My Fair Vince

Trent Dilfer said a really dumb thing on the NFL Network last night. People say dumb things all the time, obviously. But this was noteworthy, I think, because it reflects reflexive NFL thinking. Here's what he said:

"Most people, most traditionalists, don't belive that Vince Young can become a drop-back, in-the-pocket, NFL passer in this league. I tend to disagree. But I disagree on this notion: he has to be coached the right way. I'm really interested to see how Norm Chow, a guy who has incredible success on the college level developing quarterbacks, teaching him the fundamentals. Teach him every aspect of being a dropback quarterback. How that transitions into the NFL, taking this incredible athlete, a guy who has been incredibly successful in college football and see if he can mold him and shape him and discipline him into being a dropback quarterback in the National Football League."

The premise that you need to change Young into being a dropback passer is what's stupid here. If you wanted a dropback passer, you shouldn't have drafted Young. Does Dilfer, et al, believe that Young should be turned into Dan Marino? No one is more of an advocate of dropback, down-the-field passing than me. But there are exceptions to every rule. Young has to be given the latitude to freelance and make plays with his feet or his unique talent is being wasted.

It is scary to think that Chow, who is known for developing the statues like Palmer and Leinart, is going to be in charge of transitioning Young into the NFL. Let's hope he doesn't throw the baby out with the bathwater.

END OF POST