Associated Press
NASHVILLE, Tenn. ó Tight end Alge Crumpler, who knows the importance of a good relationship with a quarterback, thinks he has found something splendid working with Tennessee’s Vince Young.
“I’m definitely excited about it, and I know he’s excited about it too, especially when we get in two-minute situations, and he takes command of the offense and is able to move our team down the field so easily. He does such a good job. I’m able to point out a couple things here and there … ,” Crumpler said.
“It’s just been a match made in heaven thus far.”
Call it a welcome fresh start for a man looking to escape Atlanta and the mess he had endured last year with coach Bobby Petrino, who abruptly left before his first NFL season had ended.
“I love those fans in Atlanta. The situation that was last season, I’m just glad it’s over with and I’m glad I have a fresh start somewhere else. I … sure don’t want to be there right now,” said Crumpler, a four-time Pro Bowler and Wilmington, N.C., native who played college ball at North Carolina.
To make sure he didn’t make a mistake moving onto a new team, the seven-year veteran did his homework and chose Tennessee because he felt the Titans are a contender.
“I thought coming in here would be a good situation for me, and it’s (done) nothing but met my expectations, above and beyond my expectations thus far,” he said.
What makes Crumpler so happy? Finding himself on a team filled with players who push themselves to work harder.
The feeling has been mutual for a team whose biggest offseason catch was Crumpler with his 316 receptions for 4,212 yards and 35 touchdowns. Even in 2007 when Crumpler missed a couple games with a sore knee, he still caught 42 passes for 444 yards. His five TD catches would have led the Titans, who had only nine TD passes in 2007.
“Alge fits in very nicely,” Titans coach Jeff Fisher said. “He’s been a pro. He’s been here, he’s working and has a good sense and feel for what we’re doing.”