of introductory statistics and clearly isn’t due to “scouting” (which implies watching). The unimpressive running stats include 4 or 5 kneel downs and the completion percentage coupled with a healthy YPA of 7.6 tells much more than the aggregate yards. VY looks as good as ever running, he took off 3 times and got 3 first downs, consistently outran the DEs and LBs in pursuit.
But what’s really been notable has been the decision making and execution. Don’t know how long CJ will keep turning screens into 3rd down conversions, but the defense is giving it, Dinger is calling it, and the O is executing it. Does Vince help CJ in the screen game… probably… the LBs can only be so many places at once. This much is clear, on 3rd and manageable TEN is damn hard to stop… you might get a straight run with CJ, you might get a QB draw, you might get a zone read from the gun, you might get a straight option, you might get a boot, you might get a screen, hell you might even get a vanilla pass… what’s more, it’s pretty clear Dinger wants Vince taking shots down the field to keep the D from stacking it in those situations. What they’re asking VY and CJ to do is very similar to what BAL is doing with Flacco and Rice.
I still think some of the play calling in the 3rd Qtr. is a bit conservative, but who am I to complain, because there’s been 1 not so bad turnover and a lot of points scored with this offense. Really developing into an ideal offense for the philosophy of the team… I always believed VY could be the game manager on 1st and 2nd downs, and solid playmaker on 3rd downs this team needed.
Agreed.
The Scout.com guy is making an argument that, if carried to its logical conclusion, would result in fewer carries for CJ. Which is dumb reasoning. When your back has a relatively flat day with 130+ yards rushing and 100 yards receiving, it’s not time to start worrying about your QB’s down-field throwing percentage or YAC.
DannoE
"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one."
More on this guy from Scout.com:
1. Two games is not a sample size. And while we’re at it, what on earth does Alex Smith’s career progression have to do with whether or not VY can play clutch? Alex Smith =/= VY.
2. Who in the world would trade for Bob Sanders? The guys is a great player, sure, but he’s only on the field for like 10% of his team’s Defensive snaps.
3. Who cares?
4. What universe is this guy living in. Tom Brady gets more press coverage than anyone in the world, and he obviously doesn’t like it but gets it anyway. You don’t see him cutting Wrangler or Mastercard commercials. And yet, I hate to break this to you, but he is, like, an internationally recognizable superstar, widely regardes as at least the #2 QB in the game. People love the guy. Sheesh.
5. Uh huh. Dallas. How’s that working out for you this week?
6. You were wrong about Benson, you were wrong about Dallas, you were wrong about Brady… it just follows that you’re wrong about VY, too.
7. So what? The question is WHY isn’t it working.
DannoE
"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one."
It's just very selective...
Watching the games shows the QB making plays when called upon, taking care of the ball, and doing what any QB with CJ would do.
It’s almost a statistical certainty that with situational stats based upon 2 games you can come up with whatever you want.
Poor knowledge of statistics is no excuse for not watching the tape, they lead to asinine conclusions like this:
“Those trends don’t bode well for the Titans, as they show Young is at his worst when the leader of the offense is needed the most.”
Bottom line: 22 wins 11 losses as a starter
No one has been harder on Vince than me but at the end of the days wins and losses are the only stat that matters.
Back To The Future
where does everyone stand
on the pats 4th and 2 last night?
The Dual Threat, Official Enforcer/Stat Geek of MCM.
I get his reason for doing it
but I think you absolutely have to punt right there.
Hard to kill him for it too much though when you look at his resume and the fact that his team is something like 75% successful on 4th downs in the last few years.
Titans Blogger at Music City Miracles even though gramsey hates it.
i consider this one the peyton exception
against peyton, when he is on in the 4th, im not giving him the ball back, esp. if i have the pats offense needing 2 yards to nail the coffin shut, regardless of where it is on the field.
The Dual Threat, Official Enforcer/Stat Geek of MCM.
I didn't watch the game, but if they were running well, then...
…it wasn’t a bad call. I mean, Manning and company had just scored twice in like 4 minutes. Clearly NE’s Defense wasn’t making plays. So he probably took what he thought was the more reasonable gamble.
DannoE
"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one."
you have to punt the ball and play defense
They were having some sucess in stopping the Colts in the 2nd half. Bellicheat thought he was playing Madden
Back To The Future
by Voluntitan23 on Nov 16, 2009 12:05 PM CST up reply actions
His video guy had just showed him the video of the Colts' defense the last time they had run that play
And they were sure they would get the yardage.
Official MCM Hater!
Retire #9!
I hated the call...
You have to punt and make them go the distance. Especially given the circumstances. But, he did convert for the first, so his play call was good, just not the right time for bravdo with no time-outs left, 2 minutes left, and the short field for Peyton.
Rephrase..
He would’ve converted for the 1st down, had they been able to review it. He did catch and control the ball beyond the line.
disagree
i think the bobble was called correctly and caused him to lose forward progress. if he caught it clean, first down no doubt. but yeah, the timeout management was bad, and if he knew he would go for it on 4th, he should have run it on 3rd and 2.
The Dual Threat, Official Enforcer/Stat Geek of MCM.
yes he did not control it cleanly IMO
Back To The Future
by Voluntitan23 on Nov 16, 2009 12:30 PM CST up reply actions
To me, on the replay..
..Yes, he bobbled it. But, it looked like he finally got control of it before he hit the ground, and still ahead of the line.
all true, but I think it's the right call.
I’m doing a post on this later, actually but as I’m sure Hal knows, mathematically, you’re more likely to win going for it there than punting to Manning, and when you do the math, it isn’t even close.
Here is a quote from advanced NFL Stats (a cool blog):
“With 2:00 left and the Colts with only one timeout, a successful conversion wins the game for all practical purposes. A 4th and 2 conversion would be successful 60% of the time. Historically, in a situation with 2:00 left and needing a TD to either win or tie, teams get the TD 53% of the time from that field position. The total WP for the 4th down conversion attempt would therefore be:
(0.60 * 1) + (0.40 * (1-0.53)) = 0.79 WP
A punt from the 28 typically nets 38 yards, starting the Colts at their own 34. Teams historically get the TD 30% of the time in that situation. So the punt gives the Pats about a 0.70 WP.
Statistically, the better decision would be to go for it, and by a good amount."
T-Rac's Posse - T-Rac is one boss raccoon.
My personal Tribute to Air McNair
by T--Rac's Posse on Nov 16, 2009 12:33 PM CST up reply actions
A 40% fail rate is too high to be seen as compelling evidence to go for it, IMO.
Music City Miracles blogger and official Jon Bovi tour manager.
by August West on Nov 16, 2009 12:43 PM CST up reply actions
What about the 79% vs. 70% win percentage?
And, actually, I suspect that it’s even lower than 70% because some percentage of the time those punts will result in a return or block for a touchdown, which isn’t factored into that equation.
It also doesnt factor in Manning when with the 70% there
T-Rac's Posse - T-Rac is one boss raccoon.
My personal Tribute to Air McNair
by T--Rac's Posse on Nov 16, 2009 1:34 PM CST up reply actions
the 60% conversion figure everyone
is using is not accurately applied. that’s a league average, which is great for sample size, but “league average” was not lined up on offense last night. that was the highest powered offense in football taking the field trying to get 2 more yards to go with the 475 they already had.
with that pats offense against that colts defense, the odds had to be minimum 80% in favor of conversion. obviously that’s a made up stat but if you replay that down 10 times, i see 8 or 9 first downs. the colts brought a blitz, the pats were expecting it and brady made the right throw. if faulk catches it cleanly, game over. backing manning up 44 yards (pats punting net avg. on the night) really doesn’t make me feel any better about the scenario.
The Dual Threat, Official Enforcer/Stat Geek of MCM.
how does giving him the ball on your 28 feel
Ya gotta punt and play D
Back To The Future
by Voluntitan23 on Nov 16, 2009 1:21 PM CST up reply actions
or
you can catch the ball cleanly. these days, if peyton has 2 minutes and only needs one score, you’re either going to get lucky or you are going to lose
The Dual Threat, Official Enforcer/Stat Geek of MCM.
Thank you.
Peyton + 2 minutes is that same as most QBs with 4 minutes. If Belicheck was more worried about stopping the Colts than making 2 yards, then he did the right thing.
DannoE
"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one."
matchups
the current matchup was the pats greatest strength vs. colts greatest weakness. punting flips the matchup in the colts favor. so the choice was either put faith in your best guys to beat their weaker guys, or you give the ball over to the other team and let their best guys go at your weaker guys. with the game on the line, i want my best guys on the field, not the other team’s.
The Dual Threat, Official Enforcer/Stat Geek of MCM.
But they had some sucess in stopping them in the 2nd half
No question Peyton is the best in the league (maybe of all time) in 2 minute drives. Granted if you make the first down you win the game but sometimes you have to win it on defense. I am just old school I guess, to me you punt from your 28. 48 yard line OK, maybe even 38 but not from inside your thirty.
Back To The Future
by Voluntitan23 on Nov 16, 2009 1:34 PM CST up reply actions
What you're saying is right.
But if you’re the Pats, you’re not trying to win with Defense. You’re playing to your strengths. And like Hal said, their strength is Offense.
DannoE
"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one."
good stuff....
you have to punt the ball when your playing peyton manning, any part of the field with time to spare is dangerous with #18, ESPECIALLY the 28. yeah its only 2 yards, but teams have been stuffed with inches to go, plain and simple i would have punted and let the D try and get the win.
"Waiting for the return of the Mac"
"Let VY loose, give him the chance to play his heart out. for himself, for the titans...and for mcnair"
"Titans & Texans fan, dont bug me w/your petty b.s., life's confusing enough."
Dumb as it gets
I know the percentage argument, and I get the reasoning, but in reality it’s missing the forrest for the trees. Mannig had already thrown 2 picks, and I’d rather make him drive the whole field than risk giving him a gimme, especially being down 6 points. At least down 7 it’s just overtime…
That was an EPIC FAIL.
Music City Miracles blogger and official Jon Bovi tour manager.
by August West on Nov 16, 2009 12:38 PM CST up reply actions
It was the right call.
Especially in light of how well Peyton was playing. For those that didn’t read it, check out this study on when to go for it on 4th down. The chart below represents the conclusion of the study. In the event of a tie (ie on the line), you go for it.
Great chart
We need to take it into 5 dimensions with time remaining, relative quality of teams, and point differential to really capture the situation, however.
Only if it's very specific.
Ie. It’s 4th and 2 on the opposing 20 with :01 second left and you’re down by 2, you obviously kick the field goal. But, then, you just use common sense.
Beyond that, you should always do what is statistically in your favor, regardless of time, quality of team, etc.
does anybody know
our third down conversion % with VY instead of Collins? it has to be a lot higher.
playmaker....
comes to mind.
"Waiting for the return of the Mac"
"Let VY loose, give him the chance to play his heart out. for himself, for the titans...and for mcnair"
"Titans & Texans fan, dont bug me w/your petty b.s., life's confusing enough."
One last thing...
What about the Pats poor use of their timeouts? Better game management and they could have challenged the spot. This one is on Belicheat
Back To The Future
This is where Belichick and Brady did blow it
T-Rac's Posse - T-Rac is one boss raccoon.
My personal Tribute to Air McNair
by T--Rac's Posse on Nov 16, 2009 1:32 PM CST up reply actions
Big Daddy Drew said it all:
Know what other genius coach would have made that ballsy call, Boston fans? Mike Martz.
Music City Miracles blogger and official Jon Bovi tour manager.
Then Mike Martz would have been correct
T-Rac's Posse - T-Rac is one boss raccoon.
My personal Tribute to Air McNair
by T--Rac's Posse on Nov 16, 2009 1:36 PM CST up reply actions
Martz was frequently correct.
People forget his successes. I mean, his Offense in Detriot was the last time that franchise was even mildly successful, just to name the most glaring example.
DannoE
"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one."
Young helps Titans with arm, legs and blocking....
…….hey dont tell me, tell the city paper. good to see there is signs of good reporting for your local papers. and im sure they are having a field day as of these last 3 games. the offense is flowing nicely, defenses are looking confused at least half of the time if not most of the time, and were seeing tricks that would never be happening with KC at the reigns.
i dont mean to lay into the guy, he is a good qb. but with all the young talent that is developing as of late, the perfect piece would seem to be to put in a QB that can match the athletic ability, MAKE THROWS both on the run or in the pocket(is improving), and can just use his god given abilities to make something out of nothing. that’s what VY can bring to the table, he did it for the beginning part of his career and was damn good, but with all the things he went through, ppl have seem to have forgotten. but its all good, he’ll remind you, and with dinger working with him in the offense it will make him better as he progresses.
the defense is looking better for the most part, but i cant understand why the hell were biting so hard on the play action and or fakes of the same sort, we never used to do that. i think something small but underlying with the change of defensive coaches has made a difference from last year to now. b/c the big plays are killing us, and so is tackling, too many times we could have stopped plays for much less. but as i said for the most part they are looking better, hood has made a big impact, and just to tell the truth im a little scared of harp getting back his spot from rod. id think were in some trouble if that goes back to the way it was.
i just hope that the running game continues and VY can contain all the emotion and put it towards playing good mistake free football and doesnt try to force anything. b/c there is no way your getting less than 150% from Vince in this game, monday night, another homecoming, S*********T, i cant wait! but i expect VY to have a bunch of targets on his chest, mario will try to prove something, ryans is looking to show his linebacking skills further more, and cushing looking to act on a probably small grudge him being from USC and Vince being from Texas. we are in store for a great monday night game no doubt. hopefully a nice dose of CJ and VY can bring us the W for the 4th straight week.
"Waiting for the return of the Mac"
"Let VY loose, give him the chance to play his heart out. for himself, for the titans...and for mcnair"
"Titans & Texans fan, dont bug me w/your petty b.s., life's confusing enough."
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