Michigan players whining early

Rich Rodriguez is under fire again. Current (and I am sure some former) Michigan players told a Detroit newspaper the team's practice habits were in violation of NCAA rules. I watched every game the Wolverines played last year, and I too felt violated. Not to make light if a legitimate rule was broken, but every player on that team should be embarrassed by their 3-9 season. I certainly understand the rationale of coach Rodriguez, because he knows he has to turn things around this year. They looked physically over matched by their Big Ten rivals a year ago and suffered some embarrassing losses. The timing of this story is also eye brow raising. Players that were recruited under the Carr regime may have an axe to grind. Rules may have really been violated. Players may have a legitimate gripe. But if they lose to Western Michigan on Saturday, they are going to come off as a soft cream puff whiny team. No matter how much or little they practice.

Most compelling QB comeback

Tom Brady, Michael Vick, and Brett Favre. Three of the most popular names in all of football, if not all of sports. Three quarterbacks making comebacks of some sort this season. Which story is most compelling? Tom Brady is well, Tom Brady. Missing all of last year with a knee injury, all eyes are on Mr. Brady and company as they are the early favorite to win it all. Don't forget the performances and extensions of some of his qb colleagues last season. Brady sat back and watched new quarterbacks get crowned, get wins, and get paid. Throw in the fact that Brady was top dog before the injury, and the back up went 11-5 in his absence, and you have all the ingredients for another "Tom Brady" season in 2009.

Michael Vick's story is no doubt compelling, but not for any of those pre reinstatement reasons. The Philadelphia Eagles signed one of the greatest athletes of the past decade to back up Donavan McNabb. The same Donavan McNabb they refused to give an extension to this summer. I do not see any rational reason to make that type of risky investment without expecting a great return. Michael Vick is being groomed to be the starter for the Eagles, regardless of the outcome of his preseason debut performance. If...and I do mean if, Vick can recapture his lightning in a bottle, then book it, McNabb will get sent packing.

Brett Favre, with his competitive spirit, would love to know that he lands as the most compelling qb comeback story. So much so, we'll only discuss the developments since he showed up in Minnesota....and Brett still wins. While the above mentioned stories are compelling, they pale in comparison in one regard. Legacy. Tom Brady and Michael Vick can some what alter their legacies, but by and large Brady will be known as a champion and Vick for dog fighting. It is what it is. Favre's legacy can truly be altered in a major way this season. He can either show the world he's still one of the greatest that ever did it and lead his team to their first Super Bowl victory. Or he can make a good team average, and look washed up, desperate and selfish in the process. Newly benched starter Tavaris Jackson has played well since Favre's arrival, and also has teammates that publicly support him. I can not wait for Minnesota to play Friday, just for the potential train wreck of it. C'mon now, wouldn't you sports writers love it if Favre tanked again and Jackson shined? I would. Very compelling.

Titans must address running woes

I know I know...it's just the preseason, but has anyone seen the Tennessee Titans running game this year? Anyone? I don't think anyone has because it's been non existent. Ask running back Chris Johnson and he'll tell you it's no big deal. "Really, I just want to get to the regular season," Johnson stated after another poor performance against Dallas. Now I'm not sure what worries me most, the lack of production or the cavalier attitude. Don't get me wrong, I love the confidence, but this is a new season and Pittsburgh's super bowl defending defense hardly seems like a good time to "turn it on". If the running game is going to be the Titan's bread and butter, they better fix it and fix it quick. Work toward clicking on all cylinders because nothing about the end of their season last year should tell them to not show urgency.

Rookies impress in Titans win

I am willing to bet that Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher woke up this morning with a twinkle in his eye and some pep in his step. He returns 20 of 22 starters from a team that had the best record in the league a year ago. Some would even argue that free agent wide receiver Nate Washington is an upgrade over last year's starter Justin McCareins. Add that to a rookie class who showed to be very impressive in their preseason home debut, and you have the makings of one optimistic head coach.

First round pick Kenny Britt showed his toughness and big play ability last night, hauling in 5 catches for 89 yards and a touchdown. The Titans desperately needed that element on offense last year. Rookie tight end Jared Cook continues to impress, catching a game high 6 catches for 56 yards. In the third quarter, 5th round draft pick Javon Wringer broke loose for a 36 yard touchdown run and rookie corner back Ryan Mouton added to the scoring with his own pick six. It's still early in the preseason, but game changing role players can put an already good team over the top. Jeff Fisher has got to be feeling good about what he sees so far.

Titans get young on the field.

Word out of Titans camp is that Vince young was seen running option plays with the first team offense. My take on that? Might as well. If you're Jeff Fisher you've got to be thinking that you have a team that can win it all and right now. Why leave a stone unturned? I am an admitted V.Y. apologist, but I can not say that he is a complete quarterback with a straight face. I can say that he is an athletic beast that thrives when he has one or two reads. And quite frankly, what's wrong with that? Get Young on the field in situations he will thrive in. Not on a full time basis, but don't leave one of your best athletes on the sideline to make a point. Jeff Fisher is becoming dangerously close to becoming one of the greatest coaches who couldn't get it done. Play everybody. Go for it now.

All eyes should be on V.Y.

The Tennessee Titans are back for their 2009 championship campaign, and looking to build on a roster that boasted the league's best record a year ago. Rookie tight end Jared Cook has been impressive, and running backs LenDale White and Chris Johnson came into camp in better shape than they were a productive year ago. Rookie wide receiver and 30th pick in the draft Kenny Britt hits the field today, but I'm keeping a close eye on back up quarterback Vince Young. Yes...that Vince Young.

We all remember Young's meltdown and subsequent benching in week one last season, but there are practical reasons for Titans fans to watch his on field production and off field demeanor. Every team with super bowl aspirations invest in a quality back up quarterback. Kerry Collins is no spring chicken, and few qb's that aren't named Peyton Manning make through back to back seasons injury free. To be fair to Young, he did lead the Titans to the playoffs in 2007 with Chris Brown...not Chris Johnson. I'm looking to see how he utilizes Johnson's versatility and an improved receiving corp this training camp. I'm also looking to see how he handles himself off the field and with the media. Will the untimely death of his close friend and mentor Steve Mcnair shake his confidence even further or propel him to be the best pro he can be? If Vince Young can stay focused and move the first team offense during the preseason, then it will allow for spirited competition at the position and a better overall offense. It's all up to Vince. A 14 million dollar cap number for a marginal back up qb is a recipe for unemployment next year. We'll be watching you V.Y.