[ZB9]

Quote: Originally Posted by bkrich83

Uh, the defense and special teams in particular stepped up when they were winning the previous year. VY gets the credit, but it was a lot more than him that turned that team around. For example, people always talk about the TD run he had that won the game vs. the Texans that year. They forget about the long kick return that set that play up. Or the returns for TD's that got them in to games. VY played pretty well for a young QB, but he was not the engine that led that Titans team by any stretch of the imagination. Timely forced turnovers and big plays in special teams were as much a reason as anything he did leading that offense.

the defense was ranked dead last in the league that season...but I agree with you that you cant always tell everything by looking at statistical rankings in a vacuum
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/statis...on=2&year=2006

defense and special teams were obviously a big part of their turnaround from 0-5 that season, but VY setting rookie records and leading comebacks was a big part as well. He brought a lot of energy and national attention to the franchise. The new energy made quite a difference in contrast to the vibe that the franchise had the year before, and was a major factor in the turnaround (as well as the gradual improvement of the defense throughout the season of course, and like you said, the special teams)