AFC South: Indianapolis Colts

Video: Titans-Patriots prediction

October, 16, 2009
Oct 16
2:25
PM ET
Comment Print
By Paul Kuharsky
The "NFL Live" crew discusses Sunday afternoon's matchup between the Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots in Gillette Stadium. Check out the AccuScore report: 70.4 percent chance of a Patriots victory.

Reading the coverage: No Cushing Monday night

August, 30, 2009
Aug 30
6:22
AM ET
Comment Print
By Paul Kuharsky

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

Houston Texans

Indianapolis Colts

Jacksonville Jaguars

Tennessee Titans

  • The Titans liked what they got out of Kerry Collins and liked the way Vince Young bounced back from mistakes in their loss at Cleveland, writes Jim Wyatt.
  • Kevin Mawae played much more than planned in his return from an elbow injury, says Jim Wyatt.

Manning, Clark precise in Detroit

August, 29, 2009
Aug 29
3:03
PM ET
Comment Print
By Paul Kuharsky
Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

A couple of observations out of the Colts' 18-17 loss at Detroit Saturday afternoon:

 
  Matthew Emmons/US Presswire
  Dallas Clark looked to be in midseason form against the Lions on Saturday.

Peyton was precise: The team has to feel like Peyton Manning is ready to go. He was sharp and in control and they won't feel compelled to give him much work, if any, on Thursday night in Cincinnati.

Dallas was featured: The NFL's official stat book on a game has a new feature this year, keeping track of how many times receivers are targeted. Dallas Clark was targeted six times against the Lions and he caught all six balls. He looked like he could have done virtually anything he wanted.

Wait and see: Joseph Addai averaged just 3.1 yards a carry and Donald Brown was at 3.2. But Addai looked really good running on a short catch that turned into a 21-yard play and Brown squirmed into the end zone from 2 yards out to cap a long drive. And the Colts didn't even try to run in the first half, with five handoffs producing three yards. We're just not going to have a good sense about the run game until we see the real thing. But that Addai reception really got my attention.

Wait and see II: The story is the same with the Colts' run defense. Detroit had 22 carries in the first half for 103 yards and a 4.7-yard average. If we're going to allow for concern from a preseason game, this might rate as the biggest.

Third down: On offense, it didn't even matter much in the first half, when the Colts converted two of their four chances. On defense, two stops in eight first-half chances isn't enough.

No Sorgi: There was the possibility we'd see Jim Sorgi for the first time this preseason, but the No. 2 quarterback who's coming off of a hamstring injury didn't play. If he's good to go on Thursday, he could get the bulk of the work in Cincinnati.

Three things to watch for from Colts in Detroit

August, 28, 2009
Aug 28
7:54
PM ET
Comment Print
By Paul Kuharsky
Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

Saturday afternoon in Detroit, the Colts play their third preseason game. It'll be televised by NFL Network.

Here are three things I'll be watching closely;

1) Left tackle progress: Charlie Johnson should start with Tony Ugoh second in line. It would be great if one of them really asserted himself, ensuring Peyton Manning or Jim Sorgi or Curtis Painter had no reason to ponder what might be coming at him from his blindside and helping create some good run room for Joseph Addai and/or Donald Brown. The overall offensive line performance is key too, but that work will come without left guard Ryan Lilja (shoulder).

2) Any hints on defense? Vanilla is the chosen flavor and there is no reason for the Colts to show much of whatever new wrinkles will come with new defensive coordinator Larry Coyer. They aren't going to unveil exotic blitzes, but maybe we see some of the man-to-man coverage they've indicated they'll play more often. And perhaps we see cornerback Marlin Jackson in action for the first time since he suffered a torn ACL last season.

3) Offense to build on: The Colts won't hesitate to sit people in their finale next week, so they hope to face as many situations as possible against the Lions. Manning would love to face and convert some difficult third downs, run a 2-minute offense, even move the offense out of tough field position deep in its own end. Brown and receivers Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon will also make their final preseason impressions with the first team offense.

Who has the hardest first four games?

August, 28, 2009
Aug 28
2:55
PM ET
Comment Print
By Paul Kuharsky
Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

Don't know what got me thinking along these lines, but I recently had a conversation about the first four games on the schedule for each of the AFC South's teams.

So here's my take on how difficult the first four look to be, hardest to easiest:

1) Jacksonville: at Indianapolis, Arizona, at Houston, Tennessee

That's an awfully difficult start for a team that looks as if it will still be trying to figure a lot of things out as the regular season opens. The Raiders and 49ers are the only other teams in the league that faces all three of their division foes in their first four games, but the AFC West and NFC West are hardly as tough as the AFC South.

Average rank of opponents in my last power rankings vote: 9.25.

2) Indianapolis: Jacksonville, at Miami, at Arizona, Seattle

I think the Dolphins will dip this season, but it's not an easy trip. And that's a Monday night road game followed by a short week and a trip to Arizona. Better to have such a challenge early, I suppose, but still tiring. I expect Seattle to be much improved. This ranks second, but appears far easier than Jacksonville's slate.

Average rank of opponents in my last power rankings vote: 16.3.

3) Titans: at Pittsburgh, Houston, at NY Jets, at Jacksonville

Tough to open on the Super Bowl champs' turf in their first game since that great win. But then the Titans have a long rest before facing the Texans. Road games against the Jets and Jags aren't the worst on Tennessee's schedule.

Average rank of opponents in my last power rankings vote: 15.5.

4) Texans: NY Jets, at Tennessee, Jacksonville, Oakland

Bad starts have been an issue for the Texans, and this should be 2-2 at worst with a solid chance at 3-2. Opening at home against a rookie quarterback (Mark Sanchez) is a pretty nice draw, the Texans beat the Titans and the Jaguars the last time they met and the Raiders' annual downward spiral could already be underway after three division games.

Average rank of opponents in my last power rankings vote: 20.3.

Reading the coverage: Okoye has time

August, 25, 2009
Aug 25
8:13
AM ET
Comment Print
By Paul Kuharsky
Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky Houston Texans Amobi Okoye still has time to find his game and just has to keep grinding, says Jerome Solomon. DeMeco Ryans feels it's his job to get things corrected, writes Dale Robertson. Five things to know about the Texans, from Pete Prisco. Steve Slaton's progress makes the Texans a contender, says Prisco. Updates on injured Texans Antwaun Molden, Chester Pitts, Chris Myers and Brian Cushing, from John McClain and AP. McClain warns about fan overreaction. Glenn Martinez could challenge for Jacoby Jones' roster spot, says Alan Burge. Battleredblog.com is worried about the run defense. Indianapolis Colts Reggie Wayne's expecting to line up all over the place, says Mike Chappell. Defensive coordinator Larry Coyer says communication is the key, writes John Oehser. Oehser takes a question about the potential for Joseph Addai and Donald Brown to line up in the same backfield. Phillip B. Wilson looks at the Colts' preseason numbers. Deshawn Zombie says people shouldn't forget just how good a coach Tony Dungy was. One big difference with Coyer so far is movement on defense, says Stampedeblue.com. Jacksonville Jaguars The Jaguars' two free-agent additions make return trips to Philly to play against their old team, says Michael C. Wright. Mike Walker is now Mike Walker-Sims, writes Wright. Tennessee Titans Jean-Jacque Taylor says there is no shame for Vince Young in being a college legend who failed as a pro. The Titans are waiting on MRI results on Nate Washington's hamstring after he got hurt during practice, says Jim Wyatt. While Jeff Fisher downplayed it, Titans players feel pretty sure Chris Davis' DUI factored into him being cut, reports Jim Wyatt. Alternate versions of the Davis and Washington stories from Terry McCormick. Jevon Kearse and LenDale White suffered practice injuries, too, says The Tennessean. Chris Johnson offers assurances that he'll run fine when it counts, says Wyatt.

Seward stays in division, joins Jags

August, 24, 2009
Aug 24
12:09
PM ET
Comment Print
By Paul Kuharsky

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

Adam Seward didn't cut it as depth for the Colts, but the Jaguars will now give him a try.

The team just announced they signed the veteran free-agent linebacker, who was a fifth-round pick by Carolina in 2005, where he played in 40 games in four seasons.

Jacksonville also re-signed rookie wide receiver Maurice Dupree and waived linebacker Lamar Miles and receiver Andy Strickland.

Seward signed as an unrestricted free agent with the Indianapolis Colts on March 20 and was waived on August 22.

The Jaguars like their starting linebacker trio -- Daryl Smith, Justin Durant and Clint Ingram -- but don't have fantastic depth behind them. They are also playing some 3-4, which gives Quentin Groves opportunities to function as a linebacker.

I didn't notice Seward much when I watched the Colts practice. It will be interesting to see what sort of impression he can make with the Jaguars.

Colts punter helped place video boards at LOS

August, 24, 2009
Aug 24
11:30
AM ET
Comment Print
By Paul Kuharsky
Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

The Colts considered a hanging video board at Lucas Oil Stadium, but ran a simple test that prompted them not to follow through with it.

Here's what team Bill Polian told Peter King about it:

"The irony is that our stadium architect [at new Lucas Oil Stadium] wanted to hang the videoboards the same way in our stadium. So we put a metal beam about 90 feet above the ground and had our punter at the time, Hunter Smith, punt the ball up there trying to hit it. He hit it the majority of the time. That's why we put our replay boards on the wall.''

In the wake of Titans punter A.J. Trapasso hitting the Cowboys Stadium Megatron (wish I remembered where I heard that term so I could give appropriate credit), the status of things in Dallas is a big issue drawing a lot of debate.

How can they do anything but move it up?

Reading the coverage: Autograph approach

August, 24, 2009
Aug 24
11:13
AM ET
Comment Print
By Paul Kuharsky
Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

Houston Texans

Gary Kubiak was disappointed with what he saw on tape against New Orleans, says John McCain.

Versatile rookie James Casey is improving, writes McClain.

The defensive line will need to be a lot better for the Texans to be good, writes Dale Robertson.

In case you're spending all your time on offense or defense: Gary Kubiak said special teams failed in all 10 categories they work at, says Alan Burge.

Good notes breaking down what did and didn't happen against the Saints, from Lance Zierlein.

Taking a look at Steve Slaton with Calvin Watkins.

Richard Justice asks, "What's Houston's smartest franchise?"

Indianapolis Colts

There is an art to giving autographs and Peyton Manning talks about his approach with Bob Kravitz.

Clint Sessions is more aerodynamic without his dreads, says Phillip B. Wilson.

Bill Polian thinks rookie contracts are "crazy," says Mike Chappell.

Looking back at Philadelphia and ahead to Detroit with John Oehser.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars will be entering a charged atmosphere in Philadelphia with Michael Vick in line to play, says Vito Stellino.

Troy Williamson is reviving his career, writes Stellino.

Fancy dresser David Garrard must regain the form that got him his big contract, says Alex Marvez.

Vic Ketchman questions my affection for Jacksonville's chocolate fountain. I stand firm. Love the thing.

Tennessee Titans

The Titans' offense needs to get moving, says Jim Wyatt.

Chris Davis' hamstring will keep him out of the Cleveland game.

David Stewart doesn't have much to say, writes Terry McCormick.

Mark Jones says this is the week we finally see him work as a returner in a game, says Wyatt.

Vince Young practiced well Sunday, connecting a lot with Bo Scaife, blogs Wyatt.

The Titans cost themselves a couple of nights off because of penalties in Dallas, says Wyatt.

I couldn't resist: Projecting round one matches

August, 23, 2009
Aug 23
2:05
PM ET
Comment Print
By Paul Kuharsky
Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

Mel Kiper's initial Big Board of 2010 draft prospects is only available to you if you've got the magic word. But even if you're not an ESPN.com Insider, you can see the top of his list and benefit from my access.

I took a peek and wondered, who out of Kiper's initial projections for the four teams of the AFC South would best line up to fill a need?

Here are my completely unscientific, gut-feeling pairings:

Jacksonville: Colt McCoy, quarterback, Texas. Of his No. 11 Kiper says: "Intelligent and resourceful. Can beat you with arm or legs." [Please note, no Tim Tebow on Kiper's list.]

Houston: Eric Berry, safety, Tennessee. Of his No. 2 Kiper says: "Ultimate playmaker, in the Ed Reed mold."

Indianapolis: Trent Williams, offensive tackle, Oklahoma: Of his No. 9 Kiper says: "Quality all-around bookend, moves from RT to LT this season."

Tennessee: Jevan Snead, quarterback, Ole Miss: Of his No. 7 Kiper says:"Could have pro career similar to that of former Rebel Eli Manning."

BACK TO TOP