This Just In: Vince Can Play in the NFL
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by user Leslie Monteiro
Where are all the Vince Young critics? It is interesting that they have not been around as of late. There is a good reason for that. Vince has proven that he can play in the NFL. His performance and the Tennessee Titans winning games are proof positive that he has made it in this league.
One would think that these same people would admit that they are wrong, but no one has yet come up to the plate. Instead, we are hearing how Devin Hester, the sensational return man for the Chicago Bears, should be the Rookie of the Year for returning punts for touchdowns. As great as Hester is, Young should win the award for winning games on his own, despite the fact that his team is nothing special. Hester's team at least has great defense and solid wide receivers. The Titans were a team in chaos before their head coach, Jeff Fisher, decided to insert Young as his starting QB instead of watching Kerry Collins self-destruct on the field.
It is mind boggling why some experts thought Young would fail in the NFL based on his Wonderlic test scores and his lack of arm. Just because he scored poorly on the Wonderlic test does not mean that he will be a bad quarterback. Dan Marino scored badly on that test, but he is in the Hall of Fame.
People are so enamored with SAT scores, IQ tests and Wonderlic tests. Those tests mean nothing. Just because someone did poorly on the test does not mean that they are stupid or will be unsuccessful. People should be judged on how they react to situations.
Who knows what anyone saw to make them think Young would fail, but they were off base. A quarterback does not win a high percentage of games and the collegiate national championship by being very lucky. He has to play smart to win the games.
A quarterback has to have that “it-factor” to win games, especially tight ones. He has to inspire his teammates to play for him. He has to give them the faith and belief that he can lead them to the promised land. He has to have that confidence in himself that he can win these types of games.
Vince has all three of these factors. That type of attitude has made him a winner in high school and college. Why should all of this change because he is now in the NFL? The NFL is a tough level, with teams that have great defense and speed.
With that said, great quarterbacks figure it out. The Titans quarterback has done that because he's got a great work ethic and is a guy that likes to learn different things at that position. Titans offensive coordinator Norm Chow knows how to get the most out of his quarterbacks, as Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart can attest. Those two quarterbacks were Chow’s apprentices when they were at USC. If those two could figure it out, why would Young not figure it out?
Young’s work ethic and attitude was going to make Chow’s job easy. So what was the problem according to the experts?
Vince has proven that he can make an impact in the college game and now in the pros.
The Texas Longhorns have been underachieving under their head coach, Mack Brown. Some wondered if Brown would ever win a big game. He finally did twice last year. He finally defeated his tormentor, Bob Stoops, who has found ways to out coach the Texas head coach whenever Texas played Oklahoma in the Red River Shootout. He also won a national championship last year against heavy favorite, USC. He can thank Young for overcoming both hurdles. Young's play was the reason why his team finally got over the proverbial hump.
The Titans have a five-game winning streak after they defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday afternoon. They can thank their quarterback for making it happen. It is no coincidence that he made it happen.
He has brought the team new life with his play and infectious attitude. It has rubbed off on his teammates. They have played much harder. They are much more focused and they are playing with discipline. He has brought a spark to the team. He has won at least two games on his own during the winning streak.
Young put his stamp on the team on November 26 at home against the New York Giants. He engineered the Titans comeback with the help of Adam Jones. His first rushing touchdown and two touchdown passes got the Titans a 24-21 victory, after his team fell behind 21-0 in that game. He also had a very good performance against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday when he ran to the endzone and threw touchdown passes.
He just found a way to get it done. He was very calm and composed in that game. He knew that he would lead his team to the victory. He kept playing, which is what great players do when their team is in crisis on the field. This is something great quarterbacks have done. This game was an indication that he has arrived in the NFL.
His best moment was last week in his hometown, Houston. He ran the ball in for 39 yards to score the game-winning touchdown against the Houston Texans. Houston should have drafted him as their first pick, considering their quarterback, David Carr, is a bust. It was reminiscent of what Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick did against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome on December 1, 2002. In that game, Vick decided to run to the end zone to score the game winning touchdown in overtime.
Young got a cheer from the fans at Reliant Stadium. He clearly enjoyed that moment and he should have because he played well in that game.
He has been successful so far because he does not make mistakes. He knows when to throw the ball, run the ball, and give the ball to his running backs. His decision making has really been impressive. He runs a play on his own, which is what quarterbacks should be doing. Most quarterbacks are being told by their coach and their offensive coordinators to run the plays from the script. This does not help them. They need to know how to make decisions on their own because it will only help them be very good in the long run.
Young is so fun to watch. It is great to see him do well. What he did in the Rose Bowl was inspiring to watch. That should have sold people on his abilities. The leadership, the decision making, and the intelligence from him was something else. He also brings that passion and love for the game which make him successful. This is just priceless. It is hard for anyone to have those attributes. It is easier said than done. This is something a Wonderlic test score cannot teach.
Vince can play. It is only going to get better. Enjoy watching him and appreciate what he does.
