If we're looking for people to laud now that Tennessee is 2-0 for the first time since 1999, there are the usual suspects:
The defense, stellar for a second consecutive week, holding the Bengals to 215 total yards in less-than-ideal conditions, adding a sack, two interceptions, and three forced fumbles.
Rookie running back Chris Johnson, who topped 100 rushing yards for the first time in his career, hitting 109 on 19 carries (5.7 yards per attempt)
There's also the unusual suspect - Kerry Collins. The same Kerry Collins who joined Tennessee in 2006 and threw only one touchdown to six interceptions before being replaced by Vince Young did his job earlier today, completing 16 of 24 passes for 128 yards and a touchdown to Justin Gage.
It was a good football performance, but to me, it felt like much more.
With his performance, Kerry Collins assured me that the offense will be, at least, serviceable while Vince Young is rehabilitating his knee/mind. With the defense being outstanding and the running game being the backbone of a Jeff Fisher offense, the passing game's responsibilities are limited to keeping eight men out of the box, limiting turnovers, and providing the occasional connection down the sidelines. Collins managed all of the above on Sunday, increasing his personal total to 105 pass attempts in the last two seasons without an interception.
Even better, Collins provides a veteran quarterback presence to Vince Young (at least when he's on the sidelines) to emulate, providing what Jeff Fisher had intended in 2006. I'm of the opinion that Young will benefit greatly from holding a clipboard on the sideline, wearing a headset as opposed to a helmet and seeing defensive schemes from a different angle. Vince Young can learn from Collins' successes and mistakes without having to worry about hearing a serenade of boos that come with an interception.
When Vince Young returns to reclaim his place as the face of the franchise (which Fisher assures will not be until he's ready), he'll have a whole wealth of experience and knowledge to take to NFL defenses, thanks to the 35-year old grizzled veteran.
Keywords: Bengals, Cincinnati, Cincinnati Bengals, Jeff Fisher, Kerry Collins, Tennessee, Tennessee Titans, Titans, Vince Young
