Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts / Image: Zuma Press

Not surprisingly, quarterback Peyton Manning kept things in perspective:

“We certainly do not take it for granted. It’s obviously fun to win. It does build momentum, but we have taken it one week it at a time. We enjoy it when we’re allowed to enjoy it, but we have to work next week for the next opponent.”

Of course, by wrapping things up so quickly—as the Colts have done in the past—it brings about an interesting discussion on whether the team should rest its starters, thus avoiding any unnecessary injuries to key players. If the starters take too much time off (remember, they will also get a first round bye in the playoffs), they could lose the momentum they worked so hard to achieve. But if they play and a starter is injured in an otherwise meaningless game, the questioning of an unnecessary injury comes into play.

Sure, the Colts are fortunate to have put themselves in a position to make these types of decisions. But they are difficult decisions. I would treat the remaining games as preseason games, allowing the starters to play roughly two quarters and the reserves to get some valuable playing time against first-team opponents. That way you reduce the risk of injury to your best players but you also allow them to maintain the rhythm and tempo that enabled them to obtain an undefeated record in the first place. With that being said, over the course of the final few games, Colts head coach Jim Caldwell would gladly trade a couple meaningless losses en route to Miami and a Super Bowl XLIV victory.

Source: Colts.com

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Colts Tie NFL Record, Stay Unbeaten

Vince Young, Tennessee Titans / Photo: Newscom

But it wasn’t merely that Vince led the Titans to the win, as impressive as that was. It’s the manner in which he did it. Down 17-13 with 2:37 to play, Vince took the Titans on a 99-yard journey that concluded with a 10-yard touchdown pass to rookie receiver Kenny Britt with no time left on the game clock. Vince converted three 4th down plays (all passes) on the game-winning drive and finished the day with a career best 387 yards passing. I never thought I’d see the day Vince Young would throw for close to 400 yards.

Source: TitansOnline.com

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Vince Young, Titans Continue Win Streak

Vince Young, Tennessee Titans / Image: Zuma Press

But one thing’s for sure right now. After a thrilling 20-17 win over the Houston Texans last night, Vince Young has the hot hand and the Titans are 4-0 with Vince as the starting quarterback. Whether or not he’ll ever fulfill the expectations that come with being the third overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft remains to be seen. But it’s pretty clear the 21 games he spent “riding the pine” had a positive impact both on and off the football field.

Source: TitansOnline.com

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Vince Young Leads Surging Titans

What’s with “the finger” anyway? It’s like the Jerry Seinfeld joke. It seems like such an arbitrary, ridiculous thing to just pick a finger and show it to someone. It’s a finger. What does it mean? Who invented this as an obscene gesture? Someone shows me one of their fingers and I’m supposed to feel bad. I don’t get it. Nevertheless, it is considered to be negative in our society and it’s kind of a trashy thing to do, so…

Mr. Adams apologized with the following statement today:

“I need to apologize for my actions yesterday near the end of the game. I got caught up in the excitement of a great day, but I do realize that those types of things shouldn’t happen. I need to specifically apologize to the Bills, their fans, our fans and the NFL. I obviously have a great deal of respect for Ralph Wilson and the history we have shared. I also understand there will probably be league discipline for my actions and I will accept those.”

Well, that about sums it up. It was a stupid thing to do and he apologized. End of story.

UPDATE: Mr. Adams was fined $250,000 for his obscene behavior.

Source: TitansOnline.com

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Bud Adams Shows Bills His Middle Fingers

Vince Young, Tennessee Titans / Image: Zuma Press

So, where does the team go from here? Well, for starters, they can keep handing the ball to Chris Johnson. Chris had a franchise record 228 yards with two touchdowns today. That makes Vince’s (or any quarterback’s) job a lot easier. And with a favorable schedule the rest of the way (five of their upcoming opponents have losing records)—I’m not saying the Titans have any shot at the playoffs—but maybe they can make this thing respectable. And rediscover their franchise quarterback in the process.

Source: NFL.com

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Vince Young is Back, Titans Win First Game

Vince Young, Tennessee Titans / Image: Zuma Press

But coach Fisher insisted any quarterback decision will be made between owner and coach:

“We’ve been communicating through the whole process, and we don’t have any issues. Despite what you hear, despite what you read, the decisions we make are collective decisions.”

The Titans are pitiful. And Kerry’s numbers aren’t far behind—he only has five touchdowns to eight interceptions with a horrible quarterback rating of 62. So as far as any kind of change in Tennessee is concerned—if not now, when? I don’t think Vince will fare much better, but any chance to spark the team is worth a shot at this point.

Source: NFL.com

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Titans Owner Wants Vince Young to Start

Tom Brady, New England Patriots / Photo: Newscom

Tom has been under criticism for not performing up to his typically superhuman levels so far this season, but he now seems to be in “mid-season form,” as they say. Which makes sense because it’s pretty close to mid-season. Tom finished his impressive work day completing 29-of-34 passes for 380 yards. His six TDs tied a franchise record. Granted, Tom’s achievements were more-or-less target practice against the NFL’s second-to-last rated defense. But given the elements and the fact he was playing against a professional football team, it was nonetheless very impressive.

Source: NFL.com

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Tom Brady Has Career Day, Patriots Roll

Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans / Image: Zuma Press

Chris amassed 197 rushing yards, 87 receiving yards, and three touchdowns in a 34-31 loss. Amazingly, however, he was snubbed for the Week Two Offensive Player-of-the-Week award—which went to Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub. Chris was good enough for the Pro Football Hall of Fame but not good enough for Player-of-the-Week honors? Hmm. Nothing against Matt. He had a great game, but…

Source: Twitter.com/ProFootballHOF

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Chris Johnson Momentos Headed to HOF

Andre Johnson, Houston Texans / Image: Zuma Press

Yesterday was just another Sunday for Andre as he caught 10 passes for 149 yards and two touchdowns—this while being the focal point of one of the NFL’s best defenses in the Tennessee Titans. Did you hear him shooting off at the mouth about it afterward? No, he just goes about his job, striking fear in the hearts of defensive backs around the league. The only thing holding him back is his team. Yesterday, the Texans actually won a football game—something they’ll need to do a lot more of before Andre gets his deserved credit.

Source: NFL.com, Tennessean.com

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Andre Johnson is the NFL’s Best Receiver

Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers / Image: Zuma Press

Sources: Steelers.com, NFL.com

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Troy Polamalu Out 3-6 Weeks With MCL Injury