Fantasy Football

Alright, we took yesterday off because we thought billing was going to be done at work. But expecting anything at my work to go according to plan is like expecting a clean urine test from a Bengal. In other words, billing was pushed back to today and we were fully prepared to use it as an excuse to not post for 40% of the week. But there is actual news that seems relevant, and I think you know what that is: Vince Young is demanding playing time and in lieu of that, he is demanding a trade. Gee, I bet the Texans are really regretting not drafting him now.

What a long, strange trip its been.

I always wonder why players bother doing this, especially when they seem to be completely devoid of leverage. It seems that someone failed to mention to Mr. Young, that in order to force a trade, one of the core principals in being able to successfully do so, is that someone has to be willing to trade for you. As of now, Vince Young has the reputation of being an inaccurate head case that mentally broke down as the pressure started to mount. Yes, he did make the playoffs in 2007, but he was replaced with Kerry Collins three weeks into 2008 and they went 13-3 (though Chris Johnson and Albert Haynesworth had a lot to do with that).

He might be able to find a job just because there are a number of teams that are desperate at quarterback, he’s a mobile big guy with a bigger arm. Once you get in the league with those credentials, there always seems to be an open roster spot for you. But Vince Young as a starter in 2009? I can think of maybe three places he might have a chance to line up under center on week one: San Fransisco, Minnesota & Washington (Jason Campbell is to the Redskins what John McCain is to the Republican party); and the Dolphins, Bills and Broncos should all strongly consider it but they won’t. And even then, he’s going to have to compete for the position if he’s lucky enough to get traded. Is anyone ready to confidently state that Vince Young is a better option at quarterback than Tim Rattay, who started several games for the Niners last year and knows the offense? I’m certainly not.

Mind you, this is all assuming Brett Favre isn’t looking to lace them up again. If you’re like everyone and just assume he is, then the field gets even smaller. Add that to the 1,000 other caveats that could come into play, including his price tag, his petulance and general reputation, and you’re more likely to see a Alex Smith make a pro bowl than you are someone trading for Vince Young. If I had to guess this is going to go one of two ways, he’ll either continue with the dissatisfied tone and force the Titans to cut him (which probably won’t happen since they’ll owe him at healthy portion of his salary, I assume) or he’ll actually perform like everyone thought he would and beat out his 70 year-old competition (like we thought might happen a couple months ago).

Either way, none of this will have an impact on your fantasy team. Wherever he lands, if anywhere, he still won’t throw on a consistent basis. And if the team he’s most likely to play for, Tennessee does indeed acquiesce and allow him to start and he does manage to throw efficiently, do you trust him with his best receiver being Justin Gage? If so then I’d like to invite you to join a fantasy league. My advice would be to save your pick for Sage Rosenfels if you’re looking for a long shot.