Vince Young isn’t drawing much interest around the league
Matt Bowen of the National Football Post writes that quarterback-needy teams aren’t discussing Vince Young as a potential option for next season.
From the scouts and coaches I talk to in the NFL, he isn’t looked at an as option, an upgrade in the current landscape of the QB position in the league. There are questions that surround his game, starting with leadership skills. Can you see him as the leader of your locker room, your huddle? How will he handle adversity on—and off—the field? Can he take hard coaching? Realistic questions after the situations we saw down in Tennessee.
Plus, there are general concerns about his game on the field. Some in the league see a QB that has taken steps backwards in terms of the position. Footwork, mechanics, etc. Areas that haven’t improved. And anytime you hear the words “worth ethic” with an NFL QB in a negative manner, you start to wonder who is going to take a chance on this guy.
Considering the CBA mess, it’s not surprising that we’re not hearing more Young rumors. Then again, none of what Bowen wrote is surprising. Teams have to be scared about bringing this guy in, especially as a starter. He clearly has maturity issues and whether or not you believe Jeff Fisher was mostly at fault for Young’s downfall in Tennessee, you have to admit that VY didn’t help matters with his poor attitude.
That said, I wonder if someone like the Bills would be interested in bringing Young in to compete with Ryan Fitzpatrick. I’d personally rather have Fitzpatrick under center than Young, but Chan Gailey has a track record of working with mobile quarterbacks and maybe Young can reinvent himself in a low-key city like Buffalo.
Follow the Scores Report editors on Twitter @TheScoresReport. You can also follow TSR editor Gerardo Orlando @clevelandteams and @bullzeyedotcom, and you can follow TSR editor Anthony Stalter @AnthonyStalter.
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Posted in: NFL
Tags: Buffalo Bills, Vince Young, vince young bills, Vince Young rumors, Vince Young trade
Regardless, VY is going to have to take a severe pay cut and backup position until he can prove anything.
Far cry from his exciting win over USC, huh?
You would rather have Fitzpatrick over VY? Yeah, right! If you mean that you are stupid. Regardless of VY’s alleged poor attitude he continues to be a winner…Unlike journeyman Fitzpatrick. And if the Good Old Boys of the NFL can give Ryan Leaf second and third chances, VY should never be out of work…I’m just saying!
Yeah, right! If you mean that you are stupid.
God forbid someone disagrees with you because that makes them stupid. I love that line of reasoning.
I would take the time to share why I would rather have Fitzpatrick over Young, but I don’t want to insult you with my highly inferior point of view.
Thanks for reading, Michael. Have a great day.
i think vy would fit perfectly backing-up a peyton manning,tom brady or drew brees.those teams would keep his attitude from interferring with the game.though he may not play alot,he would still have a job!!
Vince was either too dumb or to lazy to learn the line calls last season according to several offensive linemen.. he even got into a pissing match with CJ over a mistaken call.. better think again regarding backing up Brady, Manning or Brees
And Anthony if you can honestly say you would take Fitzpatrick over VY, you are an idiot. My belief isn’t based on emotion, rather fact. I look at wins and losses and by virtue of both, VY has out performed the 16 year vet who has stolen money from NFL teams throughout his career! Did you see your boy Fitzpatrick in this past year’s playoffs? Hardly a savvy vet. As for VY, it’s funny how all this negative talk of him subsided when his mediocre Titans were winning under his guidance. The fact is he is a winner…And based on that fact alone, historically the Good Old Boys have afforded (Winning) players multiple opportunities…Facts not fiction!
@Michael
Are you serious? Is this a prank? This is a prank, isn’t it?
Did I see my “boy” Fitzpatrick play in this year’s playoffs? No I didn’t, because he plays for the Buffalo Bills, who haven’t made the playoffs since 1999.
I thought maybe you were being facetious with that comment but then you laid this on me: “Hardly a savvy vet,” indicating that you truly do believe that Fitzpatrick played in the postseason last year. And Vince Young has “out performed the 16 year vet who has stolen money from NFL teams throughout his career?” Fitzpatrick has only been in the league since 2005. Not even the guerrillaest of guerrilla math will get you 16 if you count the number of years between 2005 to 2010/2011.
So who the hell are you talking about? Do you even know who Ryan Fitzpatrick is or are you thinking of someone else?
For a guy who is consumed by “facts not fiction,” you sure have yours wrong.
Come on, Michael — get with it. If you are going to call someone an idiot you need to at least know who the hell he’s talking about. That’s Internet Debating 101.
I must admit that I confused Ryan Fitzpatrick with the Fitzpatrick that backed up Cutler in Chicago…My bad…But even still, VY still has a much better resume that eitehr of the Fitzpatricks. Here is a guy who is a two time Pro Bowler, has a great winning percentage as a starter, and has shown that when he plays the teams responds by winning. All I am saying is based on the history of the NFL, a guy of his pedigree has been given a second and or third chance. Not to mention, if the Titans do let him go, who do they have to go to? And what do they return to…Mediocre?
Michael,
The Chicago quarterback you’re thinking of is Todd Collins. No wonder you thought I was an idiot.
Let’s drop the Fitzpatrick/Young argument entirely because you clearly don’t know who Ryan Fitzpatrick is so there’s no sense going back and forth about that. (Not trying to be a dick, just stating the obvious.)
When it comes to Young, supporters like yourself point to his winning percentage as a starter and make the assumption that the guy hasn’t been given a fair shake. But there are some serious concerns about his leadership and maturity that you’re overlooking here. Michael Vick had a winning percentage as a starter in Atlanta but he even admits that he wasn’t willing to put in the work it took to become a Super Bowl-winning quarterback. (And in the end, what else is there for a quarterback besides having what it takes to take your team to the Super Bowl?) Forget the dogfighting stuff – Vick didn’t have the intangibles of a Manning, a Brees, a Rodgers, a Brady or even a McNabb. He just didn’t get it and IN MY OPINION, Young doesn’t either.
You’re not going to go to Pro Football Reference and find a stat for leadership. If the above report is true and teams aren’t interested in Young, I think there’s a reason for that. Don’t you?
While I don’t appreciate the stupid/idiot comments, I give you credit for coming back, Michael. Most readers would have bolted never to return after the Fitzpatrick mix up.
Anthony allow me to first appologize for unnecessary insult. Regarding VY, what I find amazing his how a guy who is so NFL decorated is not being given the same opportunities to redeem himself as QB’s in the past with lessor accomplishments have been given. Let’s see, VY is a two time Pro Bowler, Rookie of the Year, and proved to be a catalyst to turn around a sub 500 team on two ocassions. And why is it when Rivers, Eli, Sanchez, Ryan, or Flaco’s teams win ball games it is because of the QB…Yet, when VY’s teams win games it in spite of him?
Additionally, I find it funny that during 2006, when VY was bringing the Titans back from an 0-3 deficit, no one questioned VY’s work ethic. Or how about in 2010, when the Titans began 0-6, we never heard of work ethic issues. And to VY’s credit, he did improve his game evidenced by his NFL leading QB rating prior to his season ending surgery.
And while I don’t condone VY’s actions against Fisher, I do believe the bigger issue with the Titans has been Fisher…A mediocre coach who was allowed to hang around by the Gold Old Boys way too long. Since 2006, look at the team’s wins with VY versus without him…And you tell me objectively who really needed to go! Again, I apologize for the insult Anthony.
Michael,
I think it’s big of you to apologize and I truly appreciate it. You rarely see that on the Internet these days. Thank you. Let’s continue our discussion because it’s a good one and this is exactly what blogs are intended for: to spark debate!
I think many Titans fans share your sentiment. As you noted, here’s a QB that won ROY, went to two Pro Bowls, led the Titans out of the doldrums not once but twice and he isn’t given the benefit of the doubt when situations arise. I don’t knock your opinion and you do bring a lot to the table with your argument.
There are many pro-Young, anti-Fisher people out there. I actually was anti-Young and anti-Fisher by the time the season concluded. I think both needed to go and Tennessee needed a fresh start. I highlighted my qualms about Fisher here.
But given all of that, if I were a GM of a NFL franchise I still wouldn’t touch Young. Let’s say VY’s undoing in TEN was all because of Fisher. This still was someone who had to be chased down by a teammate after he threw his shoulder pads into the stands following a game. Everyone gets frustrated, but leaders cannot act like that. You can’t have the most important player on your team behave like a child. (Those actions also followed the offseason incident in which he threw a punch at a guy in a strip club. Again, this cannot happen if your a starting QB in the NFL.)
I think the difference between you and I is that you look at Young’s on-field accomplishments and will tolerate some of the off-field behavior. (You also think he was given an unfair shake by Fisher.) Where as I look at the off-field behavior as a reason not to trust him on the field. But hey, maybe all the guy needs is a fresh start.
Again, thank you for the apology and I hope you keep coming back to TSR.
Anthony, let me first address VY’s alleged throwing of the pads in the stands. According to VY, he never threw his pads in the stands. And to that point, why/how is it the media can catch Mark Sanchez eating a hot dog on the sideline, but we are yet to see footage of VY throwing his pads in the stands? I will tell you why, because it didn’t happen…Because as I said, you would see some type of footage of it had it happened.
And regarding VY’s off the field behavior, what has VY done to not merit a second opportunity? You know, I think back to how Cutler forced his way out of Denver…Remember, he never had a winning season while with Denver, yet, after one good season in Chicago, the media couldn’t stop singing his praises.
Again, I refer back to your statements concerning VY’s off the field problems, and I ask you to enumerate them…Because the only incident I remember is the strip club incident. But Anthony, when all is said and done, isn’t winning all that counts? Because I remember what the team did last season with VY and without him. CJ was average without him, Brit was never the same, the defense totally tanked, and Moss appeared to be human. Yet, Titan nation was willing to give Fisher one more chance…Really? VY is a winner and he can lead my team any day.
PS. I do apologize for my earlier behavior and I look forward to future debates with you.
Michael — Schefter’s report on the Young tirade. It’s common knowledge that he threw his pads into the stands. He said he didn’t do it on Twitter and then took down the tweet. What does that tell you?
I think he deserves a second chance as well, but it’s not like his stock should be very high right now. He needs to take a class in Maturity 101.
John, are you telling me that in an age where the media captures everything on tape including a player eating a hot dog during a game that there is no footage of pads being thrown in the stands? I find that amazing. Second, I saw VY deny throwing his pads into the stands. He said he threw his hat and sweat bands (as he always does) into the stands in particular to. The daughter of a Titan team employee because she knew what he had been going threw. Lastly, how many times has Adam Schfter been wrong about a story? Was he there? And who am I to believe Adam or VY? One last thing on maturity, are you going to recommend that same 101 class for Big Ben, Curled, and Alex Smith? Because they clearly has been given chances inspite of their maturity issues, right?
Michael – Young admitted he threw his shoulder pads into the stands after first saying that he didn’t. It wasn’t Schefter’s report – he just twitted the news.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/11/22/vince-young-i-just-
want-to-play-football/
And I do remember there being video at some point, but a quick search on YouTube doesn’t come up with much.
I think what you’re saying is because he always throws his wristbands and stuff into the stands that it was normal for him to throw his shoulder pads as well. Like, hey, he does that every game. But throwing your wristbands into the stands is a little different then tossing your shoulder pads. He did it out of frustration, which is why I keep harping on the immaturity issues.
To answer your questions about winning, yes, that’s what matters in the end. But what has Young won? People are starting to chirp about Matt Ryan b/c now he’s 0-2 in the postseason and he’s 33-15 as a starter (counting his playoff record). Young lost his one and only playoff game and unlike Ryan, he doesn’t appear to be getting any closer of reaching the postseason again.
I know, I know – the quarterback is only one player. It’s a team effort. But if you want to use the winning percentage as the end all be all, then let’s compare him to guys like Ryan, Flacco and Rivers, whom all have winning records themselves. Would you take Young over any of those guys?
Let’s come at this from another angle. Give me a list of non-Super Bowl winning quarterbacks that you would take over Young. So exclude the Mannings (unless you would rather take Young over Eli), Brees, Brady, Rodgers, etc.
Everything on the field of play is covered but I could see someone throwing his pads in the stands not getting caught on camera if it happens quickly. Both reports say that he admitted to doing it, though they don’t have the quote. Plus, he took down his tweet where he said he still had his pads. What does that tell you?
Anthony, in your post you stated that VY admitted throwing his pads into the stands. Funny, with such an admission, why didn’t ESPN, Fox Sports, or one of the local media outlets carry VY admitting he threw his pads into the stands. Surely, Yardbarker or MSN.com has VY talking about throwing his pads in the stands, right? Can you forward me the link? And think about it, what sense does it make for Youtube to remove this footage from its site? None, because it never happened.
And Anthony, winning is all that counts. While Ryan and Flaco have had success, what have they won? The same thing as VY…NOTHING! But, where I give them the edge is one, when VY did lead his team the playoffs he had “NO” weapons on his side of the ball as the above listed QB’s do. Secondly, the majority of the times when VY has been thrusted into the starting role, his stupid coach decided to insert him when the team was at a deficit…O-3 or 0-6…Stupid coaching.
And personally, I would take VY over Flaco and Ryan for the “Titans” system VY is in. I think with CJ, Brit, Bo Scaif, and VY at the helm, the team has proven to be pretty formidible. VY’s talents open up the games of the Titan players listed above. See, I look at the players system because more than not, that determines a player’s success. Plus, I would love to see what VY could do with a “REAL” coach who has an offensive mind and could prepare a game plan to use VY’s talents.
And non-Super Bowl winning QB’s I’d take over VY…Jim Kelly, Fran Tarkinton, McNabb, Marino, and Steve McNair. How is that list?
And another thing Anthony, people keep mentioning VY’s lack of leadership…But, how do you explain since 2006, he has been the only quarterback to have a winning record with the Titans? If he truly has no leadership ability how do you explain players who collectively had lost 3 and 6 games consecutively all of a sudden allow this “Non-Leader” to lead them to 500 records? How do you explain the Titans’ best receiver Brit, honoring VY on national TV by writing VY’s initials on his towel for everyone to see? And how do you explain the league’s best RB wanting VY back on his team? Or how do you explain other teammates publicly expressing this love for VY, sacrificing their future with the team?
And as far as immaturity, did he force his way out of Nashville as Cutler did in Denver? Did he argue with teammates and the media as Ryan Leaf did? Does he taunt and argue with rival fans as Rivers does? Does he fail to stick to the game plan as Favre does? Has he been charged with sexual assault “twice” like Big Ben? Did he force his coach to be fired like Elway did Dan Reeves? I am just asking.
John, with all due respect, your post is assinine. On the one hand you say everything on the field is recorded, yet you say something of this magnitude could have gone unnoticed. Really? You say he did admit to doing so, yet there is no quote…Hum? Sounds kind of fishy to me.
Michael — I said everything on the field OF PLAY is covered. The sideline and the 10 yards behind the sideline are not the field of play. The cameras are not looking for players throwing their pads into the stands, especially if the game is still going on.
He tweeted that he still had his pads and then took down his tweet. THAT’S fishy to me. And multiple reports said that he finally admitted throwing his pads into the stands. It could have been simple as a “yes” when asked that question. The reporter wouldn’t have quoted a one word answer.
By the way, asinine just has one “s” in it.
I think this shoulder pads discussion has effectively run its course. I’m not sure what else you’re looking for, Michael. Young first said he didn’t throw his shoulder pads into the stands, tweeted about it, then took the tweet down and personally told Adam Schefter (of ESPN) that he did do it. Then he removed the tweet. You asked for a link, I provided one above – the entire story is right there. I can’t get you Vince Young sitting on the toilet in his own home saying that he threw his shoulder pads into the stands. I’m sorry, I don’t have that kind of access.
As far as the Charlie Sheen winning topic goes, you’re throwing the Matt Ryan thing in my face for no reason. I made my point about Ryan b/c he’s 0-2 in the postseason and VY is 0-1. Neither of them has won anything. Then you come back and point out that neither of them has won anything. Yeeeeessssss…I know.
You would rather personally have Young over Ryan and Flacco in Tennessee. Fine. Cool. No problem. Again, this all comes back to opinion. I wouldn’t. That doesn’t make me wrong and you right or vice versa. It all comes down to matter of opinion and we’re going to keep going round and round about this but come back to the same conclusion. (By the way, I was looking for CURRENT non-Super Bowl winning QBs that you would take over Vince Young, you silly Vince Young-loving knucklehead.)
You know, you remind me of me about six years ago, Michael. I used to be the theeeee BIGGEST Michael Vick supporter you’d ever see. People would say he was a running back and not a quarterback and I used to get furious. People didn’t see what I saw. They just didn’t get it. He didn’t have any weapons. It was Dan Reeves’ play calling. Then it was Greg Knapp’s fault. He never had a No. 1 wideout. The defense wasn’t good enough. ‘Look at his winning percentage and tell me he can’t win!’ I used to shout from the rooftops. And his off-field stuff (this was pre-dog fighting, by the way)? Whatever. Didn’t matter.
Then you know what happened? During the latter months of the 2006 season, the Falcons played the Saints at home and they got their ass handed to them. Atlanta and New Orleans were battling in the NFC South and the Falcons didn’t show up. As usual, Vick ran for 150-plus yards but he couldn’t find water if he threw a rock into the ocean. He was horrible. Then he walked out of the Georgia Dome that day and flicked the fans off and for whatever reason in that moment I realized: This dude just doesn’t have it. He doesn’t have what it takes to lead a franchise. He has all of the athletic talent in the world, but he just doesn’t get it. He’s immature. Sure, there are other factors at play here (Greg Knapp still sucked as a coordinator), but Vick’s work ethic and demeanor are at the heart of the issue. He might rack up the regular season wins but that’s about it.
Maybe Young will go on to lead a team to the Super Bowl some day. If he does, you can look me up and I’ll eat crow. But something tells me you might have your own VY moment someday. Either way, there’s not much more to say here. I would rather have several other QBs lead my team than Young, you would rather have him over Ryan/Flacco/etc., which is fine. You’re entitled to your opinion.
Anthony, as I have told you, I don’t condone VY’s actions against Fisher…However, I do recognize that he has made the Titans a competetive team with him at the helm. And the crux of my argument is that I can’t believe how people and the media minimize VY though he is NFL decorated. And I still stand by my argument that other players of lessor decoration have been given second and third opportunities to resurrect their careers.
Additionally, if Cutler, Alex Smith, Kyle Orton, or Rex Grossman had the winning record of VY with their respective teams and had a run in with their coach, they would be given a second opportunity to lead their respective teams!
Lastly, unlike you being a Vick apologist, I am not a VY apologist. Do I think VY needs improvement…Yes? Do I agree with his outburst against Fisher…No! Do I think VY needs better study habits…Absolutely! Having said all that, I still think VY is a viable QB who has proven when given the opportunity he can win ball games. And Anthony, I must say it is a pleasure debating with you.
Michael – good man. I’ve enjoyed our debate as well and I look forward to more so make sure you keep stopping by TSR.
This was your best comment about Young. Straight-forward, to the point and I finally grasp your opinion about him. So now we’ll just have to see where the young man winds up and whether or not all he needed was a second chance. There’s no doubt he has talent and yes, he has won in this league in the regular season. I think if a good coaching staff got a hold of him and he actually took his game to another level in terms of studying, then maybe he can rise to another level. But we’re in see-and-wait mode, my friend!