GarageGabs

Vince Young has been awarded the NFL’s offensive rookie of the year in blowout fashion.  Young earned 23 votes out of a possible 50, which easily beat out second place Marques Colston and Maurice Jones-Drew who had nine each.  I’ve been on the Young bandwagon for much of the year, and although I personally felt Jones-Drew should have won the award, Young is deserving as well.  It was what you might call…a good year for rookies.

Now, I’m the first to admit that Vince Young is a huge talent, but I think a good dose of “whoa boy” might do Young, the Titans, the media, and his fans some good.  Let me make myself clear…..the same thing that scares NFL defenses about Young…..is what scares me; his feet.  Don’t worry, I’m not one of these people that worry about Young getting hurt because he runs around so much…nah, I’m more of a history buff myself, and you don’t have to go too terribly far back in history to find a quarterback that was hyped because of his running ability.  Rewind time back to 1997…..the NFL was being introduced to a 3rd year kid, nicknamed “Slash”.  That’s right, I’m talking about Kordell Stewart.

Stewart was in his 3rd year in the NFL but had only been used as a gimmick buy in the past.  Now he was a starter, had thrown for over 3000 yards, 21 TD, and ran for another 11 TD.  Stewart was being hailed as the “new breed” of NFL quarterbacks.  He could dominate a game not only with his arm…but with his legs as well.  He was as can’t miss as it gets.  65 Interceptions later he was out of the NFL.  You had to be around in ‘97 to understand the hype this guy was getting…..and you had to be around in ‘03 to see what a joke he had become.

Not to be redundant, but you can run the numbers on Mike Vick as well.  Great runner, but leaves something to be desired as a passer.  GROSSLY over hyped.  I’m not sure what happens with these young, fast guys…but it’s as if defenses “figure them out”…this is the NFL.
I’m not saying Vince Young isn’t good, or won’t be an NFL all-pro.  In fact, I think he will.  I’m just saying lets give this guy some time….when he struggles, lets give him some time.  Keep in mind he completed just over 50% of his passes…and threw more picks than TD’s.  It seems he has a bit of a flare for the dramatic….”clutch” I think is what it’s called.  Clutch, of course, isn’t easily relayed in statistics and it isn’t always a lock.    Early success has a bad habit of coming back and biting players in the rear.  Young is always going to be clutch…and a gamer, but it’s going to take more time for him to develop as an NFL passer.  Time and pieces around him.  It’s not as if the Titans are loaded with offensive talent.  Young worked his magic this year with empty top hats.  Give the kid time to mature….not personality wise, but on the field.  He already seems wise beyond his years, has a good head on his shoulders, and is grounded…but he’s still gonna need time.  People are going to expect Young to come out next season and continue to win games….I’m sure the Titans will be a playoff pick.  If Young begins to struggle and people begin to call him a bust, just slow down….and remember this post.  Kordell Stewart can happen to anybody.