AFC South: Jason Allen
The draft is over, the rosters are filled up.
But what areas weren’t sufficiently addressed and where can we expect to see the teams of the AFC South continue to seek help?
Some thoughts.
Houston Texans
Veteran corner Jason Allen left as a free agent. He helped the Texans cover for Kareem Jackson, who played just 55.73 percent of the team’s defensive snaps in 2011.
Brandon Harris was a second-round pick out of Miami last year, but didn’t show anything. The Texans look to be counting on him to contribute more. They like Brice McCain, but he's a situational guy.
But corner is a spot where the Texans need some additional depth at the very least.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts loaded their roster with offensive players -- eight of 10 draft picks went on that side of the ball.
The defensive picks were on the defensive line.
Which means the Colts still have a ton of work to do in the defensive backfield.
Jerraud Powers is a quality corner and a good leader. But after him, there are no proven corners on the roster. Is the second starter Chris Rucker? Kevin Thomas? Mike Holmes? Brandon King?
That’s not a great group to be choosing from. Look for team to give some undrafted rookies a chance and grab a veteran or two as guys come free during camp cuts.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars believe a healthy Eben Britton will help fortify their offensive line and he should.
But they don’t have sufficient depth on the offensive line and should create a situation where there is more real competition.
They re-signed Guy Whimper, who is a swing tackle at best and had some bad stretches last season. They like John Estes as a reserve center, but it would be nice to have someone to compete with him for the right to take over for Brad Meester.
Tennessee Titans
The team has sent major mixed signals about its offensive line.
Tennessee courted all the top centers in free agency but did not land one. And then they didn't draft an offensive lineman. Coach Mike Munchak said it wasn’t a dire need and the team can win with what it has.
Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean reports that among the team’s undrafted rookies is William Vlachos. Perhaps the center from Alabama can scramble the mix. But the Titans should still be adding options on the interior.
But what areas weren’t sufficiently addressed and where can we expect to see the teams of the AFC South continue to seek help?
Some thoughts.
Houston Texans
Veteran corner Jason Allen left as a free agent. He helped the Texans cover for Kareem Jackson, who played just 55.73 percent of the team’s defensive snaps in 2011.
Brandon Harris was a second-round pick out of Miami last year, but didn’t show anything. The Texans look to be counting on him to contribute more. They like Brice McCain, but he's a situational guy.
But corner is a spot where the Texans need some additional depth at the very least.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts loaded their roster with offensive players -- eight of 10 draft picks went on that side of the ball.
The defensive picks were on the defensive line.
Which means the Colts still have a ton of work to do in the defensive backfield.
Jerraud Powers is a quality corner and a good leader. But after him, there are no proven corners on the roster. Is the second starter Chris Rucker? Kevin Thomas? Mike Holmes? Brandon King?
That’s not a great group to be choosing from. Look for team to give some undrafted rookies a chance and grab a veteran or two as guys come free during camp cuts.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars believe a healthy Eben Britton will help fortify their offensive line and he should.
But they don’t have sufficient depth on the offensive line and should create a situation where there is more real competition.
They re-signed Guy Whimper, who is a swing tackle at best and had some bad stretches last season. They like John Estes as a reserve center, but it would be nice to have someone to compete with him for the right to take over for Brad Meester.
Tennessee Titans
The team has sent major mixed signals about its offensive line.
Tennessee courted all the top centers in free agency but did not land one. And then they didn't draft an offensive lineman. Coach Mike Munchak said it wasn’t a dire need and the team can win with what it has.
Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean reports that among the team’s undrafted rookies is William Vlachos. Perhaps the center from Alabama can scramble the mix. But the Titans should still be adding options on the interior.
Perhaps no underachieving player in the division gets more, steady, public cover from his team than Kareem Jackson, the Texans’ cornerback heading into his third year.
He was the 20th pick of the 2010 draft, when I felt like the draft went off the course the Texans expected and they got a little panicky. The talked about how pro ready he was coming out of Alabama and they made him a starter from the very beginning.
But even in an upgraded secondary last season, he couldn’t secure a full-time job, splitting work at the cornerback slot opposite free-agent addition Johnathan Joseph with Jason Allen, who’s now gone. (Nate Dunlevy of Bleacher Report recently wrote about Jackson as on the hot seat in Houston.)
Jackson doesn’t play with the confidence the Texans seem to try to instill with the constant reinforcement, often appearing timid. He got better under new defensive back coach Vance Joseph, but he still qualifies as the weak link in the defense.
Perhaps Brandon Harris, a mid-round draft pick from 2011, will get in position to challenge Jackson or provide a security blanket. Perhaps the team will draft a cornerback to fill Allen’s role. Perhaps it will pick up a veteran down the road when some shake free out of training camps.
But ideally, Jackson would graduate and become the player the Texans like to say he is. If he does, the defense has the potential to be as good as it was a year ago, when it often carried Houston.
Gary Kubiak was fond of saying both Jackson and Allen qualified as starters. Jackson played 55.73 percent of the Texans’ snaps on defense, Allen played 49.05 percent.
Getting only a bit more than half-time work out of a first-round draft pick hardly qualifies as a success. It’s only Year Three. Plenty of players emerge to play their best at this stage.
Receiver Jacoby Jones was a candidate here, but I fully expect the Texans to add a wide receiver who would take playing time away from Jones. Jackson should be counted on to play more, not expected to play less.
If I am a coordinator planning for the Texans, I’m making an effort to go after Jackson until he shows me he can make plays to slow me down.
He was the 20th pick of the 2010 draft, when I felt like the draft went off the course the Texans expected and they got a little panicky. The talked about how pro ready he was coming out of Alabama and they made him a starter from the very beginning.
[+] Enlarge
Brett Davis/US PresswireHouston cornerback Kareem Jackson, a first-round pick by the Texans in 2010, had 42 tackles, one forced fumble and one interception last season.
Brett Davis/US PresswireHouston cornerback Kareem Jackson, a first-round pick by the Texans in 2010, had 42 tackles, one forced fumble and one interception last season. Jackson doesn’t play with the confidence the Texans seem to try to instill with the constant reinforcement, often appearing timid. He got better under new defensive back coach Vance Joseph, but he still qualifies as the weak link in the defense.
Perhaps Brandon Harris, a mid-round draft pick from 2011, will get in position to challenge Jackson or provide a security blanket. Perhaps the team will draft a cornerback to fill Allen’s role. Perhaps it will pick up a veteran down the road when some shake free out of training camps.
But ideally, Jackson would graduate and become the player the Texans like to say he is. If he does, the defense has the potential to be as good as it was a year ago, when it often carried Houston.
Gary Kubiak was fond of saying both Jackson and Allen qualified as starters. Jackson played 55.73 percent of the Texans’ snaps on defense, Allen played 49.05 percent.
Getting only a bit more than half-time work out of a first-round draft pick hardly qualifies as a success. It’s only Year Three. Plenty of players emerge to play their best at this stage.
Receiver Jacoby Jones was a candidate here, but I fully expect the Texans to add a wide receiver who would take playing time away from Jones. Jackson should be counted on to play more, not expected to play less.
If I am a coordinator planning for the Texans, I’m making an effort to go after Jackson until he shows me he can make plays to slow me down.
» AFC Assessments: East | West | North | South » NFC: East | West | North | South
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?
Assessing the Texans' free-agent losses
March, 26, 2012
Mar 26
2:04
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Gary Kubiak conceded the early stages of free agency were rough on the Houston Texans.
They re-signed running back Arian Foster before he got to restricted free agency, and managed to keep center Chris Myers after he saw some interest from outside.
But gone through free-agent losses, cuts or trades are eight players of note.
Let’s take a look at each departure:
OLB Mario Williams (free agent, signed with Buffalo)
The team knew it was highly unlikely it would be able to keep him, and he got a giant contract from the Bills.
The glass-half-full side points out how well the Texans rushed the passer without Williams in the final 11 games and the playoffs last year and points out that he was always banged-up.
On the other side, Connor Barwin and Brooks Reed need to be part of a three-man gang at the position, and the odds of the pass rush just picking up where it left off aren’t high. Bryan Braman is an interesting player and could be a factor in his second year. Look for another outside backer in the draft.
RT Eric Winston (cut, signed with Kansas City)
A strong and technically sound right tackle who was a big piece of a line that may have been the team’s best unit and ranked among the league’s best last season.
This move was the biggest surprise of all that’s unfolded, and Winston was courted heavily before landing in Kansas City.
The team could go with backup swing tackle Rashad Butler, who missed much of last season with an arm injury. But he didn’t fare great when subbing for left tackle Duane Brown on the left side for four games a year earlier.
ILB DeMeco Ryans (traded to Philadelphia)
A beloved member of the team, Ryans hasn’t returned all the way to form after a serious Achilles injury. Plus, in the 3-4, he was barely a two-down player until Darryl Sharpton got hurt.
The Texans may not have gotten quite enough in the deal and they may have to smooth things out in the locker room, but a healthy Sharpton is a capable second inside guy to go with Brian Cushing.
RT Mike Brisiel (free agent, signed with Oakland)
The team played better with him in the lineup than when he was out and Antoine Caldwell filled in. Brisiel did tend to miss a couple games a year. The spot should be Caldwell’s to lose now and he should still be getting better.
TE Joel Dreessen (free agent, signed with Denver)
He seriously considered Houston’s offer before leaving to play with Peyton Manning. He was a valuable player for the Texans, the kind of smaller piece that glues together a team while being overlooked by many.
James Casey is the lone fullback now, but he’s technically more of an H-back and can do tight end things. Depending on how he’s deployed along with Owen Daniels and Garrett Graham, Houston could be OK.
FB Lawrence Vickers (cut, signed with Dallas)
He only played 31.06 percent of the Texans’ plays. Are they dead set on being a fullback team? Call Casey a fullback if you want, but you can run out of anything with Foster and shouldn’t feel desperate to restock.
CB Jason Allen (free agent, signed with Cincinnati)
An unsung player who the team counted as a co-starter with Kareem Jackson, a first-round draft pick who has not lived up to his draft status. They lost a security blanket with Allen, and need to ensure they have a fallback for Jackson on the team, whether it’s a veteran later, second-year man Brandon Harris or a draft pick.
QB Matt Leinart (cut)
T.J. Yates flew by him on the depth chart with his performance down the stretch, and the Texans couldn’t afford Leinart as a third.
They re-signed running back Arian Foster before he got to restricted free agency, and managed to keep center Chris Myers after he saw some interest from outside.
But gone through free-agent losses, cuts or trades are eight players of note.
Let’s take a look at each departure:
OLB Mario Williams (free agent, signed with Buffalo)
The team knew it was highly unlikely it would be able to keep him, and he got a giant contract from the Bills.
The glass-half-full side points out how well the Texans rushed the passer without Williams in the final 11 games and the playoffs last year and points out that he was always banged-up.
On the other side, Connor Barwin and Brooks Reed need to be part of a three-man gang at the position, and the odds of the pass rush just picking up where it left off aren’t high. Bryan Braman is an interesting player and could be a factor in his second year. Look for another outside backer in the draft.
RT Eric Winston (cut, signed with Kansas City)
A strong and technically sound right tackle who was a big piece of a line that may have been the team’s best unit and ranked among the league’s best last season.
This move was the biggest surprise of all that’s unfolded, and Winston was courted heavily before landing in Kansas City.
The team could go with backup swing tackle Rashad Butler, who missed much of last season with an arm injury. But he didn’t fare great when subbing for left tackle Duane Brown on the left side for four games a year earlier.
ILB DeMeco Ryans (traded to Philadelphia)
A beloved member of the team, Ryans hasn’t returned all the way to form after a serious Achilles injury. Plus, in the 3-4, he was barely a two-down player until Darryl Sharpton got hurt.
The Texans may not have gotten quite enough in the deal and they may have to smooth things out in the locker room, but a healthy Sharpton is a capable second inside guy to go with Brian Cushing.
RT Mike Brisiel (free agent, signed with Oakland)
The team played better with him in the lineup than when he was out and Antoine Caldwell filled in. Brisiel did tend to miss a couple games a year. The spot should be Caldwell’s to lose now and he should still be getting better.
TE Joel Dreessen (free agent, signed with Denver)
He seriously considered Houston’s offer before leaving to play with Peyton Manning. He was a valuable player for the Texans, the kind of smaller piece that glues together a team while being overlooked by many.
James Casey is the lone fullback now, but he’s technically more of an H-back and can do tight end things. Depending on how he’s deployed along with Owen Daniels and Garrett Graham, Houston could be OK.
FB Lawrence Vickers (cut, signed with Dallas)
He only played 31.06 percent of the Texans’ plays. Are they dead set on being a fullback team? Call Casey a fullback if you want, but you can run out of anything with Foster and shouldn’t feel desperate to restock.
CB Jason Allen (free agent, signed with Cincinnati)
An unsung player who the team counted as a co-starter with Kareem Jackson, a first-round draft pick who has not lived up to his draft status. They lost a security blanket with Allen, and need to ensure they have a fallback for Jackson on the team, whether it’s a veteran later, second-year man Brandon Harris or a draft pick.
QB Matt Leinart (cut)
T.J. Yates flew by him on the depth chart with his performance down the stretch, and the Texans couldn’t afford Leinart as a third.
A free-agency roundup for the AFC South so far. We're not including a team's own free agents that it has re-signed:
Houston
Additions: None
Subtractions: OLB Mario Williams (Buffalo); RT Eric Winston (cut, Kansas City); CB Jason Allen (Cincinnati); G Mike Brisiel (Oakland); QB Matt Leinart (cut); Lawrence Vickers (Dallas).
Indianapolis
Additions: DL Cory Redding (Baltimore); RT Winston Justice (trade, Philadelphia); S Tom Zbikowski (Baltimore); C Mike McGlynn (Cincinnati).
Subtractions: WR Pierre Garcon (Washington); WR Anthony Gonzalez (New England); QB Dan Orlovsky (Tampa Bay); QB Peyton Manning (cut); LB Gary Brackett (cut); S Melvin Bullitt (cut), TE Dallas Clark (cut).
Jacksonville
Additions: WR Laurent Robinson (Dallas); QB Chad Henne (Miami).
Subtractions: ST-WR Kassim Osgood (cut).
Tennessee
Additions: G Steve Hutchinson (cut, Minnesota).
Subtractions: CB Cortland Finnegan (St. Louis); DL Jason Jones (Seattle).
Houston
Additions: None
Subtractions: OLB Mario Williams (Buffalo); RT Eric Winston (cut, Kansas City); CB Jason Allen (Cincinnati); G Mike Brisiel (Oakland); QB Matt Leinart (cut); Lawrence Vickers (Dallas).
Indianapolis
Additions: DL Cory Redding (Baltimore); RT Winston Justice (trade, Philadelphia); S Tom Zbikowski (Baltimore); C Mike McGlynn (Cincinnati).
Subtractions: WR Pierre Garcon (Washington); WR Anthony Gonzalez (New England); QB Dan Orlovsky (Tampa Bay); QB Peyton Manning (cut); LB Gary Brackett (cut); S Melvin Bullitt (cut), TE Dallas Clark (cut).
Jacksonville
Additions: WR Laurent Robinson (Dallas); QB Chad Henne (Miami).
Subtractions: ST-WR Kassim Osgood (cut).
Tennessee
Additions: G Steve Hutchinson (cut, Minnesota).
Subtractions: CB Cortland Finnegan (St. Louis); DL Jason Jones (Seattle).
Our exclusive peek into the Insider file of Scouts Inc.’s Gary Horton running through team-by-team needs 
:
Texans
Horton says: Corner, receiver, defensive end.
On corner: “Johnathan Joseph was a terrific shutdown corner for the Texans in 2011 and a big part of their defensive resurgence. Kareem Jackson is OK on the other side, but he lacks elite speed and ball skills and rotated with Jason Allen, who might leave in free agency. Brice McCain shows some promise as a nickel corner, but, in this blitz-oriented defense, turn-and-run cover corners are critical.”
Kuharsky: I’d like to see them upgrade. It’s time for a more honest assessment of Jackson. But they did draft Brandon Harris last season in the second round and they surely hope he’s ready to push for playing time in his second season.
Colts
Horton says: Quarterback, center/guard, cornerback.
On center/guard: “The left tackle position is decent on this line, but there are all sorts of problems on the interior and at right tackle. Offensive guard was a revolving door in 2011, and center Jeff Saturday is near the end of a terrific career. With not much behind the current starters, there is a lot of work to be done with this unit. Center Carl Nicks might be too expensive for New Orleans, and he would be a huge get.”
Kuharsky: I don’t know how the new regime’s philosophy will be about big-money free agents, but odds are the team won’t be able to afford a guy the quality of Nicks.
Jaguars
Horton says: Wide receiver, defensive end, cornerback.
On receivers: “This offense has lacked a go-to guy in the passing game for years, and it is by far the weakest position on this team. The Jaguars' only dependable guy, Mike Thomas, is ideally suited for the slot, and that means the team could use two starters on the outside. The depth in this unit is nonexistent. If they leave in free agency, DeSean Jackson, Vincent Jackson and Steve Johnson might be attractive guys. If Jacksonville goes the college route, Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon would be great.”
Kuharsky: They’ve got money to spend and have indicated they’ll use it. There is no reason they should not land a premier receiver in free agency.
Titans
Horton says: Cornerback, safety, center/guard.
On center/guard: “The Titans like their bookend tackles, but the interior of this offensive line needs an influx of veteran depth and talent to boost a run game that underachieved in 2011.”
Kuharsky: I think Horton underrates what the Titans have at corner even without Cortland Finnegan. They’ll make a move on the inside of their line, but how big a move?
:
Texans
Horton says: Corner, receiver, defensive end.
On corner: “Johnathan Joseph was a terrific shutdown corner for the Texans in 2011 and a big part of their defensive resurgence. Kareem Jackson is OK on the other side, but he lacks elite speed and ball skills and rotated with Jason Allen, who might leave in free agency. Brice McCain shows some promise as a nickel corner, but, in this blitz-oriented defense, turn-and-run cover corners are critical.”
Kuharsky: I’d like to see them upgrade. It’s time for a more honest assessment of Jackson. But they did draft Brandon Harris last season in the second round and they surely hope he’s ready to push for playing time in his second season.
Colts
Horton says: Quarterback, center/guard, cornerback.
On center/guard: “The left tackle position is decent on this line, but there are all sorts of problems on the interior and at right tackle. Offensive guard was a revolving door in 2011, and center Jeff Saturday is near the end of a terrific career. With not much behind the current starters, there is a lot of work to be done with this unit. Center Carl Nicks might be too expensive for New Orleans, and he would be a huge get.”
Kuharsky: I don’t know how the new regime’s philosophy will be about big-money free agents, but odds are the team won’t be able to afford a guy the quality of Nicks.
Jaguars
Horton says: Wide receiver, defensive end, cornerback.
On receivers: “This offense has lacked a go-to guy in the passing game for years, and it is by far the weakest position on this team. The Jaguars' only dependable guy, Mike Thomas, is ideally suited for the slot, and that means the team could use two starters on the outside. The depth in this unit is nonexistent. If they leave in free agency, DeSean Jackson, Vincent Jackson and Steve Johnson might be attractive guys. If Jacksonville goes the college route, Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon would be great.”
Kuharsky: They’ve got money to spend and have indicated they’ll use it. There is no reason they should not land a premier receiver in free agency.
Titans
Horton says: Cornerback, safety, center/guard.
On center/guard: “The Titans like their bookend tackles, but the interior of this offensive line needs an influx of veteran depth and talent to boost a run game that underachieved in 2011.”
Kuharsky: I think Horton underrates what the Titans have at corner even without Cortland Finnegan. They’ll make a move on the inside of their line, but how big a move?
First look at Texans heading for free agency
February, 21, 2012
Feb 21
7:33
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Early thoughts on the Texans scheduled to become unrestricted free agents come March 13, with thanks to Mac’s Football Blog, where you can find complete team-by-team lists that include exclusive rights and restricted free agents.
Running back Derrick Ward -- A third-stringer who has good experience and could be important if Arian Foster is lured away with an offer sheet as a restricted free agent.
Tight end Joel Dreessen -- Though largely underrated from the outside, he’s been a nice contributor and certainly has value for the Texans.
OG Mike Brisiel -- A solid starter they’d surely like to keep in order for their very good offensive line to remain intact.
C Chris Myers -- A very valuable cog in the machine and a great system fit, he may have been the best center in the NFL in 2011.
Wide receiver Bryant Johnson -- He was a non-factor as the team’s fourth receiver and they need to upgrade the spot.
Linebacker Tim Dobbins -- Played well when he got on the field, but may find better opportunity elsewhere.
Outside linebacker/defensive end Mario Williams -- If the Texans can’t lock him up before March 13, he will become the biggest prize of the free-agent class. It would be a huge accomplishment to find a way to re-sign him.
Cornerback Jason Allen -- He’s been a virtual “co-starter” with Kareem Jackson and has typically outplayed him. But based on this list, he’s not close to a priority.
Kicker Neil Rackers -- Rackers has been a steady guy for the Texans, who surely would like to keep him rather than shopping for a replacement.
Also UFAs:
Running back Derrick Ward -- A third-stringer who has good experience and could be important if Arian Foster is lured away with an offer sheet as a restricted free agent.
Tight end Joel Dreessen -- Though largely underrated from the outside, he’s been a nice contributor and certainly has value for the Texans.
OG Mike Brisiel -- A solid starter they’d surely like to keep in order for their very good offensive line to remain intact.
C Chris Myers -- A very valuable cog in the machine and a great system fit, he may have been the best center in the NFL in 2011.
Wide receiver Bryant Johnson -- He was a non-factor as the team’s fourth receiver and they need to upgrade the spot.
Linebacker Tim Dobbins -- Played well when he got on the field, but may find better opportunity elsewhere.
Outside linebacker/defensive end Mario Williams -- If the Texans can’t lock him up before March 13, he will become the biggest prize of the free-agent class. It would be a huge accomplishment to find a way to re-sign him.
Cornerback Jason Allen -- He’s been a virtual “co-starter” with Kareem Jackson and has typically outplayed him. But based on this list, he’s not close to a priority.
Kicker Neil Rackers -- Rackers has been a steady guy for the Texans, who surely would like to keep him rather than shopping for a replacement.
Also UFAs:
- QB Jake Delhomme
- QB Jeff Garcia
- OG Kasey Studdard
- DT Tim Bulman
- S Dominique Barber
- P Matt Turk
HOUSTON -- A couple halftime thoughts from Reliant Stadium, where the Titans lead the Texans 13-10.
The Titans smartly came out with something different, using shotgun with an empty backfield. They had great success with it early, but seemed to sag when it didn’t lead to a touchdown drive right out of the gate. An injury to receiver Damian Williams that’s knocked him from the game may force them to use it less than they’d like the rest of the way.- Houston’s front is great. The Texans swarmed against a good pass-protecting offensive line and produced two Antonio Smith sacks of Matt Hasselbeck. The linemen and linebackers just come from a different spot on every play. I think that pass rush is going to key them in the playoffs.
- Jake Delhomme got away with a very bad throw late in the second quarter. Cornerback Jason McCourty would have probably gone for a touchdown if he didn’t flub the pass like a man who had casts on two broken hands.
- Receiver Donnie Avery benefitted from Williams’ injury and caught the Titans' touchdown on a smartly designed play. Tennessee bunched three receivers right, then had Hasselbeck throw to Avery against Jason Allen on the left from the 1-yard line. It was Avery's first catch of the year.
- The Texans should pound it with running backs Ben Tate and Derrick Ward in the second half. I think they can break the Titans' defense that way, and that the Titans could be frustrated they aren’t having an easier time considering Houston didn’t dress Arian Foster, Johnathan Joseph or Owen Daniels.
- I thought rules dictated teams announce in-game injuries. But the Texans have not said what prompted T.J. Yates’ trip to the locker room and exit from the game. And the Titans took a long, long time before finally revealing at the half that Williams has a rib injury and his return is questionable.
HOUSTON -- Locked in as the AFC South’s No. 3 seed, the Texans are looking to regain some momentum.
But they are also playing it safe. While Andre Johnson returns from a hamstring injury and will get some work, Pro Bowlers Arian Foster and Johnathan Joseph are getting the day off, as is tight end Owen Daniels.
Ben Tate will start for Foster at running back, Jason Allen will start for Joseph at corner, and Joel Dreessen will start at tight end for Daniels.
The game has far more meaning for Tennessee, which needs a win and several other results to earn the No. 6 seed. If they get it, they’d return to Reliant Stadium for a rematch next week.
Tennessee is without defensive end Jason Jones, who's out with an ankle injury.
The full inactive lists:
Titans:
Texans:
But they are also playing it safe. While Andre Johnson returns from a hamstring injury and will get some work, Pro Bowlers Arian Foster and Johnathan Joseph are getting the day off, as is tight end Owen Daniels.
Ben Tate will start for Foster at running back, Jason Allen will start for Joseph at corner, and Joel Dreessen will start at tight end for Daniels.
The game has far more meaning for Tennessee, which needs a win and several other results to earn the No. 6 seed. If they get it, they’d return to Reliant Stadium for a rematch next week.
Tennessee is without defensive end Jason Jones, who's out with an ankle injury.
The full inactive lists:
Titans:
- QB Rusty Smith
- FB Quinn Johnson
- LB Gerald McRath
- C Kevin Matthews
- T Byron Stingily
- DE Jason Jones
- DT Shaun Smith
Texans:
- QB Jeff Garcia
- CB Sherrick McManis
- RB Arian Foster
- CB Johnathan Joseph
- S Troy Nolan
- G Mike Brisiel
- TE Owen Daniels
Texans thought Jackson was at his best
December, 5, 2011
12/05/11
5:32
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Cornerback Kareem Jackson got a game ball for his efforts in the Texans’ Sunday win over Atlanta.
“Kareem probably had his best game as a pro,” coach Gary Kubiak told Houston media Monday afternoon.
Kubiak credited the development of Jackson, the team’s top pick in the 2010 draft who struggled mightily in a starting role as a rookie, to defensive backs coach Vance Joseph.
“Vance has come in and done a great job with him,” Kubiak said. “He’s playing with a lot of confidence, he’s had a lot of ups and downs, he had the expectations of a first round pick and then there was what we went through last year. His toughness has shown, mentally and physically. Johnathan coming here has helped him, he’s kind of got a little bit of a mentor back there.
“…We’re very excited to see him playing well.”
Atlanta receiver Julio Jones actually had a chance to catch Matt Ryan’s desperation pass on the last play of the game into the left side of the end zone. My read of the replay is unclear. It could count as another drop for Atlanta on a day when they had a lot of trouble hauling passes in. Or, as Kubiak said, Jackson could get credit for making it impossible for Jones to grip it. (Either way, it was a scarier play than it should have been and overtime was closer than we might have thought.)
Jackson had an early interception of Ryan on a flea flicker the Falcons botched. Michael Turner’s pitch back to Ryan was high and threw off the timing and Ryan was unwise to make the throw intended for Roddy White deep down the middle in the first quarter.
The Texans' applause for Jackson is unsurprising. They anoint first-rounders as starters the moment they arrive and do their best to defend them even if things don’t go well. Jackson’s certainly been a beneficiary of that.
Earlier this season, when Jackson wasn’t playing as well and there was clamoring for more of Jason Allen, Kubiak repeatedly said the team counts both players as starting-caliber and it used both opposite Johnathan Joseph.
Against the Falcons, when Jackson was having the game of his career, he was still rotating with Allen and he was still not part of some of the defensive packages with five- and six- defensive backs.
I felt like the team was over-substituting in the defensive backfield, but it’s hard to complain with the results in this game or to change what’s been working.
Still, I’d say this is a completely fair assessment:
If Jackson’s work in this win was a corner-turning performance, we’d better know it if he’s on the field more going forward. And if he’s not on the field more going forward, I’m not sure I’m buying that the coaches believe it was a corner-turning performance.
[+] Enlarge
Brett Davis/US PresswireSunday against Atlanta, Houston cornerback Kareem Jackson 'probably had his best game as a pro' according to Texans coach Gary Kubiak.
Brett Davis/US PresswireSunday against Atlanta, Houston cornerback Kareem Jackson 'probably had his best game as a pro' according to Texans coach Gary Kubiak.Kubiak credited the development of Jackson, the team’s top pick in the 2010 draft who struggled mightily in a starting role as a rookie, to defensive backs coach Vance Joseph.
“Vance has come in and done a great job with him,” Kubiak said. “He’s playing with a lot of confidence, he’s had a lot of ups and downs, he had the expectations of a first round pick and then there was what we went through last year. His toughness has shown, mentally and physically. Johnathan coming here has helped him, he’s kind of got a little bit of a mentor back there.
“…We’re very excited to see him playing well.”
Atlanta receiver Julio Jones actually had a chance to catch Matt Ryan’s desperation pass on the last play of the game into the left side of the end zone. My read of the replay is unclear. It could count as another drop for Atlanta on a day when they had a lot of trouble hauling passes in. Or, as Kubiak said, Jackson could get credit for making it impossible for Jones to grip it. (Either way, it was a scarier play than it should have been and overtime was closer than we might have thought.)
Jackson had an early interception of Ryan on a flea flicker the Falcons botched. Michael Turner’s pitch back to Ryan was high and threw off the timing and Ryan was unwise to make the throw intended for Roddy White deep down the middle in the first quarter.
The Texans' applause for Jackson is unsurprising. They anoint first-rounders as starters the moment they arrive and do their best to defend them even if things don’t go well. Jackson’s certainly been a beneficiary of that.
Earlier this season, when Jackson wasn’t playing as well and there was clamoring for more of Jason Allen, Kubiak repeatedly said the team counts both players as starting-caliber and it used both opposite Johnathan Joseph.
Against the Falcons, when Jackson was having the game of his career, he was still rotating with Allen and he was still not part of some of the defensive packages with five- and six- defensive backs.
I felt like the team was over-substituting in the defensive backfield, but it’s hard to complain with the results in this game or to change what’s been working.
Still, I’d say this is a completely fair assessment:
If Jackson’s work in this win was a corner-turning performance, we’d better know it if he’s on the field more going forward. And if he’s not on the field more going forward, I’m not sure I’m buying that the coaches believe it was a corner-turning performance.
Playtime percentages for players of note
October, 30, 2011
10/30/11
11:26
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
ESPN Stats & Information can now delve into playtime percentages, a great feature we will use often.
My initial reaction to the available info was merely to ask for the numbers on some key situational guys and some stars from each of our teams. Keep in mind some are influenced by time missed because of injuries.
Here’s the percentage of their team's snaps on offense or defense they’ve played.
Houston Texans: CB Kareem Jackson 74.4, CB Jason Allen 52.8, WR Kevin Walter 66.8, WR Jacoby Jones 71.5, DT Shaun Cody 35.9, DT Earl Mitchell 25.6.
Indianapolis Colts: TE Dallas Clark 86.9, TE Brody Eldridge 41.3, WR Austin Collie 59.2, CB Jacob Lacey 75.3, DE Dwight Freeney 63.1, DE Robert Mathis 64.3, DE Jamaal Anderson, 38.3, DE Tyler Brayton 45.6, S David Caldwell 44.1, S Joe Lefeged 38.1.
Jacksonville Jaguars: LB Clint Session 42.3, FB Greg Jones 40.3, RB Maurice Jones-Drew, 71.9, CB Drew Coleman 53.0, DE John Chick 25.3.
Tennessee Titans: DE Derrick Morgan 57.7, LB Will Witherspoon 83.8, DT Karl Klug 50.7, DT Jurrell Casey 56.1, TE Craig Stevens 33.6. TE Jared Cook 62.1, RB Chris Johnson 70.7.
My initial reaction to the available info was merely to ask for the numbers on some key situational guys and some stars from each of our teams. Keep in mind some are influenced by time missed because of injuries.
Here’s the percentage of their team's snaps on offense or defense they’ve played.
Houston Texans: CB Kareem Jackson 74.4, CB Jason Allen 52.8, WR Kevin Walter 66.8, WR Jacoby Jones 71.5, DT Shaun Cody 35.9, DT Earl Mitchell 25.6.
Indianapolis Colts: TE Dallas Clark 86.9, TE Brody Eldridge 41.3, WR Austin Collie 59.2, CB Jacob Lacey 75.3, DE Dwight Freeney 63.1, DE Robert Mathis 64.3, DE Jamaal Anderson, 38.3, DE Tyler Brayton 45.6, S David Caldwell 44.1, S Joe Lefeged 38.1.
Jacksonville Jaguars: LB Clint Session 42.3, FB Greg Jones 40.3, RB Maurice Jones-Drew, 71.9, CB Drew Coleman 53.0, DE John Chick 25.3.
Tennessee Titans: DE Derrick Morgan 57.7, LB Will Witherspoon 83.8, DT Karl Klug 50.7, DT Jurrell Casey 56.1, TE Craig Stevens 33.6. TE Jared Cook 62.1, RB Chris Johnson 70.7.
Four guys I’d like to see more of starting this weekend:
Houston -- The Texans keep calling Kareem Jackson and Jason Allen both starters in their cornerback group. If you really think that way, then how does Allen disappear in Baltimore and how do you end up saying afterward you had hoped he’d play more? Are you unable to monitor who’s playing how much in the course of a game? Jackson is still not good. I’d like to see more of the alternative.
Indianapolis -- Running back Donald Brown came into the season close to being labeled a bust. While the 2009 first-round draft pick can still be overly hesitant, overall he has done a good job this season. He’s averaging 5.6 yards a carry, but has only taken 13 handoffs. I understand it’s a small sample size. Why not see what a bigger sample size looks like? I like Delone Carter a lot, but he’s more a short-yardage guy.
Jacksonville -- Defensive end John Chick has pass-rush skills. It was apparent last year when the Colts brought him in from the CFL. He spent time on their practice squad but didn’t make the final cut this season. The Jaguars picked him up and he’s showed an ability to get in the backfield when he gets on the field. With Austen Lane now out for the year, the door is open for Chick, and I expect to see production from the pass-rusher.
Tennessee -- I am not a proponent of taking carries away from Chris Johnson. The Titans need to keep giving it to him while figuring out what’s wrong with the run game. But I do believe offensive coordinator Chris Palmer ought to find a way to get rookie running back Jamie Harper some touches somewhere along the way. How? I’m not quite sure. But there has to be a way where they don’t disrupt what they are trying to get going with Johnson.
Houston -- The Texans keep calling Kareem Jackson and Jason Allen both starters in their cornerback group. If you really think that way, then how does Allen disappear in Baltimore and how do you end up saying afterward you had hoped he’d play more? Are you unable to monitor who’s playing how much in the course of a game? Jackson is still not good. I’d like to see more of the alternative.
Indianapolis -- Running back Donald Brown came into the season close to being labeled a bust. While the 2009 first-round draft pick can still be overly hesitant, overall he has done a good job this season. He’s averaging 5.6 yards a carry, but has only taken 13 handoffs. I understand it’s a small sample size. Why not see what a bigger sample size looks like? I like Delone Carter a lot, but he’s more a short-yardage guy.
Jacksonville -- Defensive end John Chick has pass-rush skills. It was apparent last year when the Colts brought him in from the CFL. He spent time on their practice squad but didn’t make the final cut this season. The Jaguars picked him up and he’s showed an ability to get in the backfield when he gets on the field. With Austen Lane now out for the year, the door is open for Chick, and I expect to see production from the pass-rusher.
Tennessee -- I am not a proponent of taking carries away from Chris Johnson. The Titans need to keep giving it to him while figuring out what’s wrong with the run game. But I do believe offensive coordinator Chris Palmer ought to find a way to get rookie running back Jamie Harper some touches somewhere along the way. How? I’m not quite sure. But there has to be a way where they don’t disrupt what they are trying to get going with Johnson.
RTC: Titans raising hope and profile
October, 3, 2011
10/03/11
8:27
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Reading the coverage ...
Houston Texans
It was a physical, old-fashioned football game and the Texans came out on top, says John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.
Down the stretch, they made winning play after winning play. They were the tougher team, the better team, the team with more poise and resolve, writes Richard Justice of the Houston Chronicle.
Beating the Steelers showed the Texans won’t be pushed around anymore, says Mike Freeman of CBSSports.com.
In a starting role, cornerback Jason Allen finished the game off with an interception, says McClain.
Arian Foster carried the load, says Dale Robertson of the Chronicle.
Andre Johnson has a strained right hamstring, says McClain.
The Texans’ defense made a big statement, says Jeffrey Martin of the Chronicle.
Indianapolis Colts
Catching passes when Peyton Manning isn’t quarterback it’s a whole different deal, says Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star.
I’m late to this one: The Colts have many voices, but who has the final says, asks Bob Kravitz of the Star.
All four quarterbacks will have a role in Tampa Bay, says Chappell.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars' floundering offense didn’t stack up in a loss to the Saints, says Vito Stellino of the Times-Union. Jacksonville has scored 39 points in four games.
Second-half blitzes took their toll on Blaine Gabbert, says Tania Ganguli of the T-U.
Matt Turk switched to rugby-style punts, says Ganguli.
The Jaguars have to let Gabbert bear the burden of life as a rookie quarterback even if it means temporary failure, says Gene Frenette of the T-U.
Fewer carries didn’t limit Maurice Jones-Drew’s impact, says Garry Smits of the T-U.
Did the Jaguars' defense play well enough to win, asks Smits.
Frenette’s grades.
Stellino and Ganguli discuss the game. (Video.)
What’s with the wrong way signs, asks Andre Das of The Fifth Down Blog.
Jones-Drew urges people not to pick at Gabbert, says John Oehser of Jaguars.com.
Tennessee Titans
The offense came, and came quickly, from a variety of places, says Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean.
The low-profile Titans raised hope with their third consecutive win, says David Climer of The Tennessean.
Chris Johnson showed glimpses of good, says Wyatt.
The defense allowed yards, but not points, says Climer.
The Titans' tight ends tormented the Browns, says Wyatt.
Wyatt’s report card.
Houston Texans
It was a physical, old-fashioned football game and the Texans came out on top, says John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.
Down the stretch, they made winning play after winning play. They were the tougher team, the better team, the team with more poise and resolve, writes Richard Justice of the Houston Chronicle.
Beating the Steelers showed the Texans won’t be pushed around anymore, says Mike Freeman of CBSSports.com.
In a starting role, cornerback Jason Allen finished the game off with an interception, says McClain.
Arian Foster carried the load, says Dale Robertson of the Chronicle.
Andre Johnson has a strained right hamstring, says McClain.
The Texans’ defense made a big statement, says Jeffrey Martin of the Chronicle.
Indianapolis Colts
Catching passes when Peyton Manning isn’t quarterback it’s a whole different deal, says Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star.
I’m late to this one: The Colts have many voices, but who has the final says, asks Bob Kravitz of the Star.
All four quarterbacks will have a role in Tampa Bay, says Chappell.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars' floundering offense didn’t stack up in a loss to the Saints, says Vito Stellino of the Times-Union. Jacksonville has scored 39 points in four games.
Second-half blitzes took their toll on Blaine Gabbert, says Tania Ganguli of the T-U.
Matt Turk switched to rugby-style punts, says Ganguli.
The Jaguars have to let Gabbert bear the burden of life as a rookie quarterback even if it means temporary failure, says Gene Frenette of the T-U.
Fewer carries didn’t limit Maurice Jones-Drew’s impact, says Garry Smits of the T-U.
Did the Jaguars' defense play well enough to win, asks Smits.
Frenette’s grades.
Stellino and Ganguli discuss the game. (Video.)
What’s with the wrong way signs, asks Andre Das of The Fifth Down Blog.
Jones-Drew urges people not to pick at Gabbert, says John Oehser of Jaguars.com.
Tennessee Titans
The offense came, and came quickly, from a variety of places, says Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean.
The low-profile Titans raised hope with their third consecutive win, says David Climer of The Tennessean.
Chris Johnson showed glimpses of good, says Wyatt.
The defense allowed yards, but not points, says Climer.
The Titans' tight ends tormented the Browns, says Wyatt.
Wyatt’s report card.
Allen in for Jackson at left CB for Texans
October, 2, 2011
10/02/11
11:48
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
HOUSTON -- Kareem Jackson is out with a knee injury for the Texans’ game against the Steelers, replaced in the starting lineup at left cornerback by Jason Allen.
Jackson struggled through his rookie year but held on to his starting spot through the preseason despite a strong challenge from Allen.
The Texans' secondary was picked apart in second half by Drew Brees last week in New Orleans in a loss to the Saints. Jackson was not good, but plenty of other defenders were victimized as well.
Allen will line up across from speedy receiver Mike Wallace, and should get significant safety help.
The banged up Steelers are down four starters -- defensive end Brett Keisel, left cornerback Bryant McFadden, left tackle Jonathan Scott and right guard Doug Legursky are all out.
The Texans' defensive front will be attacking an offensive line with two subs -- left tackle Trai Essex and right guard Ramon Foster.
The complete list of inactives:
Texans
Steelers
Jackson struggled through his rookie year but held on to his starting spot through the preseason despite a strong challenge from Allen.
The Texans' secondary was picked apart in second half by Drew Brees last week in New Orleans in a loss to the Saints. Jackson was not good, but plenty of other defenders were victimized as well.
Allen will line up across from speedy receiver Mike Wallace, and should get significant safety help.
The banged up Steelers are down four starters -- defensive end Brett Keisel, left cornerback Bryant McFadden, left tackle Jonathan Scott and right guard Doug Legursky are all out.
The Texans' defensive front will be attacking an offensive line with two subs -- left tackle Trai Essex and right guard Ramon Foster.
The complete list of inactives:
Texans
- QB T.J. Yates
- WR David Anderson
- CB Sherrick McManis
- CB Kareem Jackson
- RB Derrick Ward
- G Thomas Austin
- T Andrew Gardner
Steelers
- QB Dennis Dixon
- CB Bryant McFadden
- RB Jonathan Dwyer
- LB Chris Carter
- OL Doug Legursky
- OT Jonathan Scott
- DE Brett Keisel
Football Outsiders on Houston's defense
September, 30, 2011
9/30/11
2:46
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Rivers McCown of Football Outsiders says the Saints did well to take advantage of a Texans’ weak spot last week.
Here's a piece of his review:
McCown’s conclusion: The Texans are better defensively, but they are not going to be good enough to stand up to a high-powered offense in the playoffs.
I tend to agree. But let’s not call the Saints’ plan a blueprint for beating Houston. You have to have the kind of people New Orleans has to beat the Texans that way. As McCown says, Atlanta may be able to follow suit. But a lot of teams simply don’t have that personnel.
Here's a piece of his review:
[Wade] Phillips has primarily left [Johnathan] Joseph on the left side (offense's right side) of the line of scrimmage. While we don't have accurate coverage numbers from our game charting project just yet, the directional splits tell us that opposing offenses have completed just 47 percent of their passes against the right side on Houston, gaining just 4.1 yards per attempt.
To the middle and the left? It's not quite so rosy, as 64.8 percent of passes are being completed to those areas of the field, with opposing offenses gaining 10.5 yards per attempt. The Texans have made due with journeyman Jason Allen and former first-rounder Kareem Jackson splitting time in base sets on the left side, with safety Glover Quin moving over to cover the slot in the nickel and Troy Nolan taking Quin's normal spot next to [Danieal] Manning. All four of those are holdovers from last season, and while Quin has taken to safety fairly well, the rest of them have shown little improvement from the performances they gave as part of one of the worst pass defenses in the modern era. The more of them an offense can get on the field, the better its chances of completing a pass are.
However, there are some silver linings for the Texans' pass defense after that performance. One is that after the Saints, the only team on the Texans' schedule that can throw anywhere near the same depth of offensive weapons at them is Atlanta.
McCown’s conclusion: The Texans are better defensively, but they are not going to be good enough to stand up to a high-powered offense in the playoffs.
I tend to agree. But let’s not call the Saints’ plan a blueprint for beating Houston. You have to have the kind of people New Orleans has to beat the Texans that way. As McCown says, Atlanta may be able to follow suit. But a lot of teams simply don’t have that personnel.
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.
