Titans should go to the air more with Young

By Marc Hudgens  |   Wednesday, October 03, 2007  |  Comments( 0 )

Tennessee Titans
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Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young is the apple of the NFL's eye, it seems. And for good reason.

In just three games this season, the ex-Texas Longhorn and Heisman Trophy candidate has a 62.7 percent completion rate, 426 aerial yards and three passing touchdowns. Additionally, he has one rushing touchdown and an average of 4.6 yards per run. At this rate, Young will surpass most of his accomplishments from last year, his impressive rookie campaign.

In the Titans' win over the Saints in Week 3, Young really shined, throwing two touchdowns in front of a national audience that watched the game on ESPN.

Despite Young's heroics, the Titans are currently ranked 30th in the NFL in passing yards per game 149.3). Given Young's abilities, that stat is a bit surprising, but head coach Jeff Fisher recently said Tennessee's offensive emphasis is on the running game, which is the reason why huge vertical numbers aren't being amassed. However, the running game hasn't produced a ton of yardage, either, in spite of talented backs LenDale White and Chris Brown, so it appears the offense isn't living up to expectations.

Given the immense talent Young has, the only way to bring Tennessee's offense around is by letting Young pass more. Wideouts Eric Moulds and Brandon Jones have pretty good hands and should be used downfield.

The offensive line is key to Young's success but appears marginal. During the first three games of the year, the unit has allowed five sacks, and the average rushing yardage has dwindled in the same time period -- the Titans' backfield averaged almost 6.0 yards a touch in the opener, 4.0 yards and under 3.0 against New Orleans. Thus, there appears to be a serious blocking and running problem. Ergo, the time to pass is now.

Young was a consummate leader while at Texas. He can pass, run and lead his teammates -- all the things a coach wants in his quarterback. With Young's youth and potential, it's time to put him to the test and see what he can really do through the air.

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About Marc Hudgens

Marc Hudgens has been with RealFootball365 since 2007, covering college football, specifically Clemson and Oregon. He also writes for SouthernPigskin.com covering the ACC. He enjoys the acidic wit of Hunter S. Thompson, is a freelance graphic designer and has written several screenplays. He...
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