Outsider Perspective: Vince Young for MVP

Disclaimer: I am an avid Miami Dolphins fan that was recently part of an intense debate to who the "Titan's MVP" would go to.  This was the inspiration for this post.  I wished to provide an outsiders perspective on the way Tennessee's season is turing out.  

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Vince Young is the Titan's MVP.

The definition of the MVP award is the "most valuable player" for the league, or in this case, a team. 

As you all know, the Titans began the season 0-6 and "undoubtedly" solidified their slot in suckage with the 59-0 outing vs. the Patriots.  However, many (if not everyone) spoke too soon.  The Titans are now 5-6.  The main difference:  Vince Young.

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Opposition to the previous argument was from the standpoint of Chris Johnson being the Titans MVP.  With stats this amazing it's hard to argue.

Carries: 217       Yards:  1,396       Yards per carry:  6.4   TD's:  9 (10 if you count receiving)

He is leading the NFL in rush yards by a whopping 276 yards. (2nd place being Steven Jackson, RB St. Louis, with 1120 yards.)

But here's the key:  Without Vince, they couldn't win.

After the embarrassing showing vs. New England, the ownership made the move to start Vince Young at QB after the bye week.  Here are Vince Young stats so far:

TD's: 4(+1 rush)  INT's: 2 (one of which was towards the end of the snowy debacle in New England)  Yards:  1,010 

Vince has also compiled a QB rating of 90.2 (tied for 12th in the NFL).  A respectable figure to say the least.

Here it is, it comes down to this:  Vince=wins.  Sure, if this were my "Titan heisman" award, then Chris Johnson would get it no doubt.  But it's not that type of award, it's the most valuable football player on a team.  And value for a team means wins, which is what Young brings.

You might think that Chris Johnson playing better could be the reason for the Titans' newfound winning streak.  

YPC (through first 6 losses):  6.16           YPC (through 5 game winning streak):  6.76

TD's (during losses):  2                      TD's (during wins):  7

Big differences, right?  To me, the increase in stats for Johnson has occurred because of the dual-threat that Young presents.  Defenses have to put a spy on Young because of his dangerous ability to run the ball.  Thus, opening up giant holes for Johnson to break through.

Also head coach Jeff Fisher has said that the team is simply playing the game with confidence and having fun with it now that Vince is the starter.  He said that they don't worry about the rest of the season anymore, they worry about the game at hand, because that's what their season is riding on.

Did you know?  No one else in the history of the NFL has rushed for 3 85+ yard carries in their career?  Johnson has done it this season alone.  Needing mention, two of them came with Young starting.

We know that the Titans couldn't win without Young for a fact.  But what we don't know is whether Young could win without Johnson.  This reason alone is enough for me to give Young the nod for my "award".

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