The Tennessean points out the preponderance of starting QBs right now who are well into their 30's: Kerry Collins, Gus Frerotte, Brett Favre, Trent Green, Kurt Warner, Jon Kitna and Damon Huard are all 35 or older.  Of course, the Jets are probably the only team that's ecstatic to be in this situation.

 Ryan fowler was blind-sided by his demotion in favor of Stephen Tulloch, and Fowler believes the move is permanent.  Jim Wyatt says Fowler handled the demotion with great class and aplomb, despite being obviously disappointed.

 Yahoo! Sports wins my award this week for best MSM game preview of Sunday's match-up.

 Gary Estwick gives us ammo to expect a payback by the Titans this Sunday:

Minnesota has won the last four games against Houston/Tennessee, outscoring its AFC foe 111-60.

 The Titans offensive line has played very well so far this year, and they'll need to keep it up this weekend against a ferocious Vikings defensive line.  This SUnday is going to be the best test against a 4-3 defense we see all season, IMO... time for Roos, Stewart and Scott to earn those big contracts they got in the off-season.

 Terry McCormick reports that VY has been throwing with a knee brace on, but Fisher has been dodging giving a time-line for the QB's return.

 Scout.com offers up a free report on how rookie running backs are faring and list Crazy Legs as the 2nd most productive RB so far (behind Matt Forte who doesn't split time and doesn't compete with a passing game):

2.  Chris Johnson: Like Forte, he's quickly gotten involved in both the running and passing game. And he's also brought a quiet maturity to a team that has been unsteady at the running back position. A powerful and fast runner, Johnson has been asked to carry the ball at least 15 times in each of his three games, and he has posted no less than 74 yards per game. That's a nice start for a rookie who is sharing reps.

 ESPN scribe Elizabeth Merrill talked to several members of VY's inner-circle and people important to his past, such former Titans GM Floyd Reese and VY's long-time spiritual adviser, to get a read on what they think VY is going thorough.  The results aren't mind blowing, but definitely worth a read.

 Matt Williamson from ESPN Scouts Inc. breaks-down what VY has to improve on the field... sounds a lot like what 'Dinger talked about improving all off-season.

If you have anything you'd like to pass along for the next day's links, email me at mcmaugustwest@gmail.com

This may be the only link we need today. Vince Young is not cut out for this league, at least not right now [ED: emphasis added is mine]:

Felicia Young said her son has grown weary of all the negativity he faces as an NFL star. On Monday, he indicated to those around him he didn’t want to play football any more.

"Vince has gone through a whole lot as a young person,’’ Felicia Young said. "And I think he has done pretty well up to this point. But it is hard, all he is going through right now. He’s hurting inside and out.

"But he will be fine if people are prayerful and help my baby boy out. He is a young man. He just needs a lot of love and support.’’

When the frantic search for Young ended, Fisher and the Titans said the incident had been blown out of proportion. So did some of Young’s friends and family.

But the events that led up to it all — and the fact Fisher called police — showed just how much concern the team has regarding the mental state of Young, who suffered a left knee injury in Sunday’s season opening win over the Jaguars. Young opted not to get an MRI of the knee on Monday; an MRI on Tuesday revealed he has a sprained MCL that could keep him out anywhere from 2-4 weeks...

______________

On Sunday, before Young was injured against the Jaguars, he initially refused to re-enter the game after throwing an interception and getting booed by fans. His decision to ignore the team’s request for him to have the MRI created even more friction between the player and the team, and indications last night were the Titans have turned the team over to back-up quarterback Kerry Collins.

Even when Young returns from his injury, he might not get his job back.

The Titans believe Young’s injury is one that will keep him out anywhere from 2-4 weeks.

Then there’s the question about whether Young is interested in returning, something he mentioned to those who were with him on Monday.

"What would you think, if you were tired of being ridiculed and persecuted and talked about and not being treated very well, what would you do? What kind of decision would you make?’’ Felicia Young asked. "He may not want to deal with it (all), but you have to get to that point before you make that decision first. 

"But we’re not talking about football right now. We’re talking about what would make him happy, and that is the most important thing.

"… You don’t want people to be hurting like he is. But it is a growing-up process, and he will eventually come out like gold no matter what. But Vince is going to be OK. We are just going to try and give him some space."

Excuse me while I struggle to prevent a brainsplosion.  I have a confession to make: I was wrong about Vince.  To the people I castigated or offended while defending VY, I apologize*.  This is honestly the most betrayed and confused I've felt regarding any athlete.  I hope he gets the help he needs, and I hope he can get back in the saddle for us when he's ready.  

That time, however, shouldn't be any time soon.

 On to players who do want to play: Introducing your new Titans starting QB, Kerry Collins... and back-up Phil Chris Simms.

 Gary Estwick says Courtland Finnegan is the AFC Defensive Player of the Week, but nfl.com says the voting isn't over until thursday... hmmm.  Interesting note, Travis LaBoy is also nominated after a very Boom King like performance.

 Floyd Reese ranks the Titans' O-line as the class of the division, and not just because he built it outside of Jake Scott.

 Be sure to check out Jimmy's interview with AOL Fanhouse blogger Sportz Assassin.

* it should be noted that this apology does not apply to Colts fans.

Titans Radio recap of the afternoon practice. 

Quarterback Vince Young had many great plays, attacking downfield many times throughout the day. The first play from scrimmage in team drills resulted in a touchdown pass from Young to wide receiver Paul Williams. The play went for over 60 yards.

The one thing that VY has done successfully in this camp is throw the ball downfield.  If he can do that when it counts it will really open things up in the run game.  That is the key to success for this team.

Terry McCormick's camp confidential.

DEFENSIVE PLAY OF THE DAY: Titans defensive end Jacob Ford continued to flash in training camp, getting into the St. Louis backfield to stop the running back for losses on two consecutive plays.

I am excited to see what Ford will be able to do when against a live offense this preseason.  It sounds like he could be one of the breakout players this season.

Jim Wyatt is reporting that tight end Dwayne Blakely is likely out for a couple of weeks because of a groin injury.  Blakely was probably a long shot to make the roster even if he stayed healthy, but this pretty much seals the deal on him. 

Jim Wyatt blogs about the Titans Thursday afternoon defensive performance.

Gary Estwick has a nice story about one of the newest Titans, Jake Scott, and how he is adapting to his new surroundings.