Confidence And Humility Key In VY's Resurgence

By Jeremy Neighbours November 23, 2009

Titans quarterback Vince Young's career has been equal to that of a rocky road over the past 14 months since he was replaced by Kerry Collins in the Jacksonville game in Week 1 of the 2008 season.

Collins went on to help the Titans to an NFL-best 13-3 record before the team was ousted in the divisional round by the Ravens this past January. A season filled with promise couldn't have gotten off to a worse start as the Titans lost their first six this season, the last of which was an embarrassing 59-0 onslaught by the Patriots in Foxboro in Week 6. After that dismal performance, the team received a much-needed bye.

Enter Young at quarterback.

Now, three weeks later, the Titans have a three-game winning streak as they approach Monday night's game in Houston. Young has been an effective game manager through the last three games, throwing only one interception, as the Titans (3-6) reeled off three consecutive victories.

"I grew up a little bit," Young said.

For Young, the most important components have been staying humble and belief in himself and his abilities.

"It's part of growing up, man," Young said. "Even when I was playing before I was doing good things, but at the same time I was learning while I was going. But now I've had a year off to sit back, watch and learn and develop a little bit.

"Then, when I step into the game, it makes the game more fun because I know what I'm doing and I know the offense and I get to showcase my talent and bring my talent into the offense. It's definitely fun. The confidence level is getting higher and higher each week."

Young has completed 44-of-62 passes for 507 yards and two scores as a starter and added a rushing touchdown in the 34-27 win over the 49ers. Young's lone turnover during the Titans recent revival came in the form of an interception when he let a pass sail a little too high and it was picked off by Bills rookie safety Jairus Byrd.  The most crucial difference for No. 10 has been to take what the defense gives him .

"I say I'm more patient," Young said. "I'm not trying to force anything."

Young's patience and poise on the field has produced a 90-plus quarterback rating for him the last three games (114.1, 92.4, 90.4) which hasn't happened since the 2003 season when the late Steve McNair had four consecutive games of a 90-plus rating.

The 2006 third overall selection from the NFL Draft said he's had to concentrate on putting the past behind him and making the most of the opportunity presented to him.

"That's pretty much all you can do," Young said.