AFC South: Curtis Painter
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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?
Colts' roster barren after five more cuts
March, 9, 2012
Mar 9
6:10
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
At the news conference making Peyton Manning’s release official, Colts owner Jim Irsay indicated more roster moves were pending.
They came down Friday, and the remaining roster is a barren landscape.
Gone are halfback Joseph Addai, tight end Dallas Clark, safety Melvin Bullitt, linebacker Gary Brackett, and quarterback Curtis Painter.
All but Painter are proven players who played important roles in the system the team run under the team’s top executive, Bill Polian, and coaches Tony Dungy and Jim Caldwell.
Those three powers are gone, and new GM Ryan Grigson and coach Chuck Pagano are starting with a virtual clean slate.
Addai is not the type of back the team will want as it looks to get bigger and more powerful. Clark, Bullitt and Brackett are officially injury-prone and aging.
Some of these moves bring accelerated cap hits, and might cost more than the significant salaries the players were scheduled to make will save.
But in a year, the team should be in much better financial shape -- and be adding instead of subtracting.
The next big question is defensive end Dwight Freeney, who's due $14 million this season and carries a $19 million cap number.
They came down Friday, and the remaining roster is a barren landscape.
Gone are halfback Joseph Addai, tight end Dallas Clark, safety Melvin Bullitt, linebacker Gary Brackett, and quarterback Curtis Painter.
All but Painter are proven players who played important roles in the system the team run under the team’s top executive, Bill Polian, and coaches Tony Dungy and Jim Caldwell.
Those three powers are gone, and new GM Ryan Grigson and coach Chuck Pagano are starting with a virtual clean slate.
Addai is not the type of back the team will want as it looks to get bigger and more powerful. Clark, Bullitt and Brackett are officially injury-prone and aging.
Some of these moves bring accelerated cap hits, and might cost more than the significant salaries the players were scheduled to make will save.
But in a year, the team should be in much better financial shape -- and be adding instead of subtracting.
The next big question is defensive end Dwight Freeney, who's due $14 million this season and carries a $19 million cap number.
What Garcon developments mean for Colts
February, 25, 2012
Feb 25
12:03
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
INDIANAPOLIS — Adam Schefter reported that Indianapolis Colts receiver Pierre Garcon, a free-agent-to-be, passed on a five-year contract offer from the team.
Not knowing details of the money makes it difficult for us to offer a complete interpretation of what such a development means.
But the nugget of news still tells us a few important things:
Garcon will bring a receiving corps a jolt of speed, and virtually everybody seeking help at the position covets a guy who can stretch the field and impact the way defenses play.
He’s been a streaky player, and his good games and stretches have been very good. But he can put up duds, get mixed up with his quarterback and muff the sort of crucial pass that can change a game.
One thing that can’t be used as a strike against him is that he’s a product of Peyton Manning, since he led the Colts with six touchdown catches as he caught 70 passes for 947 yards with Kerry Collins, Curtis Painter and Dan Orlovsky at quarterback.
I’d rate him as a risk with a big money contract, but also think he’s worth a shot as a No. 2 on the right team with the right offense, the right quarterback and the right No. 1.
The Colts need him and could beef up their offer and continue to try to get a deal done before free agency opens March 13. Also, defensive end Robert Mathis is also a franchise-tag candidate. That would cost about $10.05 million. If he hits the market, he’s going to field calls from a ton of teams.
Receiver Reggie Wayne is also heading for free agency. Indianapolis can keep one with a franchise tag of around $9.4 million. Lose both and they’re down to Austin Collie — a very good player who shouldn’t be asked to be a team’s top guy — and Blair White as their wideouts under contract.
Some analysts will be tempted to rate Garcon as having more upside than the aging Wayne as the Colts prepare to draft Andrew Luck. But I’ve been chatting with colleagues about it. That deep threat is nice, but isn’t a guy who will reliably convert third-and-7 more valuable for a young quarterback?
[+] Enlarge
Brian Spurlock/US PresswireThe Colts would like to retain Pierre Garcon, a four-year pro who has played his entire career in Indianapolis.
Brian Spurlock/US PresswireThe Colts would like to retain Pierre Garcon, a four-year pro who has played his entire career in Indianapolis.But the nugget of news still tells us a few important things:
- New GM Ryan Grigson is to the point where he’s evaluated what he’s got and made some judgments on who he’d like to retain. And Garcon is on the list.
- Garcon expects to find something better on the open market, which could prompt the Colts to boost their offer.
Garcon will bring a receiving corps a jolt of speed, and virtually everybody seeking help at the position covets a guy who can stretch the field and impact the way defenses play.
He’s been a streaky player, and his good games and stretches have been very good. But he can put up duds, get mixed up with his quarterback and muff the sort of crucial pass that can change a game.
One thing that can’t be used as a strike against him is that he’s a product of Peyton Manning, since he led the Colts with six touchdown catches as he caught 70 passes for 947 yards with Kerry Collins, Curtis Painter and Dan Orlovsky at quarterback.
I’d rate him as a risk with a big money contract, but also think he’s worth a shot as a No. 2 on the right team with the right offense, the right quarterback and the right No. 1.
The Colts need him and could beef up their offer and continue to try to get a deal done before free agency opens March 13. Also, defensive end Robert Mathis is also a franchise-tag candidate. That would cost about $10.05 million. If he hits the market, he’s going to field calls from a ton of teams.
Receiver Reggie Wayne is also heading for free agency. Indianapolis can keep one with a franchise tag of around $9.4 million. Lose both and they’re down to Austin Collie — a very good player who shouldn’t be asked to be a team’s top guy — and Blair White as their wideouts under contract.
Some analysts will be tempted to rate Garcon as having more upside than the aging Wayne as the Colts prepare to draft Andrew Luck. But I’ve been chatting with colleagues about it. That deep threat is nice, but isn’t a guy who will reliably convert third-and-7 more valuable for a young quarterback?
Trent Dilfer rates the league's quarterbacks
January, 31, 2012
Jan 31
2:07
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
ESPN’s Trent Dilfer has written an Insider piece rating the NFL’s top 40 quarterbacks and slotting them into seven categories.
I got special permission to share how the quarterbacks of the AFC South rank.
Hall of Fame Level (top level)
A Ring Away (third level)
Mostly Good (fourth level)
Short Leash (sixth level)
Intriguing wild cards
I got special permission to share how the quarterbacks of the AFC South rank.
Hall of Fame Level (top level)
Peyton Manning, Colts: “May not be back in 2012, but his legacy is entirely secure. From pure performance -- i.e., discounting number of Super Bowls discussion -- will be considered the best QB of his generation.”
A Ring Away (third level)
Matt Schaub, Texans:“It's not unfair to say that the Texans would be a good bet to reach the Super Bowl had Schaub been healthy. He has limitations, but might be the best deep passer in the game. Good trajectory.”
Mostly Good (fourth level)
Matt Hasselbeck, Titans: “Proved that, when healthy, he can still lead a winning NFL team. That's the league perception of him and I think it's fair.”
Short Leash (sixth level)
Blaine Gabbert, Jaguars: “He needs more weapons around him, but looked overmatched as a rookie. Might have been a mistake to start him.”
Curtis Painter, Colts: “Almost certainly a backup to enter 2012.”
Intriguing wild cards
Jake Locker, Titans: “Great skill set, but accuracy questions remain. Can he beat out Hasselbeck if the Titans feel they can be a playoff team?”
T.J. Yates, Texans: “Got great experience, and is now clearly a prospect in terms of league perception.”
» NFC Wrap-ups: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
Arrow indicates direction team is trending.
Final Power Ranking: 32
Preseason Power Ranking: 9
Biggest surprise: Even without rehabilitating Peyton Manning (neck), few figured the the Colts could go 0-13 and wind up 2-14 with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. We can’t say how much better these Colts could have been with their four-time NFL MVP in the huddle, but he clearly masked a lot more issues than many knew. The offense tried to be more run-based but didn’t make it work well enough. Typically allergic to fullbacks, they used three different ones but ran worse with a fullback on the field than without one. The secondary was poorly constructed and couldn’t endure injuries and it became clear how bad a fit Jim Caldwell’s hand-picked coordinator, Larry Coyer, had become for the Cover 2 scheme the Colts like to run.
Biggest disappointment: Quarterback play was awful. Kerry Collins, Curtis Painter and Dan Orlovsky were terrible as the alternatives to Manning at quarterback. They combined to average 6.04 yards per attempt with 14 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, while absorbing 35 sacks. A lot of the good numbers were compiled late in blowouts. The Colts' 26.9 combined QBR was better than only the Jaguars and Rams. The team tied an NFL record by going eight full games without ever holding a lead.
Biggest need: The Colts need help at all sorts of positions, starting in the secondary. Before team vice chairman Bill Polian was dismissed he was saying the team needed an infusion of youth that could contribute to converting third downs on offense and stopping them on defense. But until a new general manager is in place and we know the coaching staff and scheme, we won’t know which veterans they should aim to keep and which ones they should let go. So new leadership at the management level is the top need following the dismissal of Polian and GM Chris Polian. From there, a verdict on Manning’s health and future and a decision on whether to keep the No. 1 pick and what to do with it will hang over the franchise.
Team MVP: Pat Angerer slid to middle linebacker from the strong side after Gary Brackett suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in the season opener in Houston. Angerer proved to be a tackling machine who consistently shed blockers and covered ground despite the fact that the defensive line in front of him and the secondary behind him often didn’t play reliably enough. He made a team-high 148 tackles. Brackett now appears dispensable.
System status: For the Polian-Manning era the Colts built a Manning-centric, fast-moving, no-huddle offense that caught defenses in bad personnel groups and regularly scored in the final two minutes of the first half of the game. It was paired with a bend-don’t-break Cover 2 defense that aimed to limit big plays and produce situations that allowed a duo of premier pass-rushers to tee off on quarterbacks who had to drop back. With regime change coming, will system change come too? The odds seem low that Bill Polian’s successor will put a similar premium on smaller, speedier defenders.
Arrow indicates direction team is trending.
Final Power Ranking: 32
Preseason Power Ranking: 9
[+] Enlarge
Rob Carr/Getty ImagesWithout Peyton Manning the Colts went from playoff contender to the worst team in the NFL.
Rob Carr/Getty ImagesWithout Peyton Manning the Colts went from playoff contender to the worst team in the NFL.Biggest disappointment: Quarterback play was awful. Kerry Collins, Curtis Painter and Dan Orlovsky were terrible as the alternatives to Manning at quarterback. They combined to average 6.04 yards per attempt with 14 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, while absorbing 35 sacks. A lot of the good numbers were compiled late in blowouts. The Colts' 26.9 combined QBR was better than only the Jaguars and Rams. The team tied an NFL record by going eight full games without ever holding a lead.
Biggest need: The Colts need help at all sorts of positions, starting in the secondary. Before team vice chairman Bill Polian was dismissed he was saying the team needed an infusion of youth that could contribute to converting third downs on offense and stopping them on defense. But until a new general manager is in place and we know the coaching staff and scheme, we won’t know which veterans they should aim to keep and which ones they should let go. So new leadership at the management level is the top need following the dismissal of Polian and GM Chris Polian. From there, a verdict on Manning’s health and future and a decision on whether to keep the No. 1 pick and what to do with it will hang over the franchise.
Related Coverage
• Clayton: AFC grades | NFC
• Clayton: 2011 All-Pro Team
• Schatz: NFL's most underrated 
• Schatz: NFL's most overrated
• 2011 NFL Power Rankings
• MVP Watch | Rookie Watch
System status: For the Polian-Manning era the Colts built a Manning-centric, fast-moving, no-huddle offense that caught defenses in bad personnel groups and regularly scored in the final two minutes of the first half of the game. It was paired with a bend-don’t-break Cover 2 defense that aimed to limit big plays and produce situations that allowed a duo of premier pass-rushers to tee off on quarterbacks who had to drop back. With regime change coming, will system change come too? The odds seem low that Bill Polian’s successor will put a similar premium on smaller, speedier defenders.
RTC: Texans' Quin solid at safety
November, 30, 2011
11/30/11
8:09
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Reading the coverage ...
Houston Texans
Gary Kubiak was impressed with Jake Delhomme in a tryout, and he’s now a Texans quarterback, says John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.
Glover Quin’s move to safety has been a smooth one, says Jeffrey Martin of the Chronicle. He doesn’t have an interception, but rates his play as pretty good so far.
Indianapolis Colts
Writes Phil Richards of The Indianapolis Star: “Bad football teams generate casualties, not victories, and the Indianapolis Colts produced a couple Tuesday.” Defensive coordinator Larry Coyer was fired and quarterback Curtis Painter has been benched in favor of Dan Orlovsky.
It’s change for change’s sake, and it’s about time, says Bob Kravitz of the Star.
Nate Dunlevy of 18to88.com is not convinced having both Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck on the roster would be a good thing.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Please see previous blog post.
Tennessee Titans
The Bills pick off a lot of passes and turn interceptions into points. It’s one of five things John Glennon of The Tennessean rates as a hot topic heading to Tennessee-Buffalo.
The Titans hope their relative stability compared to the rest of the division serves them well in their remaining games in the AFC South, says David Boclair of the Nashville City Paper.
Houston Texans
Gary Kubiak was impressed with Jake Delhomme in a tryout, and he’s now a Texans quarterback, says John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.
Glover Quin’s move to safety has been a smooth one, says Jeffrey Martin of the Chronicle. He doesn’t have an interception, but rates his play as pretty good so far.
Indianapolis Colts
Writes Phil Richards of The Indianapolis Star: “Bad football teams generate casualties, not victories, and the Indianapolis Colts produced a couple Tuesday.” Defensive coordinator Larry Coyer was fired and quarterback Curtis Painter has been benched in favor of Dan Orlovsky.
It’s change for change’s sake, and it’s about time, says Bob Kravitz of the Star.
Nate Dunlevy of 18to88.com is not convinced having both Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck on the roster would be a good thing.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Please see previous blog post.
Tennessee Titans
The Bills pick off a lot of passes and turn interceptions into points. It’s one of five things John Glennon of The Tennessean rates as a hot topic heading to Tennessee-Buffalo.
The Titans hope their relative stability compared to the rest of the division serves them well in their remaining games in the AFC South, says David Boclair of the Nashville City Paper.
Painter out, Orlovsky in for Colts at QB
November, 29, 2011
11/29/11
1:36
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Colts vice chairman Bill Polian said on his Monday night radio show that any change was good change for the Colts.
To which I wondered why they hadn’t inserted Dan Orlovsky at quarterback, replacing Curtis Painter.
Now, on the same day they dumped defensive coordinator Larry Coyer, coach Jim Caldwell said he is making the quarterback switch.
Let’s be clear: Orlovsky is a bad quarterback. But based on how poorly Painter’s been playing, why not try something different?
Twitter is abuzz with people wondering if the point spread for the Colts game at New England Sunday is moving based on the change. Indianapolis was a 21-point underdog when Painter was expected to play.
It’s easy to say it can’t be worse with Orlovsky. But if the Patriots are determined to embarrass their AFC rival, they could be shooting to top New Orleans’ Oct. 23 62-7 win over the Colts.
And is there anyone in the league who could challenge Caldwell’s ability to understate?
"[Painter] did some things better,” Caldwell said. “But overall obviously not quite what we were looking for."
Not quite? I understand Painter wasn’t going to be close to Peyton Manning. But I’d hope the Colts’ expectations haven’t been lowered so much that what Painter’s done qualifies as anything but a whole lot worse than what the team was looking for.
To which I wondered why they hadn’t inserted Dan Orlovsky at quarterback, replacing Curtis Painter.
Now, on the same day they dumped defensive coordinator Larry Coyer, coach Jim Caldwell said he is making the quarterback switch.
Let’s be clear: Orlovsky is a bad quarterback. But based on how poorly Painter’s been playing, why not try something different?
Twitter is abuzz with people wondering if the point spread for the Colts game at New England Sunday is moving based on the change. Indianapolis was a 21-point underdog when Painter was expected to play.
It’s easy to say it can’t be worse with Orlovsky. But if the Patriots are determined to embarrass their AFC rival, they could be shooting to top New Orleans’ Oct. 23 62-7 win over the Colts.
And is there anyone in the league who could challenge Caldwell’s ability to understate?
"[Painter] did some things better,” Caldwell said. “But overall obviously not quite what we were looking for."
Not quite? I understand Painter wasn’t going to be close to Peyton Manning. But I’d hope the Colts’ expectations haven’t been lowered so much that what Painter’s done qualifies as anything but a whole lot worse than what the team was looking for.
What I think they're thinking (or should be)
November, 28, 2011
11/28/11
3:16
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
What I think they are thinking (or should be) in the headquarters of the four teams of the AFC South this afternoon ...
Houston Texans
We’re the No. 1 seed in the AFC today, and no one knows who our new quarterback, rookie T.J. Yates is. That’s not our concern. They probably don’t know who Connor Barwin is either, but he had four sacks in our win in Jacksonville. Having people who are known is not a worry, winning is. We’re in position to go win this division and be in the playoff field. We have enough to do it with if we just plan smart, play smart and call a smart game without over-thinking things. Atlanta is the best team we will face in a while, but if the Falcons provide a bump in the road, it won’t mark the start of some unraveling, it’ll just be a bump in the road.
Indianapolis Colts
Did Jim Caldwell really hit the Curtis Painter-improved theme again on Monday? Seriously? Boy, if that’s improvement, my play must have graded out at near perfect. I mean, what sort of increments is Coach looking at exactly? His ability to continue to say the same things as if all is OK or if we’re close to something with any meaning besides Andrew Luck is upsetting and has spoiled him for me. In a season of embarrassments, we’re about to hit the road for what will the two biggest embarrassments of the season with trips to New England and Baltimore. But we won’t panic. Why would we with Painter getting better and all? We should get a Peyton Manning update this week, maybe there’ll be some good news there.
Jacksonville Jaguars
We slowed down the Texans' run game Sunday and Maurice Jones-Drew averaged 5.5 yards a carry. Those are about the only good developments ESPN can talk about as it discusses us heading into a "Monday Night Football" game in Jacksonville against the Chargers. Our coach is on his way out; their coach is on his way out. Maybe that’ll be the production theme for the game: Jack Del Rio versus Norv Turner. This rebuild is slow and the quarterback at the center of it, Blaine Gabbert, is not showing improvement. That’s the most disheartening thing. His surroundings are bad -- coaching, protection, weapons -- but even so he’s not showed enough to assure us he’s the long-term cornerstone.
Tennessee Titans
Hey, it was an ugly game. That’s fine. The Buccaneers were a little uglier than we were, and at 6-5 we’re still one of the nine-best teams in the AFC vying for six playoff spots. It could be better but it certainly could be worse. And that was the closest thing we’ve seen to the old Chris Johnson all year. Maybe he and the blockers woke up and now we’ll be able to be a more balanced offense in our five remaining games. Maybe we can clean up the giveaways and keep it up with the takeaways. We need to stop the win one, lose one pattern. The Bills sure look ripe for the taking and we could pull to 7-5 Sunday in Buffalo.
Houston Texans
We’re the No. 1 seed in the AFC today, and no one knows who our new quarterback, rookie T.J. Yates is. That’s not our concern. They probably don’t know who Connor Barwin is either, but he had four sacks in our win in Jacksonville. Having people who are known is not a worry, winning is. We’re in position to go win this division and be in the playoff field. We have enough to do it with if we just plan smart, play smart and call a smart game without over-thinking things. Atlanta is the best team we will face in a while, but if the Falcons provide a bump in the road, it won’t mark the start of some unraveling, it’ll just be a bump in the road.
Indianapolis Colts
Did Jim Caldwell really hit the Curtis Painter-improved theme again on Monday? Seriously? Boy, if that’s improvement, my play must have graded out at near perfect. I mean, what sort of increments is Coach looking at exactly? His ability to continue to say the same things as if all is OK or if we’re close to something with any meaning besides Andrew Luck is upsetting and has spoiled him for me. In a season of embarrassments, we’re about to hit the road for what will the two biggest embarrassments of the season with trips to New England and Baltimore. But we won’t panic. Why would we with Painter getting better and all? We should get a Peyton Manning update this week, maybe there’ll be some good news there.
Jacksonville Jaguars
We slowed down the Texans' run game Sunday and Maurice Jones-Drew averaged 5.5 yards a carry. Those are about the only good developments ESPN can talk about as it discusses us heading into a "Monday Night Football" game in Jacksonville against the Chargers. Our coach is on his way out; their coach is on his way out. Maybe that’ll be the production theme for the game: Jack Del Rio versus Norv Turner. This rebuild is slow and the quarterback at the center of it, Blaine Gabbert, is not showing improvement. That’s the most disheartening thing. His surroundings are bad -- coaching, protection, weapons -- but even so he’s not showed enough to assure us he’s the long-term cornerstone.
Tennessee Titans
Hey, it was an ugly game. That’s fine. The Buccaneers were a little uglier than we were, and at 6-5 we’re still one of the nine-best teams in the AFC vying for six playoff spots. It could be better but it certainly could be worse. And that was the closest thing we’ve seen to the old Chris Johnson all year. Maybe he and the blockers woke up and now we’ll be able to be a more balanced offense in our five remaining games. Maybe we can clean up the giveaways and keep it up with the takeaways. We need to stop the win one, lose one pattern. The Bills sure look ripe for the taking and we could pull to 7-5 Sunday in Buffalo.Looking at QB performances, forecasts
November, 28, 2011
11/28/11
12:21
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
The AFC South saw some truly horrible quarterbacking Sunday.
In Jacksonville and Indianapolis, respectively, Blaine Gabbert and Curtis Painter had the sort of bad days we’ve become accustomed to as their teams lost.
Matt Hasselbeck struggled but found a big play at the end that helped the Titans win.
T.J. Yates really didn’t do much for Houston once he stepped in for Matt Leinart, who did well at not making mistakes and finding one big play before he got hurt.
Here’s a breakdown of AFC South quarterbacking Sunday, with QBR (and rank for the day) as well as passer rating.
Passer rating maxes out at 158.3; QBR goes to 100.
For a game, QBR can be interpreted as a percentile, so a score of 80 means a QB’s performance was better than 80 percent of all QB games.
McCown didn’t qualify for a QBR as he didn’t have 15 action plays.
Moving forward:
In Jacksonville and Indianapolis, respectively, Blaine Gabbert and Curtis Painter had the sort of bad days we’ve become accustomed to as their teams lost.
Matt Hasselbeck struggled but found a big play at the end that helped the Titans win.
T.J. Yates really didn’t do much for Houston once he stepped in for Matt Leinart, who did well at not making mistakes and finding one big play before he got hurt.
Here’s a breakdown of AFC South quarterbacking Sunday, with QBR (and rank for the day) as well as passer rating.
Passer rating maxes out at 158.3; QBR goes to 100.
For a game, QBR can be interpreted as a percentile, so a score of 80 means a QB’s performance was better than 80 percent of all QB games.
McCown didn’t qualify for a QBR as he didn’t have 15 action plays.
Moving forward:
- I fully expect Yates to start for Houston and struggled to understand the calls for a veteran with experience. If Donovan McNabb or Sage Rosenfels were any good, they’d be playing. (And either of those guys would have to be released and claimed to find their way to the Texans.) If Daunte Culpepper or even Brett Favre were any good, they’d be in the league. No, we don’t know about Yates; he’s young, inexperienced and has been a No. 3 until last week. But why so many of us have to jump to alternatives just because they are more familiar is hard for me to understand.
- The Jaguars need to decide if they think Gabbert is best served by playing against San Diego on Monday night or if a week off might be more of a help. I expect him to start.
- The Colts couldn’t be any worse with Dan Orlovsky at quarterback. Why not give him a shot?
- Hasselbeck isn’t yielding to Jake Locker as long as Tennessee is in the hunt, and the Titans remain very much in the wild-card chase.
Thoughts on the Panthers’ 27-19 win over the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium:
What it means: The Colts lost a quality chance to break into the win column, failing to get into the end zone from the Panthers’ 3-yard line and not giving themselves a chance at a tying 2-point conversion. They remain well ahead in the “fight” for the No. 1 pick in the April draft and Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck.
What I didn’t like: Curtis Painter threw two interceptions and had a fumble that Joseph Addai recovered. The Colts managed only one third-down conversion in nine chances and managed only 23:43 of possession time. Cam Newton and DeAngelo Williams found the route to the end zone to be too easy on their touchdown runs. The no-call on the Colts’ second to last offensive play where it appeared pass interference was committed against tight end Jacob Tamme.
What I liked: Seeing Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney both in the sack column. Only two penalties. Jamaal Anderson with a field-goal block to preserve a 10-10 tie just before the half. Reggie Wayne’s first touchdown catch since Week 1, even if two Panthers crashed into each other and knocked themselves out of the play to allow it to happen. A ceremony putting Marvin Harrison’s name in the team’s ring of honor.
What I wonder: Will the Colts allow Donald Brown, who ran well with 80 yards and a TD on 14 carries, increased chances? Any doghouse issues from his early failures should be well behind him. Hand it to him a bunch and see how he can do.
What’s next: A Colts trip to New England would usually be for one of the NFL’s premier games of the season. That’s not the case this time, as the Patriots will be heavy, heavy favorites. There is no love lost between the Patriots and Colts, and I imagine Bill Belichick will make it hurt as much as he possibly can.
What it means: The Colts lost a quality chance to break into the win column, failing to get into the end zone from the Panthers’ 3-yard line and not giving themselves a chance at a tying 2-point conversion. They remain well ahead in the “fight” for the No. 1 pick in the April draft and Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck.
What I didn’t like: Curtis Painter threw two interceptions and had a fumble that Joseph Addai recovered. The Colts managed only one third-down conversion in nine chances and managed only 23:43 of possession time. Cam Newton and DeAngelo Williams found the route to the end zone to be too easy on their touchdown runs. The no-call on the Colts’ second to last offensive play where it appeared pass interference was committed against tight end Jacob Tamme.
What I liked: Seeing Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney both in the sack column. Only two penalties. Jamaal Anderson with a field-goal block to preserve a 10-10 tie just before the half. Reggie Wayne’s first touchdown catch since Week 1, even if two Panthers crashed into each other and knocked themselves out of the play to allow it to happen. A ceremony putting Marvin Harrison’s name in the team’s ring of honor.
What I wonder: Will the Colts allow Donald Brown, who ran well with 80 yards and a TD on 14 carries, increased chances? Any doghouse issues from his early failures should be well behind him. Hand it to him a bunch and see how he can do.
What’s next: A Colts trip to New England would usually be for one of the NFL’s premier games of the season. That’s not the case this time, as the Patriots will be heavy, heavy favorites. There is no love lost between the Patriots and Colts, and I imagine Bill Belichick will make it hurt as much as he possibly can.
» NFC Final Word: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
Five nuggets of knowledge about Week 12:
Stacked box: The Texans will welcome the Jaguars’ defense to load up the box in an effort to slow the run game and put more on Matt Leinart's shoulders. Running back Arian Foster is excellent against fronts with an extra defender. According to ESPN Stats & Information, Foster has the fourth most rushes (125) against defenses with eight or more defenders in the box pre-snap over the past two seasons. Foster has done well in these situations, averaging 3.9 yards per rush, which is half a yard per rush better than the NFL average. He’s also second in first downs over that time period with 39. The Jaguars will be without starting cornerback Rashean Mathis and the other starting corner, Derek Cox, is also expected to miss the game. Leinart should have some favorable matchups with Andre Johnson back.
A struggling opponent: Like the Titans, the Buccaneers have not played very well since a 3-1 start. Tampa Bay’s actually had worse results. Per ESPN Stats & Information, only the Colts (32.0) have allowed more points per game since Week 5 than the Buccaneers (31.8). On offense, Josh Freeman has thrown 15 interceptions, second in the league to San Diego’s Philip Rivers (17). Freeman has thrown at least two picks in his past two games and in five games overall this season. The Buccaneers are 1-4 in games in which he throws at least two picks.
Potential third-down bonanza: The Carolina Panthers and Indianapolis Colts are two of the three worst teams in the NFL in yards-per-play allowed on third down this season. The Panthers give up an average of 7.4 while the Colts allow 7.0. The big difference is what the offenses can do. Indianapolis ranks 24th in third-down offense while Carolina ranks 13th. It’s a pretty easy answer if you’re choosing between Cam Newton or Curtis Painter when you’re in need of a first down (or anything, really).
Capable of an upset: The Jaguars have won four straight home games against the Texans, are 2-2 at home this season and are 2-1 against the AFC South. All that provides some reason for confidence Sunday at EverBank Field. But they face the league’s top defense while ranking 31st in the NFL in scoring at 12.5 points per game. The Jaguars have yet to score more than 20 points in a game this season, making them just the second team to fail to score more than 20 points in their first 10 games in the past four seasons (2009 Raiders). Blaine Gabbert continues to show he’s not ready to be playing -- Jacksonville’s offense is producing an NFL-worst 249.5 yards per game. No team has averaged fewer than 250 yards per game in a season since 2008, when the Browns and Bengals did it.
Gut feelings: In their past eight games, the Titans have beaten bad teams and lost to good ones. The Buccaneers are not a good team right now. But the Titans shouldn’t expect Chris Johnson to contribute. They should go into the game intending to throw a lot. ... The Colts should have tried Dan Orlovsky at quarterback. Why are they afraid of change? Are things going to get worse? ... The Jaguars’ defense has been quite good, but I don’t think they have the depth at cornerback to survive without both their starters. The way to handle it is to pass rush very well, but they don’t have the people for that either and Houston can protect Leinart well. ... Johnson will look like he was never out for the Texans.
Five nuggets of knowledge about Week 12:
Stacked box: The Texans will welcome the Jaguars’ defense to load up the box in an effort to slow the run game and put more on Matt Leinart's shoulders. Running back Arian Foster is excellent against fronts with an extra defender. According to ESPN Stats & Information, Foster has the fourth most rushes (125) against defenses with eight or more defenders in the box pre-snap over the past two seasons. Foster has done well in these situations, averaging 3.9 yards per rush, which is half a yard per rush better than the NFL average. He’s also second in first downs over that time period with 39. The Jaguars will be without starting cornerback Rashean Mathis and the other starting corner, Derek Cox, is also expected to miss the game. Leinart should have some favorable matchups with Andre Johnson back.
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Brian BlancoBucs quarterback Josh Freeman, whom the Titans face Sunday, has 15 interceptions this season.
AP Photo/Brian BlancoBucs quarterback Josh Freeman, whom the Titans face Sunday, has 15 interceptions this season.Potential third-down bonanza: The Carolina Panthers and Indianapolis Colts are two of the three worst teams in the NFL in yards-per-play allowed on third down this season. The Panthers give up an average of 7.4 while the Colts allow 7.0. The big difference is what the offenses can do. Indianapolis ranks 24th in third-down offense while Carolina ranks 13th. It’s a pretty easy answer if you’re choosing between Cam Newton or Curtis Painter when you’re in need of a first down (or anything, really).
Capable of an upset: The Jaguars have won four straight home games against the Texans, are 2-2 at home this season and are 2-1 against the AFC South. All that provides some reason for confidence Sunday at EverBank Field. But they face the league’s top defense while ranking 31st in the NFL in scoring at 12.5 points per game. The Jaguars have yet to score more than 20 points in a game this season, making them just the second team to fail to score more than 20 points in their first 10 games in the past four seasons (2009 Raiders). Blaine Gabbert continues to show he’s not ready to be playing -- Jacksonville’s offense is producing an NFL-worst 249.5 yards per game. No team has averaged fewer than 250 yards per game in a season since 2008, when the Browns and Bengals did it.
Gut feelings: In their past eight games, the Titans have beaten bad teams and lost to good ones. The Buccaneers are not a good team right now. But the Titans shouldn’t expect Chris Johnson to contribute. They should go into the game intending to throw a lot. ... The Colts should have tried Dan Orlovsky at quarterback. Why are they afraid of change? Are things going to get worse? ... The Jaguars’ defense has been quite good, but I don’t think they have the depth at cornerback to survive without both their starters. The way to handle it is to pass rush very well, but they don’t have the people for that either and Houston can protect Leinart well. ... Johnson will look like he was never out for the Texans.
RTC: On Leinart, Painter and Hasselbeck
November, 25, 2011
11/25/11
8:46
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Reading the coverage…
Houston Texans
Dale Robertson of the Houston Chronicle looks at what sort of alterations come with a left-handed quarterback, Matt Leinart, taking over for the Texans.
Indianapolis Colts
Writes Bob Kravitz of the Indianapolis Star of the Colts' decision to stick with Curtis Painter: “For the second time in three years, the Colts' powers-that-be have abandoned this team, first by taking away a chance to have a perfect season, and now by placing them in the crosshairs of an ignominiously imperfect season.” A harsh piece with a lot of truth in it.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars’ best chance at an upset of Houston should come from the defense. But Vito Stellino of the Times-Union writes the Jaguars will likely be without five starters, including both cornerbacks. Rashean Mathis is out for the season and now Derek Cox is hurting.
Tennessee Titans
Matt Hasselbeck says his elbow/forearm injury is no longer an issue after a full practice Thursday when he threw fine, writes Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean. If the Titans are making any sort of playoff push, it’s got to start against Tampa Bay and Hasselbeck has to be a centerpiece.
Houston Texans
Dale Robertson of the Houston Chronicle looks at what sort of alterations come with a left-handed quarterback, Matt Leinart, taking over for the Texans.
Indianapolis Colts
Writes Bob Kravitz of the Indianapolis Star of the Colts' decision to stick with Curtis Painter: “For the second time in three years, the Colts' powers-that-be have abandoned this team, first by taking away a chance to have a perfect season, and now by placing them in the crosshairs of an ignominiously imperfect season.” A harsh piece with a lot of truth in it.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars’ best chance at an upset of Houston should come from the defense. But Vito Stellino of the Times-Union writes the Jaguars will likely be without five starters, including both cornerbacks. Rashean Mathis is out for the season and now Derek Cox is hurting.
Tennessee Titans
Matt Hasselbeck says his elbow/forearm injury is no longer an issue after a full practice Thursday when he threw fine, writes Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean. If the Titans are making any sort of playoff push, it’s got to start against Tampa Bay and Hasselbeck has to be a centerpiece.
Should the Colts claim Kyle Orton?
November, 23, 2011
11/23/11
7:56
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
The Indianapolis Colts can have quarterback Kyle Orton if they want him.
The question is, should they want him?
OrtonWhy they should: They stand to end up with with a historically bad record, just six weeks away from 0-16. They are deciding whether to move forward with Curtis Painter or change up to Dan Orlovsky. Orton is, without a doubt, a better quarterback than either of them. But he’d come in needing to learn what the Colts do, or they’d need to bend what they do to him. And that’s a lot to take on at this stage of the season.
The Colts aren’t big benders. Claiming Orton would be doing something different. It’s been a season when many critics have wondered why the Colts wouldn’t do something -- anything -- different to give themselves a better chance at winning. Grabbing Orton would be just that.
Why they shouldn’t: Frankly, if Orton came in and helped the Colts win a couple games, he could screw up the team’s draft position. The Colts have a pretty strong hold on the No. 1 overall pick in the April draft, and the consensus around the league is that Stanford’s Andrew Luck is the best quarterback to come out of college in some time.
I’m sure there is a salary-cap issue, but if the Colts really wanted Orton, they could find a way.
My verdict: Why not? A claim would make a statement to Colts fans that the team is still interested in improving and is unafraid of making a bold move.
That said, I’d be surprised if they do it. Staying the course has been a big deal for Indianapolis, and they’ve talked as if staying steady will win them something even if it means they don’t win a game.
The question is, should they want him?
The Colts aren’t big benders. Claiming Orton would be doing something different. It’s been a season when many critics have wondered why the Colts wouldn’t do something -- anything -- different to give themselves a better chance at winning. Grabbing Orton would be just that.
Why they shouldn’t: Frankly, if Orton came in and helped the Colts win a couple games, he could screw up the team’s draft position. The Colts have a pretty strong hold on the No. 1 overall pick in the April draft, and the consensus around the league is that Stanford’s Andrew Luck is the best quarterback to come out of college in some time.
I’m sure there is a salary-cap issue, but if the Colts really wanted Orton, they could find a way.
My verdict: Why not? A claim would make a statement to Colts fans that the team is still interested in improving and is unafraid of making a bold move.
That said, I’d be surprised if they do it. Staying the course has been a big deal for Indianapolis, and they’ve talked as if staying steady will win them something even if it means they don’t win a game.
» NFC Stock Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
FALLING
1. Jack Del Rio, Jacksonville Jaguars coach: His damage control on Monday was better, but he had a terrible Sunday. When he says coordinator Dirk Koetter makes the play calls, he appears to be throwing the assistant under the bus. He also appears not to have a good feel for the job. Allowing coordinators to do their thing is important. But it’s not a violation of their freedom to do their jobs for a head coach to participate in a timeout discussion of what’s to come. To claim that Koetter has complete autonomy is to distance yourself from important decisions. That’s a weak strategy. Shouldn’t the buck stop here?
2. Tennessee Titans defensive ends: The Titans were excited about getting Derrick Morgan in the mix after losing him for his rookie year to a torn ACL, but he’s made minimal impact and hurt an ankle in Atlanta. They moved Jason Jones from tackle to end to help beef up the outside, and he has not been a big presence. Dave Ball is hurt again. William Hayes flashed a week ago but clearly is not a staff favorite and killed the Titans with a fourth-down offside penalty against the Falcons. Production from the group has been simply insufficient.
3. Indianapolis Colts quarterbacks: We probably will learn the team’s verdict on the starting quarterback for the Carolina game on Wednesday. But does it matter much? I think Curtis Painter is better than Dan Orlovsky and should be the choice, but it’s not much of a choice. The best-case scenario is that whoever is at quarterback makes a couple of big plays to Pierre Garcon and Reggie Wayne, then plays mistake-free. Even in that scenario, the Colts would need the sort of defensive effort to win that they don’t seem capable of.
RISING
1. Jake Locker, Tennessee Titans backup quarterback: He showed himself to be ready and able in relief work of Matt Hasselbeck. Offensive coordinator Chris Palmer put him in favorable situations -- working out of shotgun, throwing on the move, in position to take off running. He sailed a few throws but overall earned an "A" for being prepared, confident and effective. That said, the right move is to return him to the bench behind Hasselbeck. It’s the kind of playing time and experience that’s really healthy for Locker at this stage.
2. The perception of the AFC South as super-weak: The Colts are winless. The Jaguars can’t beat the bad Browns. The Titans are average. The Texans are a good team, but they are moving forward without their quarterback. Hasselbeck is the division’s best quarterback now with Matt Schaub out, and although we need to see Matt Leinart, we know Painter and Blaine Gabbert are awful now. The AFC North and NFC South feel very good about drawing this division on their schedules this year.
3. Andre Johnson, Houston Texans receiver: He’s ready to return, and adding one of the game’s best receivers to the lineup should provide a jolt. Leinart must find him early and take advantage, too, of the attention the Jaguars are likely to devote to him, creating space and opportunity elsewhere. The Texans did great work with Johnson out of the lineup for six games with a hamstring injury. Getting him back for the first game without Schaub is a big, big deal. Someone asked me how long I thought it would take for Johnson to get back into the flow. I say three plays.
FALLING
1. Jack Del Rio, Jacksonville Jaguars coach: His damage control on Monday was better, but he had a terrible Sunday. When he says coordinator Dirk Koetter makes the play calls, he appears to be throwing the assistant under the bus. He also appears not to have a good feel for the job. Allowing coordinators to do their thing is important. But it’s not a violation of their freedom to do their jobs for a head coach to participate in a timeout discussion of what’s to come. To claim that Koetter has complete autonomy is to distance yourself from important decisions. That’s a weak strategy. Shouldn’t the buck stop here?
2. Tennessee Titans defensive ends: The Titans were excited about getting Derrick Morgan in the mix after losing him for his rookie year to a torn ACL, but he’s made minimal impact and hurt an ankle in Atlanta. They moved Jason Jones from tackle to end to help beef up the outside, and he has not been a big presence. Dave Ball is hurt again. William Hayes flashed a week ago but clearly is not a staff favorite and killed the Titans with a fourth-down offside penalty against the Falcons. Production from the group has been simply insufficient.
3. Indianapolis Colts quarterbacks: We probably will learn the team’s verdict on the starting quarterback for the Carolina game on Wednesday. But does it matter much? I think Curtis Painter is better than Dan Orlovsky and should be the choice, but it’s not much of a choice. The best-case scenario is that whoever is at quarterback makes a couple of big plays to Pierre Garcon and Reggie Wayne, then plays mistake-free. Even in that scenario, the Colts would need the sort of defensive effort to win that they don’t seem capable of.
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Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesJake Locker played well in relief of Matt Hasselbeck this past Sunday.
Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesJake Locker played well in relief of Matt Hasselbeck this past Sunday.1. Jake Locker, Tennessee Titans backup quarterback: He showed himself to be ready and able in relief work of Matt Hasselbeck. Offensive coordinator Chris Palmer put him in favorable situations -- working out of shotgun, throwing on the move, in position to take off running. He sailed a few throws but overall earned an "A" for being prepared, confident and effective. That said, the right move is to return him to the bench behind Hasselbeck. It’s the kind of playing time and experience that’s really healthy for Locker at this stage.
2. The perception of the AFC South as super-weak: The Colts are winless. The Jaguars can’t beat the bad Browns. The Titans are average. The Texans are a good team, but they are moving forward without their quarterback. Hasselbeck is the division’s best quarterback now with Matt Schaub out, and although we need to see Matt Leinart, we know Painter and Blaine Gabbert are awful now. The AFC North and NFC South feel very good about drawing this division on their schedules this year.
3. Andre Johnson, Houston Texans receiver: He’s ready to return, and adding one of the game’s best receivers to the lineup should provide a jolt. Leinart must find him early and take advantage, too, of the attention the Jaguars are likely to devote to him, creating space and opportunity elsewhere. The Texans did great work with Johnson out of the lineup for six games with a hamstring injury. Getting him back for the first game without Schaub is a big, big deal. Someone asked me how long I thought it would take for Johnson to get back into the flow. I say three plays.
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.
