Vince Young? Not really a fit in Miami

Vince Young spent time this offseason in South Florida where he was seen at more than one charitable function that included other NFL types.

The word around town is Young was doing his good deed but also making himself very visible to the Dolphins' organization as a good man that would be good for the team and community. Yes, Vince Young would welcome the idea of competing for a starting job as the Dolphins quarterback, according to several sources.

More than one former NFLer who saw Young at an event tells me Young was building his reputation so that the Fins could consider him when time comes for them to add a quarterback once the current lockout ends and the league year opens.

Young is expected to be available, probably as a free agent, if the Tennessee Titans can be believed. Ownership in Tennessee has made it abundantly clear the Vince Young experiment has run its course in Nashville so Young will be traded, but more likely cut and on the street as a free agent.

So obviously media speculation is tying Young to the Dolphins.

I don't see it. Not even for the quarterback starved Dolphins.

Vince Young is nice player. Sometimes. He is an accomplished winner. He is an accomplished college player. He is an accomplished scrambler.

He is not an accomplished quarterback. His 42 career TD passes and 42 career interceptions is, to be kind, an unimpressive statistic.

More importantly, Young is not an accomplished leader. Fact is, the Titans are ending their relationship with Young because he was troubled for much of his time with the team. The most recent trouble came last year when Young reportedly feuded with coach Jeff Fisher, leading him to simply leave the team. The departure was viewed by Fisher and some of Young's teammates as the quarterback quitting on the team.

Young later apologized for leaving the team. He reportedly did it via text. Fisher didn't accept an apology he expected in person. So it goes.

Does that sound like the kind of quarterback the Dolphins will want to bring into their delicate locker room? Miami, you'll remember, is a place where general manager Jeff Ireland and coach Tony Sparano like to pick the "right 53 players" and not always the best 53.

Young would be among the right 53 if his skills were so unquestionable and Miami's locker room were so stable that the two could navigate any rocky road (good ice cream, by the way) were it come along during a relationship. But stability is not a luxury the Dolphins have.

Miami is searching for a veteran QB with know-how, with the ability to learn quickly (because of the lockout and the fact the everyone is learning OC Brian Daboll's new offense on the fly), and someone who can do that while presenting incumbent Chad Henne with a vigorous challenge to his starting job.

Oh, one more thing: The Dolphins need that guy to be able to be a great teammate and leader because that's what he must be if he losesthe competition with Henne and has to sink into the background without causing a stir. That's also what it will take if that guy winsthe competition with Henne and then has to deal with Brandon Marshall's enigmatic approach to a quarterback-diva receiver relationship.

Can you imagine Marshall barking at Vince Young like he sometimes does Henne and it going over well?

Young would be a perfect fit if the Dolphins had the luxury of adding him as a talent to groom for the future. Young would be a perfect fit if he could come to the team as the backup and learn at the knee of an accomplished veteran quarterback. Young needs to learn to be a professional. The Dolphins wouldn't be easing him into that kind of situation.

And I strongly believe they recognize that.

That is why I don't think Vince Young is Miami's first choice in the coming search for a quarterback once the NFL ends its lockout.

[BLOG NOTE: More coming down the pike. Check back.]

Kindly follow me on twitter.

Comments

[DC Dolfan]

TN/Joe, I doubt anyone thinks the QB we're trying to pickup is anything but a 1-yr stopgap (not a long-term answer). That's the ONLY reason Young is even an option (IMO). We just need to get to next year, when we'll have a definitive answer on Henne being the guy or not, and will then be able to address the QB issue seriously, rather than it being the low-priority issue it has been this year.

But I'd never expect Young to be our QB long-term. In a passing league, we need a passing QB. Young is the exact opposite of that statement. But he wins. And that's what you like to see in a backup.

[KillerFin]

NO VINCE YOUNG HEAD CASE HERE!!!

[Craig M]

Guys that are writing off Vince Young...they said the same things about Michael Vick after his time in Atlanta. Immature, not a team guy, not a leader, not a guy who put the study time in, not a guy who could read defences and a run first/throw later guy. The Falcons gave up on him and miraculously last year the light came on, he led the Eagles to the playoffs and he was in on the MVP talk.

Don't think it can happen again?.....how sure are you?

[Joe Schmoe]

TN, it's about wins. I cannot see how Miami would not consider bringing in a young talented Qb, even though he has some issues. The risk is minimal but the reward is unlimited. This is the ideal low risk/high reward investment!

If he becomes a distraction, cut him. Why not? Don't Miami do that with other guys? Why do the risks of his possible distractions outweight his potential? They shouldn't. Considering his recent past, he'll probably do everything humanly possible to get it together before his career is over.

If they don't give up a pick to get him, what's the downside? For the life of me, i cannot think of 1.

You cannot argue that Vince Young knows how to & has won. I don't care if he looks like Marino or Akili Smith. Orthodox, unorthodox, however you wanna call it. A winner is a winner.

Bring me wins & I'll be happy.

[DC Dolfan]

ALoco, let's also dismantle the early warning system for tornadoes too, I mean, why bring us down with alerts of approaching disaster?

And no more inclement weather reports. I want to be told it'll be sunny every single day.

[TNPhinFan]

It took jail to turn on MVick's lights!!!

[Craig M]

Things change in this league awfully quickly guys. Vick was brought in to Philly and was the THIRD QB option his first year in Philly. He's become the starter and the team was quick to despose of McNabb and soon will move their thought to be QB of the future in Kolb. While I'm not a huge fan of Young's, I also think it's a mistake to write him off so easily.

[TNPhinFan]

Joe,

I am soured by VY from experience in Nashville. If the phins pick up VY I will be all in for support of the man. I think the OL, TE and RB positions are where we need to spend our money this FA period.

[Craig M]

Joe,

I'm with you on this one...

Guys you can't write a guy like Young off so easily. He's a great athletic talent. No one disputes that. What we don't know is if the light will ever go on for this guy. Like Joe, I'd be prepared to take a flyer on him, in the hopes that he becomes what people envisioned him to be when he was drafted.

[Craig M]

What is your understanding on a guy like Zach Miller? Do people expect this guy to be an UFA when this CBA is agreed to? That's how I'm reading things right now. Man, oh man....he'd be a great add for this team!!

[ALoco]

DC,

WHAT YOUR FAVORITE TOMATOES ?

PLUM TOMATOES?
UGLY TOMATOES ?
STEAK TOMATOES ?
CHERRY TOMATOES ?
HEIRLOOM TOMATOES ?

[Simon Says]

You sign VY for a year or two. Give yourself several out clauses. Make it easy and take a chance.

[Armando Salguero]

Craig, what up buddy?

I never wrote we should write off Vince Young. I was simply explaining why he doesn't fit.

As to the comparison to Mike Vick, that is not a good or fair.

Mike Vick took the Atlanta Falcons to an NFC title game if I remember correctly. He was not a premier QB, but he was outstanding to the point he would never have been cut by the Falcons were it not for the dog fighting scandal. It had nothing to do with football.

Consequently, Vick returned to the game and improved on what already was a career as a star.

Young is being cut or traded because of football related reasons. It's not a scandal that is casting out of Tennessee. It's his inability to get it done as a quarterback -- which includes leadership and production. Young falls short on both.

[Oregon Dolphin fan]

Young is clearly the most talented QB available in FA. What is interesting is how ‘fragile’ the Dolphins lockerroom is. If Sparano were a strong coach then the Dolphins could consider bringing in a guy like Young who has some maturing to do. It’s a parody league and talent wins games. This ‘most cohesive 53 over the best 53’ is total garbage.
The team signed Marshall last year to upgrade talent, they need to do the same with V Young.
I have supported Henne all the way and clearly last year Henne’s OC and HC were crap while his OL was in shambles.
However, the GM is responsible for improving the talent level of the team and it matters double at the most important position, QB.
Which is why I want to see the Dolphins sign V Young AND draft T Pryor. Say good bye to Thigpin and bump up the talent level at QB please.

[klndry]

I would be focusing on a running game first. Evaluate Henne for one more year. I think Henne is going to do well this year if Sparano can develop a running game that can score. (which he hasn't been able to do since year one)

Vince Young is a talented qb that can out and out beat teams but he has lost focus at times. We don't need another head case like Cullpepper.

[DC Dolfan]

Roma tomatoes

[Joe Schmoe]

Fact is, with his recent behavior, no one will give him big guaranteed money. Will be a short term deal w/incentives. If no draft picks are involved, & we pass on him, Miami will continue to prove they are brain dead & have no biz having an NFL job.

They can churn the bottom of the roster 3 times a week with no names but can't take a chance on a gifted QB?? Bologna!

-He's talented
-He's a winner
-He can improvise and make plays out of nothing which we do not have in our QB
-We can get him probably on the cheap

He has tools and maybe can be taught. Or wake up & finally put it all together.

[DAN the MAN]

Vince Young is a PLAYER!!!...If you can get him, it would be wise to secure the moment!...Henne is DEFINITELY not the answer (he is a 2nd or 3rd string QB at best)... Marc Bulger is as fragile as glass!...VY all the way!!!!!

[DC Dolfan]

Sorry ALoco, I lied, San Marzano tomatoes.

[Dan Lebaturd]

He has a 14" pecker - that should count for something.

[Mark]

I'm not saying I want or don't want Vince Young on the Dolphins but Amando's post is misleading. V. Young threw 30 of his 42 Interceptions in his first 2 seasons in the league. In his last 2 seasons, he's averaged a QB Rating of 90.7, has had a TD/INT ratio of 20/10 and made the Pro Bowl.

I know, I know. Orton would be a better fit in Miami. But at what cost? 1st Rd pick? - no thanks. 2nd round pick and a player? -which player?..... Too many unknown variables with that until we get there. If we can get Orton at a reasonable price, he'd be someone I'd be willing to break the piggy bank for. But don't get it twisted. He's not Drew Brees. Remember you'd have to trade for Orton and then sign him to a contract extension. I think bringing in V. Young on a "Prove Yourself" contract" to COMPETE with Henne and signing a RB like DeAngelo or A.Bradshaw ultimately makes us a better team. Whichever way we go, let's just put a little faith in our front office for one more year and see what they do. They know they have to win now.

[DC Dolfan]

Mando said we have money to make a big move in FA (he suggested needs in RB/QB). But, like kris said, since defense will probably be our saving grace, what if we made a splash at LB or S? Might help the team more than a RB would.

Who are the top defensive FA options Mando? Other than Nnambdi.

[Craig M]

Armando,

Nice to have you back and to be talking football again. I never said you had written off Young, only that you were down on him. I directed a comment about people that had written him off but I wasn't trying to insinuate that you had said that.

Everything you say above him is true and YOung for that matter too. My only point was that NOBODY other than the Eagles was interested in Vick and my guess is that it will be somewhat similar for Young. Vick has gone on record as saying he's a changed man after prison and he doesn't take as much for granted any more. People have said he's a changed man and takes his craft a lot more seriously than he did before. I'm just saying people said an awful lot of similar stuff about Vick that they are saying about Young now. It's not a foregone conclusion that Young can't come in and help some team be successful.

[BoulderPhinFan]

I liked it better when mando was on vacation. I think young is better than most of the QBs that we could get with out having to trade draft picks. Why not? If it doesn't work we cut him. Its ross's money not yours mando.

[Victor Barney]

I say no because he would bring more negatives to positives to Miami and that's just not Miami!

[Craig M]

Mark,

Really good post above re Young and his early years. Orton would be a great add and I've heard talk he could be had for a mid-round pick. I think Denver would be nuts to do that but oh well....

Joe, again I've got to agree with you on Young. The worst thing that could happen to Miami is for them to pass on Young and have him end up in Buffalo, where he'd eat us alive twice a year.

[Joe Schmoe]

DC, I think we wait another year w/Safeties. I think Clemmons will replace Bell in time & Jones gets a crack at FS. They are high on Amaya too.

I think OLB is a priority as would Nickel DB. Who knows if W. Allen makes it even though he is coming back...for now. If Wake don't get to the QB, we really don't have anyone else to get there consistently w/out blitzing.

And let's be honest...this regime has been ok with the defensive side & has been below average, to put it nicely, on the O side. Another down season means they are gone. They can leave with the D intact & we'd just have to rebuild the O.

[DM]

Damn right bring in Vince Young for a try. He's been in the NFL a while and has just now began throwing the bell well in the pocket, reading defenses. Check out his stats last year before he got injured he was doing well.

[Gary Stevens]

If you completely disregard VYs college career (which -- full credit where it is due -- was spectacular) you are left with a great athlete but truly mediocre QB.

He has done nothing to demonstrate he is even close to a top tier QB in the pros.

Michael Vick was redfining the QB position from the moment he first suited up for Atlanta. It was his off-the-field behavior that landed him in purgator. He has nothing in common with Vince Young.

[DM]

Gary Stevens,

If the "lights" can somehow come on for Vick. Why not Young? What's the harm in giving him a shot. He's still relativley young. And he hasnt hit his celing like the other QB mentioned. Or as I like to call the "The Has Been".

[m]

Vince Young would be a good fit for the Dolphins. Yes, he has had his troubles in the past but he is young and used to winning - which he did his entire life. When it didn't happen and he recieved criticism, he didn't know how to deal with it. Vince Young was also never wanted by his coach, which was known throughout football.

His mechanics might not be perfect but he is one of the most accurate QBs while on the run. He has shown growth as a quarterback and his passing while in the NFL, like most young quarterbacks. He also brings a lot of intangibles that you cannot teach someone. He would make defenses plan for his running ability as well as his passing attack. The Dolphins receivers are better than what he had in Tennessee and they could do some damage together. I'd much rather the ball in his hands in a 2 minute drill than Bulger, McNabb, Kolb or any other potential free agent QB or tradeable one, except maybe Orton

[Craig M]

Gary Stevens,

If Vince Young was a mediocre QB, then why did the Titans run him out there week after week and why does he have a very good won-loss record?

What Vick and YOung have in commone are too QBs who were seen as immature and aloof. Every team passed on Vick when he was available. Dolphins should make certain they are involved in talks to secure his services.

[ALoco]

DC,

DO LOVE ROMA TOMATOES B/C IT'S CHEAP ?

DID YOU EVER TASTE THE UGLY TOMATOES ?

[ALoco]

DC ,

BEST CAN TOMATOES IN THE WORLS ...SAN MARZINO

[Joe Schmoe]

If the Dolphins do not take a chance on a low risk player like Young, at a position of need, they simply do not want to improve. I don't know how else you can defend them.

If they can churn the bottom of the roster every day for gems, the top end deserves the same attention. Period...end of discussion.

Especially when he can come cheap, with low risk, little investment compared to other guys at his position & is still young w/lots of potential.

His baggage is a concern but he can be cut. Quite honestly, it's a no brainer. We'll see if the Dolphins are serious about wanting to improve.

[ALoco]

DC....... FOR YOU TO EAT A 5.50 DOLLARS TOMATOES CAN LIKE SAN MARZINO ,YOU GOT TO BE DOING VERY WELL .

MOST BLOGGERS IN HERE EAT STOP AND SHOP TOMATO CAN FOR 0.75 CENTS .

[ALoco]

GO TO PFT TO CHECK THE 24 OFFENSIVE NFL PLAYERS WHO WILL BE CUT THIS SEASON..............

THEY LIST AT NO 1......... VY
AT NO 2...................... ORTON

[greg z.]

beggars cant be chosers. at this point vince young is twice as good as henne; he can throw and run. henne looks at the rush and cant move his feet and gets alot of batted balls. he stares down receivers and cant put air under the ball on long throws downfield. henne cant take the offense downfield in practice!

[MerryGoRound]

Whats with the Orton love? Bears didn't want him. Two different coaches in Denver now not sold on him. Now what, he comes to Miami for two years and we let him go just like the other teams figured out. Whats it really worth in the end?

[ALoco]

GREG CAMARILLO ..............THE EX FIN WILL BE CUT BY VIKINGS

[ALoco]

TODAY IS THE DAY WHEN THE LOCKOUT WILL BE .......OVER

[Max]

ALoco this is the 5th time you've wrongly predicted that. Give it up. You are just quoting your only source of information, PFT, which they proclaim up front is news and RUMOR.

[Max]

Of course, if you predict that everyday, one day you will be right and can gloat forever.

[ALoco]

MAX........... IT'S A BLOG....... I READ THINGS AND I TRY TO PREDICT ,NO MORE ,NO LESS........IF I AM RIGHT ,I WILL DECARE VICTORY AND IF I AM WRONG I WILL DISAPPEAR FOR FEW HOURS ...IT'S FUN LIVING ON THE EDGE ..............

[ALoco]

DECLARE

[I hate Henne]

"Can you imagine Marshall barking at Vince Young like he sometimes does Henne and it going over well?"

YESS!!!!!!!! Because VY would throw him the damn ball and score effin points instead of checking down and punting.

[Giovanni Rey]

Vince Young over McNabb any day!!

[Tracy474]

When FA QB's and Running backs are mentioned in the same sentence as the Dolphins, it's a good thing! Yes, they may just be trying to increase their value on the market. But, there are 30 other teams that they could have named instead. Which means that there's a buzz about Miami with the players and it's league wide. Pundits have been trying to plug in almost all of the big name Free Agents into Miami's roster. Some fit and some don't. There are upsides to all of them and knocks to all of them. We have to trust in our Front Office to make the best decisions at this point. And, in the end, we'll have to live with whatever they decide. Like it or not.

[ALoco]

I DONT THINK ANY ONE HERE KNOWS ABOUT THE GOOD TOMATOS BECAUSE THEY ARE BUY THE VERY CHEAP ONES NO MONEY/UNEMPOYLED WITH THERE FOOD STAMPS. THE UGLY TOMATOS ARE THE BEST THEY ARE FROM THE FARM SOME EVEN HAVE THE WORM HOLES WICH ARE GOOD BECAUSE THE WORM PICKS THE GOOD TOMATOS TO EAT.

[Cleo Lemon]

Tracy, the only buzz around Miami are from the mosquitos in your ear. Few even consider Miami a real franchise these days.

[Terry McNeil]

Add Vince Young and then sign Reggie Bush. The Dolphins said they wanted speed so this is a great start. Implement a variation of the West Coast offense. Short dinks and dunks and run the ball with Bush and the new rookie. Brandon marshall can stretch the field to keep the LB's and DB's honest.

Everybody forgets Vince Young is a proven winner. All he needs is a new team who's going to believe in him from day one.

[Kris]

uh....Tracy.....your still talking about that......

[ALoco]

NOBODY GIVE THERE PREDICTONS TODAY ONLY NEW TOPICS. IT IS BORING TO HEAR YOUR PREDICTONS

[The digg]

V YOUNG will be a Dolphin. Just learn to embrace it

[greg]

crazy aloco ,

Why are you still here ?

[ALoco]

fake aloco............gOOD LAST 2 POSTS .........

[ALoco]

GREG...YOU ALWAYS POP WHEN FAKE ALOCO IS HERE .ARE YOU THE FAKE ALOCO BY ANY CHANCE ?lol

[Buck wheat ( little Rascals )]

VY, Embrace him. Man i sure do.

[greg]

aloco,

You reject of human space. Go find yourself a childish blog. Get lost creep.

[ALoco]

greg.... I REFUSE TO LISTEN TO SUCH DONKEY LIKE YOURSELF .GET LOST AND QUICK .