EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Vince Young got off to a great start Thursday night against the Jets.
The sixth-year veteran went 8-of-11 in the first quarter as he racked up 87 yards and a touchdown to wide receiver Chad Hall. He spread the ball around, as he hit seven different receivers in the first half. However, Eagles fans were given a scare at the end of the half, when Young tripped during what would have been an easy touchdown run on fourth-and-1. He immediately grabbed his right leg after the play.
Head trainer Rick Burkholder and his staff rushed out onto the field to tend to Young, who eventually walked off the field under his own power. After being examined on the sideline, the two-time Pro Bowl quarterback was seen laughing with trainers as he walked to the locker room. After the game, head coach Andy Reid told the media that Vince Young had strained his right hamstring. Young left the game with a 105.9 passer rating, having completed 15 of his 23 passes for 193 yards and a touchdown in the Eagles' 24-14 win.
"You can't really get scared about hamstrings," said the 6-5 quarterback who will undergo an MRI on Frdiay. "They're a part of football. Now, I just have to listen to the trainers and do whatever they tell me to do. We still don't know the severity of the injury, so we'll see how much time I'm going to miss. I don't think it's major."
Asked if he was bothered by the Eagles' decision to go for it on the fourth-and-1 play in which he was injured, Young was frank.
"I wasn't upset at all," he said. "I love how Coach Reid and (offensive coordinator) Marty Mornhinweg call games and how aggressive this team is."
Before the injury, Young felt that he was putting on a solid performance. He believes he's made solid progress in learning how to play quarterback in the Eagles offense this preseason.
"I felt great about the way I played," Young remarked. "Our offensive line did a great job pass blocking and getting out in front of Dion Lewis. Our receivers did a great job, too. They got open down field and ran good routes. I was happy that we were able to go out there and make plays.
"As the preseason has progressed, I've felt better and better. I'm more comfortable in this offense than I've ever been."
Against the Jets, Young made a convincing statement that he could be counted upon to lead the offense efficiently if need be during the regular season. Eagles fans are hoping that they won't have the misfortune of having to find out whether he can or not. Ideally, Young will only make sporadic appearances this year, handing the ball off to Ronnie Brown late in games once the Eagles have secured a sizeable lead.
Make sure to follow us on Twitter @EaglesInsider
