ESPN NFL

Houston Texans

One of the biggest challenges facing new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips is fixing the Texans' secondary, writes Nick Scurfield.

Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis is right in the crosshairs of the NFL's labor battle, writes Dan Parr.

Wide receiver Austin Collie "feels good" and is showing no ill effects of last year's concussions, writes Mike Chappell in the Indy Star.

Colts center Jeff Saturday landed at No. 59 on the NFL Network's Top 100 players of 2011 list. He took that opportunity to lobby for his quarterback Peyton Manning over New England's Tom Brady. “Listen, nothing against (Tom) Brady, obviously I got a ton of respect for him, but man, Peyton, he’s a different level,” Saturday said. “With as many MVPs as he’s had, the guy shows up each and every week ready to play and his numbers support it.”

Jacksonville Jaguars

Former Jaguars tight end Ernest Wilford has settled a charge of resisting arrest. He pleaded no contest and was ordered to pay $303 in court costs.

Tennessee Titans

Titans receiver Damian Williams wants to be on the field more in his second NFL season, writes Jim Wyatt.

Reading the coverage …

Houston Texans

The Texans have an unorthodox, dynamic back in Arian Foster, says Jeffrey Martin.

The Texans stuck with their practice routine from last Thursday, says Dale Robertson.

Anna-Megan Raley’s piece on the challenges posed by Redskins’ defense.

Both sides have plenty of inside info.

You need to see this old picture of Jacob y Jones.

Indianapolis Colts

Dwight Freeney is sick of all the Manning attention, says Mike Chappell.

Before Peyton and Eli, Archie Manning was a big-time quarterback too, says Phil Richards.

Richards recalls the first Manning Bowl.

The Giants are eager to bring pressure, says Tim Smith.

Eighteen things to watch for, from Nate Dunlevy.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Vito Stellino and Tania Ganguli preview the Jaguars' trip to San Diego. (Video.)

A back strain landed David Garrard on the injury report, says Stellino.

The Chargers were unplugged in their opener, says Ganguli.

Ernest Wilford never even cleaned out his locker, says Ganguli.

Vic Ketchman recalls trips to San Diego.

Tennessee Titans

Jeff Fisher always gets fired up for the Steelers, says John Glennon.

Lavelle Hawkins insists he’s still ready to play, say Jim Wyatt and Glennon.

Chris Johnson could hit a Steel Curtain, says Alan Robinson.

Vince Young’s ready for his first time against the Steelers, says David Boclair.

Cortland Finnegan wants to be more like Hines Ward, says Terry McCormick.

Reading the coverage…

Eric Winston and Chris Johnson contributed to Doug Farrar’s informative Cover-3 column.

Both Matt Leinart and Curtis Painter make appearances in Anthony Neumann’s list of the best backup quarterbacks. (It's comedy.)

Houston Texans

Richard Justice says the young cornerbacks did just fine.

Houston’s new guys were on the practice field, says John McClain.

Gary Kubiak and Rick Smith owe a lot to Mike Shanahan, says McClain.

Washington is one of six teams the Texans have never beaten, says Alan Burge.

Breaking down a key drive with Houston Diehards.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts are holding a roster spot for Bob Sanders and think he could be ready in 10 to 12 weeks, writes Mike Chappell.

The Mannings are ready to meet again, says Phil Richards.

Compare Peyton and Eli, interactively.

How the Colts and Giants match up, from Phillip B. Wilson.

John Oehser’s "Magnificent Seven” Colts’ topics.

The Colts are determined not to be beaten by the Giants’ ground game.

Anatomy of a drive from Kasey Junk at 18to88.com.

With Sanders, the Colts are trying to salvage an asset, says Stampede Blue.

Jacksonville Jaguars

West has not brought out the Jaguars’ best, says Vito Stellino.

The Jaguars are going to sign Ernest Wilford, says Tania Ganguli.

San Diego’s expecting a blackout of the Chargers-Jaguars game.

Tennessee Titans

Nate Washington’s finally found his comfort zone, Jim Wyatt says.

Hines Ward doesn’t think the Titans are the same without Keith Bulluck, say Wyatt and John Glennon.

Ward against Cortland Finnegan is nasty vs. nasty, says Glennon.

The next crazy stat on Chris Johnson, from Wyatt.

Jeff Fisher deviates from his philosophy when the opponent is the Steelers, says David Boclair.

Four things that should impact the AFC South this fall:

In Jacksonville …

Ernest Wilford got his money in Miami. When things didn’t work out for him there after a free-agent deal, he returned to Jacksonville for 2009, a receiver-turned-tight end who was second to Marcedes Lewis. Wilford played in 15 games, catching just 11 balls for 123 yards and a score.

Wilford’s not been talked about much this offseason. It’s second-year man Zach Miller, after all, who’s supposed to be this great piece for Jaguars offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter to use creatively.

But while Miller was banged up and missing work, it was Wilford who got a lot of featured time during offseason work. Wilford might be the big surprise among David Garrard's pass targets and tight ends.

“We think Zach can be that guy, we have high hopes for him,” Koetter said. “The guy that’s really shined bright in [organized team activities] in Zach’s absence is Ernest Wilford. Back in [2007] when we did go to the playoffs, Ernest was our leading receiver. I think Ernest has been kind of reborn.

“He’s got all these reps. We’re excited about the role Zach can play. But I think Ernest Wilford probably made more big plays at OTAs than anybody out there.”

In Indianapolis…

Safety Bob Sanders only played in two games last season, the first for Larry Coyer as the Colts' defensive coordinator. Defenders loved that Coyer started incorporating some blitzes, something the team almost never did under Ron Meeks.

I imagine Sanders as a scary blitzer who will get his chances for shots at quarterbacks.

“I think he’d be pretty good at it,” Colts president Bill Polian said. “He’s not blitzed a lot. Almost none, because we weren’t a blitzing team in the old configuration. His explosiveness and speed are something that are really special. We’ve used him in special situations in the past where we’ve assigned him to a running back and he’s done a heck of a job with it. So there is no reason to believe he won’t be a good blitzer.”

Sanders sounded excited during summer workouts about the possibility of adding some sacks to his stats.

“I love it because it just expands my game and each safety around here, it gives us more opportunity to show what we can do and showcase our skills,” he said. “So we’re excited about it and look forward to getting better at it.”

In Houston …

With Rick Dennison taking over for Kyle Shanahan as offensive coordinator and Greg Knapp in place as quarterbacks coach, there is not a major transformation of the Texans’ offense in the works. But there are subtle changes we might notice.

Matt Schaub said his review of the 2009 season was helpful, as he and the two new coaches came to a consensus on how things developed. Dennison has roots with the same Denver system that bred Texans head coach Gary Kubiak and Shanahan (now with Washington), while Knapp worked with Schaub in Atlanta.

One key to Schaub’s great connection with Andre Johnson has been crossing routes. And one small change with the new coaches pertains to those.

Previously Schaub read progressions the same way regardless of the coverage.

“They came in and said, if we get man coverage let’s look at it this way and if we get zone let’s read it a different way,” Schaub said. “I think it’s really going to help us. There are only certain concepts that we do that on.

“But I think that will really help our game get even better to take advantage of some of the throws down the field rather than taking throws underneath when something could have opened up. Those can help us get bigger chunks of yardage.”

In Tennessee …

I’ve always thought that offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger was simply philosophically opposed to going deeper than three receivers on a Sunday if health allowed him to stick with his top three. Depth, though, always has been a Titans issue that fit neatly with the practice.

But in talking to him at the end of OTAs, I learned that reluctance to look to a fourth or even fifth receiver on a game day hasn’t been as much about rhythm as it has been about the fissure between the third and fourth guys.

Behind his top three of Kenny Britt, Nate Washington and Justin Gage, Heimerdinger now has Lavelle Hawkins, for whom the lights apparently have come on, as well as third-round pick Damian Williams, who’s likely to be working as a return man.

“Hawk’s got a good feel, he was actually coaching other guys. That was scary when I saw that,” Heimerdinger said with a laugh. “He’s gotten to the point now where I get on him about little things and he’ll do it right the very next time.”

If Hawkins can stay on course, look for him to get chances working out of the slot.

» NFC Big Question: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

What players in the division qualify as the most important, emerging second-year guys?

We’ll steer away from guys who were major contributors as rookies last year, looking for breakout sophomore candidates.

In Houston, we know Brian Cushing can play and we know the Texans love Glover Quin. Antoine Caldwell, the Texans' 2009 third-round lineman, needs to be part of the solution on an interior offensive line that suffered serious injuries early last season. It was particularly ineffective in the run game. He looks like he might be the guy at right guard, but there is still quite a bit to sort out. (Correction: Caldwell was taken in the third round, not the second.)

For the Colts, halfback Donald Brown needs to pass protect better to earn time on the field. But our choice is defensive tackle Fili Moala. The 2009 season amounted to a redshirt season for him as he tried to make the adjustment from USC to the NFL. But they drafted him as part of a push to be bigger and more physical inside and it would be good for them if he earned a slot in the rotation.

The 2009 Jaguars were loaded with rookie contributors, and Eugene Monroe, Eben Britton, Mike Thomas, Terrance Knighton and Derek Cox all did too much to still qualify as candidates here. Zach Miller's a great candidate, but with Marcedes Lewis and Ernest Wilford having good springs, the need at tight end doesn’t compare to safety. With a shaky corps of veterans at safety, Courtney Greene has room to earn the faith of the coaches and time on the field. He was an undrafted free agent out of Rutgers last year.

The Tennessee Titans are looking to their 2009 draft class for a giant contribution. Receiver Kenny Britt and linebacker Gerald McRath are going to get significant playing time. While Jason McCourty or Ryan Mouton will get the spotlight as a second corner, I’m not sold on either DB yet. But I do expect defensive tackle Sen'Derrick Marks to break out. He’s gotten stronger, and should be a key interior piece. Maybe he will take snaps away from the disappointing Jovan Haye?

Quality reads

There's no reason to assume that current terminology like restricted free agent, franchise [tag] or even salary cap will apply at all next year, writes Nate Dunlevy. Maybe so, maybe not. I believe there is going to be an inclination in a new CBA to lean on some familiar things that worked.

Houston Texans

Antwaun Molden’s hoping to find his place with the Texans corners, says Jordan Godwin.

Video of Andre Johnson’s media talk from the team.

Johnson shouldn’t expect a new deal, says Jason La Canfora of NFL.com.

Stephanie Stradley talks with K.C. Joyner about the Texans’ offensive line.

Indianapolis Colts

Bob Sanders, Anthony Gonzalez and Adam Vinatieri were healthy and working, says Mike Chappell.

Tony Ugoh’s working at guard, says Chappell.

John Oehser reviews organized team activities.

Six questions from Oehser as the Colts got started.

The salary cap’s had no big impact, claims Nate Dunlevy.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Reggie Nelson is forgetting about last year, writes Vito Stellino.

We’re in a math mood and so is Adam Stites, who looks at how pass rush influences secondary success.

Ernest Wilford cut his hair for a good cause.

The Jaguars will practice with the Falcons for two days this summer, says Vic Ketchman.

Tennessee Titans

In case you missed my column on Chris Johnson’s contract math, here it is.

Jovan Haye played too heavy last season, writes Jim Wyatt.

Chuck Cecil needs a second-year jump, says David Climer.

Johnson had chirped a bit more about his situation on Twitter, says Jonathan Hutton.

Bo Scaife is crazy to be missing OTAs and upset about his pay, says Bob McClellan.

JACKSONVILLE. Fla. -- Some thoughts from the Jaguars’ first of two minicamp practices Sunday:

• I like the idea of guard Vince Manuwai flipped to the right side, playing beside tackle Eben Britton. Put the two best run-blocking offensive linemen next to each other, get fullback Marcedes Lewis over there, bring fullback Greg Jones that way and run Maurice Jones-Drew behind them all. Dare people to stop it. Make it your bread and butter, your meat and potatoes, whatever food comparison you like to use in such situations.
• Right now, it’s hard to say a dynamic playmaker is emerging from the receiving corps behind Mike Sims-Walker. And this is the time of year -- with no pads and no hits -- that receivers usually shine. Sims-Walker made some nice catches but also had a bad drop and a bobble. David Garrard remains inconsistent at delivering the ball to the right spots, so that’s a factor. Troy Williamson and Mike Thomas look to rank pretty high.
• Sticking with receiver, Kassim Osgood looks the part with his height and build, but just doesn’t look natural or comfortable. He’s uncertain coming out of breaks and not crisp. He seems to have a high-step built into his gait and he lacks the sort of smoothness you want in a receiver. Sideline talk among informed observers says the verdict is already in: the free-agent addition from San Diego is strictly an excellent special-teamer.
• There was some early excitement over Trevor Harris, an undrafted rookie quarterback from Edinboro, where Gene Smith spent some time early in his career when he coached. Harris appears strong and confident, but doesn’t bring an NFL arm.
• Reggie Nelson, who worked with the second string Saturday was with Gerald Alexander with the starting defense Sunday. Yes, if the revamped defensive line brings significantly more pressure than last year’s unit, all the defensive backs will have an easier time. Even so, the Jaguars have major issues at safety no matter who they put there. Sean Considine got destroyed by Ernest Wilford on one deep ball when he was in excellent position to make a play. Wilford took advantage of him, made the catch and ran to the end zone while Considine spun around and looked absolutely confused, failing to pursue.

The read of the day: Football Outsiders Vince Verhei and Tom Gower look at the division.

It’s playoffs or bust for both David Garrard and Matt Schaub, says Clifton Brown.

Houston Texans

Don’t expect LaDainian Tomlinson in Houston, says John McClain.

Indianapolis Colts

John Oehser’s position-by-position analysis gets to offensive tackles.

Tony Dungy’s joined Facebook and Twitter.

Examining the credit Bill Polian gets with Deshawn Zombie.

It’s absolutely silly to me that anyone in Indiana is thinking this way. But brace yourself. Terence Moore found some who think Peyton Manning threw that pick on purpose.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Ernest Wilford’s one-year deal is worth the veteran minimum of $630,000, reports Michael C. Wright.

Montell Owens enjoyed his recent time at Harvard, says Ryan Robinson of Jaguars.com.

The draft has better tackles than guards or centers, says Vic Ketchman.

Modest free-agent additions can be big, as Zoltan Paksa shows by comparing Brian Russell and Bernard Pollard.

Tennessee Titans

Kevin Mawae is heading for free agency and Alge Crumpler hasn’t heard anything, says Terry McCormick.

Bo Sciafe’s scheduled for a big tender, says Jim Wyatt.

The Jaguars signed veteran tight end Ernest Wilford to a new contract, they announced.

Wilford isn’t a game-changer, but he’s played five of his six NFL seasons with the Jags and is a solid presence and personality who moved from wide receiver to tight end in 2008 when he went to Miami as a free agent.

The Jaguars selected Wilford, 6-foot-4, 235 pounds, in the fourth round during the 2004 draft.

Wilford has played in 85 NFL games with 44 starts, posting career totals of 155 receptions for 2,142 yards and 15 touchdowns. All 44 of his starts came with the Jaguars and he ranks second in team history with a 14.1-yard average per reception, though last year his 11 catches averaged only 11.2.

He was one of just three Jaguars in line to become an unrestricted free agent on March 5. Defensive end Reggie Hayward, who was on IR in 2009, and reserve offensive lineman Kynan Forney, are the others.

Luis Deloureiro adds third-down efficiency to passer rating.

Handicapping wild-card contenders including Jacksonville and Houston with Clark Judge.

Houston Texans

Gary Kubiak defended his end-of-game strategy, said Eugene Wilson will miss time, said he’s sticking with Kris Brown and explained why he went with Chris Brown, from John McClain.

McClain tells Texans fans to be careful what they wish for.

Respectable is no longer good enough, says Richard Justice.

Brian Cushing denied tweeting complaints about the officiating in the Titans game, says McClain.

A replay of McClain’s chat.

Indianapolis Colts

By winning four consecutive games in the same season by a total margin of 10 points or fewer, the Colts have done something that’s never been done before, says Chappell.

Clint Session and Eric Foster have helped set the tone for the excellent defense, says Phillip B. Wilson.

Does Peyton Manning get too much respect from opposing coaches? John Oehser examines the question in two pieces: Part I and Part II.

Oehser reviews Polian on the radio. Peaking isn’t an issue; Anything that’s said or written is absolutely meaningless to the team; Joseph Addai is having a terrific year; Though what’s written or said about the team is absolutely meaningless, he was gratified that he didn’t see anything about the Colts being a finesse team after the win in Baltimore.

Yes, Manning has been this good before, says Deshawn Zombie.

The Colts waived Mike Hart and re-signed John Thomas, says Mike Chappell.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars are about civic pride.

Can you feel the planets aligning for the Jaguars, asks Gene Frenette.

Rashean Mathis is out for San Francisco, meaning Tyron Brackenridge likely keeps a bigger role, says Vito Stellino.

A Q&A with Ernest Wilford from Michael C. Wright.

The Jaguars waived Adam Seward and signed Lamar Myles and James Wyche to their practice squad.

Why the Bills were able to slow the Jaguars’ run game, from Vic Ketchman.

The Jags’ identity and future are still unclear, says Gil Samson.

A late look: Richard Collier is at peace, says Jason Cole.

Tennessee Titans

Vince Young ran like a rookie again, says Jim Wyatt.

A different Young is steering the Titans on a different course, says David Climer.

Young is rewarding Bud Adams’ faith, says Alex Marvez.

David Barron provides an explanation of the Young-Jerome Boger high five.

Jeff Fisher rated Nick Harper’s return as solid, say Gary Estwick and Jim Wyatt.

The Titans had little intention of returning a punt in Houston, says Terry McCormick. How ambitious.

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Tight end Ernest Wilford got what appeared to be a ridiculous taunting penalty in the second quarter after a 13-yard catch that got the Jaguars to their 26-yard line. He clapped at Cortland Finnegan after the tackle that ended the play and pledged he said nothing that warranted the flag.

After the Jaguars' lost 30-13 to the Titans, Wilford was candid when I asked him about the 15-yard flag.

“I think the referee just I guess was trying to get his two cents in. I mean that was one of the worst calls I ever could imagine to be called. Especially in a game that close. If you can’t play with emotion, you can’t play this game. That’s all I was doing trying to light a spark on my team so we could all continue to play well.

"For him to make that call is just ridiculous. I didn’t say nothing until [Finnegan] said something to me, and from there, he said ‘Keep bringing it’ and I said ‘All right, I’m going to bring it.’ That’s all that was said. It’s just a ridiculous call. The ref needs to check himself. He should feel ashamed about that call.”

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

The situation: The Jaguars lead the Titans 10-3 with 8:29 on the clock in the second quarter and face a second-and-2 from the Tennessee 38-yard line.

The Jaguars line up with Maurice Jones-Drew alone behind David Garrard who’s under center and has two tight ends on the field. Marcedes Lewis is to the right of right tackle Maurice Williams and Ernest Wilford is in the slot to the left. Receiver Mike Sims-Walker is wide right and Torry Holt is left.

The Titans are in their base defense with rookie corner Jason McCourty across from Holt, Nick Harper on Sims-Walker and Michael Griffin with Wilford, the former receiver. Chris Hope is one deep safety, as least 12 yards off the line of scrimmage, out of the wide screen TV picture at the snap.

Here’s what I saw unfold after the snap:

Garrard takes a three-step drop, looks to his right and makes a shoulder fake as if he’s throwing to Sims-Walker, who’s taken off up the right side.

Left linebacker David Thornton steps to the line between left end Jevon Kearse and left tackle Jovan Haye and comes on a bit of a delayed blitz, but Jones-Drew steps up to meet him. His initial foray stopped, Thornton sees the crowd of people between him and Garrard and bounces back toward the line of scrimmage, beginning to pursue Garrard on a clearer route. But to much time's gone by and the ball is gone by the time he really starts his move.

Williams blocks down on Haye leaving Lewis to single block Jevon Kearse, who gets good push.

Center Brad Meester and right guard Uche Nwaneri double right tackle Tony Brown who starts to his left before pushing the pocket.

Left tackle Tra Thomas rides right end Kyle Vanden Bosch in a loop around Garrard, but Vanden Bosch winds up making a late move back to the quarterback.

Holt moves at an angle off the line, cutting in front of Wilford and taking McCourty with him.

Garrard senses Meester being pushed into him, with Lewis also being pushed back and Vanden Bosch recovering to close some as well and the quarterback shifts up and to his left while throwing for Wilford on the left.

Griffin is about three yards off Wilford at the snap, gets one hand on him briefly and is facing the middle as the routes begin to unfold. Griffin might actually bump or brush Holt as he turns to go with Wilford who separates. Wilford collects the ball placed nicely over his left shoulder at about the 17-yard line with Griffin a few yards ahead of him and towards the middle of the field.

Result: A 29-yard gain that sets up a first-and-goal at the 9-yard line.

Ultimate outcome: Garrard hits Sims-Walker over the middle on the next play for a touchdown and the Jaguars never lead by less than 13 on their way to a 37-17 rout.

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

The retooling Jaguars made it through what looked like would be a torturous opening month at 2-2.

The high-expectation Titans finished the same four weeks winless, having earned the designation as the league’s most disappointing team.

Jacksonville clobbered Tennessee 37-17 at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium Sunday in a result that surprised many of us, but shouldn’t have.

It’s time to stop talking talent and start talking execution, quit considering names and résumés and create expectations based on buy-in and ability to carry out a game plan.

The Jaguars rank well above the Titans in all those departments. They scored on five of their first six possessions and had three takeaways -- a number that put the Titans at 11 turnovers through four games after 17 all of last season.

Watching the highlights, the most striking thing about this game was how often David Garrard found open receivers. Sitting in soft spots in zones or finding a seam, there was Ernest Wilford, there was Torry Holt, there was Mike Sims-Walker.

For the second week in a row, and the second win in a row, some effective Garrard runs were part of the mix. His counterpart, Kerry Collins, threw two interceptions for the second week in a row for what looked to be a flat, lifeless team.

Where’s the spark, the enthusiasm? In this game and the season’s first month, the Jaguars showed some and the Titans not so much.

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

Biggest surprise: The Jaguars continue to be willing to part ways with veterans who disappoint. While their depth is questionable at cornerback, they cut Brian Williams, who’s played corner, safety and nickel for them. Tyron Brackenridge, an offseason waiver claim from the Jets, joins Scott Starks and Brian Witherspoon as the depth with rookie Derek Cox likely to start opposite Rashean Mathis. Two undrafted players made it -- defensive end Julius Williams and linebacker Russell Allen, while expensive veteran offensive lineman Tony Pashos did not.


No-brainers: Nate Hughes was productive all through camp and in his preseason action and on a team that drafted three receivers and brought in Torry Holt, he still had to make it. He stayed and could start, while the third of the drafted wideouts, Tiquan Underwood, was cut. Ernest Wilford, brought back recently when he was let go in Miami, made the team as a tight end ahead of Richard Angulo, who was seen by some as “just a guy.”

What's next: Backup quarterback was going to be one big concern, but the team dealt an undisclosed draft pick to Tampa Bay for Josh McCown. Todd Bouman will likely be gone once McCown passes his physical. With fullback Greg Jones likely to be the top alternative for carries to Maurice Jones-Drew and rookie Rashad Jennings the only other running back on the roster after Alvin Pearman and Chauncey Washington were cut, the team is thin at the spot. Expect a practice squader, or two, at least.

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky


Near the end of Ernest Wilford's four years in Jacksonville, the Jaguars thought about trying the 6-foot-5, 235-pound wide receiver as a tight end. But it wasn't a move they were going to be able to make.


















Wilford


"Yeah, it wasn't going to be a good sell when he was trying to get a free agent contract as a wideout, so the timing didn't work but [the Miami Dolphins] have obviously have gone that route in the time that he's been down there and we really were headed in that direction because he does do a lot of things right," Jack Del Rio told Jacksonville reporters Tuesday. "He's the right kind of guy. He does have some toughness. He's not going to be a point of attack blocking tight end, he's never going to be that. But we'll work with him and give him a chance, develop what they've done already with him and build on that and give him an opportunity to compete as a guy who can do some things on the move and present some problems match-up-wise."

That's the same thinking the team is using with sixth-round pick Zach Miller, a former college quarterback at Nebraska-Omaha who's making the move but has been out of action due to injury.

The Dolphins made a lot of the right moves in going from 1-15 in 2007 to 11-5 and the playoffs in 2008. But Wilford wasn't one of them. They gave him a four-year contract with $6 million guaranteed and he made three catches for 25 yards all season. Then they set the switch to tight end in motion, but recently ended it when they cut him.

It seems Wilford was well-liked in Jacksonville and would make for a good story if he can stick. He'll be a project for assistant Mike Tice and will get his first work as a tight end for the Jags Thursday night in Philadelphia.