| Authored by Kyle Driskell - 5th August, 2006 - 2:50 pm
 Do you remember when the San Diego Chargers received Philip Rivers in the 2004 Draft? Drew Brees seemed to be the odd man out for the Bolts because he would have Rivers breathing down his neck.
Billy Volek has been inserted into a similar situation, except instead of being the previous starter he was the backup for the Titans. Air McNair is long gone, having packed his bags and joined fellow former-Titan Derrick Mason in purple and black. As Young learns the ropes of the NFL, Volek is keeping the driver's seat warm. The only thing that figures to be troubling for Volek is that there is no future for him in Tennessee. What exactly does he have to play for?
Brees signed a 6-year, $60 million deal this past off season with the Saints. Could the future hold the same for Billy Volek? Just because the former Fresno State quarterback wasn't as much of a headline maker in college doesn't mean he's less of a player. Volek's arm isn't quite as accurate as Brees' has been as of late, but it does have a certain snap to it that very few passers in the NFL have. It will be tough for Volek to step in and fill McNair's shoes solely because of McNair's toughness, which Volek is not lacking in any regard. Young will learn a thing or two from Volek while being his understudy.
The fans in Tennessee will realize one thing, taking Vince Young over the likes of AJ Hawk, D'Brickashaw Ferguson, and Michael Huff amongst several other positions of definitive need was a mistake. Sure, Vince Young has a very bright future. His athleticism and explosiveness will definitely be an exciting addition to the Titans. Volek has more mechanical tools than Young, however. What he lacks in athleticism, he makes up for with his decision making and quick release.
I realize Volek is a somewhat inexperienced quarterback by most standards, but he has learned from one of the best quarterbacks of the past decade. Studying under McNair allowed him to go at his own pace, which in turn has allowed him to develop into a solid undrafted quarterback. He understands Norm Chow's defense, and with newly acquired target David Givens and wideout Drew Bennett, Volek will make the plays necessary to win games. With the addition of Kevin Mawae to block up front for him, Volek will be able to sit in the pocket longer and find his targets, which he will do often Billy Volek will turn the boys in Nashville around and will help develop the young receivers for Young's takeover. Even as Vince Young has progressed thus far in practices, Volek still has the look of being the starting quarterback, as he should be the Titans' QB for a long time to come. Too bad none of the head honchos at the Nashville HQ see things the way I do.
When this season starts, I will be sure of two things. One, the more famous Quarterback from Fresno State (David Carr) will once again be lying on the ground with loss after loss piling up. Two, that "other Fresno State QB" will be preparing to laugh himself straight to the bank with a nice chunk of change. Don't think that other teams won't be paying attention this year as Volek leads the Titans to the Playoffs. Don't be surprised when he ends up starting for the Raiders, Bears, or Jets next year, either. |
