AFC South: Anthony Gonzalez
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Houston Texans
Key additions: None.
Key losses: OLB Mario Williams, RG Mike Brisiel, CB Jason Allen, TE Joel Dreessen, RT Eric Winston (cut), ILB DeMeco Ryans (traded), FB Lawrence Vickers (cut), QB Matt Leinart (cut).
Keepers and finance: Not everyone got away. The Texans managed to keep two very important players. They re-signed running back Arian Foster before he reached restricted free agency. And after he'd explored the market some, they struck a deal with unrestricted-free-agent center Chris Myers, a vital piece to a line that lost the two starters on the right side when Winston was cut and Brisiel bolted to Oakland.
Ryans was not a full-time player in the 3-4 defense, and his price tag was high. While Houston takes a $750,000 hit this season, he’s cleared from the books in the future. That will help the team as it tries to make sure players like outside linebacker Connor Barwin and left tackle Duane Brown don’t get away like Williams did.
What’s next: Depth paid off in a big way in 2011 as the Texans managed to win the division and a playoff game despite major personnel losses. At several spots, like on the offensive line and at corner, the draft will serve to replenish the roster with the same kind of insurance.
But the Texans are not without need.
While they are likely to stick with Jacoby Jones as part of the team and like Kevin Walter, a more reliable and dynamic weapon to go with Andre Johnson at receiver is something they acknowledge wanting. A third outside linebacker can reduce the high-snap strain on Barwin and Brooks Reed. While they hope Rashad Butler will replace Winston and Antoine Caldwell will take Brisiel’s spot, adding a guy who can compete for one or both of those spots would be healthy.
Indianapolis Colts
Key additions: DE Cory Redding, WR Donnie Avery, C Samson Satele, S Tom Zbikowski, G Mike McGlynn, RT Winston Justice (trade), QB Drew Stanton (trade).
Key losses: QB Peyton Manning (cut), WR Pierre Garcon, TE Jacob Tamme, C Jeff Saturday, TE Dallas Clark (cut), LB Gary Brackett (cut), S Melvin Bullitt (cut), RT Ryan Diem (retired), WR Anthony Gonzalez, QB Dan Orlovsky, CB Jacob Lacey (not tendered), QB Curtis Painter (cut), DE Jamaal Anderson, G Mike Pollak.
So much we don’t know: We know background on coach Chuck Pagano and his coordinators and we know what Pagano and general manager Ryan Grigson have said. But there will be a degree of mystery well into the season about what they intend to run and with whom. It’s unlikely to be a sweeping transition to a 3-4 defense, as it takes time to overhaul the personnel. But as they play a hybrid defense and move toward a conversion, they’ll need more than they’ve got -- starting with a nose tackle.
On offense, they’ve said they’ll use a fullback. That’s a major departure from the previous regime. And we don’t know if a Donald Brown-Delone Carter duo at fullback will be sufficient to run behind. They need help virtually everywhere after the cap purge and free-agency turnover. Not everything will get addressed as much as they’d like in their first offseason.
What’s next: I expect more role players like Zbikowski and McGlynn, more castoffs like Justice and Stanton and more guys who are presumed finished by a lot of teams, like Avery.
They are all guys who didn’t cost much but who have upside and can help, at least as role players. And if they don’t pan out, it’s hardly a death blow to Indianapolis' major, long-term plans. Money is limited with big dead-money charges and a $19 million cap hit for defensive end Dwight Freeney the team has indicated it's willing to carry.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Key additions: WR Laurent Robinson, CB Aaron Ross, QB Chad Henne.
Key losses: DT Leger Douzable (did not tender).
Keeping their own: The Jaguars did well to hold on to players who have been valuable to them. The top of that list belongs to safety Dwight Lowery. They traded with the Jets for him before last season, shifted him full time to safety and got good work from him before he was hurt. It was crucial for the team to stay fixed at the position where it was horrific in 2010 before signing Dawan Landry and adding Lowery.
They also re-signed defensive end Jeremy Mincey, a great effort defensive end who was overextended in terms of playing time last year. He’s no sack-master, but he’s going to bust it on every play, break through sometimes and make the opponent work hard to stay in his way. And with the lack of quality defensive ends who hit the market, the Jaguars did well to keep him from jumping to Chicago.
What’s next: Receiver has to be addressed beyond a change in position coach and the addition of Robinson. If it’s not in the first round, it needs to be early. The franchise is trying to maximize Blaine Gabbert’s chances to be a franchise quarterback, and few would be able to establish themselves with the current cast of wideouts.
The Jaguars are a top pass-rushing end away from being a top-flight defense. Can they find him seventh overall in the draft? They could tab someone like South Carolina’s Melvin Ingram, though it’s hard to say he or any rookie would be an immediate solution. Most ends need some time to become impact guys in the league.
The Jaguars could certainly look to add in the secondary free-agent market and when players are set free late in training camp.
Tennessee Titans
Key additions: DE Kamerion Wimbley, RG Steve Hutchinson.
Key losses: CB Cortland Finnegan, DL Jason Jones, WR Donnie Avery.
Sidetracked: Did the Titans miss out on real chances to sign either Scott Wells, who went to St. Louis, or Chris Myers, who stayed in Houston, as their new center because they were focused on chasing quarterback Peyton Manning? Perhaps. But when the owner declares that his executives and coaches need to put the hard sell on an all-time great QB with roots in the team’s state, that’s what you do.
Ideally, the team will still find an alternative to Eugene Amano. If the Titans find a new center to go with Hutchinson, who replaces free agent Jake Scott in the starting lineup, the interior offensive line could see a big improvement. That could have a big bearing on running back Chris Johnson, provided he takes care of his own business.
What’s next: The Titans think Wimbley will excel as a full-time defensive end, but they can’t afford for him to be too full time. He’s a smaller guy who’s played mostly as a 3-4 outside linebacker, and shouldn’t be asked to play every down of every game. That means they still need more help at end, where the only other guys they have right now are Derrick Morgan and Malcolm Sheppard.
Look for them to address depth at corner -- where they feel fine about Jason McCourty and Alterraun Verner as the starters, if that’s how it falls -- as well as at receiver. One wild-card spot could be running back. Are they content with Javon Ringer and Jamie Harper as changeups to Johnson, or would they like to add a big back?
Houston Texans
Key additions: None.
Key losses: OLB Mario Williams, RG Mike Brisiel, CB Jason Allen, TE Joel Dreessen, RT Eric Winston (cut), ILB DeMeco Ryans (traded), FB Lawrence Vickers (cut), QB Matt Leinart (cut).
Keepers and finance: Not everyone got away. The Texans managed to keep two very important players. They re-signed running back Arian Foster before he reached restricted free agency. And after he'd explored the market some, they struck a deal with unrestricted-free-agent center Chris Myers, a vital piece to a line that lost the two starters on the right side when Winston was cut and Brisiel bolted to Oakland.
Ryans was not a full-time player in the 3-4 defense, and his price tag was high. While Houston takes a $750,000 hit this season, he’s cleared from the books in the future. That will help the team as it tries to make sure players like outside linebacker Connor Barwin and left tackle Duane Brown don’t get away like Williams did.
What’s next: Depth paid off in a big way in 2011 as the Texans managed to win the division and a playoff game despite major personnel losses. At several spots, like on the offensive line and at corner, the draft will serve to replenish the roster with the same kind of insurance.
But the Texans are not without need.
While they are likely to stick with Jacoby Jones as part of the team and like Kevin Walter, a more reliable and dynamic weapon to go with Andre Johnson at receiver is something they acknowledge wanting. A third outside linebacker can reduce the high-snap strain on Barwin and Brooks Reed. While they hope Rashad Butler will replace Winston and Antoine Caldwell will take Brisiel’s spot, adding a guy who can compete for one or both of those spots would be healthy.
Indianapolis Colts
Key additions: DE Cory Redding, WR Donnie Avery, C Samson Satele, S Tom Zbikowski, G Mike McGlynn, RT Winston Justice (trade), QB Drew Stanton (trade).
Key losses: QB Peyton Manning (cut), WR Pierre Garcon, TE Jacob Tamme, C Jeff Saturday, TE Dallas Clark (cut), LB Gary Brackett (cut), S Melvin Bullitt (cut), RT Ryan Diem (retired), WR Anthony Gonzalez, QB Dan Orlovsky, CB Jacob Lacey (not tendered), QB Curtis Painter (cut), DE Jamaal Anderson, G Mike Pollak.
So much we don’t know: We know background on coach Chuck Pagano and his coordinators and we know what Pagano and general manager Ryan Grigson have said. But there will be a degree of mystery well into the season about what they intend to run and with whom. It’s unlikely to be a sweeping transition to a 3-4 defense, as it takes time to overhaul the personnel. But as they play a hybrid defense and move toward a conversion, they’ll need more than they’ve got -- starting with a nose tackle.
On offense, they’ve said they’ll use a fullback. That’s a major departure from the previous regime. And we don’t know if a Donald Brown-Delone Carter duo at fullback will be sufficient to run behind. They need help virtually everywhere after the cap purge and free-agency turnover. Not everything will get addressed as much as they’d like in their first offseason.
What’s next: I expect more role players like Zbikowski and McGlynn, more castoffs like Justice and Stanton and more guys who are presumed finished by a lot of teams, like Avery.
They are all guys who didn’t cost much but who have upside and can help, at least as role players. And if they don’t pan out, it’s hardly a death blow to Indianapolis' major, long-term plans. Money is limited with big dead-money charges and a $19 million cap hit for defensive end Dwight Freeney the team has indicated it's willing to carry.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Key additions: WR Laurent Robinson, CB Aaron Ross, QB Chad Henne.
Key losses: DT Leger Douzable (did not tender).
Keeping their own: The Jaguars did well to hold on to players who have been valuable to them. The top of that list belongs to safety Dwight Lowery. They traded with the Jets for him before last season, shifted him full time to safety and got good work from him before he was hurt. It was crucial for the team to stay fixed at the position where it was horrific in 2010 before signing Dawan Landry and adding Lowery.
They also re-signed defensive end Jeremy Mincey, a great effort defensive end who was overextended in terms of playing time last year. He’s no sack-master, but he’s going to bust it on every play, break through sometimes and make the opponent work hard to stay in his way. And with the lack of quality defensive ends who hit the market, the Jaguars did well to keep him from jumping to Chicago.
What’s next: Receiver has to be addressed beyond a change in position coach and the addition of Robinson. If it’s not in the first round, it needs to be early. The franchise is trying to maximize Blaine Gabbert’s chances to be a franchise quarterback, and few would be able to establish themselves with the current cast of wideouts.
The Jaguars are a top pass-rushing end away from being a top-flight defense. Can they find him seventh overall in the draft? They could tab someone like South Carolina’s Melvin Ingram, though it’s hard to say he or any rookie would be an immediate solution. Most ends need some time to become impact guys in the league.
The Jaguars could certainly look to add in the secondary free-agent market and when players are set free late in training camp.
Tennessee Titans
Key additions: DE Kamerion Wimbley, RG Steve Hutchinson.
Key losses: CB Cortland Finnegan, DL Jason Jones, WR Donnie Avery.
Sidetracked: Did the Titans miss out on real chances to sign either Scott Wells, who went to St. Louis, or Chris Myers, who stayed in Houston, as their new center because they were focused on chasing quarterback Peyton Manning? Perhaps. But when the owner declares that his executives and coaches need to put the hard sell on an all-time great QB with roots in the team’s state, that’s what you do.
Ideally, the team will still find an alternative to Eugene Amano. If the Titans find a new center to go with Hutchinson, who replaces free agent Jake Scott in the starting lineup, the interior offensive line could see a big improvement. That could have a big bearing on running back Chris Johnson, provided he takes care of his own business.
What’s next: The Titans think Wimbley will excel as a full-time defensive end, but they can’t afford for him to be too full time. He’s a smaller guy who’s played mostly as a 3-4 outside linebacker, and shouldn’t be asked to play every down of every game. That means they still need more help at end, where the only other guys they have right now are Derrick Morgan and Malcolm Sheppard.
Look for them to address depth at corner -- where they feel fine about Jason McCourty and Alterraun Verner as the starters, if that’s how it falls -- as well as at receiver. One wild-card spot could be running back. Are they content with Javon Ringer and Jamie Harper as changeups to Johnson, or would they like to add a big back?
A free-agency roundup for the AFC South so far. We're not including a team's own free agents that it has re-signed:
Houston
Additions: None
Subtractions: OLB Mario Williams (Buffalo); RT Eric Winston (cut, Kansas City); CB Jason Allen (Cincinnati); G Mike Brisiel (Oakland); QB Matt Leinart (cut); Lawrence Vickers (Dallas).
Indianapolis
Additions: DL Cory Redding (Baltimore); RT Winston Justice (trade, Philadelphia); S Tom Zbikowski (Baltimore); C Mike McGlynn (Cincinnati).
Subtractions: WR Pierre Garcon (Washington); WR Anthony Gonzalez (New England); QB Dan Orlovsky (Tampa Bay); QB Peyton Manning (cut); LB Gary Brackett (cut); S Melvin Bullitt (cut), TE Dallas Clark (cut).
Jacksonville
Additions: WR Laurent Robinson (Dallas); QB Chad Henne (Miami).
Subtractions: ST-WR Kassim Osgood (cut).
Tennessee
Additions: G Steve Hutchinson (cut, Minnesota).
Subtractions: CB Cortland Finnegan (St. Louis); DL Jason Jones (Seattle).
Houston
Additions: None
Subtractions: OLB Mario Williams (Buffalo); RT Eric Winston (cut, Kansas City); CB Jason Allen (Cincinnati); G Mike Brisiel (Oakland); QB Matt Leinart (cut); Lawrence Vickers (Dallas).
Indianapolis
Additions: DL Cory Redding (Baltimore); RT Winston Justice (trade, Philadelphia); S Tom Zbikowski (Baltimore); C Mike McGlynn (Cincinnati).
Subtractions: WR Pierre Garcon (Washington); WR Anthony Gonzalez (New England); QB Dan Orlovsky (Tampa Bay); QB Peyton Manning (cut); LB Gary Brackett (cut); S Melvin Bullitt (cut), TE Dallas Clark (cut).
Jacksonville
Additions: WR Laurent Robinson (Dallas); QB Chad Henne (Miami).
Subtractions: ST-WR Kassim Osgood (cut).
Tennessee
Additions: G Steve Hutchinson (cut, Minnesota).
Subtractions: CB Cortland Finnegan (St. Louis); DL Jason Jones (Seattle).
The money isn’t mine. I’m not certain about what you can afford and what the market will pay when free agency opens on March 13. I’m not positive about your plans and schemes.
But I’ve got a good sense of your team. We've looked at the free-agent list.
And here’s what I’d try to do with your major issues:
1) Tell Peyton Manning thanks for everything. Say we had every intention of you playing out your career with the Colts, but the chances of all these elements aligning -- his health questions, a new GM and coach, the top pick and Andrew Luck’s availability -- make it impossible. Maximize your graciousness.
2) Assessing what will be available in the draft, or a relatively inexpensive free agent or two you’d like to grab, then franchise either defensive end Robert Mathis or receiver Reggie Wayne accordingly. Both will have great chances to move on in free agency, and you can’t afford to move forward without them, either. You can make a case either way -- Mathis would be a great piece in a transformation to a 3-4; Wayne would reliably be in place to convert third downs for a young quarterback.
3) Convince defensive end Dwight Freeney to sign an extension. You have to drive down his $19 million-plus cap hit and his $14 million-plus base salary for 2012. But cutting him would be awfully painful, especially if Mathis is getting to free agency. If Freeney has to go because of cost, then Mathis has to be tagged and Wayne is likely lost.
4) Look for cost savings with these players: Tight end Dallas Clark ($7.32 million cap hit, $4.53 million base), middle linebacker Gary Brackett ($7.4 million cap hit, $5 million base), running back Joseph Addai ($4.3 million cap hit, $2.9 million base), and safety Melvin Bullitt ($3.7 million cap hit, $2.4 million base). Brackett and Bullitt are now injury prone and I don't know if you can count on them. But just cutting them won’t necessarily save money as accelerated bonus cost could produce a cost approaching their scheduled cap numbers. Same with Addai, who may not fit with a new run philosophy.
5) Let receiver Pierre Garcon walk. The guy is a blazer who will make a good amount of big plays, but he’s not guaranteed reliable in big moments. The sort of drops and gaffes he’s capable of can really mess with a team trying to build confidence and he'll be overpaid by the market.
6) Try to get Jeff Saturday to sign up for one more year. He’d be a great influence on Luck and a young team and could help get a group of young linemen ready to protect the new centerpiece and to block for a newly emphasized run game.
7) Re-sign reserve quarterback Dan Orlovsky, tight end Jacob Tamme and receiver Anthony Gonzalez cheaply if you can. Orlovsky can spot start if need be and it’ll be difficult to find a quality backup who wants to come to be No. 2 to Luck. Tamme has quality hands. Gonzalez was highly rated not too long ago and a doghouse visit under the last regime will make him affordable. It’s worth trying to keep them around at reasonable cost and they are unlikely to draw significant offers elsewhere.
8) Let three other free agents walk: linebacker Philip Wheeler, guard Mike Pollack and tackle Ryan Diem.
But I’ve got a good sense of your team. We've looked at the free-agent list.
And here’s what I’d try to do with your major issues:
1) Tell Peyton Manning thanks for everything. Say we had every intention of you playing out your career with the Colts, but the chances of all these elements aligning -- his health questions, a new GM and coach, the top pick and Andrew Luck’s availability -- make it impossible. Maximize your graciousness.
2) Assessing what will be available in the draft, or a relatively inexpensive free agent or two you’d like to grab, then franchise either defensive end Robert Mathis or receiver Reggie Wayne accordingly. Both will have great chances to move on in free agency, and you can’t afford to move forward without them, either. You can make a case either way -- Mathis would be a great piece in a transformation to a 3-4; Wayne would reliably be in place to convert third downs for a young quarterback.
3) Convince defensive end Dwight Freeney to sign an extension. You have to drive down his $19 million-plus cap hit and his $14 million-plus base salary for 2012. But cutting him would be awfully painful, especially if Mathis is getting to free agency. If Freeney has to go because of cost, then Mathis has to be tagged and Wayne is likely lost.
4) Look for cost savings with these players: Tight end Dallas Clark ($7.32 million cap hit, $4.53 million base), middle linebacker Gary Brackett ($7.4 million cap hit, $5 million base), running back Joseph Addai ($4.3 million cap hit, $2.9 million base), and safety Melvin Bullitt ($3.7 million cap hit, $2.4 million base). Brackett and Bullitt are now injury prone and I don't know if you can count on them. But just cutting them won’t necessarily save money as accelerated bonus cost could produce a cost approaching their scheduled cap numbers. Same with Addai, who may not fit with a new run philosophy.
5) Let receiver Pierre Garcon walk. The guy is a blazer who will make a good amount of big plays, but he’s not guaranteed reliable in big moments. The sort of drops and gaffes he’s capable of can really mess with a team trying to build confidence and he'll be overpaid by the market.
6) Try to get Jeff Saturday to sign up for one more year. He’d be a great influence on Luck and a young team and could help get a group of young linemen ready to protect the new centerpiece and to block for a newly emphasized run game.
7) Re-sign reserve quarterback Dan Orlovsky, tight end Jacob Tamme and receiver Anthony Gonzalez cheaply if you can. Orlovsky can spot start if need be and it’ll be difficult to find a quality backup who wants to come to be No. 2 to Luck. Tamme has quality hands. Gonzalez was highly rated not too long ago and a doghouse visit under the last regime will make him affordable. It’s worth trying to keep them around at reasonable cost and they are unlikely to draw significant offers elsewhere.
8) Let three other free agents walk: linebacker Philip Wheeler, guard Mike Pollack and tackle Ryan Diem.
First look at Colts heading for free agency
February, 17, 2012
Feb 17
12:09
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Early thoughts on some key Colts scheduled to become unrestricted free agents come March 13.
Thanks to Mac’s Football Blog, where you can find complete team-by-team lists that include exclusive right and restricted free agents.
QB Kerry Collins – He may not have filed paperwork, but he’s retired.
QB Dan Orlovsky – Showed enough to be on a roster in the league as a third quarterback in a crowded situation or a backup somewhere with a sure-fire starter.
WR Pierre Garcon – He’s inconsistent, but this team needs a speed receiver for Andrew Luck and it’s better to keep the one they’ve been developing than going searching.
WR Anthony Gonzalez – Was completely in the doghouse at the end and could not get on the field. Probably needs to sign for a season, in Indy or elsewhere, and prove he can be healthy and contribute.
WR Reggie Wayne – Has said he’d stay and be honored to be part of a rebuild, but they’d have to be fair. Other teams will court him and somebody will pay him better than the Colts would if they pursued him, I suspect.
TE Jacob Tamme – Was quite a good receiving option for Peyton Manning in 2010, but how much of that was Manning? I think Tamme is a valuable piece they should want back and can certainly afford.
OT Ryan Diem – Did well to serve as a veteran example for a young line and was flexible, playing some guard. But his time is going to be up.
OG Mike Pollak – Has played a lot and not gotten a lot better. They got new tackles last year; it’s time for a new guard or two.
OC Jeff Saturday – If Manning is gone, it would make sense to turn the page with Saturday, too. Reportedly the Colts and at least one other team would like him in their front offices.
DE Robert Mathis – Will be a commodity, for sure. Never mind his age. He can help you rush the passer for the next three years. Colts should want to keep him, but will they pay what he costs?
LB Philip Wheeler – If the Colts are getting bigger on defense, they’ll probably move on here. He’s consistently failed to get in or stay in the lineup for extended stretches in a defense for which he’s better suited.
Other UFAs:
Thanks to Mac’s Football Blog, where you can find complete team-by-team lists that include exclusive right and restricted free agents.
QB Kerry Collins – He may not have filed paperwork, but he’s retired.
QB Dan Orlovsky – Showed enough to be on a roster in the league as a third quarterback in a crowded situation or a backup somewhere with a sure-fire starter.
WR Pierre Garcon – He’s inconsistent, but this team needs a speed receiver for Andrew Luck and it’s better to keep the one they’ve been developing than going searching.
WR Anthony Gonzalez – Was completely in the doghouse at the end and could not get on the field. Probably needs to sign for a season, in Indy or elsewhere, and prove he can be healthy and contribute.
WR Reggie Wayne – Has said he’d stay and be honored to be part of a rebuild, but they’d have to be fair. Other teams will court him and somebody will pay him better than the Colts would if they pursued him, I suspect.
TE Jacob Tamme – Was quite a good receiving option for Peyton Manning in 2010, but how much of that was Manning? I think Tamme is a valuable piece they should want back and can certainly afford.
OT Ryan Diem – Did well to serve as a veteran example for a young line and was flexible, playing some guard. But his time is going to be up.
OG Mike Pollak – Has played a lot and not gotten a lot better. They got new tackles last year; it’s time for a new guard or two.
OC Jeff Saturday – If Manning is gone, it would make sense to turn the page with Saturday, too. Reportedly the Colts and at least one other team would like him in their front offices.
DE Robert Mathis – Will be a commodity, for sure. Never mind his age. He can help you rush the passer for the next three years. Colts should want to keep him, but will they pay what he costs?
LB Philip Wheeler – If the Colts are getting bigger on defense, they’ll probably move on here. He’s consistently failed to get in or stay in the lineup for extended stretches in a defense for which he’s better suited.
Other UFAs:
- DE Jamaal Anderson
- FB Jerome Felton
- OT Quinn Ojinnaka
- OG Jamey Richard
- DE Tyler Brayton
- DE Eric Foster
- LB Kevin Bentley
- LB Ernie Sims
Outsiders' review of AFC South needs
February, 13, 2012
Feb 13
8:11
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Rivers McCown of Football Outsiders runs through the primary need of each AFC South team in this Insider piece 
. Here’s a peek at what he has to say with my reflections.
Houston Texans: Wide receiver
McCown: “The Texans enter free agency as a team with a promising amount of depth at many key areas, but Andre Johnson's injury last season exposed the fact that Houston's wide receivers simply aren't up to snuff without him ...
“The Texans will look hard at receivers in free agency and the draft. It's unlikely that they'll land a top-tier wideout like Marques Colston or Vincent Jackson because they still need to budget money carefully for players like Mario Williams, Arian Foster and Chris Myers. But a mid-level receiver like Steve Johnson, Reggie Wayne or Robert Meachem could potentially be brought in.
“More likely, however, the path for improvement will come through the draft.”
Paul Kuharsky: I think the Texans like Kevin Walter and Jacoby Jones better than most analysts, but the long stretches without Johnson made them overly reliant on Foster as a target showed they don’t have enough at wideout.
Indianapolis Colts: Wide receiver
McCown: “Of the top five receivers on the Colts' depth chart going into last season, only Austin Collie and Blair White are under contract for 2012. Reggie Wayne, who will turn 34 during the 2012 season, is likely on the outs as this team begins a rebuilding phase. The Colts have expressed interest in re-signing free agent Pierre Garcon, who has generally fared very poorly in our receiving numbers. Garcon came out as below-replacement value last year, but he has ideal deep speed, and playing with Dan Orlovsky or Curtis Painter will make any speed receiver look worse than he really is. Anthony Gonzalez is also finally out the door after a disappointing, injury-plagued career in Colts blue.
“Again, given the direction of the team, it's rather unlikely that the Colts will be players for an elite free-agent receiver, but they could probably be in on the mid-tier targets with an eye toward youth. Players like Laurent Robinson, Harry Douglas or Andre Caldwell could make sense here. The Colts could also spend their second- or third-round picks on a receiver who could compete for snaps.”
Kuharsky: McCown writes he skipped past quarterback knowing it will be addressed with the No. 1 pick. Receiver is certainly a concern, but I think cornerback may rate as even bigger for a team that hired a defensive head coach in Chuck Pagano. If the new regime likes Jerraud Powers, the team still ranks as thin in coverage guys after him.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Wide receiver
McCown: "Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dunta Robinson summed it up best when he said: 'Those guys couldn't get a [expletive] receiver if it hit them in the head. They haven't had anyone since Jimmy Smith. ...'
“There are two ways to (upgrade). The Jaguars could make a play for Marques Colston, Vincent Jackson or DeSean Jackson. They certainly have the cap space to accomplish such a goal and could even bowl over someone who is iffy about Jacksonville with extra money. Or they could see if Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon falls into their laps at No. 7 overall, which would certainly be a more cost-conscious, if risky, move.”
Kuharsky: We are certainly talking about more than one guy. The Jaguars could aggressively shop in free agency and get a first-tier and second-tier guy. Or they could grab one veteran and spend a premium pick on another receiver. Upgrading the weapons for Blaine Gabbert is definitely priority No. 1.
Tennessee Titans: Defensive end
McCown: “Assuming that the Titans continue to handcuff themselves to the declining Chris Johnson, the biggest need in Nashville is an elite pass-rusher. When Jason Babin joined former Titans defensive line coach Jim Washburn in defecting to the Eagles, the Titans' adjusted sack rate fell from 13th in the NFL in 2010 to second-to-last in 2011. Moreover, only two teams generated fewer quarterback hits from their top pass-rushers than the six the Titans had from Dave Ball: the San Diego Chargers and Buffalo Bills ...
“If they can't address defensive end in free agency, then a pass rusher will likely be a top priority for the Titans with their first-round pick. If they do pick up a premier sack artist, then it would give them an opportunity to spend the pick on a safety or wide receiver, which are also positions that could use reinforcement in Nashville.”
Kuharsky: The Titans need immediate impact at the spot. I don’t expect them to overpay Williams if he's free. The free-agent crop behind him could be thin if guys get franchised. Can they find a reclamation type like Babin who will be an upgrade on opening day? Will a guy who can consistently get into the backfield still be on the draft board at No. 20?
. Here’s a peek at what he has to say with my reflections.
Houston Texans: Wide receiver
McCown: “The Texans enter free agency as a team with a promising amount of depth at many key areas, but Andre Johnson's injury last season exposed the fact that Houston's wide receivers simply aren't up to snuff without him ...
“The Texans will look hard at receivers in free agency and the draft. It's unlikely that they'll land a top-tier wideout like Marques Colston or Vincent Jackson because they still need to budget money carefully for players like Mario Williams, Arian Foster and Chris Myers. But a mid-level receiver like Steve Johnson, Reggie Wayne or Robert Meachem could potentially be brought in.
“More likely, however, the path for improvement will come through the draft.”
Paul Kuharsky: I think the Texans like Kevin Walter and Jacoby Jones better than most analysts, but the long stretches without Johnson made them overly reliant on Foster as a target showed they don’t have enough at wideout.
Indianapolis Colts: Wide receiver
McCown: “Of the top five receivers on the Colts' depth chart going into last season, only Austin Collie and Blair White are under contract for 2012. Reggie Wayne, who will turn 34 during the 2012 season, is likely on the outs as this team begins a rebuilding phase. The Colts have expressed interest in re-signing free agent Pierre Garcon, who has generally fared very poorly in our receiving numbers. Garcon came out as below-replacement value last year, but he has ideal deep speed, and playing with Dan Orlovsky or Curtis Painter will make any speed receiver look worse than he really is. Anthony Gonzalez is also finally out the door after a disappointing, injury-plagued career in Colts blue.
“Again, given the direction of the team, it's rather unlikely that the Colts will be players for an elite free-agent receiver, but they could probably be in on the mid-tier targets with an eye toward youth. Players like Laurent Robinson, Harry Douglas or Andre Caldwell could make sense here. The Colts could also spend their second- or third-round picks on a receiver who could compete for snaps.”
Kuharsky: McCown writes he skipped past quarterback knowing it will be addressed with the No. 1 pick. Receiver is certainly a concern, but I think cornerback may rate as even bigger for a team that hired a defensive head coach in Chuck Pagano. If the new regime likes Jerraud Powers, the team still ranks as thin in coverage guys after him.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Wide receiver
McCown: "Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dunta Robinson summed it up best when he said: 'Those guys couldn't get a [expletive] receiver if it hit them in the head. They haven't had anyone since Jimmy Smith. ...'
“There are two ways to (upgrade). The Jaguars could make a play for Marques Colston, Vincent Jackson or DeSean Jackson. They certainly have the cap space to accomplish such a goal and could even bowl over someone who is iffy about Jacksonville with extra money. Or they could see if Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon falls into their laps at No. 7 overall, which would certainly be a more cost-conscious, if risky, move.”
Kuharsky: We are certainly talking about more than one guy. The Jaguars could aggressively shop in free agency and get a first-tier and second-tier guy. Or they could grab one veteran and spend a premium pick on another receiver. Upgrading the weapons for Blaine Gabbert is definitely priority No. 1.
Tennessee Titans: Defensive end
McCown: “Assuming that the Titans continue to handcuff themselves to the declining Chris Johnson, the biggest need in Nashville is an elite pass-rusher. When Jason Babin joined former Titans defensive line coach Jim Washburn in defecting to the Eagles, the Titans' adjusted sack rate fell from 13th in the NFL in 2010 to second-to-last in 2011. Moreover, only two teams generated fewer quarterback hits from their top pass-rushers than the six the Titans had from Dave Ball: the San Diego Chargers and Buffalo Bills ...
“If they can't address defensive end in free agency, then a pass rusher will likely be a top priority for the Titans with their first-round pick. If they do pick up a premier sack artist, then it would give them an opportunity to spend the pick on a safety or wide receiver, which are also positions that could use reinforcement in Nashville.”
Kuharsky: The Titans need immediate impact at the spot. I don’t expect them to overpay Williams if he's free. The free-agent crop behind him could be thin if guys get franchised. Can they find a reclamation type like Babin who will be an upgrade on opening day? Will a guy who can consistently get into the backfield still be on the draft board at No. 20?
Polian talks through Manning's work
December, 18, 2011
12/18/11
5:30
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
INDIANAPOLIS – The Colts were obviously ticked off by a report Sunday by Fox’s Jay Glazer that Peyton Manning worked after practice last week in pads with teammates.
The Colts clearly felt the report was suggesting they’d done something wrong. So after Jim Caldwell met with the media following his team’s 27-13 win over Tennessee, vice chairman Bill Polian spoke about what Manning did this week.
I was there, but wanted to get you this quickly.
So here’s the team’s transcript of what he said.
The Colts clearly felt the report was suggesting they’d done something wrong. So after Jim Caldwell met with the media following his team’s 27-13 win over Tennessee, vice chairman Bill Polian spoke about what Manning did this week.
I was there, but wanted to get you this quickly.
So here’s the team’s transcript of what he said.
“I’m here to set the record straight about ramped speculation that has gone on all morning and afternoon regarding Peyton Manning’s activities this past week, and his future with respect to playing and practicing this season.
“Wednesday, after we finished our full team practice, Peyton went through a prescribed rehabilitation session, which consisted of about 30 throws and seven or eight handoffs. Involved in that session were Joseph Addai, Jeff Saturday, snapping the ball, Anthony Gonzalez and a practice squad receiver. Peyton wore pads and a helmet, which he is allowed to do by rule and by CBA. There was a tape of that workout, which I attended and which Coach Caldwell attended.
“His throws were scripted at his request, meaning that he made specific throws with respect to the kinds of plays that we would run in a ballgame. The reason for that is because the strength and conditioning folks and the therapy folks felt that was the best way to ramp-up the kinesiology of the muscle use.
“I want to emphasize here that we broke no rule. We had no obligation to report that workout, (because) it was a post-practice rehabilitation workout, which is perfectly and completely legal. We have the tape of it, as I mentioned, and if anyone at the league office has any questions regarding it, and no one has asked, we would be happy to supply the tape.
“On Thursday we met with the doctors, the rehabilitation folks, the strength and conditioning folks and our training staff, and in that meeting we outlined where Peyton was and where he might be expected to go in the future. With respect to that meeting it was determined by the doctors that there was no chance that he would play this year. His rehabilitation has not come far enough to make it prudent for him to step on the field in game action.
“He may practice in some very scripted and circumscribed circumstances if he wishes, that is entirely up to him. He will be thinking that through, and probably, I would suspect given the short week, that it probably is not an issue this coming week. But he will not play, either in the upcoming game on Thursday night or in the last game in Jacksonville. That decision was made last Thursday by the medical people.
“That is consistent with what Jim Irsay and I have said all year, so there is absolutely no change in our position. We have said that we kept him active in order for him to get back into practice, if that was possible, that was the reason for keeping him active. Jim (Caldwell) said as recently, I believe, as a couple of weeks ago, that he doubted very seriously if Peyton would play, and that was an appropriate judgment on his part.
“I hope that this puts this speculation to rest, and that we can correctly celebrate the great effort that our guys made and our coaches made this afternoon.”
Mailbag: A Twitter lightning round
November, 18, 2011
11/18/11
5:17
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Jonathan from Fort Wayne, Ind., writes: You mentioned the Colts should switch playing style, and I agree. But you also say there isn't much to promote on the depth chart. I assume there isn't much talent as well, but not at least try and promote and see people in a game situation, especially the younger guys? People like Jerry Hughes and Anthony Gonzalez who are considered busts and don't get much game action especially. Why not see what they can do now and maybe someone the Colts have supposedly had become a bust will surprise and show promise?
Paul Kuharsky: I agree. They Colts have proven they can lose with the people they are using. Not to see if they can at least lose less badly with guys who are in waiting seems more than a bit stubborn.
M Gilchrease of Grass Valley, Calif., writes that he can’t understand how the Texans win in a rout and drop a spot in the Power Rankings.
Paul Kuharsky: Yeah, you might have heard, M, that the Texans lost their starting quarterback. That affects how powerful they are.
I kept them at No. 8. And often when a team wins and drops a couple spots, it’s about a move up by another team or teams with a more significant win. It’s impossible to look at each result independently. They are all intertwined. But your beef would appear to be with some of the other voters.
Erik from Mandello Del Lario, Italy writes: If Peyton Manning is such a leader of the this team, and they are free-falling without him at the helm, why is he being so quiet, instead of chewing their asses for not playing well? He is the leader.
Paul Kuharsky: Hello Italy.
First off, we have no idea what he’s saying to them now, just as we typically have no idea what he’s saying to them in a regular season.
No. 2, why are you inclined to think yelling will help? If they have bad players, how is yelling at them certain to make them better?
No. 3, he’s not playing. If you’re the greatest leader in world history but you’re on the sideline, you’ve got less clout than if you’re in the action.
Brandon in Seattle writes: I know this is going to sound odd, but what are the odds Matt Hasselbeck is traded or let go by the Titans after the year so he can start for someone else who doesn't have a young QB? I just watch him play and think he's clearly still got it, and if the team did want to start the Locker era, there's no way he shouldn't be starting somewhere else. I think in the right situation, he could be capable of producing something close to what Kurt Warner did at the end of his career in Arizona. Then again, he may be doing that right now if Britt were playing. What are your thoughts?
Paul Kuharsky: The Titans aren’t going to trade him, they’re going to play him. They’re fine letting Jake Locker sit as long as Hasselbeck is healthy and playing well.
Carl from Iowa City, Iowa writes: Everyone is abuzz about the possibility of Luck to the Colts. My question is, can the Colts handle two high-value contracts at QB and still have much of a team at the other positions? I know that numbers can be played with to create cap space, but I don't think this issue has received enough attention.
Paul Kuharsky: Under the new CBA, the contract for the No. 1 pick is nowhere near as unmanageable as it used to be. They can handle it if they want to.
@JLevin28 writes: Any chance the Colts trade the 1st Pick?
@ESPN_AFCSouth: Anything is possible. Anyone who pretends to know intentions right now who is not named Irsay or Polian is a fibber.
@KitchTN writes: Do you play fantasy football? If yes, details? If no, reasons why not?
@ESPN_AFCSouth: I do. Right now I wish McFadden was healthy.
@KeepItTeal writes: as (the Jaguars) get WR threat on outside, will that make checkdowns, screen plays, underneath routes go for more ydage? def. cant cheat?
@espn_afcsouth: Sure it'll help. So will a fresh approach to all kind of offensive elements.
@jeffaa writes: can the titans catch the texans? no team in this division can score with schaub gone. may combine for less than packers
@espn_afcsouth: The Texans will still be able to score. They can run and Leinart can supplement. Titans just scored 30, by the way.
@MasonStormMusic writes: Blaine (Gabbert) a bust? Or lack of weapons and poor coaching to blame?
@espn_afcsouth: He's bad so far. First and foremost, HE'S to blame. But environment isn't good. Way too early to declare a bust.
@19gatsby88 writes: Do you think Irsay will sit Manning (assuming he could come back this year) to insure # 1 pick?
@ESPN_AFCSouth: I think they've made it pretty clear they are keeping him on the roster in case he has a chance to practice, not play.
***
Follow me on Twitter at @ESPN_AFCSouth and @PaulKuharsky and like me on Facebook at Paul Kuharsky Espn.
Paul Kuharsky: I agree. They Colts have proven they can lose with the people they are using. Not to see if they can at least lose less badly with guys who are in waiting seems more than a bit stubborn.
M Gilchrease of Grass Valley, Calif., writes that he can’t understand how the Texans win in a rout and drop a spot in the Power Rankings.
Paul Kuharsky: Yeah, you might have heard, M, that the Texans lost their starting quarterback. That affects how powerful they are.
I kept them at No. 8. And often when a team wins and drops a couple spots, it’s about a move up by another team or teams with a more significant win. It’s impossible to look at each result independently. They are all intertwined. But your beef would appear to be with some of the other voters.
Erik from Mandello Del Lario, Italy writes: If Peyton Manning is such a leader of the this team, and they are free-falling without him at the helm, why is he being so quiet, instead of chewing their asses for not playing well? He is the leader.
Paul Kuharsky: Hello Italy.
First off, we have no idea what he’s saying to them now, just as we typically have no idea what he’s saying to them in a regular season.
No. 2, why are you inclined to think yelling will help? If they have bad players, how is yelling at them certain to make them better?
No. 3, he’s not playing. If you’re the greatest leader in world history but you’re on the sideline, you’ve got less clout than if you’re in the action.
Brandon in Seattle writes: I know this is going to sound odd, but what are the odds Matt Hasselbeck is traded or let go by the Titans after the year so he can start for someone else who doesn't have a young QB? I just watch him play and think he's clearly still got it, and if the team did want to start the Locker era, there's no way he shouldn't be starting somewhere else. I think in the right situation, he could be capable of producing something close to what Kurt Warner did at the end of his career in Arizona. Then again, he may be doing that right now if Britt were playing. What are your thoughts?
Paul Kuharsky: The Titans aren’t going to trade him, they’re going to play him. They’re fine letting Jake Locker sit as long as Hasselbeck is healthy and playing well.
Carl from Iowa City, Iowa writes: Everyone is abuzz about the possibility of Luck to the Colts. My question is, can the Colts handle two high-value contracts at QB and still have much of a team at the other positions? I know that numbers can be played with to create cap space, but I don't think this issue has received enough attention.
Paul Kuharsky: Under the new CBA, the contract for the No. 1 pick is nowhere near as unmanageable as it used to be. They can handle it if they want to.
@JLevin28 writes: Any chance the Colts trade the 1st Pick?
@ESPN_AFCSouth: Anything is possible. Anyone who pretends to know intentions right now who is not named Irsay or Polian is a fibber.
@KitchTN writes: Do you play fantasy football? If yes, details? If no, reasons why not?
@ESPN_AFCSouth: I do. Right now I wish McFadden was healthy.
@KeepItTeal writes: as (the Jaguars) get WR threat on outside, will that make checkdowns, screen plays, underneath routes go for more ydage? def. cant cheat?
@espn_afcsouth: Sure it'll help. So will a fresh approach to all kind of offensive elements.
@jeffaa writes: can the titans catch the texans? no team in this division can score with schaub gone. may combine for less than packers
@espn_afcsouth: The Texans will still be able to score. They can run and Leinart can supplement. Titans just scored 30, by the way.
@MasonStormMusic writes: Blaine (Gabbert) a bust? Or lack of weapons and poor coaching to blame?
@espn_afcsouth: He's bad so far. First and foremost, HE'S to blame. But environment isn't good. Way too early to declare a bust.
@19gatsby88 writes: Do you think Irsay will sit Manning (assuming he could come back this year) to insure # 1 pick?
@ESPN_AFCSouth: I think they've made it pretty clear they are keeping him on the roster in case he has a chance to practice, not play.
***
Follow me on Twitter at @ESPN_AFCSouth and @PaulKuharsky and like me on Facebook at Paul Kuharsky Espn.
RTC: On AJ, Mathis, Gabbert and Hawkins
October, 28, 2011
10/28/11
12:14
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Reading the coverage ...
Houston Texans
With Blaine Gabbert coming to town, it’s time to note Gary Kubiak’s Texans have lost five of seven games they’ve played against rookie quarterbacks. Dale Robertson of the Houston Chronicle takes a look.
Andre Johnson isn’t pleased with his slow progress as he recovers from a hamstring injury, says Jeffrey Martin of the Chronicle. They’re calling it a game-time decision, but I do not expect him to play. Fullback James Casey looks like he will be back.
Indianapolis Colts
Bob Kravitz’s proposals for the Colts: Draft Andrew Luck if you can and tank the last two weeks if you need to since you tanked them when you could have gone 16-0; dive into free agency to supplement the draft; prioritize retaining defensive end Robert Mathis; give receiver Anthony Gonzalez a shot; find out if Peyton Manning believes he can win a Super Bowl with Jim Caldwell as coach.
The Colts have a big presence on Don Banks’ team of underachievers.
Among the things to watch from Sunday: The running back who’s avoiding contact (Chris Johnson) against Colts defenders who’ve also been avoiding contact. Nate Dunlevy’s weekly piece at 18to88.com.
I spent some time with Dan Dakich on the radio Thursday.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jaguars-Texans will feature a battle of determined running backs with Maurice Jones-Drew and Arian Foster, says Tania Ganguli of the Times-Union.
After some steady progress, Blaine Gabbert regressed in the win over Baltimore according to offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter. The Jaguars are looking for him for him to be more fundamentally sound, says Ganguli.
It’s too easy, and not accurate, to conclude the Jaguars played more man coverage against the Ravens. Ganguli investigated and says it was more about how they played than what they played.
Tennessee Titans
Analyst Brian Baldinger thinks the Titans' run-game problems are mostly on Johnson, who’s not doing what made him great and is showing a lack of confidence, writes John Glennon of The Tennessean.
Lavelle Hawkins knows he needs to do more, say Glennon and Jim Wyatt. The Titans have been incredibly patient with Hawkins and he’s due to stop looking confused on the field.
Defensive coordinator Jerry Gray is seeking consistency, says Wyatt.
Houston Texans
With Blaine Gabbert coming to town, it’s time to note Gary Kubiak’s Texans have lost five of seven games they’ve played against rookie quarterbacks. Dale Robertson of the Houston Chronicle takes a look.
Andre Johnson isn’t pleased with his slow progress as he recovers from a hamstring injury, says Jeffrey Martin of the Chronicle. They’re calling it a game-time decision, but I do not expect him to play. Fullback James Casey looks like he will be back.
Indianapolis Colts
Bob Kravitz’s proposals for the Colts: Draft Andrew Luck if you can and tank the last two weeks if you need to since you tanked them when you could have gone 16-0; dive into free agency to supplement the draft; prioritize retaining defensive end Robert Mathis; give receiver Anthony Gonzalez a shot; find out if Peyton Manning believes he can win a Super Bowl with Jim Caldwell as coach.
The Colts have a big presence on Don Banks’ team of underachievers.
Among the things to watch from Sunday: The running back who’s avoiding contact (Chris Johnson) against Colts defenders who’ve also been avoiding contact. Nate Dunlevy’s weekly piece at 18to88.com.
I spent some time with Dan Dakich on the radio Thursday.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jaguars-Texans will feature a battle of determined running backs with Maurice Jones-Drew and Arian Foster, says Tania Ganguli of the Times-Union.
After some steady progress, Blaine Gabbert regressed in the win over Baltimore according to offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter. The Jaguars are looking for him for him to be more fundamentally sound, says Ganguli.
It’s too easy, and not accurate, to conclude the Jaguars played more man coverage against the Ravens. Ganguli investigated and says it was more about how they played than what they played.
Tennessee Titans
Analyst Brian Baldinger thinks the Titans' run-game problems are mostly on Johnson, who’s not doing what made him great and is showing a lack of confidence, writes John Glennon of The Tennessean.
Lavelle Hawkins knows he needs to do more, say Glennon and Jim Wyatt. The Titans have been incredibly patient with Hawkins and he’s due to stop looking confused on the field.
Defensive coordinator Jerry Gray is seeking consistency, says Wyatt.
RTC: Can Josh Scobee maintain accuracy?
October, 27, 2011
10/27/11
11:43
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Reading the coverage ...
Houston Texans
Andre Johnson is unsure if he’ll be ready to go Sunday. "If I feel the way I feel [Wednesday], I probably won't play Sunday, but (Wednesday) is not Sunday," Johnson said, per Jeffrey Martin of the Houston Chronicle. "We still have some days ahead of us that we have to work through." The Texans should go ahead and declare him out, moving forward with a plan that’s good enough to win over the Jaguars at Reliant Stadium.
Indianapolis Colts
Anthony Gonzalez has been invisible for the Colts this season, as they’ve barely used the receiver. Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star looks at Gonzalez’s state of mind, which is pretty good. What would prompt the Colts to get him into the mix? Why not give him a shot?
The problem with Larry Coyer's defensive scheme is it defends space, not players. It seems averse to preventing the big play, defending the sticks on third down and tightening up in the red zone, writes Colin McCollough of Bleacher Report. Some nice illustrations here and good questions about why DBs play so far off in the red zone.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Josh Scobee is kicking very well for the Jaguars. He became just the sixth kicker to hit three field goals of 50 yards or longer in a game in the win Monday night. For the second year in a row, he made his first 14 field goal attempts. But last season, Scobee then missed six of his final 14, says Vito Stellino of the Times-Union.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans have to stop the run in order to get in position for sacks. A sack slowdown is a trend the Titans know they need to reverse quickly, says Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean. In the past two games, the defense gave up a combined 79 points and 949 yards during lopsided losses to the Steelers and Texans. Run-stopping was supposed to be the big feature of the revamped scheme that emphasizes more size up front.
Linebacker Will Witherspoon’s experience in St. Louis after Steven Jackson’s holdout in 2008 tells him Chris Johnson has a breakout coming. David Boclair of The City Paper looks at Johnson’s struggles in that context. The Titans will take any cause for optimism they can get, but whether Johnson can mirror Jackson is a giant question.
Houston Texans
Andre Johnson is unsure if he’ll be ready to go Sunday. "If I feel the way I feel [Wednesday], I probably won't play Sunday, but (Wednesday) is not Sunday," Johnson said, per Jeffrey Martin of the Houston Chronicle. "We still have some days ahead of us that we have to work through." The Texans should go ahead and declare him out, moving forward with a plan that’s good enough to win over the Jaguars at Reliant Stadium.
Indianapolis Colts
Anthony Gonzalez has been invisible for the Colts this season, as they’ve barely used the receiver. Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star looks at Gonzalez’s state of mind, which is pretty good. What would prompt the Colts to get him into the mix? Why not give him a shot?
The problem with Larry Coyer's defensive scheme is it defends space, not players. It seems averse to preventing the big play, defending the sticks on third down and tightening up in the red zone, writes Colin McCollough of Bleacher Report. Some nice illustrations here and good questions about why DBs play so far off in the red zone.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Josh Scobee is kicking very well for the Jaguars. He became just the sixth kicker to hit three field goals of 50 yards or longer in a game in the win Monday night. For the second year in a row, he made his first 14 field goal attempts. But last season, Scobee then missed six of his final 14, says Vito Stellino of the Times-Union.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans have to stop the run in order to get in position for sacks. A sack slowdown is a trend the Titans know they need to reverse quickly, says Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean. In the past two games, the defense gave up a combined 79 points and 949 yards during lopsided losses to the Steelers and Texans. Run-stopping was supposed to be the big feature of the revamped scheme that emphasizes more size up front.
Linebacker Will Witherspoon’s experience in St. Louis after Steven Jackson’s holdout in 2008 tells him Chris Johnson has a breakout coming. David Boclair of The City Paper looks at Johnson’s struggles in that context. The Titans will take any cause for optimism they can get, but whether Johnson can mirror Jackson is a giant question.
Thoughts on the Colts’ 28-24 loss to the Chiefs at Lucas Oil Stadium:
What it means: Even with a 17-point lead at home against a bad team, the Colts are not safe. They dropped to 0-5 because they couldn’t contain receiver Steve Breaston, who caught two touchdown passes from Matt Cassel, and because they did nothing offensively after halftime. They had four series, three first downs and 64 total net yards after intermission.
What I didn’t like: I saw Chiefs receiver Dwayne Bowe run through virtually the entire secondary en route to a 41-yard touchdown. And Thomas Jones did similar work on a 21-yard run up the middle, where only Antoine Bethea was able to square him up and take him down. The Colts simply have to be closer to playmakers and do better bringing them down.
What I didn’t like, II: On fourth-and-6 with the Colts' last chance, Curtis Painter threw incomplete for Anthony Gonzalez. So be it. But if you’re throwing to a guy who’s going down on fourth down, at least make it a guy who’s at or beyond the first-down marker. A catch there is the same as the incompletion was because Gonzalez wasn’t deep enough.
What I liked: Aside from that final pass attempt, Painter was about as efficient as could be expected even with the second-half stall. He hit on 15 of 27 passes for 277 yards with no sacks behind a line that included a right tackle signed in the past week. He threw two TDs to Pierre Garcon for the second week in a row and didn’t throw a pick.
Injury concern: The Colts lost Joseph Addai to a hamstring injury after just six carries and Delone Carter and Donald Brown took the rest of the work at running back.
What’s next: The Colts make a short trip to Cincinnati to face the surprising Bengals and one of the league's top defenses so far.
What it means: Even with a 17-point lead at home against a bad team, the Colts are not safe. They dropped to 0-5 because they couldn’t contain receiver Steve Breaston, who caught two touchdown passes from Matt Cassel, and because they did nothing offensively after halftime. They had four series, three first downs and 64 total net yards after intermission.
What I didn’t like: I saw Chiefs receiver Dwayne Bowe run through virtually the entire secondary en route to a 41-yard touchdown. And Thomas Jones did similar work on a 21-yard run up the middle, where only Antoine Bethea was able to square him up and take him down. The Colts simply have to be closer to playmakers and do better bringing them down.
What I didn’t like, II: On fourth-and-6 with the Colts' last chance, Curtis Painter threw incomplete for Anthony Gonzalez. So be it. But if you’re throwing to a guy who’s going down on fourth down, at least make it a guy who’s at or beyond the first-down marker. A catch there is the same as the incompletion was because Gonzalez wasn’t deep enough.
What I liked: Aside from that final pass attempt, Painter was about as efficient as could be expected even with the second-half stall. He hit on 15 of 27 passes for 277 yards with no sacks behind a line that included a right tackle signed in the past week. He threw two TDs to Pierre Garcon for the second week in a row and didn’t throw a pick.
Injury concern: The Colts lost Joseph Addai to a hamstring injury after just six carries and Delone Carter and Donald Brown took the rest of the work at running back.
What’s next: The Colts make a short trip to Cincinnati to face the surprising Bengals and one of the league's top defenses so far.
How many snaps can Colts find Gonzalez?
September, 15, 2011
9/15/11
4:21
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
It sounds like Anthony Gonzalez will be ready to go for the Colts against the Browns Sunday.
My question is, how much will the team use its fourth receiver?
According to Pro Football Focus, Austin Collie played 33 of the Colts’ 57 offensive snaps against Houston. Indianapolis went with two tight ends more often to try to help with protection as Brody Eldridge played 20 snaps.
With that sort of distribution, where will Gonzalez fit in? Unless the Colts have a vastly different approach for the Browns than they had for the Texans, or unless the Colts suffer an injury to another receiver, I don’t envision Gonzalez getting a lot of action.
That doesn’t mean, of course, that he can’t make a big play or two when he is on the field.
My question is, how much will the team use its fourth receiver?
According to Pro Football Focus, Austin Collie played 33 of the Colts’ 57 offensive snaps against Houston. Indianapolis went with two tight ends more often to try to help with protection as Brody Eldridge played 20 snaps.
With that sort of distribution, where will Gonzalez fit in? Unless the Colts have a vastly different approach for the Browns than they had for the Texans, or unless the Colts suffer an injury to another receiver, I don’t envision Gonzalez getting a lot of action.
That doesn’t mean, of course, that he can’t make a big play or two when he is on the field.
Foster, Gonzalez, Hughes won't play
September, 11, 2011
9/11/11
11:44
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
HOUSTON -- Arian Foster's hamstring will keep him out of the Colts-Texans game today.
Derrick Ward will start in his place, with Ben Tate expected to also see significant work. Steve Slaton is also active.
The inactive lists for both teams:
Houston:
- RB Arian Foster
- CB Roc Carmichael
- CB Brandon Harris
- G Thomas Austin
- T Derek Newton
- DE Tim Bulman
- QB T.J. Yates
Indianapolis:
- QB Peyton Manning
- WR Anthony Gonzalez
- WR Blair White
- CB Kevin Thomas
- RB Darren Evans
- G Jamey Richard
- DE Jerry Hughes
RTC: Wade Phillips won respect quickly
September, 6, 2011
9/06/11
11:19
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Reading the coverage …
Houston Texans
The AFC South is the Texans' for the taking, writes Jerome Solomon.
The Texans are now preparing for Kerry Collins, says John McClain.
Wade Phillips’ reputation helped him get the team’s attention, says Jeffrey Martin.
Five key questions from McClain.
DeMeco Ryans is ready to go, says McClain.
McClain goes game-by-game and predicts the season.
Indianapolis Colts
Jim Tressel will start when the Colts get to their seventh game, says Phil Richards.
It will be strange to see someone other than Peyton Manning under center, says Mike Chappell.
Phillip. B. Wilson checked the obits and didn’t see the Colts.
Anthony Gonzalez and Blair While expect to be ready for the opener.
A defense of Donald Brown from Nick Pease.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jaguars tackles Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton are handling the criticism, says Vito Stellino.
The Jaguars elected six captains, says Tania Ganguli.
Mike Lockley’s $20,000 fine will be taken out of his practice squad salary, says Tania Ganguli. To fine a guy making this little that much is ridiculous.
Tennessee Titans
Chris Johnson is now focused on football, says Jim Wyatt.
Undrafted corner Chris Hawkins got a late scare on cut day, says John Glennon.
Glennon looks at how the Titans schedule sets up early.
Houston Texans
The AFC South is the Texans' for the taking, writes Jerome Solomon.
The Texans are now preparing for Kerry Collins, says John McClain.
Wade Phillips’ reputation helped him get the team’s attention, says Jeffrey Martin.
Five key questions from McClain.
DeMeco Ryans is ready to go, says McClain.
McClain goes game-by-game and predicts the season.
Indianapolis Colts
Jim Tressel will start when the Colts get to their seventh game, says Phil Richards.
It will be strange to see someone other than Peyton Manning under center, says Mike Chappell.
Phillip. B. Wilson checked the obits and didn’t see the Colts.
Anthony Gonzalez and Blair While expect to be ready for the opener.
A defense of Donald Brown from Nick Pease.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jaguars tackles Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton are handling the criticism, says Vito Stellino.
The Jaguars elected six captains, says Tania Ganguli.
Mike Lockley’s $20,000 fine will be taken out of his practice squad salary, says Tania Ganguli. To fine a guy making this little that much is ridiculous.
Tennessee Titans
Chris Johnson is now focused on football, says Jim Wyatt.
Undrafted corner Chris Hawkins got a late scare on cut day, says John Glennon.
Glennon looks at how the Titans schedule sets up early.
Indianapolis Colts cutdown analysis
September, 3, 2011
9/03/11
6:41
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Check here for a complete list of the Indianapolis Colts' roster moves.
Surprise moves: Tommie Harris seemed to play well enough to stick, but the former first-round defensive tackle apparently wanted to be treated like the team’s top defensive linemen and the team didn’t like the attitude. Defensive end John Chick had solid games but couldn’t get past Jerry Hughes. Undrafted rookie tight end Mike McNeill made it, as did four others who were not April selections: running backs Darren Evans and Chad Spann, linebacker Adrian Moten and safety Joe Lefeged.
No-brainers: Veteran additions on defense made good impressions in the preseason and are sticking around -- ends Jamaal Anderson and Tyler Brayton and linebacker Ernie Sims. Anthony Gonzalez may be injury prone, but none of the other options at receiver is a better player.
What’s next: They’ve got only four defensive tackles in Fili Moala, Antonio Johnson, Eric Foster and Drake Nevis. It could be a spot where they look to add or upgrade on Foster. Offensive linemen Mike Pollak and Jamey Richard will have to prove they deserved to stick ahead of Kyle DeVan.
Surprise moves: Tommie Harris seemed to play well enough to stick, but the former first-round defensive tackle apparently wanted to be treated like the team’s top defensive linemen and the team didn’t like the attitude. Defensive end John Chick had solid games but couldn’t get past Jerry Hughes. Undrafted rookie tight end Mike McNeill made it, as did four others who were not April selections: running backs Darren Evans and Chad Spann, linebacker Adrian Moten and safety Joe Lefeged.
No-brainers: Veteran additions on defense made good impressions in the preseason and are sticking around -- ends Jamaal Anderson and Tyler Brayton and linebacker Ernie Sims. Anthony Gonzalez may be injury prone, but none of the other options at receiver is a better player.
What’s next: They’ve got only four defensive tackles in Fili Moala, Antonio Johnson, Eric Foster and Drake Nevis. It could be a spot where they look to add or upgrade on Foster. Offensive linemen Mike Pollak and Jamey Richard will have to prove they deserved to stick ahead of Kyle DeVan.
As we await word, cut questions ...
September, 3, 2011
9/03/11
10:06
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Cut questions as we wait for news on who’s in and who’s out …
Houston Texans
I’ve confirmed outside linebacker Xavier Adibi will be released, which is a surprise. The Texans are going younger at the spot, which could mean good things for undrafted Bryan Braman. He is raw and probably best suited for the practice squad, but may have done too much to risk cutting first. Can Steve Slaton stick? Odds are against him as he ranks as the team’s fourth back, at best. But he’s got to be a hard guy to let go even after a preseason limited by injury. He’ll be scooped up for sure by a team in need at the position. And he likely still qualifies as one of the team’s best 53 players.
Indianapolis Colts
I know a lot of fans want to see the end for players like Donald Brown, Jerry Hughes and Anthony Gonzalez. But we must ask who are the better options? I’m not sure about Gonzalez, but I suspect that Brown and Hughes are on this team. One guy we presume to have made it who might not is veteran defensive tackle Tommie Harris. One guy we presume not to have made it who might is undrafted rookie tight end Mike McNeill.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Former sixth-round pick Scotty McGee, a return specialist, was among the cuts we learned of Friday. They also included undrafted receivers Armon Binns and Dontrelle Inman. Does that mean another receiver, Jamar Newsome, separated himself and will make it? A team that loves to keep an undrafted guy or two may not this time around. Larry Hart, a 2010 fifth-round defensive end, is probably in trouble.
Tennessee Titans
There looks to be a battle for a backup safety slot between Vincent Fuller, Robert Johnson and Anthony Smith. I wish I had a better feel and could pick a favorite there, but I can’t. It’s a tough call to whittle down from seven receivers, too. Can recent addition Kevin Curtis dislodge Justin Gage and does the team still have patience for Lavelle Hawkins? I can’t see Gage getting cut, even though he is due $3.5 million. Linebacker Rennie Curran sounded like a goner in Mike Munchak’s news conference Friday.
Houston Texans
I’ve confirmed outside linebacker Xavier Adibi will be released, which is a surprise. The Texans are going younger at the spot, which could mean good things for undrafted Bryan Braman. He is raw and probably best suited for the practice squad, but may have done too much to risk cutting first. Can Steve Slaton stick? Odds are against him as he ranks as the team’s fourth back, at best. But he’s got to be a hard guy to let go even after a preseason limited by injury. He’ll be scooped up for sure by a team in need at the position. And he likely still qualifies as one of the team’s best 53 players.
Indianapolis Colts
I know a lot of fans want to see the end for players like Donald Brown, Jerry Hughes and Anthony Gonzalez. But we must ask who are the better options? I’m not sure about Gonzalez, but I suspect that Brown and Hughes are on this team. One guy we presume to have made it who might not is veteran defensive tackle Tommie Harris. One guy we presume not to have made it who might is undrafted rookie tight end Mike McNeill.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Former sixth-round pick Scotty McGee, a return specialist, was among the cuts we learned of Friday. They also included undrafted receivers Armon Binns and Dontrelle Inman. Does that mean another receiver, Jamar Newsome, separated himself and will make it? A team that loves to keep an undrafted guy or two may not this time around. Larry Hart, a 2010 fifth-round defensive end, is probably in trouble.
Tennessee Titans
There looks to be a battle for a backup safety slot between Vincent Fuller, Robert Johnson and Anthony Smith. I wish I had a better feel and could pick a favorite there, but I can’t. It’s a tough call to whittle down from seven receivers, too. Can recent addition Kevin Curtis dislodge Justin Gage and does the team still have patience for Lavelle Hawkins? I can’t see Gage getting cut, even though he is due $3.5 million. Linebacker Rennie Curran sounded like a goner in Mike Munchak’s news conference Friday.ABOUT THIS BLOG
Paul Kuharsky
Kuharsky joined ESPN.com in 2008 after 12 years covering the Oilers/Titans and the NFL for The (Nashville) Tennessean. The New Jersey native and Columbia graduate lives in Nashville with his wife and son.
