Vince Young has talked plenty this season about how his confidence in his ability to play in the NFL never wavered.
But this week he admitted he had some doubts about making the jump from the University of Texas a year early while the Titans struggled to an 0-5 start. He's only talking about that now because after a remarkable turnaround, the Titans are 8-7 and could get into the playoffs this weekend with a win and three other favorable results.
"I was wondering if I should have stayed in college because of all the stuff going on," Young said. "It was to the point that we were getting our butts whipped and all the stuff that was going on on the sideline.
"I was like, 'What is going on? What have I gotten myself into?' But at the same time it was a learning process for me and a learning process for the rest of the guys."
Once the Titans started winning and building some confidence, he felt things change.
"Now you see the leaders ... and you don't see what you saw at the beginning of the season," he said. "Basically we are having more fun as a team."
Patriots coach Bill Belichick didn't sound anxious about designing a game plan that could slow Young.
"He's hard to deal with," Belichick said. "He does a lot of things well, and he's difficult for any defense to stop. We've seen that from some of the best defenses in this league already. Baltimore is a good example. All the teams have had trouble with him."
Notes:
--QB Vince Young admitted this week he was dealing with some doubts early this season when the Titans were struggling about whether he should have stayed in school for his senior year at Texas. He's not doubting much these days, with an 8-4 record as a starter and a six-game winning streak.
--RB Travis Henry (ankle) practiced Thursday and looked quick. The Patriots know him well from his time in the same division with Buffalo. He's never rushed for 100 yards against New England, but he has totaled 89 and 98 yards in games against the Patriots.
--TE Bo Scaife (ankle) returned to practice Wednesday after missing two weeks and is optimistic he will be ready to play Sunday against the Patriots.
--WR Drew Bennett has traditionally finished slowly, and he's gone without a catch the last two weeks. He's set to become a free agent in March.
--WR Bobby Wade (ankle) missed his second consecutive practice Thursday but expects to be fine Sunday against New England.
--DE Travis LaBoy (knee) missed his second consecutive practice Thursday but should be able to play against New England on Sunday.