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New AFC North blogger Jamison Hensley did not have enough on his plate Thursday, his first day with ESPN.com. So I maneuvered to steal some of his time to talk about two key matchups in games pitting our teams against his on Sunday. It produced this post.

Call it rookie hazing.

PK: For starters, I’m curious about the Browns' plan to slow down Robert Mathis, I know they’ve got some issues at right tackle.

JH: They haven’t even settled on one guy, they’re going to go with a rotation with Artis Hicks and Oniel Cousins. For the chemistry and to get into a rhythm with the offensive line, that’s just not an ideal situation. So I think the best way for them to negate Mathis is through strategy. Colt McCoy is going to take a lot of three-step drops, get rid of the ball very quickly. Because if he holds the ball like he did last week against Cincinnati, he’s going to get hit.

They feel very confident in Joe Thomas on the left side with Dwight Freeney, but the big question is how they stop Mathis. I think they just can’t let Mathis get a shot on McCoy, I think they have to be smart. Because right now that’s the biggest matchup problem they have.

PK: And if the Browns can get ahead, like Houston did last weekend, the biggest way to make both those defensive ends non-factors is to run the ball. So I’m sure Cleveland is hoping for a big day from Peyton Hillis.

How about with the Ravens, I know they’ve got some questions on the secondary and their defense is keyed around their front. Kenny Britt has shown himself to be, perhaps, the Titans’ most dangerous guy. If he gets loose in that secondary and they can protect Matt Hasselbeck, what happens back there?

JH: That’s going to be a big question. The Ravens thought they had a deep secondary coming into the season. Then they lost first-round pick Jimmy Smith to a high ankle sprain, he’s going to be gone for a month. Then you have Chris Carr who hasn’t practiced this week because he aggravated a hamstring injury.

So you have Cary Williams, a former Titan, starting for the Ravens, and Lardarius Webb, who was very inconsistent last year but who’s coming off a good, strong game. I think they’re going to have to do this by committee because Kenny Britt is a talented receiver. I think they’re going to have to use a lot of Ed Reed shading his way.

I don’t think they can honestly go into this game thinking they can put one guy on him and really take Kenny Britt out of this game. Whatever side Kenny Britt goes to, I think that’s where Ed Reed follows.

PK: Britt and Hasselbeck still have some timing issues. That can be just the sort of thing Ed Reed finds an opportunity to pounce on.

» NFC Recent History: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

» Draft Watch: Biggest needs (2/17) | Busts/gems (2/24) | Schemes, themes (3/3) | Recent history (3/10) | Needs revisited (3/17) | Under-the-radar needs (3/26) | History in that spot (3/31) | Draft approach (4/7) | Decision-makers (4/14) | Dream scenario/Plan B (4/21)

Each Wednesday leading up to the NFL draft (April 22-24), the ESPN.com blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today’s topic: Recent history.

Houston Texans

The best move the Texans made in the past three seasons was trading a second-round pick in 2007 and 2008 to Atlanta for Matt Schaub, a quarterback who’s the key to their offense and team. With so many teams in need of a quality starter, that trade seems like a steal now. They’ve taken four defensive backs with the 10 picks they’ve made in the fifth round or later, and out of Brandon Harrison, Dominique Barber, Brice McCain and Troy Nolan they’ve not found a guy who has been able to contribute consistently. It’s time to spend a big pick on a free safety or corner who has great ball skills.

Indianapolis Colts

Skill positions get attention early, with receiver Anthony Gonzalez and running back Donald Brown grabbed with the two first-rounders in the past three years. The hits in the third round and later have become significant players: Clint Session, Pierre Garcon, Jerraud Powers, Austin Collie, Pat McAfee. Trouble spot? Look to the five offensive linemen who haven’t really panned out. That’s understandable with Steve Justice (sixth in 2008), Jamey Richard (seventh in 2008) and Jaimie Thomas (seventh in 2009), but Tony Ugoh (second in 2007) and Mike Pollak (second in 2008) have left the team with holes and problems that need to be addressed in April. Out of five picks there has to be at least one starter, probably two.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Two first-round picks out of Florida have not met expectations, but the Jaguars still hope safety Reggie Nelson and defensive end Derrick Harvey can become consistent players. Of 25 picks, only one is established as a playmaker on offense, Mike Sims-Walker (third-rounder in 2007). That’s a big part of the reason the team’s not especially potent on offense beyond Maurice Jones-Drew. The top four from the 2009 draft got significant starting experience as rookies, and the 2010 class will have similar opportunities. While Harvey can be steady, he’s not an explosive pass-rusher, and Quentin Groves has struggled. Even with Aaron Kampman signed, they still need another pass-rusher.

Tennessee Titans

The Titans have fared nicely with pass-rushers from lesser-known schools -- William Hayes of Winston-Salem State is on the brink of big things and Jacob Ford of Central Arkansas is a skilled rusher. Contributions from second-rounders have been minimal -- Chris Henry is already gone, Jason Jones hasn’t stayed healthy or consistent and Sen'Derrick Marks had no impact as a rookie. After hitting a home run with seventh-rounder Cortland Finnegan in 2006, late-round corners Ryan Smith, Cary Williams and, so far, Jason McCourty, haven’t panned out. A quality corner is a need early in this draft.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky

Houston Texans

• Gary Kubiak says playing at Indy is the Texans’ No. 1 challenge but they are all big now, says John McClain.
• The Texans' defense has made significant improvements, writes McClain.
• The Texans are in one of the week’s biggest games, says Pete Prisco.
• McClain’s midseason report card.
• Matt Schaub rates as one of Clifton Brown’s five guys who have lifted their teams by lifting their games.
• A breakdown of a 14-yard gain by Ryan Moats, from Lance Zierlein.
• What’s the story with Steve Slaton? Stephanie Stradley considers.
• Considering Slaton versus Moats, from Mike Kerns.

Indianapolis Colts

• Antoine Bethea is playing his best football yet, says Phillip B. Wilson.
• Manning getting some rest last Friday and not playing as well as he has on Sunday against San Francisco is nothing to get worked up about, says John Oehser.
• A breakdown of five drives that sputtered against the 49ers, courtesy of Deshawn Zombie.
• Texans-Colts will be a two-way test, says Matt Snyder.

Jacksonville Jaguars

• Blame the staff, not David Garrard, for the audible issues, blogs Michael C. Wright.
• A Q&A with Terrance Knighton, who likes the nickname “Pot Roast.”
• Denver and Jacksonville as underdogs were the right calls, says Vito Stellino.
• Sometimes progress is being made but it’s difficult to see, says Vic Ketchman.
• Seven games in it feels like last season, says Jonathan Loesche.

Tennessee Titans

• How much longer will Jeff Fisher be Bud Adams’ guy? David Climer examines the relationship.
• The Titans brought back Chris Davis, the receiver and return man, cutting Cary Williams to make room, says Jim Wyatt.
• Kevin Mawae and Albert Haynesworth were named in a poll about the league’s dirtiest players, says Terry McCormick.
• Titans Radio previews the 49ers game.
• The 49ers are banged up.
• Five things Wyatt knows about the Titans, including that Vince Young will have to do more.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Titans promised changes beyond Vince Young for Kerry Collins.

But Jeff Fisher indicated they’d be minor and they are: Jason Jones is starting at left defensive tackle for Jovan Haye, who’s inactive, and Rod Hood is starting at left cornerback for Jason McCourty.

Who's returning for Tennessee? Not Alvin Pearman, signed after Mark Jones suffered a hamstring injury. Pearman's inactive. Look for some combination of Kevin Kaesviharn and Ryan Mouton on punts -- they are fielding them now in warmups -- and either Michael Griffin or McCourty on kickoffs.

For the Jaguars, Reggie Nelson shifts to corner to start at corner for the injured Rashean Mathis and Brian Russell replaces Nelson at free safety. (Sean Considine was in line to replace Nelson, but is sick and inactive.)

Tra Thomas is starting at left tackle for Eugene Monroe.

The list of inactives:

Jacksonville

• Receiver Tiquan Underwood
• Mathis
• Considine
• CB Brian Witherspoon
• LB Brian Smith
• OL Maurice Williams
• OT Jordan Black
• DT Greg Peterson

Tennessee

• CB Nick Harper
• RB Javon Ringer
• CB Cary Williams
• OT Mike Otto
• Haye
• TE Craig Stevens
• DE Jevon Kearse
• PR-KR Alvin Pearman

Posted by ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky

We know a lot about the AFC South after five weeks, and each team has at least one big question as Week 6 rolls around. Let’s examine each team, shall we?

Houston Texans

	Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
	Steve Slaton is gaining just 3.2 yards per carry after averaging 4.8 ypc in 2008.

A year ago it seemed as if the Texans had found their scheme and their back, thanks to Alex Gibbs’ zone-blocking attack and third-round star runner Steve Slaton. A team that ranked 13th in rushing was plenty good enough to provide a balanced offense and a believable play-action option, a key element in the passing attack that features the team’s best player in receiver Andre Johnson.

But these Texans cannot run -- they rank 30th in the league with only 75.4 yards a game. After they struck out in their pursuit of free agent Cedric Benson -- who may have been perfect but certainly found a better situation in Cincinnati -- they failed to find the complementary back to go with Slaton. Their undrafted rookies didn’t earn the job and they turned to veteran Chris Brown. Unfortunately, Brown is completely miscast as a short-yardage specialist and has failed to score from close range when given the chance to tie two games late.

Left guard Chester Pitts was lost for the season after suffering a knee injury in Week 2 and right guard Mike Brisiel is finished for the year with a foot injury. Take away 40 percent of a line that relies on continuity and it compounds the problem. With a 3.2-yard average, Slaton is not been nearly as explosive as he was last season when he averaged 4.8 yards a carry.

Maybe they tinker with the scheme based on how they are being defended. But they’re going to have to do their best to work through it, as a personnel change that would solve things doesn’t seem possible.

Indianapolis Colts

Cop-out alert: At 5-0 heading into their bye, the Colts aren’t perfect and run-blocking qualifies as a concern. But I am hard-pressed to call it an issue or to find another. I think they are the best team in the AFC.

I thought the waiving of Ed Johnson was going to amount to the team’s first adversity. But once the team said it was a result of performance, I think it became something that won’t linger long. Having the smallest section in this blog entry is a good thing, and the three others would happily trade spots.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars have done all sort of tinkering with their defensive front, and they are now regarded as a 3-4 team that converts into a 4-3 on third down and clear-cut pass-rush situations. No matter how the linemen and linebackers are aligning, however, they fail to generate a consistent pass rush.

	Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images
	Derrick Harvey, a 2008 first-round pick, has yet to collect a sack this season.

Jack Del Rio’s team is simply not talented enough to win without making opposing quarterbacks uncomfortable. They found ways to beat division rivals Houston and Tennessee, but lost to teams quarterbacked by Peyton Manning, Kurt Warner and Matt Hasselbeck.

They will continue to try to find ways to collapse the pocket and hit the quarterback. But the Jags are downplaying expectations for second-year end-outside linebacker Derrick Harvey as a rusher. They traded up to draft him at No. 8 last season and took Quentin Groves in the second round. The two were supposed to be the next generation of pass-rushers. They’ve combined for no sacks, one fewer than defensive tackle Montavious Stanley, a player who’s been waived four times since 2006.

Guys on the roster can get better and stronger, but this group needs an influx of talent that won’t arrive until free agency and the draft.

The good news on the pass-rush front? Nine of the Jaguars’ remaining 11 opponents don’t have unflappable, high-quality quarterbacks. But those quarterbacks will be excited at the possibility of having their best days against Jacksonville because they could be harassed less against the Jags.

Tennessee Titans

There isn’t a unit on the Titans that isn’t culpable for their 0-5 start. Out of 22 starters, I can only look at one -- middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch -- and conclude he’s doing better work this season than he did a year ago.

	AP Photo/Wade Payne
	The Titans need Michael Griffin to step up in the secondary.

Pass defense is the top issue, however, and the drop-off was extreme well before the Titans started to get hurt. Now without Vincent Fuller and Nick Harper for an extended time, they will see young corners Jason McCourty and Ryan Mouton continue to be tested even as they’ve added veteran Rod Hood. If Cortland Finnegan (hamstring) is still out, Cary Williams could also come into play. Those inexperienced defensive backs (and Hood, who is new to the system) could be just what a tandem such as Tom Brady and Randy Moss needs to get clicking.

Certainly a less effective, less consistent pass rush is a piece of the poor pass coverage. The defensive line is considered the team’s deepest position, and it’s a group that must play better to help those in coverage survive.

But what the Titans need to happen in the defensive backfield to provide some long-term comfort is for free safety Michael Griffin, who’s regressed, and Finnegan, once he’s healed up, to make leaps in maturity and accountability and show they can be guys to be built around the way Michael Roos and David Stewart are on the offensive line.

The young talent must return to form. We’ve talked about age as an issue, and it’s fair to presume there will be a lot of turnover after this season with or without a new collective bargaining agreement.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky

Greetings from Indianapolis, where I will head over to Lucas Oil Stadium shortly to get ready for Seahawks-Colts.

Here's your mandatory morning pregame reading:

Houston Texans

• Matt Schaub is compiling quality stats, writes John McClain.
• The Texans and Raiders are more alike than expected, says Dale Robertson.
• Four Texans will do their part for breast cancer awareness, says McClain.
• Anthony Hill is out of the hospital and talked to Mark Berman.

Indianapolis Colts

• Seattle will try to match the Colts’ tempo, says Mike Chappell.
• The running game is making strides, writes Phil Richards.
• It’s almost like Tony Dungy never left, says Alex Marvez.
• Former Colts coach Jim Mora’s grandsons lighten the mood regarding his famous “playoffs?” rant, says Phillip B. Wilson.
• The Colts will also wear a splash of pink, writes Chappell.
• Chappell doesn’t expect to see Marcus Howard back with the team during Dwight Freeney’s absence.
• John Oehser takes questions, several about Clint Session and Jordan Senn.

Jacksonville Jaguars

• Gene Frenette looks at Jeff Fisher’s staying power.
• Daryl Smith is low key but gets high marks, says Michael C Wright.
• Spillover from Wright’s interview with Smith landed in his blog.
• David Garrard and the fans lose out from Jack Del Rio’s radio decision, writes Frenette.
• End Julius Williams plays great in practice but hasn’t translated it into games yet, says Wright.
• Keys to the game from iJax.com.
• Shallow thoughts and aimless musings from bigcatcountry.com.

Tennessee Titans

• The Titans cut Patrick Ramsey and elevated cornerback Cary Williams from the practice squad, writes Wyatt.
• Some Titans are concerned by the results of a recent brain disease study, writes Jim Wyatt.
• Wyatt’s breakdown of the Titans’ matchup with the Jaguars.
• Ryan Mouton’s looking for redemption, says Wyatt.
• Eugene Amano is helping with typhoon relief.
• The AP got Steve McNair’s public service announcement urging young people contemplating suicide to live to see better days.
• Long passes are not a priority for Mike Heimerdinger, says Gary Estwick.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky

• John Clayton sorts through the AFC South.
• Brian Burke looks at game probabilities for Week 4. AFC South chances to win: Indy 87 percent; Houston 68 percent; Jacksonville 51 percent against Tennessee (49 percent).

Houston Texans

• As bad as they’ve been, the Texans have allowed fewer yards each week, writes John McClain.
• Jerome Solomon looks at just how important this one is for Gary Kubiak.
• Third-down defense gets this look over from Dale Robertson.
• Kubiak is talking about making changes on defense. McClain asks which ones you want to see.
• Breaking down the stats so far, with Alan Burge.
• Battleredblog.com questions Kubiak’s clock management. Sure you want to score with as little time left as possible, but it can’t be priority No. 1. You can’t generally control when you punch it in, when you have to be concerned with making sure you punch it in.

Indianapolis Colts

• Mike Chappell’s source says Dwight Freeney will miss three weeks and two games.
• Five key early season developments include smooth transitions, the emergence of Pierre Garcon and a return to form for Joseph Addai.
• Chappell takes questions, including one about Philip Wheeler.

Jacksonville Jaguars

• A Q&A with Mo Williams.
• The Jags signed defensive tackle Greg Peterson.
• David Garrard’s wearing a play cheat sheet on his wrist out of superstition, says Michael C. Wright.
• Maurice Jones-Drew on Fox Sports Radio, courtesy of sportsradiointerviews.com.
• Arm strength gains can be made, but they are subtle, says Vic Ketchman.
• Bigcatcountry.com sees the Jaguars, and everybody, heading toward a spread offense.

Tennessee Titans

• Jeff Fisher deserves a delay of game flag for Tuesday’s roster moves, opines David Climer.
• Fisher’s in no trouble, says Peter King in his mailbag.
• The Titans make roster moves, including adding Mark Jones and putting Craig Hentrich on IR, says Gary Estwick.
• Five things Jim Wyatt knows about the Titans.
• Cary Williams was signed to the practice squad.
• The Titans also looked at veteran cornerbacks Rod Hood, Eric Green and Dante Hughes and safeties Kevin Davis and Keith Lewis, says Terry McCormick.

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

Biggest surprise: Chris Henry survives again? It’s hard to think that if they look to add someone in the next couple days it won’t put the running back at risk. But the third-year runner got at least an initial spot as the Titans waived-injured Quinton Ganther, a more valuable and versatile player as the fourth back He suffered a calf injury in the preseason finale. Hardly as big on the list of surprises: the end for veteran linebackers Ryan Fowler, Josh Stamer and Rocky Boiman, leaving the team with very young depth; Patrick Ramsey sticking as a third quarterback; and the survival of cornerback Cary Williams.

No-brainers: The Titans kept nine defensive linemen. The lowest ranking of the bunch is probably second-round pick Sen’Derrick Marks and the Titans certainly intend to give him time to develop. They kept four tight ends, a move never in doubt with Jared Cook in his first year and Craig Stevens in his second. Receiver Paul Williams showed very little in two seasons since the Titans spent a third-rounder on him and it was certainly time to look to someone like rookie Dominique Edison instead.

What's next: Sixth-round draft pick Jason McCourty, looks to have an early chance to be a special teams contributor and should survive ahead of Cary Williams at cornerback if the Titans make a move to upgrade depth. But corner depth and the punt return job remain the two largest concerns.

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

Head here for a Jaguars-only mailbag.


Jake Large from Singapore writes: Dear PK, As a Colt fan I have some concerns about this season (not a surprise). Rather than ask you about the left tackle (too obvious), I'll ask instead about the receivers. In particular, if Austin Collie is starting in the slot and Gonzalez on the outside along with Wayne, I can't help but think we have one of the slowest WR corps in the league. Will this lack of explosiveness be a major source of weakness for my team this year? It's weird to feel really good about the D but really nervous about the O for the first time in a decade! Jake

Paul Kuharsky: A door prize, please, for a guy who’s traveled furthest to ask his question. Great to hear from you, Jake.

I think that's where some of Garcon's value is, in his speed.

But it's not so much about running away from people as it is about getting open, and we know Reggie Wayne and Anthony Gonzalez, and let's include Dallas Clark, can get open. So while it might not be ideal, I don't think it'll be deadly. Now if the run game returns to decent form and people get sucked up by play-action, that can go a long way toward making everyone in the receiving corps seem faster, wouldn't you agree? I don’t know that it’s a big issue, and I’m more convinced after consulting with Scouts Inc.’s Matt Williamson.

Here’s what Williamson said on the subject:

"I wouldn't say it is a weakness though at all. Collie is probably the slowest of the bunch and yes, I would say that Garcon is the fastest, but he is more of a build-up guy than Wayne and Gonzo, who go 0 to 60 quite abruptly. Don't sleep on Gonzo's flat out speed. He can really run. As can Wayne of course. I wouldn't say that any of these guys has the blow-past-you-speed that Marvin Harrison did in his prime though. Still, not a weakness."

"Also, Dallas Clark is as much WR as he is TE and is amongst the fastest TEs in the league."

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Kurt from Vancouver, B.C., writes: I have Chris Johnson as a keeper on my fantasy football team but he's done "nothing" this pre-season to impress. Since you cover them and get to see them more so than I do, is there anything going on to be concerned with or do you think that once Mawae returns and they start game planning for their opponents that things will come together for the running game? I could only keep 2 RBs and opted for Steven Jackson and CJ, but I had to throw Jacobs back. This will really suck if the Titans run the ball as poorly in '09 as they have done so far! Thanks, Kurt


Paul Kuharsky: I think you'd be crazy to make any moves regarding a top-flight player from a team that's going to be good based on anything he did or didn't do in the preseason. I have no doubt, barring major injury, that the Titans will run the ball well over the course of the season. That said, with those three, there are going to be weeks where you'll regret making the choice you did.

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Kevin Cunningham from Portland, Ore., writes: Paul-A few weeks ago when we signed Jeff Zgonina I emailed you saying I thought it was an indictment of our poor D-line play, not an camp body due to injuries as the Texans brass said. With today's trade of Travis Johnson, what does this say about the Texans D-Line? Do you read it as an endorsement of Okam, Cody and Robinson? Could TJ have been just the odd man out, and we figured we'd get something for him? Was he that deep in the Kubiak doghouse? What is your take?


Paul Kuharsky: An unimpressive performance by the group again Monday night. I am surprised at the lack of progress under Bill Kollar, though obviously they could come out and be great against the Jets on opening day.

He’s a vet who knows what he’s doing for sure, but I would think they can find a better final piece in cuts than Zgonina, though, no? I think Johnson must have been that deep in the doghouse and that Kollar was not excited about him.

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Glenn Gruber from Cumberland, R.I., writes: I realize this is the time of year that all GMs will be scouring the waiver wire. With the lack of depth at CB, do you see the Titans trying to scoop up a veteran like Ron Hood fill the gap and provide stability? Glenn


Paul Kuharsky: Well, Hood’s already been scooped up by Chicago.

Ryan Mouton is in the mix once he’s healthy. The Titans finished with four corners and five safeties last year. If they went that route now, it'd be Cortland Finnegan, Nick Harper, Mouton and TBD with Michael Griffin, Chris Hope, Vincent Fuller, Donnie Nickey and a wild card (Tuff Harris, Nick Schommer). I think they could keep Jason McCourty as the TBD corner and then be in the market for a ninth DB expecting an upgrade on DeMarcus Faggins, Cary Williams, Harris or Schommer.

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Eric from Denver, Colo., writes: PK! I'd like your take on why teams don't try moving underperforming players to other positions. As a Titans fan, I've watched Chris Henry struggle as an RB. He just isn't instinctive. Why not try him out at LB or SS? Appreciate your thoughts, Eric


Paul Kuharsky: I don't understand why so many people are fascinated with this idea.

If a guy can't be an effective player at the spot he was drafted to play, the spot where he likely played his entire college career, then why should a team think he will play a different position better than guys who've spent their football lives playing that other position? Do you want Chris Henry as a linebacker who’s not close to game-ready or someone like Stanford Keglar or Colin Allred? Give me Keglar or Allred, please.

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Byron from Knoxville, Tenn., writes: Just reading the chat transcript and you said that the better McRath looks the less chance of Bulluck staying. I was thinking about how much it would cost to keep him. If Nashville were a larger market team then I believe that Keith would get more coverage thus more pro bowls and more recognition as one of the key players on a perennial top defensive squad. My question is, does market size and coverage affect the going price for solid players who enter free agency? Would Keith be looking at a much better payday if he had the exact same career but been in Dallas or Pitt? (I realize that a lot of small market players get paid: AH, Laboy, Odem, and the like, but what would be the difference in them and a larger market player). Thanks


Paul Kuharsky: Does it impact the price for some guys? Yes. Should it? No.

Teams should be putting a value on a guy based on their evaluations of his play, and once the ball is kicked off, the market size of a guy's team has no bearing on how he performs or doesn't perform.

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Sean from Arlington, Va., writes: Music tip (based on your other tastes): Mic Harrison and the High Score (based in Knoxville). Mic was formerly of the V-Roys and Superdrag. Good rootsy, rockin alt country. Check out "The Right Side of the Grass" or "Push Me On Home."Best songs:"Hey Driver""Never Gonna Drink Again""He Gets High""Long Time"


Paul Kuharsky: Loved the V-Roys (find “Just Add Ice,”) love Scott Miller (find “Amtrak Crescent.”) Didn't like what I heard of Harrison after the breakup, but I will circle back.

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

The Titans lost at Cleveland Saturday night, but took a lot of good developments out of their fourth, and most important, preseason game. Some thoughts from the 23-17 loss:

• It's been clear for some time they will wind up carrying four tight ends -- Bo Scaife, Alge Crumpler, Jared Cook and Craig Stevens. Scaife and Cook on the field together caused some difficulties for the Browns. Stevens did some nice things in the second half of this game. So did the versatile Quinton Ganther, who is going to make them keep four running backs too. No way he's not one of their best 53 players.
• Mark Jones could have gotten away with all types of stumbles in his first action as the primary return man candidate. Fumbling one return away was not one of them. A year removed from a very solid year for the since-departed Chris Carr, the return jobs remain a giant question mark. Titans Radio said Jones suffered a stinger later when he was smothered on a kickoff return.
• In relief of Kerry Collins, Vince Young had one great run and threw the ball decisively much of the time he was in the game. But his two bad plays were big. The first was a lost fumble at the goal line just before the half. And the pick-six interception he threw deep in the Titans' own end was the sort of gaffe that does an awful lot to offset the good. It was good that he bounced back to lead a touchdown drive and threw a scoring pass to end it. Patrick Ramsey, who's dealing with sore ribs, didn't play.
• Cornerback Cortland Finnegan worked on the left instead of his usual spot on the right, getting some work in case the Titans need to shuffle or for an occasion when he might draw a particular receiver and have to follow him over there. Corner depth remains an issue -- Cary Williams started in place of Nick Harper, who sat out, and didn't fare particularly well. DeMarcus Faggins did well to force Braylon Edwards out of the end zone before he could get a second foot down during a remarkable one-handed catch.
• Cleveland played starters into the fourth quarter, while the Titans' went only to halftime.
  

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

Saturday night in Cleveland the Titans' front-liners will get their biggest load of preseason work. Here are three things I will be looking for:

Some effective running: If the Titans don't run the ball well, I'm not going to sound the alarm. But I'd like to think there will be a little bit of scheming for this game that will allow Chris Johnson to show a glimpse of what he looked like last year. I don't love the idea of him gong through four games (they play five this preseason) with virtually no effective live work before the opener in Pittsburgh.

The return game: Mark Jones was signed to be the answer when Chris Carr left, but hasn't played yet. He could do a lot to secure the job with a solid night. And if he can do something in chances at receiver too, that would be big. I don't believe the Titans are big on the idea of a return specialist who can't contribute elsewhere if needed.

The backup corners: With rookie Ryan Mouton out with a high ankle sprain, the cornerback depth is an even bigger question. Can Demarcus Faggins, Cary Williams or Jason McCourty do much here to help alleviate those concerns? If not, corner should be the primary position the Titans comb over when final cuts go down around the league Sept. 5.

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Titans got big finishes on their final day of camp.

First the offense executed two two-minute drives effectively. Then rookie receiver Kenny Britt finished his leg in the team's annual dizzy bat race with an impressive flourish, especially considering he must have been at least a bit tipsy -- a cartwheel into a back handspring.

On offense Kerry Collins and the first-team offense were in need of a field goal and took over with 55 seconds on the clock and a timeout in hand. The quarterback moved the offense into range with a diet of passes to tight ends, throwing twice to Bo Scaife and once to Alge Crumpler and Jared Cook.

The second team offense needed a touchdown and got the ball with 1:30 left and a timeout. Vince Young hit LenDale White over the middle, Craig Stevens on the right and Paul Williams on the left. Then, after Young fielded a high snap by Fernando Velasco, Dominique Edison went up the ladder on the right sideline and pulled in a pass Cary Williams seemed in good position to defend. The next two passes went to Lavelle Hawkins, a short ball he took out of bounds and a touchdown to him slanting across the middle of the end zone from 15 or 20 yards out that beat Donnie Nickey.

Jeff Fisher emphasized that the drill in the unpadded practice was favorable to the offense because it lacked full speed rush situations but was please to see so many plays made.

Said left tackle Michael Roos "We did pretty well at it last year and it's one of the things coach Fisher always harps on from the defensive standpoint getting off the field and on offense making sure you win the drive. If you get a penalty or a sack statistics show you lose that drive. You've got to be sharp, you've got to be focused and know what to do."

"Usually it's not that complicated of a route scheme or protections. It's knowing who you've got and what you have to do and being able to do it in a split second."

As for Britt's big finish, Fisher described it thusly: “That was a back flip and a round off half spring thing that you can't do after touchdowns because you can't use the ground as a prop. That was impressive.”

Britt's next move wasn't nearly as stylish.

He tried to drag rookie cornerback Ryan Mouton, out with a high left ankle sprain and in a walking boot, to be spun by teammates and doused with all kinds of stuff from the team's kitchen. They were both saved from potential tragedy by the horn that ended camp.

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

A quick trip around the division to consider some long shots who've looked good. Rosters get cut from 80 to 75 on Sept. 1, then to 53 on Sept. 5.


Houston

Free safety John Busing is a big hitter and a solid special teamer. Does he have enough upside at a questionable position for the Texans to keep him over a veteran like Nick Ferguson or Brandon Harrison, a fifth-rounder from 2007?

I also heard good things about defensive end Tim Jamison, who's got some likeable rush skills.

Two receivers have created a little bit of a buzz. And it wouldn't be a big surprise if Glenn Martinez or Darnell Jenkins make the team, especially if the Texans find another punt returner and decide they're done with Jacoby Jones.



Indianapolis

Cornerback Jacob Lacey has gotten his hands on a lot of balls and could prompt the Colts to keep him at the back end of their cornerback group. Might he stick ahead of Dante Hughes or prompt them to go heavy at the spot?

Linebacker Ramon Humbler has shown promise and can be a good special teamer.

The last receiver could be one of two relative unknowns. Both Brett McDermott and John Matthews are quiet and go unnoticed until the ball comes their way, then they catch it. Both are more quick than fast and they are roughly the same size at about 6-0, 200.

Chad Simpson and Lance Ball are likely going head to head for the final running back slot, but neither qualifies as a long shot.



Jacksonville

Word is that receiver Nate Hughes has moved beyond long shot and is early assured of a spot. He could rank as high as fourth now, and could make the team at the expense of one of the three draft picks. Or maybe that means Mike Thomas (groin) to IR?

Linebacker Russell Allen was the team's primary target among undrafteds and looks to have a great shot of making the roster.

Longer shots? Michael Desormeaux could oust Marlon McCree as a reserve safety or Pete Ittersagen could overtake Scott Starks as a reserve corner.



Tennessee

A deep roster with a draft class of 11 doesn't leave room for many street free agents or undrafted to emerge. So a late-round draft picks making it could qualify as a bit of an upset.

Cornerback Jason McCourty's been far better than Cary Williams and Dominique Edison looks to rank fourth at wide receiver right now.

With Leroy Harris heading back to a backup role as Kevin Mawae comes off PUP, Fernando Velasco's chance is probably gone.

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

ARLINGTON, Texas -- When Jeff Fisher tosses and turns, this is the kind of football game unfolding in his head.

Dallas is up 14-10 at the half of a preseason opener that's the first football played at Cowboys Stadium

If possession (or yardage) produced points, Dallas would be blowing the Titans out. Overall in the first half, Dallas moved 249 net yards in 22:13, the Titans 78 in 7:47.

The Titans had hoped to get Vince Young some time with the first team offense, but as it only got 17 plays, he didn't make it off the bench -- except for when Fisher sent the Titans who played their college ball at Texas to midfield as captains before the game.

A few other thoughts:

• Javon Ringer returned 15 kicks as a collegian, none as long as his first-quarter 51 yarder, when he bounced to the left sideline and took off. He continues to impress and will be able to contribute in a number of ways. On the Titans' next special teams play, he was lined up second from the right on the kickoff coverage unit. His 16-yard run with the first team offense late in the first quarter was a thing of beauty too. He had a nice one-handed catch too. Don't want to read too much into it, but as we've been talking about Nate Washington and Jared Cook upping the dynamic weapons. Kenny Britt's going to be on that list, and Ringer could be working his way on it too. At this early stage, the draft class is looking quite impressive.
• With Vincent Fuller (hamstring) and Ryan Mouton (ankle) out, Tanard Davis was the first nickel. On a third-and-3 against Patrick Crayton in the slot, Davis allowed for too much separation and Crayton crossed to the left and caught a 15-yard pass. A bit later Davis gave up a 9-yard pass to Crayton and Dallas converted the resulting fourth-and-1. The Titans aren't three deep at nickel right now. Ultimately someone with a better chance at a roster spot -- DeMarcus Faggins, Cary Williams or Jason McCourty -- needs to be ready to go there in an emergency.
• Chris Johnson has 3 yards on two carries and one catch for no gain. But it continues to be clear that the Titans aren't doing anything schematically to help spring him. On a first-and-15 in the first quarter, Collins threw to him short on the right and he was swarmed by -- I promise I am not exaggerating -- five Cowboys without a Titan any where nearby to even try to throw a block. Come meaningful games, they will be doing far, far more to get him into space.
• Everything is big here, except the small corner pieces of ribbon boards where the Cowboys post the down and distance. I got a headache trying to read it. Have any Tylenol?
  

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Vince Young was the lead story for the Titans Sunday night in a 27-20 preseason win over Tampa Bay. When owner Bud Adams took a couple questions about the backup quarterback's future, that landed in a news story you'll find here.

	Don McPeak/US Presswire
	Titans quarterback Vince Young was more confident in Saturday night's exhibition game.

Even before Young found Kenny Britt with a 37-yard touchdown pass against a completely busted coverage, it seemed clear the backup quarterback had more bounce in his step, more confidence about where to go with the ball and a better feel for starting to make a move while continuing to look downfield than he showed last week in the Hall of Fame Game.

"I know what it feels like, all these people doubting all the time. Can Vince do this, is Vince going to be the No. 2? ... He goes out there and shows exactly why we drafted him, because he makes plays," said running back LenDale White, who saved Young from his one bad play, kicking a lateral out of bounds.

Said Kerry Collins: "I thought he operated well, he did what he can do, stepping up and making plays. I thought for the most part he made a lot of good decisions."

Beyond Young, here's a six-pack of what struck me from the Titans' performance at LP Field:

1. Britt left the game limping with a right ankle injury but said he'd merely been stepped on and anticipates missing no practice time. The TD was nice, but he's got to be able to score when he's left all alone thanks to coverage mishaps. I thought his first catch, a 38-yard reception up the middle, was the play that showed a lot more. He got cracked just after pulling it in by defensive back Will Allen and held on.

2. Collins said he didn't see the safety on his first interception, a bad ball intended for Nate Washington in the middle of the end zone that was picked by Sabby Piscitelli. His other interception came on a pretty good play by defensive end Stylez White, who leapt to deflect the pass, then managed to corral it on his way to the ground.

"That's what preseason's about, you make mistakes and learn from them and it doesn't cost you big," Collins said. "I need to make a couple better decisions, but this thing is a work in progress."

3. Third-round pick Ryan Mouton, the cornerback from Hawaii, jumped a pass from rookie Josh Freeman aimed for Patrick Carter and turned it into a 29-yard touchdown. Mouton played nickel in the first half with Vincent Fuller out with a groin injury, then moved outside for the third quarter.

"For a couple plays they'd been throwing the hitch out there and trying to get the three step game, so I got a good read, the coaches do a good job telling us to get the three step read," Mouton said. "I picked up on a three strep read and just broke on the ball."

None of the corner candidates behind Cortland Finnegan, Nick Harper and Fuller have stood out for the Titans so far. Maybe this is the play that sparks Mouton in the competition with Cary Williams, DeMarcus Faggins and Jason McCourty.

4. Defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson didn't want to beef about his unnecessary roughness penalty for a takedown of Byron Leftwich late in the second quarter. I initially thought Vickerson hit Leftwich in the head, but replays showed he didn't. The penalty was for the way he drove the QB into the ground.

"I've just got to get there faster I guess," Vickerson said. "He just told me it was how I landed on him, I guess that I used a little force. But I'm 310, that's hard to turn in midair when you're going down and Byron Leftwich is not a little quarterback. That's how you play it, right?"

5. The Bucs average gain per pass play, and there were 36 of them, was a whopping 3 yards.

6. White provided the best Twitter fodder of the night for @espn_afcsouth: "#Titans RB LenDale White with line of night, saying owner Bud Adams could turn 'Smash and Dash' into 'Smash, Dash and Cash.'"