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Why VY & Leinart Will Sit In '09

One day after Vince Young publicly stated that he was focused on winning back the quarterback job in Tennessee — or finding a way out of town if he didn’t — his agent has provided us with his client’s form of crisis management. Matt Bowen

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One day after Vince Young publicly stated that he was focused on winning back the quarterback job in Tennessee — or finding a way out of town if he didn’t — his agent has provided us with his client’s form of crisis management. Today, I want to discuss why V.Y. will sit in ’09 and how Matt Leinart’s situation in ‘Zona is no different, minus the drama.

The Step Back

We see it all the time in pro sports — and politics, too —when a public comment that sparks controversy is followed one day later by a press release intended to diffuse the situation.

And that’s exactly what Major Adams, Vince Young’s agent, did today when he told the Nashville City Paper that his client wants to be a Titan -- and all the other politically correct things you say when your client sticks his foot in his mouth.

I don’t have a problem with that, and I think we can all agree that we knew it was coming. This story will die down soon enough, and we can all get on without any more drama from Vince Young.

But that doesn’t hide the fact that Young will most likely watch the beginning of the season from the bench while Kerry Collins and running back Chris Johnson march the ball up and down the field.

And if Collins continues to play with the maturity and the strong arm he’s known for — plus that new money he just got for the next two seasons — maybe this is really the end of V.Y. in Nashville.

But as I see it, V.Y. is no different than Leinart out in the Arizona desert, only there’s a drought when it comes to drama in Phoenix.

The Situation

If we think about it, the drama created by Young in Tennessee is no different than the quarterback situation between starting QB Kurt Warner and back-up QB Matt Leinart — only there’s no story to talk about.

It’s a strange coincidence that Leinart and Young -- who were both drafted in the first round of 2006 and played against each other in what some have called one of the greatest college football games in the 2006 Rose Bowl — are both sitting behind aging veteran quarterbacks who are coming back to defend division titles.

But Young has made it a point to publicly state that he should be starting under center, while Leinart has been quiet in Phoenix. Two different approaches to going from the best new thing in the NFL to learning the hard way, but two very similar situations when it comes to football.

And it doesn’t look to end any time soon for either of these guys. Collins has a new deal and the approval of head coach Jeff Fisher, while Warner has a new deal and the approval of head coach Ken Whisenhunt.

For either Leinart or Young to play meaningful minutes in 2009, the ship is going to have to sink — and that’s just the reality of the situation as I see it.

Our own Michael Lombardi did an excellent job discussing Young’s situation Tuesday here at the NFP, and I happen to agree with everything he wrote, because if Leinart said the same things, well, then we’d be having the same discussion about the Cardinals. Both of these young quarterbacks still need time to develop into professional quarterbacks, and both of them are going to sit and learn as they watch from the sidelines.

And that’s because the guys playing in front of them are more seasoned, and at the end of the day, each gives his team a better chance at winning on Sundays.

I don’t know what the long-term future holds for Young or Leinart, but the reality is that they’re not ready to lead their teams to the playoffs. If they were, we wouldn’t be having this discussion.

And if Young didn’t cause a distraction for himself and the Titans this week, we wouldn’t be talking about him either, because he’s still the back-up quarterback — whether he agrees or not.

Comments

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Yeah
Jun 03, 2009
03:21 PM

Excellent work, Matt. Very good assessment. Ten years from now, Vince Young will look back on all this and be embarrassed. Then he'll feel humility. Then it will be too late because his NFL window of opportunity will be dusty, cracked and painted shut. If Oprah were to start up a parenting/advocacy program for rookies in the NFL, she would make a killing. That's it, Vince. We got your number, brother. 1-800-GO-OPRAH. Ask for help.

Da Coach
Jun 03, 2009
04:18 PM

I think Leinart would have a ton of value if Kurt plays well again this year and the Card want to move him...

VY has a ton of value working construction with Vick and that's about it.

T-Rac's Posse
Jun 03, 2009
04:26 PM

I think Young has just as much value as Leinhart. What makes Leinhart better than Vince Young? I don't have any love for VY, but I don't see how anybody could think Leinhart would carry more value. Why? stats-wise they both suck, but at least Vince led his team to the playoffs one year. Leinhart is completely overrated and useless and possesses no leadership qualities. Neither does VY, but at least he's athletic.

Chris
Jun 03, 2009
05:35 PM

I agree with T-rac. I don't care too much for Vince Young as a QB but at least he brings SOMETHING to the table. I'd take Young long before Leinart.

Mr.Murder
Jun 03, 2009
06:23 PM

Niether at their current price.

Mr.Murder
Jun 03, 2009
06:26 PM

Neither*

Cardsfan81
Jun 03, 2009
09:11 PM

As a Cardinal fan, Matt Leinart has been huge disappointment and I have little reason to beleive that will change anytime soon. Outside of Carson Palmer all of the recent USC QB's have limited upside or poor work ethic or both. Products of the USC system and the talent around them. Leinart will be challeged by Brian St. Pierre in Arizona. Politics and his contract will assist him in being name the back-up to Warner.

As for Young, he has the size, arm strength and physical ability to be a star in the league. Good to see and hear some of his competitive juices flowing for a change. Much better propect than Leinart. Not even close.

Jerry in Texas
Jun 04, 2009
12:38 AM

Matt, is "Major Adams" any relation to "Major Tom" from the song by David Bowie? Just curious if you're old enough to get this reference. Because they both sound like they are as much out of touch with reality.

WC
Jun 04, 2009
01:38 AM

"Now he found himself in a situation last year obviously where he got behind Kerry and Kerry won ball games. Vince in his mind, and I think rightfully so, is trying to improve and in that process sees that to be competition. If Vince comes out and is clearly, clearly better than Kerry, then Vince plays."

Jeff Fisher

Matt... do the Titans win with a game manager in 2009? Haynesworth is a beast, and judging from the bidding for his services the Titans D takes a step back in 2009. Does Collins get the job done? 12 passing TDs in 2008 with great D, special teams play (think field position), and run-game production. Too early to write off VY. Collins was playing to keep his job/get extension in 2008... aging 74 career rating passer probably doesn't get the job done in 2009.

Paul P
Jun 04, 2009
11:01 AM

Lest we forget Arizona enjoyed one of the most unlikely of seasons last year, and barring injury Young is still that teams starter. It's not going to take a miracle to make Young and Leinhart starters again.

If nothing else, both should be grateful to Warner and Collins for cementing a pass-happy offense for them to inherit when the times comes.

T-Rac's Posse
Jun 04, 2009
11:29 AM

Paul P, do you watch the Titans play?

Pepe'
Jun 04, 2009
11:32 AM

Matt,
Your article is not accurate when you state the VY is not ready to led his team to the playoffs. You seemed to forget that he already led his team to the playoffs. Collins choke in the playoffs and does not deserve to start. I dont blame VY, if he was starting last year, the titans would have won the super bowl. The real Kerry Collins stood up in the playoffs and the result was a lost.

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