Can we classify Vince Young and Matt Leinart as "bust"

Matt Leinart and Vince Young were both highly regarded coming out of high school. Both led their teams to national championships squaring off against each other in an epic battle that decided the 2005 season's king of the hill. Vince was the first Quarterback taken in the 06 draft while Leinart was the third.

These young guys have had their share of scrutiny. Vince's wonderlinc score questioned his "intelligence" and opened the door for some "experts" to further dissect his throwing motion and accuracy. Some foolishly wanted to peg him as only a "running quarterback" not smart enough to read NFL defenses.

Leinart was dogged for being a "celebrity" quarterback that spurned the NFL to play college football another year. His academic progress was questioned when we got wind of him taking ballroom dancing as an elective.

Both guys got an early opportunity to play after the veterans in front of them struggled. Vince lost his job after an "injury" and Leinart lost his job after being mildly inconsistent. In the case of Leinart, I believe Whisenhunt was under pressure to prove that he should've been the guy in Pittsburgh.

Leinart's personal life off of the field became tabloid headlines after his "baby's mama" went public about the birth of their first child. Then came the infamous party at his crib that made people question his "maturity". Shortly thereafter came the benching. Sure he had some tough spots but he set the rookie passing record in a game throwing for 405 yards.

In 11 starts in his rookie season he passed for nearly 2500 yards and 11 touchdown passes. He was only 4-7 as a starter but the Cardinals troubles weren't necessarily on the offensive side of the ball. Young took over for a struggling Collins who had just been claimed off waivers from his debacle down in the big easy.

Young took over for the titans after they lost the first 5 games of the 2006 season. Young got his first victory against the Washington Redskins in 25-22 victory. Young's breakout game was before the home crowd in Nashville where he out dueled Eli Manning in a 24-21 come from behind win. He went 24 for 35 and passing for 249 yards, throwing two touchdown passes.

The titans ended the season at 8-8 narrowly missing the playoffs with a home loss to the Patriots. Young and Leinart were penciled in as the starters for the next season. Leinart only survived the first 5 games after a poor start. Young led his team to the playoffs but he didn't show the same promise of his rookie season.

Young's season ending numbers were 2459 passing yards, 9 touchdown passes, 17 interceptions, and 349 rushing yards. Local and national media felt that this stat line vindicated Merrill Hodge and other "analyst" who pegged Young as not being "an NFL Quarterback". This was despite leading his team to the playoffs.

Out of the 2006 Quarterback class he is one of the few to lead their teams to a playoff appearance. Though Jay Cutler has thrown for a gang of yards and touchdowns, they haven't reached the playoffs. In fact long time coach Mike Shanahan got fired for their season ending losing streak that caused them to miss the playoffs.

Some analyst foolishly believe that both these guys are a bust. I believe the jury is still out. Sure we can warm up our "bust o' meters" if we want but their individual performance on the field has been overshadowed by certain things that doesn't necessarily translate to wins and losses.

Young's benching was the right decision because his "injury" wasn't the real problem. Young's attitude and mental approach to the game can be questioned considering his brush with wanting to retire which he later recanted. Jeff Fisher hasn't survived the NFL coaching rat race by becoming an idiot over night. I'm sure he knows after coaching the likes of Steve Mcnair, Chris Chandler and Neil O'Donnell that the mental approach to the quarterback position trumps physical ability and talent.

One comparison that isn't accurate is that the titans and cardinals situations are identical to each other. In certain respects there are similarities but Warner's revival can be attributed to the Cardinals improvement in the running game and on the defensive side of the ball. Warner's performance has been head and shoulders over any Quarterback that the titans have on their roster.

Leinart didn't have the same support during his starting tenure. Both players must get playing time to prove whether or not they can play in this league. I don't believe either of these guys are in the class of Akili Smith, David Klingler, Gino Torretta or Heath Shuler. Former first round picks like David Carr, Joey Harrington and Alex Smith have been unfairly judged by some analyst. These guys are shining examples of how much this league is a team sport. Bone headed decision by the suits can wreck a Quarterbacks career. I'm sure Harrington sends Matt Millen a christmas card every year...

The success of Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco further puts pressure on young guys to hit the ground running in their starting jobs. Vince Young has the most to prove considering he has made certain analyst look like prophets in regards to his mental approach to the game. He has shown the physical ability to play in this league but when will the toughness that he displayed at Texas and in certain instances as a rookie return?

Jeff Fisher issued the right challenge to a guy whose been worshipped since his prep days at Madison High. Kurt Warner has basically dropped hints of maybe wanting to start over since he knows that his age is more of a challenge than Leinart breathing down his neck. Bottom line both have to get reps on the field to prove themselves.

Mannerisms on the side lines doesn't win football games. Hard work in the gym, solid coaching from the staff and an equal chance to prove that you can play in this league is what produces championships. Time will tell whether these guys will join the exclusive fraternity of first round busts. Read it and weep... Let the debate began!!!!

Drew Patton