Making strides: Evaluating Vince Young’s Play against the Buffalo Bills

So 3 weeks starting for Vince Young and the Titans have 3 wins. However, those 3 wins have come against crappy teams. And yet… This game against the Bills presented some things from Vince Young that really impressed me.

Impressed With:

• Played well when depended on: Chris Johnson still ended up doing his thing and plus some, but early on the Bills were containing him quite well. It put the offense into some 3rd and 8’s and Vince delivered. On top of it, he hit a big play to Kenny Britt, and also found Washington for a Touchdown. If Vince doesn’t step up there early, the Bills could’ve taken a big commanding lead, which in turn would’ve curtailed the use of Chris Johnson in the running game, and would’ve made it much more difficult to win.
• Making better reads each week: In past years, there would be a handful of plays a game where Vince’s first read would be covered, and Vince would respond by panicing and making an inexplicable throw. Not now. When his first read is covered, he is immediately looking to the checkdown and making an accurate throw, and if that isn’t there he is taking off. The decisiveness of it is impressive and good to see. He really is in full command.
• No panic: Vince is portraying a calmness and maturity that, frankly, is astounding. This is total armchair psychology but I wonder if it has something to do with the death of his mentor Steve McNair. Even during this past offseason, we’ve seen childish behavior from Vince and dumb quotes. Yet since the death of McNair, nothing. Reserved, cool, calm, smart would be the words you would use to describe Vince. It impresses me, and in an odd way makes me proud of him and admire him.
• 1st turnover of the year: A turnover is a turnover, but there are degrees of turnovers. Vince’s was one that is almost the best possible scenario for a turnover. Why? Because A) It was the proper read. The guy who he chose to throw to was the open man. The ball just sailed on him B) It was a long 3rd down and he threw it deep, so the net yardage was similar to a punt and C) It was picked off by a guy who is averaging 1 interception a game and has exploded in recent weeks with his play. Vince made the proper read, the ball sailed on him (which happens. Did you see Peyton Manning’s first interception in the New England game?) and a rookie phenom made the play. I can live with that. On top of it, Vince came out and maintained his confidence and composure and kept playing well.

Remaining Concerns:

• Still haven’t played a good team: It’s just a fact. Quarterbacks can fool you in small sample sizes against bad teams. Look at Trent Edwards. Heck, if you started watching the NFL 3 weeks ago, you’d also think Jake Delhomme should be a Pro Bowler. I am not suggesting Vince Young’s recent good play is fraudulent. My point is this: we don’t know until the Titans play some good teams. I love what I am seeing, but I need to see more.
• Chris Johnson is unbelievable: I’m gonna keep saying it until it happens. I want to see what Vince does when the game is put on his shoulders. Chris Johnson playing out of his mind and there is the possibility that Vince is doing so well because Chris Johnson is doing so well. Football is hard to judge since everything is related and connected, so I still have my doubts on whether Vince could be doing this without Chris Johnson setting records.

So far, I’d give his performance a B+. He’s done everything asked of him, he is playing smart, and he isn’t forcing the issue. However, until he has to throw for 250 yards for the Titans to win, or he has to find a way to win with Chris Johnson not playing so well, I can’t give him an A.

Keep it up, Vince. I’m loving it.

Tags: Chris Johnson, Evaluating Vince Young, Is Vince Young the Quarterback of the future?, NFL Week 10, Starting Quarterback Vince Young, Vince Young, Vince Young Wins!!!, Vince Young's Play against the Buffalo Bills