Titus Young is a player who many have said has breakout potential this season, but that will all depend on his attitude. The second-year receiver caught only one pass for 14 yards against the Rams on Sunday, but his lack of production was due in large part to the fact that Young only played in the first half.
Detroit head coach Jim Schwartz benched Young at the end of the first half after he head-butted Rams corner Janoris Jenkins. The mix-up occurred after St. Louis scored on a 31-yard pick-six from Cortland Finnegan, and it cost the Lions 15 yards on the ensuing kickoff.
“He didn’t do a smart thing,” Schwartz said. “He and a couple of guys were going back and forth, and the whole thing was right in front of me. It looked like he was going to do the right thing and walk away, but at the last second he turned and made a really dumb decision.”
Over the offseason, Young was reportedly told to stay away from organized team activities for an undisclosed period of time after he punched one of his own teammates. Last season, he punched a Saints player in the face when the Lions were down 17 and trying to get back into the game. He also was disciplined for similar issues while at Boise State, so clearly Sunday’s incident was not an isolated one.
Until Young proves that he can control his temper and remain focused during games, the Lions are likely to leave him in a limited role.
Helmet knock to Pro Football Talk
Photo credit: Mike Carter-US PRESSWIRE
