the year they went to the superbowl, i remember specifically giff nielson being on 610 one afternoon in an interview saying that the titans should consider starting niel o'donnel after the game in buffalo since they wouldn't let mcnair pass. I also remember rich lord saying the same thing.
But there's a big difference between mediocre passing numbers (what McNair was in the 1999 regular season) and terrible passing numbers (what Vince has done so far). Also, McNair was a much better rusher and playmaker.
Kudos for remembering that. I didn't listen to much talk about the game that year, but I ended up watching it and pulling for those players to win it all. My beef was with Bud, not with Neckville or those players. But then they retired Moon's number and Matthews's number in Neckville. Ever since then, screw the Titans. Screw Bud Adams. Screw Neckville. May they go 0-16 every year. Too bad Houston native Vince Young ended up there. Good kid, nice player. But he now plays for the devil.
and mcnair was also in his fourth season (i know you addressed this), and i don't think I can agree with the rushing comment.
I remember because I called the station and lit into him, for being a former qb and suggesting that the starter be benched in the middle of the playoffs. it was so stupid because that game was in buffalo and they didn't almost lose because of mcnair, it was fisher's usual ultra conservatism that almost bit him in the ass in the game down here two weeks ago. playing for field goals.
Did you read the numbers I posted at the bottom of the last page? 4.7 YPC and 8 TD (in 11 games) vs. 3.6 YPC and 1 TD (in 6 games). At least thus far, McNair was a much better rusher.
I suppose it's a little more fair to at least compare McNair's 2nd year to Vince's year this year, but you'd still have to keep in mind the other variables which make this hard to compare: their o-lines, the quality of opposing defenses, injury, coaching scheme (which I guess is pretty similar in this case). To me, Young has a lot to prove on this level before I'll consider him McNair's equal in terms of rushing or passing. He may get there. He may make all of his detractors look like blithering idiots within the next couple of years. But so far, his team's record notwithstanding, he looks awfully pedestrian to me.
I'm not going to compare numbers just yet until this season is over, plus mcnair never really was the starter till his third year.q
its very similar imo, other than mcnair played behind probably the best oline never to win a superbowl. but they both have what's considered sub par receivers, both have good running games, both have good defenses. advantage team wise because of oline, mcnair.
McNair's first year as a starter(3rd in the league): 216-415(51.2%), 2665 yds(6.4ypa), 14TDs 13 INTS - 70.4 rating. 104 rushes, 674 yds(6.67ypc) 8TDs, 7 fumbles(1 lost). Vince's rookie season: 184-387(51.5%), 2199yds(6.2ypa) 12TDs, 13INT - 66.5 rating. 83 rushes, 552 yards(6.65ypc) 8TDs, 6 fumbles(2 lost). I'd give the edge to McNair's Titans on the surrounding talent especially at offensive line and at running back. But otherwise it's virtually identical production.
But most people have a problem with Vince this season; not last. Vince was undoubtedly one hell of a playmaker last season and deserving of all his accolades. The problem is his regression from season 1 to season 2. The Titans are a very good team, but His impact has been minimal.
despite the woeful game sunday he's still completing sixty percent of his passes. vince needs to cut down on picks, he will never throw a lot of tds playing for fisher.
His completion percentage is high essentially because he's playing a David Carr, checkdown style offense that would allow any quarterback to post a high percentage because the majority of the throws are within 5-10 yards of the line of scrimmage. His yards per attempt (5.82) is the third-lowest among league starters (only Tavaris Jackson and Alex Smith are worse). Last season, with all the complaints about Carr and his checkdowns... even he managed a meager 6.3 YPA and combined it with a 68 percent completion percentage. That said, yes I know that he's still developing as a quarterback and it's too soon to make a final judgment. It's certainly possible he'll turn it around -- he was a much better quarterback last season. But this particular season has been bad for him so far.
One nit, picked: his season this year isn't as good so far; more people are pointing that out. But, there *were* people calling Vince "average" or "below average" last year, pointing to things like Passer Rating, etc. I wasn't too impressed with Vince's passing game at all last season, and I said as much (but I wasn't as vocal or negative as others).
Could you imagine Andre Johnson having to depend on Vince Young right now to throw him the ball? Behind this offensive line?
Who are you kidding... behind this line VY would have already broken 3 ribs, an arm, leg, and his nose.... all before week 4. OH and to answer the thread's question.... I got here late. Injuries + lack of depth = Texans 07
the line is bad but it looks worse and worse when the run doesnt need to be respected. the first 2 games the line looked pretty darn good but when the running game dried up-ahman injury-the pocket just started insta-collapsing on shaub
