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Tue Oct 27, 2009 8:25 pm EDT

Titans' QB moves could affect the 2010 NFL draft

By Doug Farrar

It's come out that Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams, figuring he's got nothing to lose at 0-6, wants head coach Jeff Fisher to start quarterback Vince Young(notes) this Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. "I have been wanting (Fisher) to play Vince Young more because (Kerry) Collins has been having his problems out there,'' Adams recently told the Tennessean. "I just think we need to find out how well (Young) can do. If you don't play the guy and lose all your games, it is hard for you to see what he can do for you. Vince has won a lot of games for us.''

Fisher has to be under the gun, despite his status as the NFL's current longest-tenured head coach, and having the guy who owns the team come out and start exercising his right (whatever it may be) to make personnel decisions can't be a step in the right direction. Young "won" 17 games for the Titans in 2006 and 2007, but quarterback wins is a shady stat at best. The Titans finished near the bottom of the league in 2006 in passing first downs, attempts, completions, yards, touchdowns, and net yards per attempt. It was the same story in 2007. Placing too much credit on one player is a very dangerous enterprise in a team sport like football, and that's never more true than when your team is built on a running game and defense.

In mop-up duty for Kerry Collins(notes) in 2009, Young is 0-for-5 with an interception, and he's going to ding the team to the tune of a $14.2 million cap hit in 2010. So it makes sense to see if Young has anything left in the tank, though I suspect the football minds in Nashville already know the answer.

If Young bottoms out and Collins is at the end of the road (both likely scenarios), that puts the Titans in the pole position to draft (and perhaps overdraft) a quarterback in 2010. Colt McCoy of Texas and Florida's Tim Tebow have questions about their abilities to fit NFL offenses, Sam Bradford of Oklahoma now has shoulder injuries that will likely take him out of the top 10 unless he revolutionizes the quarterback position at the 2010 Scouting Combine, and Washington's Jake Locker is just learning the NCAA version of the pro-style offense, never mind the real version. Due to their current quarterback situation, the Titans could set the market for quarterbacks in the 2010 draft -- and then get upended by it.

Related: Kerry Collins, Vince Young, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans

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40 Comments

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  1. Robert C
    1. Posted by Robert C Tue Oct 27, 2009 8:46 pm EDT

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    Wow, do really think the college QB's are that bad? Tebow would not fit the Titans at all. Not sure if they would want another Texas QB...pretty sure they won't. Bradford should be fine...but yes, there will be risk. Jake Locker looks like he may end up going number one...who woulda thunk it. I guess it is that bad for the TItans.
    I still think they need to just turn Vince loose. Let him be Vince...stop trying to turn him into a pocket passer. Just let him play without all your restrictions. What could it hurt?
    With Lendal, CJ and Vince back there....hell, run the wildcat, why not. Nothing to lose...just start trying new things.
  2. EZ
    2. Posted by EZ Tue Oct 27, 2009 9:43 pm EDT

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    I completely agree the dude has something to prove and if he is gonna be a good QB now is the time to show.
  3. 2twins4u@...
    3. Posted by 2twins4u@... Tue Oct 27, 2009 9:44 pm EDT

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    I agree. Even if they draft a QB, he might be like Jamarcus Russell, who also needs a whole lot more coaching. Vince has nothing to lose. Even if they trade him, he could go to Tampa or St. Louis and turn out to be a great QB. If he does improve greatly on another team, then that's egg on the Titans faces. But if Fisher gets fired, he can go to Dallas or San Diego who will be needing a coach by the end of this year.
  4. secure334
    4. Posted by secure334 Tue Oct 27, 2009 9:58 pm EDT

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    he can at least put his hat on strait. i guess they are writing off their season.
  5. rushmore
    5. Posted by rushmore Tue Oct 27, 2009 10:33 pm EDT

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    The Titans do not need a superstar QB; they need a competent QB who can make short, accurate passes to prolong drives and to augment the running game. The Titans' DEFENSE is absolute garbage this year, due to loss of personnel (injuries and free agency). Last year, the Titans were successful because they had a competent QB, a terrific running game, and a stifling defense.... their formula works and their team is built around it. To go after a first round QB in the 2010 draft would be a mistake. They need to reload their defense and draft a decent QB in the fourth or fifth round, or seek a journeyman QB in free agency. To waste time and money trying to pick and groom a superstar would be counterproductive at best (Vince Young) and another abysmal season or two or three at worst. Great QB's are too rare to hope for. A rational, high-probability success rate decision would be to work around the system you already have in place... a system that is proven to win championships.... a system which, until this year, the Titans have been reasonably good at putting together.
    But, ultimately, play Vince Young the rest of this season... pray that he does well... and then try to trade him for multiple picks and/or players who FIT THE SYSTEM.
  6. rushmore
    6. Posted by rushmore Tue Oct 27, 2009 10:33 pm EDT

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    The Titans do not need a superstar QB; they need a competent QB who can make short, accurate passes to prolong drives and to augment the running game. The Titans' DEFENSE is absolute garbage this year, due to loss of personnel (injuries and free agency). Last year, the Titans were successful because they had a competent QB, a terrific running game, and a stifling defense.... their formula works and their team is built around it. To go after a first round QB in the 2010 draft would be a mistake. They need to reload their defense and draft a decent QB in the fourth or fifth round, or seek a journeyman QB in free agency. To waste time and money trying to pick and groom a superstar would be counterproductive at best (Vince Young) and another abysmal season or two or three at worst. Great QB's are too rare to hope for. A rational, high-probability success rate decision would be to work around the system you already have in place... a system that is proven to win championships.... a system which, until this year, the Titans have been reasonably good at putting together.
    But, ultimately, play Vince Young the rest of this season... pray that he does well... and then try to trade him for multiple picks and/or players who FIT THE SYSTEM.
  7. Lynn G
    7. Posted by Lynn G Tue Oct 27, 2009 11:31 pm EDT

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    I said it before, the Titans are playing for the draft. This dingo pup can't even place his cap on right, let alone hit one of the can't-catch Titan receivers.
  8. NEVIN
    8. Posted by NEVIN Tue Oct 27, 2009 11:49 pm EDT

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    The Titans absolutely need a superstar QB. Every team needs a QB that can win games by slicing through defenses. The NFL has molded itself into a passing league over the years. Balance is important but if I had to choose I would chose to load up on dangerous passing weapons. Vince Young needs stability around him as he doesn`t seem to be able to handle a complex defense(which includes the entire NFL). Short of a miracle Vince Young will not be a Titan next year. Miracle being that the coaching staff gets an overhaul and the next head coach decides to build around Young. Vince needs a simple offense that allows him to run first and make half of his throws out of the pocket. It will be interesting to watch as Vince Young and Jeff Fisher`s future are now tied together. Either way I believe Fisher wants nothing to do with a Vince Young led team.
  9. YGM
    9. Posted by YGM Tue Oct 27, 2009 11:51 pm EDT

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    Wow. at least my Tom is not crappy like that. GO PATRIOTS
  10. Legal Eagle
    10. Posted by Legal Eagle Tue Oct 27, 2009 11:55 pm EDT

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    But how is Vince Young being a run-first team anything different than what Collins did last year? Vince Young went 10-6 in 2007 without Chris Johnson doing essentially what Collins did in 2008, neither guy is world beating or anything of the sort but Vince Young wasn't brought in to be the world beater of passing 40 times in a game, he was brought in to throw when he needed to but to really compliment the running game with his mobility. Now if anybody thinks Vince is going to turn this train wreck of a football team is mistaken, but if Vince can ball like he did in 2007 then there is nothing to worry about and the Titans can spend a first round pick on a CB.
  11. rushmore
    11. Posted by rushmore Wed Oct 28, 2009 12:36 am EDT

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    Of course every team wants a QB who can slice up opposing defenses and create wins with his arm. I am just saying that this isn't a realistic scenario because A) it is very difficult to find and groom this kind of QB in the draft, and B) the Titans have a team which is (or was) defense centric.... the perfect storm has happened to them this year: a marginal QB like Collins cannot win games playing from behind. The defense gives up more points than this offense can hope to match. Last year, the Titans overwhelmed teams on the defensive side of the game and forced THEM to play from behind. Most teams make mistakes when they get into these games and the Titans' D took advantage. Obviously, the Titans would love to have a Peyton Manning fall into their laps, but that is precisely the problem.... Peyton Mannings of the league don't just come around very often and it takes a special team to provide them with the tools they need to be successful... good WRs, the right kind of offensive coordinators, etc.... The Titans really haven't proven that they can or want to do this. The Titans are built to be successful in a different way altogether. They can and will win games when they fix their defense and find a QB who manage games more effectively around their strong running attack. I don't think Vince Young is this kind of quarterback. In some ways he is too talented for the role he asked to play. He wants to make big plays, not manage games. I think he will thrive in a team more suited to his abilities and more willing to take advantage of his strengths while minimizing his weaknesses. If such a team exists, I do not know. Let's put it this way, when people think the Wildcat is some new fangled "experiment", you know that the league is very conservative in the way it thinks about play calling.
  12. Travis
    12. Posted by Travis Wed Oct 28, 2009 12:43 am EDT

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    Quarterback wins certainly is a shady stat. I assume you're in my camp that Marino is the best QB of all time then, right Doug? I'm not being sarcastic here. The whole ring thing is taken too far.
  13. dan9545085
    13. Posted by dan9545085 Wed Oct 28, 2009 2:00 am EDT

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    Titans should pick up Brady Quinn from the Browns. The Browns could then take Vince Young or Micheal Vick to quarterback the team. Whichever player they decide not to take the Raiders should pick up to replace Russell. Many teams have talented quarterbacks in backup positions that could thrive in another teams offense as the starter.
  14. LB Smooth
    14. Posted by LB Smooth Wed Oct 28, 2009 2:48 am EDT

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    The Titans would make a huge mistake to draft a QB. Most teams who have QB problems have problems at other positions on offense as well and the Titans fall into this catagory. This is a very conservative offense for a reason and it isn't because of Collins or Young. Young should be the starter but the team does not trust him after last seasons melt down. Only chance for Young to start would be if Collins get injured or Fisher is fired or he is released.
  15. Mitchell
    15. Posted by Mitchell Wed Oct 28, 2009 5:52 am EDT

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    The Titans not only need a QB, they need a new offensive philosophy. FisherBall is dead. He still believes you run to set up the pass, and kick field goals, control the clock, keep the other team off the field. Works fine if you have a dominating offensive line, a good running back, receivers who can catch the ball, and a QB who can deliver it. Also you have to have a good pass rush, and excellent defensive backs to control the opposing teams passing game. No, too many variables. Just do like Spurrier would do, let the other team score so we can get the ball back. Worked for him, seems to be working for Saints and Colts. So really his philosophy is about as dated as leather helmets. Your passing game will create running lanes, it's the opposite with rules designed to encourage offense. They don't have rules to encourage defense. So get an offense which works in today's league, not the 1960-70's. This is 2009, get rid of Heimerdinger, and Chuck Cecil, because they have let you down, and get a QB, and a couple of receivers, maybe a TE, and .....well, you get the idea. We stink. Time to blow it up and start over.
  16. Thomas
    16. Posted by Thomas Wed Oct 28, 2009 6:28 am EDT

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    I feel that Mr. Bud has the right to say who he wants to start after all who pays the bills? I felt like that after TERRY had his problems early in the last game why wait to put Young in when you are 59 points down.After reading others storys the best qurterback was Bart of the Green Bay Packers.O! I'm sorry most of you don't know who L'm talking about. Read your past NFL history and compare it to todays NFL.
  17. Matt
    17. Posted by Matt Wed Oct 28, 2009 8:51 am EDT

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    Why would the Browns pick up Vick or Young to be their QB and let Quinn go?
    That makes no sense. IF they decide to let Quinn go and get a new QB it'll be a guy like Campbell who's actually been 'ok' recently, not some scrub off the bench. Vick is not a QB anymore, period.
  18. Legal Eagle
    18. Posted by Legal Eagle Wed Oct 28, 2009 8:52 am EDT

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    I know Titan fans must miss Norm Chow, because everything that he did with Vince worked and everything since he left hasn't. Every team wants a QB that is going to light up the score board and throw 3 TD's every game, but lets get realistic there are hardly any Qb's that can do that year in and year ot, the Titans are a running team with a solid defense. The Titans should trade down in the first round and acquire picks to replace an aging Defense because nobody is going to turn around that trainwreck. Last year was a flash in the pan for Kerry Collins and I would suspect that is becoming very clear to Adams, So why shouldn't Vince Young start, the season is dead anyways, so might as well start Vince and see if they can go into next season with him as the Qb? Hell, he might look like he did in 2007 and 2006 where the small ball was good. But the Titans need to sign some CBs or something, isn't Ty Law available?
  19. David
    19. Posted by David Wed Oct 28, 2009 9:32 am EDT

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    I think the Titans should look at Philadelphia's Kevin Kolb as a future QB. And if Fisher gets fired I'd take a look at
    Jim Harbaugh at Stanford. His brother is doing well with the Ravens.
  20. Forty
    20. Posted by Forty Wed Oct 28, 2009 9:51 am EDT

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    ITS wierd ....Chicago fans are saying that Lovie Smith should be fired.......but Titan fans are sticking with Fisher!!!
    Nobody wants to teach Vince......just critize him. The only person that was willing to teach him was cut then died a year later...sad
  21. williemckelvey
    21. Posted by williemckelvey Wed Oct 28, 2009 10:26 am EDT

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    learn football. Game 1 special teams had one blocked and missed one field goal, vs Steelers at home. Special teams failure. Game 2 score 21 to 7 lost 34 to 31....blame defense secondary for loss.....game 3 14 to 0 before taking the field, came back and go up 17 to 14 and again defense can not hood the lead...several fumbles on special teams loos the game, plus receivers can not catch ball; Tennessee ranks # 1 in catchable balls that are dropped....each one on its own stopps the drive...the failure of this team is purely defense and receivers...period. They should be questioned every day.
    Look at the sack count against last year. Look at every oposing QB passing for over 300 yards...whose failure...it is not Collins or Young....but special teams and defense. This team should be 3 and 3 and if they won the first 3 games would they have lost to Jacksonville? The score against Colts was 7 to 6, with 5 dropped balls, the blowoutin England is a result of the teams effort, pus 8 dropped balls...this is a team that has no defense, no real receives, and a total ship wreck on running game. If you take away CJ one game, he is in the lower half of all running . backs...Period Simpley put, Vince is a looser for 45 million, the owner is meddling, and Collins really does give them the best chance. We should all listen to QB Gannon, who failed to win SB, has the most interceprtions in a SB game, and at best is a journey man qb. When owner get involved, the coach is jsut a pupet, look at Oakland. I like Vince, but he really is not a pro qb....neither is the dog killer from Atlanta

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