Fisher Needs to Worry More About His Team, Less About How It's Covered

NASHVILLE--On Tuesday, Tennessee Titans Coach Jeff Fisher told prized rookie quarterback Vince Young that he would make his first NFL start here Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys.

Fisher somehow convinced local media members to keep the news under wraps until word leaked out Saturday.

Fisher's secretive tactics did him no good. Cowboys Coach Bill Parcells had figured all week that Young would get plenty of playing time, and the Cowboys were ready. They gave Young no room to run. They forced him into two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown, and two fumbles.

The Titans fell to 0-4. Young told his teammates after the game that he was to blame for the loss, and he called his performance "terrible" when he met with reporters. In truth, it was just what happens when a rookie quarterback is put in charge of a bad team in the NFL. There's no reason for the Titans to turn back now. Young remains the starter, ahead of veteran Kerry Collins. The rest of their season is about his development.

And perhaps now Fisher can worry more about trying to improve the team around Young and less about managing the news cycle.

By Mark Maske |  October 2, 2006; 7:02 AM ET  | Category:  Titans
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