AFC South: Adam Vinatieri
Rapid Reaction: Colts 19, Texans 16
December, 22, 2011
12/22/11
11:34
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
INDIANAPOLIS -- Quick thoughts on the Colts' 19-16 victory over the Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium:

What it means: After an 0-13 start, the Colts won their second game in five days -- this one with a dramatic drive in the final two minutes capped by a 1-yard touchdown catch by Reggie Wayne in what might have been his last home game as a member of the team. The AFC South champion Texans dropped their second game in a row and really hurt themselves in terms of maximizing their playoff seeding.
What I liked, Colts: Quite a bit of resolve. They settled for five field goal attempts by Adam Vinatieri, who hit four of them, until the final drive. They took advantage of favorable penalties on a 12-play, 78-yard touchdown march that took only 1 minute, 37 seconds and finished with Wayne's heroic catch.
What I liked, Texans: Brian Cushing forced a Dan Orlovsky fumble on the first play from scrimmage, Brooks Reed recovered and Arian Foster quickly ran it in for an easy touchdown. Foster punished the Colts with consistently good gains, breaking off chunks that accounted for the bulk of the Texans’ offense -- 23 carries and 158 yards.
Still winless: The Texans still have never won in Indianapolis, falling to 0-10 at the RCA Dome and Lucas Oil Stadium combined.
What I want to know: Did the Texans suffer short-term loss in exchange for long-term benefit? It's a result that could help keep the Colts from having the first pick in the draft and keep Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck out of the division.
What’s next: The Colts will look to end the season with three consecutive wins when they travel to Jacksonville for their season finale Jan. 1. Houston hosts Tennessee the same day.
Long distance field-goal attempts are finding their way through the uprights at a fantastic rate.
Mark Simon of ESPN Stats & Information says overall field-goal attempts are being converted at nearly 86 percent, which would break the season record of 84.5 in 2008.
The NFL success rate on field-goal attempts of 40 to 49 yards this season is 78.0 percent, a rate that would be better than the current mark of 74.5 percent set in 2008.
And the success rate on kicks of 50 yards or more is 71.4 percent.
According to Simon, if kickers maintain their current success rate and pace (45 field goals of 50+ yards in 116 games), it’s possible for there to be 100 field goals made from at least 50 yards this season. The current pace would produce 99. That would shatter the current mark of 66 makes from 50-plus yards set in 2008.
The AFC South fraternity of kickers is doing its part to contribute to the big numbers.
That’s 19-for-24 combined, a rate of 79.2.
Not too shabby.
Simon said historically percentages don't drop off, though I would think some cold-weather games would make it more difficult to maintain the pace. But only six of the AFC South's remaining 33 games look to have a chance of being played in real winter weather.
Mark Simon of ESPN Stats & Information says overall field-goal attempts are being converted at nearly 86 percent, which would break the season record of 84.5 in 2008.
The NFL success rate on field-goal attempts of 40 to 49 yards this season is 78.0 percent, a rate that would be better than the current mark of 74.5 percent set in 2008.
And the success rate on kicks of 50 yards or more is 71.4 percent.
According to Simon, if kickers maintain their current success rate and pace (45 field goals of 50+ yards in 116 games), it’s possible for there to be 100 field goals made from at least 50 yards this season. The current pace would produce 99. That would shatter the current mark of 66 makes from 50-plus yards set in 2008.
The AFC South fraternity of kickers is doing its part to contribute to the big numbers.
- Jacksonville’s Josh Scobee is 9-for-9 on attempts of 40 yards or longer (including 5-for-5 from 50-plus)
- Tennessee’s Rob Bironas is 4-for-5 from 40 yards or longer (including 2-for-3 from 50-plus)
- Indianapolis’ Adam Vinatieri is 4-for-6 from 40 or longer (including 2-for-3 from 50-plus)
- Houston’s Neil Rackers is 2-for-4 (including 1-for-1 from 50-plus)
That’s 19-for-24 combined, a rate of 79.2.
Not too shabby.
Simon said historically percentages don't drop off, though I would think some cold-weather games would make it more difficult to maintain the pace. But only six of the AFC South's remaining 33 games look to have a chance of being played in real winter weather.
Colts need to be smarter, more aggressive
October, 30, 2011
10/30/11
6:05
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The stuff I wanted to see from the Indianapolis Colts would have strayed from the sort of approach you could call “The Colts’ way.”
But guess what? When you’re heading for 0-8 without one of the league’s all-time greats in your lineup, you need to find something new.
When “we do what we do” goes by the wayside because you can’t do it, what do you do? Sunday’s 27-10 loss to the Titans at LP Field did little to answer the question.
I have two primary points of contention with the way coach Jim Caldwell and his staff handled the game.
The return game: Joe Lefeged brought kickoffs out of the end zone from 5 yards deep, 6 yards deep and 3 yards deep and didn’t scare the 20-yard line. He left 18 yards on the field he could have gotten by taking a knee.
Caldwell said it was as much the failures of the blockers to do what was outlined for them as it was the return man.
But the Colts have been a poor special teams team for a long time. Maybe they figure all the short returns are worth the trade for the home run they will hit someday. But I don’t care what kind of great plan you drew up and what kind of great practice week you had bringing balls out of the end zone. It’s simply not realistic to expect that all of a sudden things will open up for you.
With Peyton Manning running the offense, a lost 5 or 8 yards at the start of a drive is no big deal. With Curtis Painter and the current team on the field, you need every yard you can get.
So doing what they were doing was simply not reasoned out well enough.
Going for it: Indianapolis was down 20-0 at the half. That’s a big deficit. I understand we’ve seen teams storm back from that and more this season, and that everyone is optimistic about their halftime adjustments. But for these Colts, being overly optimistic is irrational.
On nine possessions in the first half, the Colts had not gotten closer to the Titans’ end zone than the Indianapolis 46-yard line.
When the Colts finally got something going early in the first half, they had a chance to show the Titans they were going to be a mouse or a lion, and Caldwell didn’t seem to give a whole lot of consideration to the lion route.
The Colts moved 58 yards in 13 plays and had some semblance of rhythm as they faced third-and 4 from the Tennessee 4-yard line. Delone Carter just had a couple 4-yard runs.
What’s lost by making it two-down territory and showing some confidence that the rookie back could get 4 more in two chances at it? To get to 20-7 there would have felt like real progress.
Instead, Adam Vinatieri kicked a 22-yard field goal.
Which team do you think left the field feeling like it won that series?
[+] Enlarge
Jim Brown/US PresswireHead coach Jim Caldwell has not had the answers for many of the Colts' problems this season.
Jim Brown/US PresswireHead coach Jim Caldwell has not had the answers for many of the Colts' problems this season.When “we do what we do” goes by the wayside because you can’t do it, what do you do? Sunday’s 27-10 loss to the Titans at LP Field did little to answer the question.
I have two primary points of contention with the way coach Jim Caldwell and his staff handled the game.
The return game: Joe Lefeged brought kickoffs out of the end zone from 5 yards deep, 6 yards deep and 3 yards deep and didn’t scare the 20-yard line. He left 18 yards on the field he could have gotten by taking a knee.
Caldwell said it was as much the failures of the blockers to do what was outlined for them as it was the return man.
But the Colts have been a poor special teams team for a long time. Maybe they figure all the short returns are worth the trade for the home run they will hit someday. But I don’t care what kind of great plan you drew up and what kind of great practice week you had bringing balls out of the end zone. It’s simply not realistic to expect that all of a sudden things will open up for you.
With Peyton Manning running the offense, a lost 5 or 8 yards at the start of a drive is no big deal. With Curtis Painter and the current team on the field, you need every yard you can get.
So doing what they were doing was simply not reasoned out well enough.
Going for it: Indianapolis was down 20-0 at the half. That’s a big deficit. I understand we’ve seen teams storm back from that and more this season, and that everyone is optimistic about their halftime adjustments. But for these Colts, being overly optimistic is irrational.
On nine possessions in the first half, the Colts had not gotten closer to the Titans’ end zone than the Indianapolis 46-yard line.
When the Colts finally got something going early in the first half, they had a chance to show the Titans they were going to be a mouse or a lion, and Caldwell didn’t seem to give a whole lot of consideration to the lion route.
The Colts moved 58 yards in 13 plays and had some semblance of rhythm as they faced third-and 4 from the Tennessee 4-yard line. Delone Carter just had a couple 4-yard runs.
What’s lost by making it two-down territory and showing some confidence that the rookie back could get 4 more in two chances at it? To get to 20-7 there would have felt like real progress.
Instead, Adam Vinatieri kicked a 22-yard field goal.
Which team do you think left the field feeling like it won that series?
Thoughts on the Indianapolis Colts’ 27-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium:

What it means: The Colts remain winless, falling to 0-6. They had a fourth-quarter chance to pull even, but Adam Vinatieri's 52-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Nate Clements. Then Reggie Nelson forced a fumble by Pierre Garcon, and the Bengals got a 35-yard touchdown return by Carlos Dunlap to pull out of range.
What I didn’t like: Tight end Dallas Clark has suffered as much as anyone without Peyton Manning. But his first-quarter fumble, when he was stripped by the Bengals, set up Cincinnati for the game’s opening touchdown and had nothing to do with the quarterback. Clark did bounce back with a nice fourth-quarter catch on the right boundary and a 1-yard TD catch.
What I liked: Delone Carter took some carries and ran with the sort of authority the Colts drafted him for, converting a couple of short-yardage situations. And Donald Brown had a nice 18-yard touchdown run on a day when the Colts ran the ball reasonably well -- totaling 94 yards and 4.1 yards a carry.
Stat of note: The Colts turned the ball over three times and didn’t take it away once.
What’s next: The Colts head for New Orleans and play a rematch of Super Bowl XLIV. The Saints aren’t far off from the team that won that game, while the Colts aren’t even a shell of the AFC champions of two seasons ago.

What it means: The Colts remain winless, falling to 0-6. They had a fourth-quarter chance to pull even, but Adam Vinatieri's 52-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Nate Clements. Then Reggie Nelson forced a fumble by Pierre Garcon, and the Bengals got a 35-yard touchdown return by Carlos Dunlap to pull out of range.
What I didn’t like: Tight end Dallas Clark has suffered as much as anyone without Peyton Manning. But his first-quarter fumble, when he was stripped by the Bengals, set up Cincinnati for the game’s opening touchdown and had nothing to do with the quarterback. Clark did bounce back with a nice fourth-quarter catch on the right boundary and a 1-yard TD catch.
What I liked: Delone Carter took some carries and ran with the sort of authority the Colts drafted him for, converting a couple of short-yardage situations. And Donald Brown had a nice 18-yard touchdown run on a day when the Colts ran the ball reasonably well -- totaling 94 yards and 4.1 yards a carry.
Stat of note: The Colts turned the ball over three times and didn’t take it away once.
What’s next: The Colts head for New Orleans and play a rematch of Super Bowl XLIV. The Saints aren’t far off from the team that won that game, while the Colts aren’t even a shell of the AFC champions of two seasons ago.
Colts: What they play before they play
September, 9, 2011
9/09/11
12:20
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
You see them in headphones, walking into the stadium, heading from the locker room to the field, as they stretch and run and get ready for kickoff.
Before the iPods are turned off and put away, what’s the last song the Titans listen to in order to get in the right frame of mind?
Build a playlist based on this if you dare:
Tight end Jacob Tamme: Black Eyed Peas, “I Got a Feeling”
“It’s got a nice little beat. And the lyrics, ‘Tonight’s gonna be a good night,’ there is nothing wrong with that type of thinking before you hit the field.”
Linebacker Kavell Connor: Pastor Troy, “Vice Versa”
“It just gets me into a zone where I focus, where I am ready to go to battle, ready to go to war.”
Cornerback Jerraud Powers: Explosions in the Sky
“It sort of calms me down, helps me focus. But I’ve got the new Jay-Z and Kayne West, I’m pretty sure I will be bumping that too."
Kicker Adam Vinatieri: Incubus, "The Warmth"
"Great, great pregame song. Best all-time pregame song. Listen to the lyrics. The lyrics are fantastic. It starts off slow, there is a little bit of an upbeat to it. But the lyrics are where it's at. It gives you chills."
Cornerback Kevin Thomas: DMX, “Where My Dogs at”
“It just gets you in the mindset of getting rowdy, getting hyped and pretty much playing at full speed, reckless.”
Linebacker Gary Brackett: Marvin Sapp, “Never Would Have Made It”
“It’s an inspirational song. It’s an affirmation of why I am here.”
Running back Joseph Addai: Bob Marley, “No Woman, No Cry”
“I need to be able to relax to play. Dealing with Peyton [Manning], you’ve got to be able to relax. I need to calm my nerves, be ready for Peyton.”
Safety Antoine Bethea: 2Pac, “Dear Mama”
“It just gives me focus and let’s me know why I am out there. If it wasn’t for my mom, I wouldn’t be here. It’s just something that really mellow me down, doesn’t get me too hyped too early.”
Running back Delone Carter: Young Jeezy, “Handle my Business”
Offensive lineman Ben Ijalana: Lupe Fiasco, “Kick, Push”
“At my position, the calmer I find myself, the better I play.”
And the outliers who don't have one song or don't have a music routine:
Center Jeff Saturday: “I don’t really listen to music pregame. It used to be me, [Charlie Johnson] and Ryan Diem would listen to ‘Cult of Personality’ by Living Color. Chuck’s gone. He was the guy who played it. We’ll see who rises to the forefront with the music. I’ve been at this a long time, I don’t really need a lot of external motivators. I pretty much show up ready to get it done.”
Defensive end Dwight Freeney: “Every year is different, I find a different one. I’m a guy who doesn’t have one particular song. I kind of go out and shuffle through it. This song got me going today.”
Receiver Reggie Wayne: “My last song is just really hearing the crowd roar. I don’t really have a song to get me going. I like to hear that 12th man screaming, that’s when I know it’s time for battle.”
Left tackle Anthony Castonzo: “To tell you the truth, I don’t listen to any music on game day. I just close my eyes and picture things I just prefer silence. I just kind of go into my own brain and start to picture myself doing things properly.”
Quarterback Kerry Collins: He dabbles in writing country music songs and has friends in the business in Nashville, but said he doesn't listen to music as part of his pregame routine.
Before the iPods are turned off and put away, what’s the last song the Titans listen to in order to get in the right frame of mind?
Build a playlist based on this if you dare:
Tight end Jacob Tamme: Black Eyed Peas, “I Got a Feeling”
“It’s got a nice little beat. And the lyrics, ‘Tonight’s gonna be a good night,’ there is nothing wrong with that type of thinking before you hit the field.”
Linebacker Kavell Connor: Pastor Troy, “Vice Versa”
“It just gets me into a zone where I focus, where I am ready to go to battle, ready to go to war.”
Cornerback Jerraud Powers: Explosions in the Sky
“It sort of calms me down, helps me focus. But I’ve got the new Jay-Z and Kayne West, I’m pretty sure I will be bumping that too."
Kicker Adam Vinatieri: Incubus, "The Warmth"
"Great, great pregame song. Best all-time pregame song. Listen to the lyrics. The lyrics are fantastic. It starts off slow, there is a little bit of an upbeat to it. But the lyrics are where it's at. It gives you chills."
Cornerback Kevin Thomas: DMX, “Where My Dogs at”
“It just gets you in the mindset of getting rowdy, getting hyped and pretty much playing at full speed, reckless.”
Linebacker Gary Brackett: Marvin Sapp, “Never Would Have Made It”
“It’s an inspirational song. It’s an affirmation of why I am here.”
Running back Joseph Addai: Bob Marley, “No Woman, No Cry”
“I need to be able to relax to play. Dealing with Peyton [Manning], you’ve got to be able to relax. I need to calm my nerves, be ready for Peyton.”
Safety Antoine Bethea: 2Pac, “Dear Mama”
“It just gives me focus and let’s me know why I am out there. If it wasn’t for my mom, I wouldn’t be here. It’s just something that really mellow me down, doesn’t get me too hyped too early.”
Running back Delone Carter: Young Jeezy, “Handle my Business”
Offensive lineman Ben Ijalana: Lupe Fiasco, “Kick, Push”
“At my position, the calmer I find myself, the better I play.”
And the outliers who don't have one song or don't have a music routine:
Center Jeff Saturday: “I don’t really listen to music pregame. It used to be me, [Charlie Johnson] and Ryan Diem would listen to ‘Cult of Personality’ by Living Color. Chuck’s gone. He was the guy who played it. We’ll see who rises to the forefront with the music. I’ve been at this a long time, I don’t really need a lot of external motivators. I pretty much show up ready to get it done.”
Defensive end Dwight Freeney: “Every year is different, I find a different one. I’m a guy who doesn’t have one particular song. I kind of go out and shuffle through it. This song got me going today.”
Receiver Reggie Wayne: “My last song is just really hearing the crowd roar. I don’t really have a song to get me going. I like to hear that 12th man screaming, that’s when I know it’s time for battle.”
Left tackle Anthony Castonzo: “To tell you the truth, I don’t listen to any music on game day. I just close my eyes and picture things I just prefer silence. I just kind of go into my own brain and start to picture myself doing things properly.”
Quarterback Kerry Collins: He dabbles in writing country music songs and has friends in the business in Nashville, but said he doesn't listen to music as part of his pregame routine.
Scouts Inc. rankings: The last lists
August, 26, 2011
8/26/11
4:15
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Scouts Inc. finishes out its position-by-position lists with quarterbacks, receivers, tight ends, kickers and punters.
Again, we’ll find some huge fodder for debate.
The AFC South representation:
Quarterbacks
Wide receivers
Tight ends
Kickers
Punters
Again, we’ll find some huge fodder for debate.
The AFC South representation:
Quarterbacks
2) Peyton Manning
13) Matt Schaub
20) David Garrard
31) Matt Hasselbeck
40) Kerry Collins
42) Matt Leinart
52) Dan Orlovsky
75) Todd Bouman
79) Rusty Smith
82) Luke McCown
I think: I understand not being high on Hasselbeck, but to rank him behind Matt Moore, Tim Tebow, Jon Kitna, Shaun Hill and Alex Smith is ridiculous. And how can Todd Bouman outrank Luke McCown?
Wide receivers
1) Andre Johnson
2) Reggie Wayne
21) Austin Collie
33) Kenny Britt
36) Mike Thomas
38) Pierre Garcon
55) Kevin Walter
63) Anthony Gonzalez
76) Nate Washington
86) Jacoby Jones
103) Jason Hill
111) Justin Gage
I think: Collie is that good, Thomas is probably undervalued and this is yet another source of wondering about Gage.
Tight ends
3) Dallas Clark
6) Owen Daniels
9) Marcedes Lewis
28) Jared Cook
39) Jacob Tamme
42) Daniel Graham
51) Craig Stevens
58) Joel Dreessen
59) Zach Miller
68) Zach Potter
76 ) James Casey (now a fullback)
I think: Cook, Miller and Casey will all be risers this season.
Kickers
2) Rob Bironas
11) Neil Rackers
22) Adam Vinatieri
26) Josh Scobee
I think: Vinatieri’s probably low based on his reliability.
Punters
13) Brad Maynard
16) Brett Kern
30) Pat McAfee
31) Matt Turk
I think: Maynard is way high considering he could lose out to undrafted rookie Brett Hartmann. McAfee is far too low.
Using McAfee in a desperate situation?
August, 16, 2011
8/16/11
8:08
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Could we see something crazy out of Pat McAfee in an end-of-game scenario this season?
The big-legged Colts punter worked on field goal kicking during the lockout in case the team didn’t re-sign Adam Vinatieri. And with no rush, he showed on the opening night of camp that he can hit from a super-long distance. As in 75 yards. Witnessed at the first evening practice of camp, it confirmed YouTube video that had been questioned and that I avoided for fear of video trickery.
Here’s Mike Chappell on the possibilities for McAfee.
Jim Caldwell said “it could happen,” given the situation.
“I think Jim would use him in that situation with the game on the line, sure,” Bill Polian said earlier in camp, before adding that he hoped such a desperate situation never crops up.
I hope it does. Who wouldn't want to see it?
The big-legged Colts punter worked on field goal kicking during the lockout in case the team didn’t re-sign Adam Vinatieri. And with no rush, he showed on the opening night of camp that he can hit from a super-long distance. As in 75 yards. Witnessed at the first evening practice of camp, it confirmed YouTube video that had been questioned and that I avoided for fear of video trickery.
Here’s Mike Chappell on the possibilities for McAfee.
Jim Caldwell said “it could happen,” given the situation.
“I think Jim would use him in that situation with the game on the line, sure,” Bill Polian said earlier in camp, before adding that he hoped such a desperate situation never crops up.
I hope it does. Who wouldn't want to see it?
Are teams addressing needs? We can’t say if they’ve picked the right guys until we see how they all play. But we can assess how our four franchises have done in terms of filling holes or attempting to upgrade to this point.
Houston Texans
Old needs: The Texans were in desperate need of defensive backs and landed the second-best available cornerback in Johnathan Joseph and a safety better than any they have in Danieal Manning. They re-signed receiver Jacoby Jones, third tackle Rashad Butler and backup quarterback Matt Leinart. Matt Turk was a free agent who departed, so a punter is a need.
New needs: Fullback Vonta Leach was a huge part of Arian Foster’s rushing title but went to Baltimore. It seems likely the Texans will turn to versatile tight end James Casey as a lead blocker, but there are some quality free-agent options out there.
Don’t think they need: They’ve said from the time Wade Phillips evaluated personnel that Shaun Cody and Earl Mitchell will be a capable combo at nose tackle. It’s a spot they may well be overestimating.
Indianapolis Colts
Old needs: A contract for quarterback Peyton Manning was No. 1, even though he was not technically a free agent, and they’ve gotten that done. They prevented safety and kicker from becoming issues with quick moves to retain Melvin Bullitt and Adam Vinatieri.
New needs: Kavell Conner is likely the third linebacker with Clint Session now a member of the Jaguars. But the linebacking depth is hardly great, and even a late veteran addition at the position might be significant.
Don’t think they need: I’m sure they’d love to find the next Reggie Wayne or a run-stuffing defensive tackle, but they either don’t see those guys out there or, more likely, aren’t changing their philosophy about chasing significant outsiders.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Old needs: Very aggressively address linebacker (with Paul Posluszny and Session), safety (with Dawan Landry) and nickelback (with Drew Coleman). That’s four quality players added to their top 12 on defense
New needs: Punter Adam Podlesh bolted for a big contract in Chicago. But the Jaguars quickly adjusted, signing Turk to replace him.
Don’t think they need: They’ve tried and failed with veteran wideouts to varying degrees -- from the bust of Jerry Porter, to the more affordable non-contributions of Troy Williamson, to the stopgap year from Torry Holt. They appear comfortable with a top three of Mike Thomas, Jason Hill and Jarett Dillard or Cecil Shorts. They won’t likely be shopping.
Tennessee Titans
Old needs: They’ve addressed quarterback (Matt Hasselbeck), middle linebacker (Barrett Ruud), defensive tackle (Shaun Smith), and guard (re-signing Leroy Harris). Safety has gone unaddressed, so it appears Chris Hope remains in place. With Ahmard Hall a free agent, they could use a fullback, but may just go with tight ends or an undrafted if he departs.
New needs: Stephen Tulloch didn’t officially leave until after the Titans signed Ruud. They lost Jason Babin to Philadelphia, but never really planned to pursue him hard, and the move of Jason Jones to end helps offset it.
Don’t think they need: Wide receiver is always an issue for the Titans, but they don’t feel the desperation outsiders do. They’re content with their group, though an experienced, low-cost free agent could eventually arrive.
Houston Texans
Old needs: The Texans were in desperate need of defensive backs and landed the second-best available cornerback in Johnathan Joseph and a safety better than any they have in Danieal Manning. They re-signed receiver Jacoby Jones, third tackle Rashad Butler and backup quarterback Matt Leinart. Matt Turk was a free agent who departed, so a punter is a need.
New needs: Fullback Vonta Leach was a huge part of Arian Foster’s rushing title but went to Baltimore. It seems likely the Texans will turn to versatile tight end James Casey as a lead blocker, but there are some quality free-agent options out there.
Don’t think they need: They’ve said from the time Wade Phillips evaluated personnel that Shaun Cody and Earl Mitchell will be a capable combo at nose tackle. It’s a spot they may well be overestimating.
Indianapolis Colts
Old needs: A contract for quarterback Peyton Manning was No. 1, even though he was not technically a free agent, and they’ve gotten that done. They prevented safety and kicker from becoming issues with quick moves to retain Melvin Bullitt and Adam Vinatieri.
New needs: Kavell Conner is likely the third linebacker with Clint Session now a member of the Jaguars. But the linebacking depth is hardly great, and even a late veteran addition at the position might be significant.
Don’t think they need: I’m sure they’d love to find the next Reggie Wayne or a run-stuffing defensive tackle, but they either don’t see those guys out there or, more likely, aren’t changing their philosophy about chasing significant outsiders.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Old needs: Very aggressively address linebacker (with Paul Posluszny and Session), safety (with Dawan Landry) and nickelback (with Drew Coleman). That’s four quality players added to their top 12 on defense
New needs: Punter Adam Podlesh bolted for a big contract in Chicago. But the Jaguars quickly adjusted, signing Turk to replace him.
Don’t think they need: They’ve tried and failed with veteran wideouts to varying degrees -- from the bust of Jerry Porter, to the more affordable non-contributions of Troy Williamson, to the stopgap year from Torry Holt. They appear comfortable with a top three of Mike Thomas, Jason Hill and Jarett Dillard or Cecil Shorts. They won’t likely be shopping.
Tennessee Titans
Old needs: They’ve addressed quarterback (Matt Hasselbeck), middle linebacker (Barrett Ruud), defensive tackle (Shaun Smith), and guard (re-signing Leroy Harris). Safety has gone unaddressed, so it appears Chris Hope remains in place. With Ahmard Hall a free agent, they could use a fullback, but may just go with tight ends or an undrafted if he departs.
New needs: Stephen Tulloch didn’t officially leave until after the Titans signed Ruud. They lost Jason Babin to Philadelphia, but never really planned to pursue him hard, and the move of Jason Jones to end helps offset it.
Don’t think they need: Wide receiver is always an issue for the Titans, but they don’t feel the desperation outsiders do. They’re content with their group, though an experienced, low-cost free agent could eventually arrive.
» NFC: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South » Unrestricted FAs
Readiness factor: Players were very hush-hush about player-organized team activities, but they did happen, with Peyton Manning spearheading the effort. Before his neck surgery, Manning had spent time with a lot of his targets, doing the sort of offseason route work that he said is key to much of what unfolds in games. Curtis Painter did the throwing during workouts after Manning had his neck operation. Reports say Manning won't be ready for the start of camp and could miss a large chunk of it, which will hurt the team's readiness.
Biggest challenge: Holding on to people. The team could conceivably lose running back Joseph Addai, linebacker Clint Session, strong safety Melvin Bullitt, versatile offensive lineman Charlie Johnson, defensive tackle Daniel Muir and kicker Adam Vinatieri. Reggie Wayne and Robert Mathis are heading into the final years of their deals. The Colts also need to sort out high salaries for tackle Ryan Diem and corner Kelvin Hayden.
Medical report: We’ve heard good things about all the hurting Colts, but they need checkups from a slew of guys coming off injuries. It’ll start with Manning, whose surgery was in late May. Key guys who also ended last season on IR: tight end Dallas Clark(wrist), Bullitt (shoulder), Austin Collie (concussions), Jerraud Powers (arm), Hayden (neck) and Session (elbow).
Key players without contracts for 2011:Addai, Session, Bullitt, Johnson, Muir, Vinatieri.
Readiness factor: Players were very hush-hush about player-organized team activities, but they did happen, with Peyton Manning spearheading the effort. Before his neck surgery, Manning had spent time with a lot of his targets, doing the sort of offseason route work that he said is key to much of what unfolds in games. Curtis Painter did the throwing during workouts after Manning had his neck operation. Reports say Manning won't be ready for the start of camp and could miss a large chunk of it, which will hurt the team's readiness.
Biggest challenge: Holding on to people. The team could conceivably lose running back Joseph Addai, linebacker Clint Session, strong safety Melvin Bullitt, versatile offensive lineman Charlie Johnson, defensive tackle Daniel Muir and kicker Adam Vinatieri. Reggie Wayne and Robert Mathis are heading into the final years of their deals. The Colts also need to sort out high salaries for tackle Ryan Diem and corner Kelvin Hayden.
Medical report: We’ve heard good things about all the hurting Colts, but they need checkups from a slew of guys coming off injuries. It’ll start with Manning, whose surgery was in late May. Key guys who also ended last season on IR: tight end Dallas Clark(wrist), Bullitt (shoulder), Austin Collie (concussions), Jerraud Powers (arm), Hayden (neck) and Session (elbow).
Key players without contracts for 2011:Addai, Session, Bullitt, Johnson, Muir, Vinatieri.
It’s called fantasy football for many reasons, and one of those reasons is we can discuss a new top 200 list in June during a lockout. You know it’s allowing you to adjust your cheat sheets.
Here’s the AFC South representation on ESPN.com’s new pre-free agency list. They’ve used “fa” to denote scheduled free agents. We will leave them on even though we know players like Mike Sims-Walker, Randy Moss and Vince Young are leaving Jacksonville, Tennessee and Tennessee, respectively
I wouldn’t touch Moss at 94, which is where I start to have some issues with this list. From what I saw up close, he’s finished. There are offensive coaches scattered around the country who were part of Jeff Fisher’s staff who would say the same.
Other thoughts:
Here’s the AFC South representation on ESPN.com’s new pre-free agency list. They’ve used “fa” to denote scheduled free agents. We will leave them on even though we know players like Mike Sims-Walker, Randy Moss and Vince Young are leaving Jacksonville, Tennessee and Tennessee, respectively
- 2 -- Arian Foster, HOU
- 3 -- Chris Johnson, TEN
- 5 -- Maurice Jones-Drew, JAC
- 9 -- Andre Johnson, HOU
- 22 -- Peyton Manning, IND
- 28 -- Reggie Wayne, IND
- 47 -- Matt Schaub, Hou
- 50 -- Dallas Clark, IND
- 57 -- Kenny Britt, TEN
- 63 -- Austin Collie, IND
- 82 -- Pierre Garcon, IND
- 83 -- Joseph Addai, IND-fa
- 87 -- Owen Daniels, HOU
- 94 -- Randy Moss, TEN-fa
- 103 -- Mike Thomas, JAC
- 105 -- Marcedes Lewis, JAC
- 126 -- David Garrard, Jac
- 138 -- Vince Young, Ten
- 143 -- Rashad Jennings, JAC
- 151 -- Neil Rackers, HOU
- 154 -- Rob Bironas, TEN
- 163 -- Ben Tate, HOU
- 172 -- Mike Sims-Walker, JAC-fa
- 181 -- Jared Cook, TEN
- 190 -- Adam Vinatieri, IND-fa
- 194 -- Jacoby Jones, HOU-fa
I wouldn’t touch Moss at 94, which is where I start to have some issues with this list. From what I saw up close, he’s finished. There are offensive coaches scattered around the country who were part of Jeff Fisher’s staff who would say the same.
Other thoughts:
- Of the guys rated above 90, Kenny Britt is probably the riskiest. Will he walk the straight line and can you count on him to produce week-to-week?
- Marcedes Lewis is too low. He’s going to remain the prime red-zone passing target. He’s going to be in amazing shape. I see a lot of guys I’d take him ahead of ranked above him (Beanie Wells? Seattle's Mike Williams? Moss?).
- David Garrard, meanwhile, seems too high at 126, though he is the 20th quarterback. I suppose if you draft your backup in the 12th round (in a 10-team league) that’s OK.
- It’s kind of silly to even play pretend with the likes of Joseph Addai, Moss, Sims-Walker, Young, Adam Vinatieri or Jacoby Jones at this point with no idea about where they will land.
- I think Mike Thomas is probably going to be a pretty good value if he’s the 103rd player taken.
- I’d go with Ben Tate as a reserve running back ahead of Rashad Jennings, just based on the mystery connected to Tate, who was hurt and lost for the year early last season.
- The best breakout candidate here is probably Jared Cook. You can certainly take a flier on him earlier than 181st knowing the Titans intend to feature him.
Free agency has the potential to change things. But after the draft, here are three Colts who are more valuable/ more important than they were before:
Adam Vinatieri: I didn’t expect Indianapolis to draft a kicker. But Vinatieri is a free agent no matter how things sift out. And reliable, clutch field-goal kicking is an ingredient the Colts have gotten used to, even if he can't kill the long ones. Ideally he will still be the guy capping Peyton Manning’s last-minute drives.
Melvin Bullitt: A free agent if four years qualifies players for the open market, he’s a steady player who would have appeal elsewhere based on how thin the safety position is around the league. He wasn’t as difficult to replace as I imagined last year when he was hurt, but with no new safety around, he’s a valuable guy to hold on to.
Pierre Garcon: The wide receiver is a crucial part of the offense. I don’t know if he’s ultimately the successor to Reggie Wayne as the team’s No. 1 guy. But with no new receiver added, Garcon’s speed puts him in a position to continue to establish himself. He needs to be more consistent, particularly with catching the ball reliably in big spots.
Adam Vinatieri: I didn’t expect Indianapolis to draft a kicker. But Vinatieri is a free agent no matter how things sift out. And reliable, clutch field-goal kicking is an ingredient the Colts have gotten used to, even if he can't kill the long ones. Ideally he will still be the guy capping Peyton Manning’s last-minute drives.
Melvin Bullitt: A free agent if four years qualifies players for the open market, he’s a steady player who would have appeal elsewhere based on how thin the safety position is around the league. He wasn’t as difficult to replace as I imagined last year when he was hurt, but with no new safety around, he’s a valuable guy to hold on to.
Pierre Garcon: The wide receiver is a crucial part of the offense. I don’t know if he’s ultimately the successor to Reggie Wayne as the team’s No. 1 guy. But with no new receiver added, Garcon’s speed puts him in a position to continue to establish himself. He needs to be more consistent, particularly with catching the ball reliably in big spots.
What wasn’t addressed in the draft and could be a free-agency focus for the Colts:
Safety: Melvin Bullitt may wind up a retainable restricted free agent. Even if they can keep him, safety is a thin spot that needs depth. Because the position is thin around the league, if Bullitt does become a free agent, he’ll be attractive to a lot of teams. The Colts have a glue guy in Antoine Bethea at free safety, but need a strong safety option.
Receiver: They’ve got a solid group here with Reggie Wayne, Austin Collie, Pierre Garcon, Anthony Gonzalez and even Blair White. But there are injury concerns with Collie and Gonzalez, and although the guys beyond Wayne can all be major contributors, none of them will be a clear-cut No. 1 option for the team when Wayne starts to slow. Perhaps they don’t have to worry about it for another year, but it’d be nice to have that guy in house.
Kicker: Adam Vinatieri is a free agent under any scenario. It makes sense to re-sign a reliable, clutch guy even if long-distance range may be a question. But if someone else makes him a big offer, the Colts will be in need.
For draft, Polian will presume FAs are gone
April, 6, 2011
4/06/11
11:47
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
With the draft slated to take place ahead of free agency, how will teams determine their needs if they don't know whether they will be able to retain their own guys with expiring contracts?
Colts vice chairman Bill Polian said he’ll take a worst-case scenario approach.
I asked him, as an example, whether safety ranks as a Colts draft need considering Melvin Bullitt could be an unrestricted free agent if a new CBA is struck.
“I think you have to go into the draft and say, ‘Anybody who’s out there [as a possible unrestricted free agent] is not coming back,'” Polian said. “Now, that’s for draft purposes. Don’t misconstrue what I am saying. That’s for purposes of evaluating players in the draft.
“We hope like the devil to get Melvin Bullitt back. I don’t know if we will or we won’t.”
I feel certain that thinking doesn’t apply to Peyton Manning, who isn't under contract for 2011 but who got a franchise tag before the CBA expired.
Elsewhere, Polian's comment gives us some insight into what Indianapolis may be looking to address in the draft.
Among the Colts’ potential free agents to-be are running back Joseph Addai, left tackle Charlie Johnson, linebacker Clint Session, defensive tackles Antonio Johnson and Daniel Muir and kicker Adam Vinatieri.
The Colts probably have enough at running back and linebacker even without Addai and Session. Maybe there is a blue-chip guy too good to resist, but otherwise a late pick to help ensure depth could suffice. But offensive line is a primary need even if Johnson returns and a big defensive tackle could be an upgrade over Johnson or Muir.
Of that group, only Vinatieri will be unrestricted if the lockout is lifted by the courts and the NFL imposes the most recent set of rules. In that scenario, players need six years rather than four to reach unrestricted free agency.
Colts vice chairman Bill Polian said he’ll take a worst-case scenario approach.
I asked him, as an example, whether safety ranks as a Colts draft need considering Melvin Bullitt could be an unrestricted free agent if a new CBA is struck.
“I think you have to go into the draft and say, ‘Anybody who’s out there [as a possible unrestricted free agent] is not coming back,'” Polian said. “Now, that’s for draft purposes. Don’t misconstrue what I am saying. That’s for purposes of evaluating players in the draft.
“We hope like the devil to get Melvin Bullitt back. I don’t know if we will or we won’t.”
I feel certain that thinking doesn’t apply to Peyton Manning, who isn't under contract for 2011 but who got a franchise tag before the CBA expired.
Elsewhere, Polian's comment gives us some insight into what Indianapolis may be looking to address in the draft.
Among the Colts’ potential free agents to-be are running back Joseph Addai, left tackle Charlie Johnson, linebacker Clint Session, defensive tackles Antonio Johnson and Daniel Muir and kicker Adam Vinatieri.
The Colts probably have enough at running back and linebacker even without Addai and Session. Maybe there is a blue-chip guy too good to resist, but otherwise a late pick to help ensure depth could suffice. But offensive line is a primary need even if Johnson returns and a big defensive tackle could be an upgrade over Johnson or Muir.
Of that group, only Vinatieri will be unrestricted if the lockout is lifted by the courts and the NFL imposes the most recent set of rules. In that scenario, players need six years rather than four to reach unrestricted free agency.
Here's the complete list of All-Pro voting results, with AFC South players highlighted:
OFFENSE
Quarterbacks
Tom Brady, 50.
x-Running Backs
Arian Foster, Houston, 45; Jamaal Charles, Kansas City, 33; Michael Turner, Atlanta, 8; Adrian Peterson, Minnesota, 6; Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville, 5.
y-Fullback
Vonta Leach, Houston, 17; Ovie Mughelli, Baltimore, 13; Le'Ron McClain, Baltimore, 7; Lawrence Vickers, Cleveland, 4; Greg Jones, Jacksonville, 4; Michael Turner, Atlanta, 1; Jason Snelling, Atlanta, 1; John Kuhn, Green Bay, 1; Marcel Reece, Oakland, 1.
Tight End
Jason Witten, Dallas, 36; Antonio Gates, San Diego, 8; Marcedes Lewis, Jacksonville, 3; Vernon Davis, San Francisco, 2; Rob Gronkowski, New England, 1.
Wide Receivers
Roddy White, Atlanta, 47; Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis, 18; Brandon Lloyd, Denver, 10; Calvin Johnson, Detroit, 8; Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City, 8; Andre Johnson, Houston, 5; Greg Jennings, Green Bay, 2; Mike Wallace, Pittsburgh, 2.
Tackles
Joe Thomas, Cleveland, 22; Jake Long, Miami, 21; Jason Peters, Philadelphia, 11; Sebastian Vollmer, New England, 7; D'Brickashaw Ferguson, N.Y. Jets, 6; Donald Penn, Tampa Bay, 5; Andrew Whitworth, Cincinnati, 5; Kareem McKenzie, N.Y. Giants, 4; Jordan Gross, Carolina, 4; Chad Clifton, Green Bay, 4; Marshal Yanda, Baltimore, 2; David Stewart, Tennessee, 2; Michael Roos, Tennessee, 1; Michael Oher, Baltimore, 1; Tyson Clabo, Atlanta, 1; Matt Light, New England, 1; Sam Baker, Atlanta, 1; Damien Woody, N.Y. Jets, 1; Eric Winston, Houston, 1.
Guards
Jahri Evans, New Orleans, 24; Logan Mankins, New England, 15; Chris Snee, N.Y. Giants, 14; Carl Nicks, New Orleans, 13; Brian Waters, Kansas City, 12; Kris Dielman, San Diego, 9; Josh Sitton, Green Bay, 5; Brandon Moore, N.Y. Jets, 3; Ryan Lilja, Kansas City, 3; Steve Hutchinson, Minnesota, 1; Rich Seubert, N.Y. Giants, 1.
Center
Nick Mangold, N.Y. Jets, 37; Maurkice Pouncey, Pittsburgh, 11; Casey Wiegmann, Kansas City, 1; Alex Mack, Cleveland, 1.
Placekicker
Billy Cundiff, Baltimore 24; David Akers, Philadelphia, 10; Sebastian Janikowski, Oakland, 4; Rob Bironas, Tennessee, 4; Matt Bryant, Atlanta, 4; Adam Vinatieri, Indianapolis, 3; Neil Rackers, Houston, 1.
Kick Returner
Devin Hester, Chicago, 43; Leon Washington, Seattle, 4; Jacoby Ford, Oakland, 2; Marc Mariani, Tennessee, 1.
DEFENSE
Ends
Julius Peppers, Chicago, 35; John Abraham, Atlanta, 21; Justin Tuck, N.Y. Giants, 16; Osi Umenyiora, N.Y. Giants, 9; Dwight Freeney, Indianapolis, 7; Trent Cole, Philadelphia, 4; Jason Babin, Tennessee,2; Jared Allen, Minnesota, 2; Robert Mathis, Indianapolis, 1; Cameron Wake, Miami, 1; Vince Wilfork, New England, 1; Justin Smith, San Francisco, 1.
Tackles
Haloti Ngata, Baltimore, 45; Ndamukong Suh, Detroit, 30; Vince Wilfork, New England, 15; Kyle Williams, Buffalo, 3; Justin Smith, San Francisco, 2; B.J. Raji, Green Bay, 1; Casey Hampton, Pittsburgh, 1; Jonathan Babineaux, Atlanta, 1.
z-Outside Linebackers
Clay Matthews, Green Bay, 39; James Harrison, Pittsburgh, 31; DeMarcus Ware, Dallas, 9; Cameron Wake, Miami, 9; Tamba Hali, Kansas City, 7; Lance Briggs, Chicago, 2; Terrell Suggs, Baltimore, 1.
q-Inside Linebacker
Patrick Willis, San Francisco, 28; Jerod Mayo, New England, 21; Brian Urlacher, Chicago, 20; Ray Lewis, Baltimore, 18; Lawrence Timmons, Pittsburgh, 8; Jonathan Vilma, New Orleans, 1; Derrick Johnson, Kansas City, 1; A.J. Hawk, Green Bay, 1.
Cornerbacks
Nnamdi Asomugha, Oakland, 20; Darrelle Revis, N.Y. Jets, 19; Devin McCourty, New England, 17; Charles Woodson, Green Bay, 14; Asante Samuel, Philadelphia, 12; Tramon Williams, Green Bay, 8; Brent Grimes, Atlanta 3; DeAngelo Hall, Washington, 2; Champ Bailey, Denver, 2; Joe Haden, Cleveland, 1; Brandon Flowers, Kansas City, 1; Antoine Winfield, Minnesota, 1.
Safeties
Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh, 47; Ed Reed, Baltimore, 41; Nick Collins, Green Bay, 4; Darren Sharper, New Orleans, 1; Antrel Rolle, N.Y. Giants, 1; Malcolm Jenkins, New Orleans, 1; Michael Griffin, Tennessee, 1; Eric Weddle, San Diego, 1; Chris Harris, Chicago, 1; Michael Huff, Oakland, 1; Quintin Mikell, Philadelphia, 1.
Punter
Shane Lechler, Oakland, 34; Mat McBriar, Dallas, 11; Sam Koch, Baltimore, 3; Donnie Jones, St. Louis, 2.
Key:
OFFENSE
Quarterbacks
Tom Brady, 50.
x-Running Backs
Arian Foster, Houston, 45; Jamaal Charles, Kansas City, 33; Michael Turner, Atlanta, 8; Adrian Peterson, Minnesota, 6; Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville, 5.
y-Fullback
Vonta Leach, Houston, 17; Ovie Mughelli, Baltimore, 13; Le'Ron McClain, Baltimore, 7; Lawrence Vickers, Cleveland, 4; Greg Jones, Jacksonville, 4; Michael Turner, Atlanta, 1; Jason Snelling, Atlanta, 1; John Kuhn, Green Bay, 1; Marcel Reece, Oakland, 1.
Tight End
Jason Witten, Dallas, 36; Antonio Gates, San Diego, 8; Marcedes Lewis, Jacksonville, 3; Vernon Davis, San Francisco, 2; Rob Gronkowski, New England, 1.
Wide Receivers
Roddy White, Atlanta, 47; Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis, 18; Brandon Lloyd, Denver, 10; Calvin Johnson, Detroit, 8; Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City, 8; Andre Johnson, Houston, 5; Greg Jennings, Green Bay, 2; Mike Wallace, Pittsburgh, 2.
Tackles
Joe Thomas, Cleveland, 22; Jake Long, Miami, 21; Jason Peters, Philadelphia, 11; Sebastian Vollmer, New England, 7; D'Brickashaw Ferguson, N.Y. Jets, 6; Donald Penn, Tampa Bay, 5; Andrew Whitworth, Cincinnati, 5; Kareem McKenzie, N.Y. Giants, 4; Jordan Gross, Carolina, 4; Chad Clifton, Green Bay, 4; Marshal Yanda, Baltimore, 2; David Stewart, Tennessee, 2; Michael Roos, Tennessee, 1; Michael Oher, Baltimore, 1; Tyson Clabo, Atlanta, 1; Matt Light, New England, 1; Sam Baker, Atlanta, 1; Damien Woody, N.Y. Jets, 1; Eric Winston, Houston, 1.
Guards
Jahri Evans, New Orleans, 24; Logan Mankins, New England, 15; Chris Snee, N.Y. Giants, 14; Carl Nicks, New Orleans, 13; Brian Waters, Kansas City, 12; Kris Dielman, San Diego, 9; Josh Sitton, Green Bay, 5; Brandon Moore, N.Y. Jets, 3; Ryan Lilja, Kansas City, 3; Steve Hutchinson, Minnesota, 1; Rich Seubert, N.Y. Giants, 1.
Center
Nick Mangold, N.Y. Jets, 37; Maurkice Pouncey, Pittsburgh, 11; Casey Wiegmann, Kansas City, 1; Alex Mack, Cleveland, 1.
Placekicker
Billy Cundiff, Baltimore 24; David Akers, Philadelphia, 10; Sebastian Janikowski, Oakland, 4; Rob Bironas, Tennessee, 4; Matt Bryant, Atlanta, 4; Adam Vinatieri, Indianapolis, 3; Neil Rackers, Houston, 1.
Kick Returner
Devin Hester, Chicago, 43; Leon Washington, Seattle, 4; Jacoby Ford, Oakland, 2; Marc Mariani, Tennessee, 1.
DEFENSE
Ends
Julius Peppers, Chicago, 35; John Abraham, Atlanta, 21; Justin Tuck, N.Y. Giants, 16; Osi Umenyiora, N.Y. Giants, 9; Dwight Freeney, Indianapolis, 7; Trent Cole, Philadelphia, 4; Jason Babin, Tennessee,2; Jared Allen, Minnesota, 2; Robert Mathis, Indianapolis, 1; Cameron Wake, Miami, 1; Vince Wilfork, New England, 1; Justin Smith, San Francisco, 1.
Tackles
Haloti Ngata, Baltimore, 45; Ndamukong Suh, Detroit, 30; Vince Wilfork, New England, 15; Kyle Williams, Buffalo, 3; Justin Smith, San Francisco, 2; B.J. Raji, Green Bay, 1; Casey Hampton, Pittsburgh, 1; Jonathan Babineaux, Atlanta, 1.
z-Outside Linebackers
Clay Matthews, Green Bay, 39; James Harrison, Pittsburgh, 31; DeMarcus Ware, Dallas, 9; Cameron Wake, Miami, 9; Tamba Hali, Kansas City, 7; Lance Briggs, Chicago, 2; Terrell Suggs, Baltimore, 1.
q-Inside Linebacker
Patrick Willis, San Francisco, 28; Jerod Mayo, New England, 21; Brian Urlacher, Chicago, 20; Ray Lewis, Baltimore, 18; Lawrence Timmons, Pittsburgh, 8; Jonathan Vilma, New Orleans, 1; Derrick Johnson, Kansas City, 1; A.J. Hawk, Green Bay, 1.
Cornerbacks
Nnamdi Asomugha, Oakland, 20; Darrelle Revis, N.Y. Jets, 19; Devin McCourty, New England, 17; Charles Woodson, Green Bay, 14; Asante Samuel, Philadelphia, 12; Tramon Williams, Green Bay, 8; Brent Grimes, Atlanta 3; DeAngelo Hall, Washington, 2; Champ Bailey, Denver, 2; Joe Haden, Cleveland, 1; Brandon Flowers, Kansas City, 1; Antoine Winfield, Minnesota, 1.
Safeties
Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh, 47; Ed Reed, Baltimore, 41; Nick Collins, Green Bay, 4; Darren Sharper, New Orleans, 1; Antrel Rolle, N.Y. Giants, 1; Malcolm Jenkins, New Orleans, 1; Michael Griffin, Tennessee, 1; Eric Weddle, San Diego, 1; Chris Harris, Chicago, 1; Michael Huff, Oakland, 1; Quintin Mikell, Philadelphia, 1.
Punter
Shane Lechler, Oakland, 34; Mat McBriar, Dallas, 11; Sam Koch, Baltimore, 3; Donnie Jones, St. Louis, 2.
Key:
- x-three voters selected only one running back.
- y-one voter selected did not vote for a fullback.
- z-two voters selected only one outside linebacker.
- q-two voters selected only one inside linebacker.
INDIANAPOLIS -- Thoughts on the Colts’ 17-16 loss to the Jets at Lucas Oil Stadium.

What it means: The Colts are one-and-done in the playoffs, losing their chance to play the Steelers in Pittsburgh next week.
What I didn’t like: The Colts allowed the Jets offense to wake up after halftime as New York ran more authoritatively, Mark Sanchez settled down and they played a good brand of keep-away. The Colts couldn’t score more than a touchdown and pull away in the first half when Sanchez was consistently missing receivers with overthrows. Indy allowed 169 yards rushing as the Jets found their bearings. Jacob Lacey was too far away from Braylon Edwards as he caught an 18-yard pass to set up Nick Folk’s game winner as time expired.
What I liked: A classic late drive to what looked like winning points -- a field goal with 45 seconds left. Adam Vinatieri hitting from 47, 32 and 50 yards.
What I want to know: How much did the Colts consider throwing it on the third-and-7 just before Vinatieri’s field goal that made it 14-13 Jets with 4:37 left in the game?
What’s next: Locker cleanouts and good byes. And a lot of continued rehab for injured guys who didn’t finish the season.

What it means: The Colts are one-and-done in the playoffs, losing their chance to play the Steelers in Pittsburgh next week.
What I didn’t like: The Colts allowed the Jets offense to wake up after halftime as New York ran more authoritatively, Mark Sanchez settled down and they played a good brand of keep-away. The Colts couldn’t score more than a touchdown and pull away in the first half when Sanchez was consistently missing receivers with overthrows. Indy allowed 169 yards rushing as the Jets found their bearings. Jacob Lacey was too far away from Braylon Edwards as he caught an 18-yard pass to set up Nick Folk’s game winner as time expired.
What I liked: A classic late drive to what looked like winning points -- a field goal with 45 seconds left. Adam Vinatieri hitting from 47, 32 and 50 yards.
What I want to know: How much did the Colts consider throwing it on the third-and-7 just before Vinatieri’s field goal that made it 14-13 Jets with 4:37 left in the game?
What’s next: Locker cleanouts and good byes. And a lot of continued rehab for injured guys who didn’t finish the season.

