AFC South: Jeff Garcia
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's Yates: 'We were just being safe'
January, 1, 2012
Jan 1
5:41
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
HOUSTON -- T.J. Yates and Gary Kubiak brought clarity to the quarterback’s health situation after the Titans’ 23-22 win over the Texans at Reliant Stadium Sunday.
Yates said he has no doubts he will be able to play next week in the franchise’s first playoff game and that he hoped to be a full-go from the start of the practice week.
“I feel good, I just dinged up the left shoulder a little bit, I fell on it on that first play,” said Yates, who’s right handed. “Everything was fine after that. We wanted to make sure that we didn’t do anything futher to it and we were just being safe.”
He said an X-ray showed everything was good.
The Texans made no official announcement on Yates during the game when it’s customary to share what body part is in question and the likelihood of a return. They did say he could have come back if he was needed. Yates said there was no plan prior to the game for him not to play all the way.
Jake Delhomme replaced him and finished the game, though if Delhomme had been knocked out Kubiak would have had to turn back to Yates. Third-string quarterback Jeff Garcia was a healthy inactive and the team’s emergency quarterback, tight end Owen Daniels, didn't dress either.
Starter Matt Schaub (Nov. 13) and Matt Leinart (Nov. 27) suffered season-ending injuries earlier this season.
In a halftime interview during the regular season finale, Kubiak said Yates was still being evaluated -- though Yates spent his time after returning from the locker room in a baseball cap, chatting with teammates and listening in to coaches. There was no continuing interaction with medical personnel.
I guess evaluation doesn’t have to be an active process.
“I have a hard time telling you exactly what happened,” Kubiak said. “He’s got a bruised shoulder at this moment. He’s being evaluated, will be evaluated this evening. We’ll get some pictures of it this evening and I’ll know more tomorrow. He could have gone back in the game. Obviously I didn’t want him to go back in the game. We’ll know better where we’re at tomorrow at this point.”
The Texans got an inaccurate read of Schaub’s injury at Tampa Bay on Nov. 13 and it’s apparently made them wary of assessing injuries to key people.
The team’s stance that a larger degree of real-time injury analysis is not possible is, of course, nonsense. It happens all around the league every Sunday. To suggest it can’t happen in Houston is insulting to the medical staff, the trainers and team sponsor, The Methodist Hospital System.
The bigger issue, obviously: Texans fans should be relieved that Yates said he's is in line to be fine.
Yates said he has no doubts he will be able to play next week in the franchise’s first playoff game and that he hoped to be a full-go from the start of the practice week.
“I feel good, I just dinged up the left shoulder a little bit, I fell on it on that first play,” said Yates, who’s right handed. “Everything was fine after that. We wanted to make sure that we didn’t do anything futher to it and we were just being safe.”
He said an X-ray showed everything was good.
The Texans made no official announcement on Yates during the game when it’s customary to share what body part is in question and the likelihood of a return. They did say he could have come back if he was needed. Yates said there was no plan prior to the game for him not to play all the way.
Jake Delhomme replaced him and finished the game, though if Delhomme had been knocked out Kubiak would have had to turn back to Yates. Third-string quarterback Jeff Garcia was a healthy inactive and the team’s emergency quarterback, tight end Owen Daniels, didn't dress either.
Starter Matt Schaub (Nov. 13) and Matt Leinart (Nov. 27) suffered season-ending injuries earlier this season.
In a halftime interview during the regular season finale, Kubiak said Yates was still being evaluated -- though Yates spent his time after returning from the locker room in a baseball cap, chatting with teammates and listening in to coaches. There was no continuing interaction with medical personnel.
I guess evaluation doesn’t have to be an active process.
“I have a hard time telling you exactly what happened,” Kubiak said. “He’s got a bruised shoulder at this moment. He’s being evaluated, will be evaluated this evening. We’ll get some pictures of it this evening and I’ll know more tomorrow. He could have gone back in the game. Obviously I didn’t want him to go back in the game. We’ll know better where we’re at tomorrow at this point.”
The Texans got an inaccurate read of Schaub’s injury at Tampa Bay on Nov. 13 and it’s apparently made them wary of assessing injuries to key people.
The team’s stance that a larger degree of real-time injury analysis is not possible is, of course, nonsense. It happens all around the league every Sunday. To suggest it can’t happen in Houston is insulting to the medical staff, the trainers and team sponsor, The Methodist Hospital System.
The bigger issue, obviously: Texans fans should be relieved that Yates said he's is in line to be fine.
HOUSTON -- Quarterback T.J. Yates is back on the Texans’ sideline, but he’s wearing a baseball cap and was chatting with Matt Leinart as Jake Delhomme took the field for a second series for the Texans.
The Texans have not said what the injury is that briefly sent Yates to the locker room.
Houston's third quarterback, Jeff Garcia, is inactive. The Texans' emergency quarterback, tight end Owen Daniels, is also inactive.
Meanwhile the Titans are thinning out at receiver. Damian Williams is out and has been taken to the locker room. We don't know what that injury is yet, either.
The Texans have not said what the injury is that briefly sent Yates to the locker room.
Houston's third quarterback, Jeff Garcia, is inactive. The Texans' emergency quarterback, tight end Owen Daniels, is also inactive.
Meanwhile the Titans are thinning out at receiver. Damian Williams is out and has been taken to the locker room. We don't know what that injury is yet, either.
RTC: Peyton Manning will fail physical
December, 21, 2011
12/21/11
10:25
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Reading the coverage …
Houston Texans
As he prepares to face his former team, Colts quarterback Dan Orlovsky is proud of what the Texans have done, says Jeffrey Martin of the Houston Chronicle.
The Texans should lean heavily on the run to get on track in Indianapolis, says John McClain of the Chronicle.
Andre Johnson is out for Thursday night’s game in Indianapolis and Owen Daniels might be too, says McClain.
Shaun Cody put on an excellent production exploring the old age of Jeff Garcia and Jake Delhomme.
Indianapolis Colts
Bill Polian says Peyton Manning will fail his physical after the season and then be in line to continue his rehabilitation with the team, writes Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star.
Things are a lot different since the Colts played Houston on opening day, say Phil Richards and Chappell.
Football Outsiders says the Colts have an 89.8 percent chance of drafting first overall.
One-time Colts tight end Ben Utecht is experiencing memory loss, says Erik Brady of USA Today.
Jacksonville Jaguars
In his 12th season and at 34 years old, center Brad Meester wants to return and be part of a Jaguars turnaround, says Vito Stellino of the Florida Times-Union.
Gene Frenette of the T-U offers a review of Shahid Khan’s podcast with Peter King of Sports Illustrated.
The Jaguars put another defensive back on injured reserve, says Tania Ganguli of the T-U. Does safety Darcel McBath qualify as part of the injury trend when he didn't have a real role and just joined the team last week?
John Oehser of jaguars.com expects the Jaguars to become more of a passing team.
Tennessee Titans
This should have been the Titans' time, writes David Boclair of The City Paper. If Pacman Jones and Vince Young panned out and were in their prime, at worst Tennessee would be right there with Houston in the AFC South.
Matt Hasselbeck practiced and Chris Johnson rested on Tuesday, says Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean.
Pressuring Blaine Gabbert is one of the keys for the Titans on Saturday, says John Glennon of The Tennessean.
Houston Texans
As he prepares to face his former team, Colts quarterback Dan Orlovsky is proud of what the Texans have done, says Jeffrey Martin of the Houston Chronicle.
The Texans should lean heavily on the run to get on track in Indianapolis, says John McClain of the Chronicle.
Andre Johnson is out for Thursday night’s game in Indianapolis and Owen Daniels might be too, says McClain.
Shaun Cody put on an excellent production exploring the old age of Jeff Garcia and Jake Delhomme.
Indianapolis Colts
Bill Polian says Peyton Manning will fail his physical after the season and then be in line to continue his rehabilitation with the team, writes Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star.
Things are a lot different since the Colts played Houston on opening day, say Phil Richards and Chappell.
Football Outsiders says the Colts have an 89.8 percent chance of drafting first overall.
One-time Colts tight end Ben Utecht is experiencing memory loss, says Erik Brady of USA Today.
Jacksonville Jaguars
In his 12th season and at 34 years old, center Brad Meester wants to return and be part of a Jaguars turnaround, says Vito Stellino of the Florida Times-Union.
Gene Frenette of the T-U offers a review of Shahid Khan’s podcast with Peter King of Sports Illustrated.
The Jaguars put another defensive back on injured reserve, says Tania Ganguli of the T-U. Does safety Darcel McBath qualify as part of the injury trend when he didn't have a real role and just joined the team last week?
John Oehser of jaguars.com expects the Jaguars to become more of a passing team.
Tennessee Titans
This should have been the Titans' time, writes David Boclair of The City Paper. If Pacman Jones and Vince Young panned out and were in their prime, at worst Tennessee would be right there with Houston in the AFC South.
Matt Hasselbeck practiced and Chris Johnson rested on Tuesday, says Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean.
Pressuring Blaine Gabbert is one of the keys for the Titans on Saturday, says John Glennon of The Tennessean.
McCourty won't be in Titans' secondary
December, 11, 2011
12/11/11
12:09
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Greetings from LP Field, where the Titans will try to slow the Saints today minus starting cornerback Jason McCourty.
McCourty’s recovering from a concussion suffered last week in the win over Buffalo.
Alterraun Verner has been part of the nickel package and will start. That’s not a huge drop off. But now undrafted rookie Chris Hawkins from LSU will come in as an outside corner in nickel.
If I’m the Saints I look to test Hawkins early and often.
New Orleans is without defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis. Tim Johnson will start in his place.
A note from the three other teams of the AFC South:
The full list from Saints-Titans.
Titans:
Saints:
McCourty’s recovering from a concussion suffered last week in the win over Buffalo.
Alterraun Verner has been part of the nickel package and will start. That’s not a huge drop off. But now undrafted rookie Chris Hawkins from LSU will come in as an outside corner in nickel.
If I’m the Saints I look to test Hawkins early and often.
New Orleans is without defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis. Tim Johnson will start in his place.
A note from the three other teams of the AFC South:
- Rookie Chris Prosinski is starting in place of Dwight Lowery at safety, with Lowery out.
- Chris Rucker and Jacob Lacey are the starting corners for the Colts, with Mike Pollak starting at left guard for the inured Joe Reitz.
- Jake Delhomme is active as the Texans backup quarterback behind T.J. Yates. Jeff Garcia is inactive.
The full list from Saints-Titans.
Titans:
- QB Rusty Smith
- CB Jason McCourty
- LB Barrett Ruud
- LB Patrick Bailey
- C Kevin Matthews
- T Byron Stingily
- DT Zach Clayton
Saints:
- CB Leigh Torrence
- RB Mark Ingram
- LB Jonathan Casillas
- T William Robinson
- WR Adrian Arrington
- DE Turk McBride
- DT Sedrick Ellis
RTC: Jones-Drew a 'ball of butcher knives'
December, 11, 2011
12/11/11
8:59
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Reading the coverage ...
Houston Texans
Texans quarterback coach Greg Knapp has had five different guys under his tutelage this season, writes Jeffrey Martin of the Houston Chronicle. The newest one, Jeff Garcia, has worked with Knapp before. In my dealings with Knapp and in talking to people about him, he’s very organized, thorough and meticulous and he’s not going to waver much even as the composition of his room has changed so dramatically.
Indianapolis Colts
The Ravens are tough and relentless and poised to pounce at the first sign of weakness, writes Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star. The Colts have won nine of 11 matchups against the Ravens and fared well in Baltimore. But the teams that face off today measure up far differently heading into the game.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Opposing coaches have categorized Maurice Jones-Drew as a “rolling ball of butcher knives” and the work he’s doing is especially notable when put in the context of an ineffective Jaguars offense, writes Vito Stellino of the Times-Union. MJD’s optimism about the Jaguars' ultimate direction is another big thing the team has going for it.
Tennessee Titans
Nate Washington’s been the Titans' first option on third down, writes John Glennon of The Tennessean. Washington leads the NFL in third-down receptions, which shows what sort of faith Matt Hasselbeck has in him. This has been an important, productive season for Washington. I think he’s matured a great deal.
Houston Texans
Texans quarterback coach Greg Knapp has had five different guys under his tutelage this season, writes Jeffrey Martin of the Houston Chronicle. The newest one, Jeff Garcia, has worked with Knapp before. In my dealings with Knapp and in talking to people about him, he’s very organized, thorough and meticulous and he’s not going to waver much even as the composition of his room has changed so dramatically.
Indianapolis Colts
The Ravens are tough and relentless and poised to pounce at the first sign of weakness, writes Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star. The Colts have won nine of 11 matchups against the Ravens and fared well in Baltimore. But the teams that face off today measure up far differently heading into the game.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Opposing coaches have categorized Maurice Jones-Drew as a “rolling ball of butcher knives” and the work he’s doing is especially notable when put in the context of an ineffective Jaguars offense, writes Vito Stellino of the Times-Union. MJD’s optimism about the Jaguars' ultimate direction is another big thing the team has going for it.
Tennessee Titans
Nate Washington’s been the Titans' first option on third down, writes John Glennon of The Tennessean. Washington leads the NFL in third-down receptions, which shows what sort of faith Matt Hasselbeck has in him. This has been an important, productive season for Washington. I think he’s matured a great deal.Mailbag: Once around the AFC South
December, 10, 2011
12/10/11
8:30
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Matt from Berkeley, CA writes: If Maurice Jones-Drew wins the NFL rushing title this year with how bad the Jags passing game is, his career definitively jumps into HoF consideration. How many snaps has he run into the teeth of 8 and 9 man fronts? Imagine what MJD could do on a prolific, no scratch that, even an average passing team. The HoF is for special players whose skill breaks the game, and I think MoJo is showing us this season that is exactly the kind of player he is. How bad the Jags are shows how good MoJo truly is, because we can see how he plays when EVERYONE is trying to stop HIM. Of course, he will need to keep it up a few more seasons and finish strong with a long and productive career, but I feel every bit as certain I'm watching a HoF caliber player when I watch him every bit as much as when I watch Brady or Manning.
Paul Kuharsky: Easy, Killer.
He’s a great back. But you have to be super-great to threaten the Hall of Fame from a team that hasn’t been to or won a Super Bowl or even been in the playoffs more often than not. We need time to judge, and to me the biggest question for the Hall of Fame is, was he the best player or one of the best players at his position during his time and among his contemporaries?
In 2009 and 2010, MJD wasn’t even the best back in his division. He’s still writing his resume, but I think Fred Taylor is going to have a tough time getting in the Hall of Fame. And MJD will have to more than double his career rushing yardage to catch Taylor in that category.
Jack Peters from Denton, TX writes: I seem to have heard somewhere that Peyton Manning's $28 million is due before the official opening of the 2012 season, and so he can't be traded until after that payment has been made (which I believe is a bonus rather than base salary). Does that mean that the Colts would be on the hook for Manning's $28 million even if they trade him once the 2012 season officially opens? Or is the only way to avoid it if Manning agrees to re-structure so that the payment is due after the 2012 season begins? Also, do you think that since Andrew Luck has a year of college eligibility that he could threaten to go back to school if the Colts don't trade Manning before he has to declare for the draft so that he wouldn't have to sit behind Manning for potentially 3 or 4 years (like Aaron Rogers did) if Manning comes back healthy.
Paul Kuharsky: Yes, the bonus is due before the new league year starts. So if the timetable is not adjusted, he can’t be traded until after it’s paid. And all of it would then be accelerated to go onto the 2012 cap if he were dealt.
I don’t expect Luck to make a power play, but I don’t expect any team would plan to sit him for more than a year. Rodgers was a major exception, not an example of how to operate. He also came into the league with a lot more work needed than Luck will come in needing,
Stu from Austin, TX writes: Using ESPN as background noise for studying for finals, I have continually heard the talking heads on SportsCenter, NFL Live and then PTI talk about the signing of Jeff Garcia, usually along the lines of Yates not being the starter for long. Do these guys really think two over the hill QBs offer the Texans a better chance to win this season than Yates? I understand the security blanket that two veteran playoff game starting QBs offer, but did anyone at ESPN watch the Texans game last week? It’s kind of hard to say T.J. Yates played any worse than Matt Ryan did.
Paul Kuharsky: Yates played pretty well and showed a lot of upside.
It’s not uncommon for national pundits to see a team, which lost its top two quarterbacks, turn to a rookie they don’t know and think that team would be better off with a veteran they are/were familiar with.
But it’s Yates’ team. If the Texans wind up playing a fourth-string quarterback, it’ll be worse, not better, I expect.
Gary Marsh in Nashville writes: My question is around Jason Babin, how much did he get when he signed with Philly? What are your thoughts around the Titans losing him? My thought is they should be kicking themselves, since they are a team that is struggling to get the sacks...Now, I guess if I rewind to my thoughts of Jason Babin at the end of the year, I think maybe he was a 1 hit wonder...and fits nicely with Jim Washburn and might not have worked out with Tracy Rocker, but mere speculation at this point.
Paul Kuharsky: The Titans wanted to go bigger and didn’t think Babin was worth big money after paying him $1 million as a reclamation project in 2010.
He got a five-year, $28 million deal from the Eagles. But the important numbers are -- a $5 million bonus and $1 million base salary in 2011. He’s scheduled to earn a $5 million base next year.
Would the Titans kill for his pass rush production right now? Sure. Would they be getting it out of their altered system? Hard to say. I’d be more angry over the team’s dependence on guys who haven’t produced (Jason Jones, Derrick Morgan) or panned out (William Hayes) than on its decision not to pursue Babin.
Michael Ivey from Jasper, TX writes: You use 10,000 words on how Tenn can win the AFC South. For the Texans to win the AFC South this week you use four words. A little weak, you must have been on your way out!!
Paul Kuharsky: For a team to have to do far less is far better. You’re making the mistake of suggesting more words somehow mean more. Of course it doesn’t in this instance. (If you were serious.)
Paul Kuharsky: Easy, Killer.
He’s a great back. But you have to be super-great to threaten the Hall of Fame from a team that hasn’t been to or won a Super Bowl or even been in the playoffs more often than not. We need time to judge, and to me the biggest question for the Hall of Fame is, was he the best player or one of the best players at his position during his time and among his contemporaries?
In 2009 and 2010, MJD wasn’t even the best back in his division. He’s still writing his resume, but I think Fred Taylor is going to have a tough time getting in the Hall of Fame. And MJD will have to more than double his career rushing yardage to catch Taylor in that category.
Jack Peters from Denton, TX writes: I seem to have heard somewhere that Peyton Manning's $28 million is due before the official opening of the 2012 season, and so he can't be traded until after that payment has been made (which I believe is a bonus rather than base salary). Does that mean that the Colts would be on the hook for Manning's $28 million even if they trade him once the 2012 season officially opens? Or is the only way to avoid it if Manning agrees to re-structure so that the payment is due after the 2012 season begins? Also, do you think that since Andrew Luck has a year of college eligibility that he could threaten to go back to school if the Colts don't trade Manning before he has to declare for the draft so that he wouldn't have to sit behind Manning for potentially 3 or 4 years (like Aaron Rogers did) if Manning comes back healthy.
Paul Kuharsky: Yes, the bonus is due before the new league year starts. So if the timetable is not adjusted, he can’t be traded until after it’s paid. And all of it would then be accelerated to go onto the 2012 cap if he were dealt.
I don’t expect Luck to make a power play, but I don’t expect any team would plan to sit him for more than a year. Rodgers was a major exception, not an example of how to operate. He also came into the league with a lot more work needed than Luck will come in needing,
Stu from Austin, TX writes: Using ESPN as background noise for studying for finals, I have continually heard the talking heads on SportsCenter, NFL Live and then PTI talk about the signing of Jeff Garcia, usually along the lines of Yates not being the starter for long. Do these guys really think two over the hill QBs offer the Texans a better chance to win this season than Yates? I understand the security blanket that two veteran playoff game starting QBs offer, but did anyone at ESPN watch the Texans game last week? It’s kind of hard to say T.J. Yates played any worse than Matt Ryan did.
Paul Kuharsky: Yates played pretty well and showed a lot of upside.
It’s not uncommon for national pundits to see a team, which lost its top two quarterbacks, turn to a rookie they don’t know and think that team would be better off with a veteran they are/were familiar with.
But it’s Yates’ team. If the Texans wind up playing a fourth-string quarterback, it’ll be worse, not better, I expect.
Gary Marsh in Nashville writes: My question is around Jason Babin, how much did he get when he signed with Philly? What are your thoughts around the Titans losing him? My thought is they should be kicking themselves, since they are a team that is struggling to get the sacks...Now, I guess if I rewind to my thoughts of Jason Babin at the end of the year, I think maybe he was a 1 hit wonder...and fits nicely with Jim Washburn and might not have worked out with Tracy Rocker, but mere speculation at this point.
Paul Kuharsky: The Titans wanted to go bigger and didn’t think Babin was worth big money after paying him $1 million as a reclamation project in 2010.
He got a five-year, $28 million deal from the Eagles. But the important numbers are -- a $5 million bonus and $1 million base salary in 2011. He’s scheduled to earn a $5 million base next year.
Would the Titans kill for his pass rush production right now? Sure. Would they be getting it out of their altered system? Hard to say. I’d be more angry over the team’s dependence on guys who haven’t produced (Jason Jones, Derrick Morgan) or panned out (William Hayes) than on its decision not to pursue Babin.
Michael Ivey from Jasper, TX writes: You use 10,000 words on how Tenn can win the AFC South. For the Texans to win the AFC South this week you use four words. A little weak, you must have been on your way out!!
Paul Kuharsky: For a team to have to do far less is far better. You’re making the mistake of suggesting more words somehow mean more. Of course it doesn’t in this instance. (If you were serious.)
RTC: Jags have to find pass pressure
December, 8, 2011
12/08/11
7:29
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Reading the coverage …
Houston Texans
Jeff Garcia said he hadn’t totally checked out, but he wasn’t throwing every other day either when the Texans called, writes Jeffrey Martin of the Houston Chronicle. I have no idea what he has left. But if something happens to T.J. Yates and the Texans have to play a fourth quarterback, he or Jake Delhomme is probably as good an alternative as can be found.
Indianapolis Colts
Baltimore’s old guard will never forget the way the Colts sneaked out of town, and certainly is enjoying Indianapolis’ struggle this season, says Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star. I can understand why that scar is still there for people who were dedicated to a team that bolted.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Philip Rivers was too comfortable in the pocket in San Diego’s win over the Jaguars Monday night, writes Vito Stellino of the Times-Union. To give their inexperienced cornerbacks a chance, the Jaguars simply have to find a way to pressure the quarterback better.
Tennessee Titans
Quarterbacks Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady are all in position to threaten Dan Marino’s record for single-season passing yards, says Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean. As the Titans prepare for Brees and the Saints, Wyatt looks at what’s created so many passing yards.
Houston Texans
Jeff Garcia said he hadn’t totally checked out, but he wasn’t throwing every other day either when the Texans called, writes Jeffrey Martin of the Houston Chronicle. I have no idea what he has left. But if something happens to T.J. Yates and the Texans have to play a fourth quarterback, he or Jake Delhomme is probably as good an alternative as can be found.
Indianapolis Colts
Baltimore’s old guard will never forget the way the Colts sneaked out of town, and certainly is enjoying Indianapolis’ struggle this season, says Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star. I can understand why that scar is still there for people who were dedicated to a team that bolted.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Philip Rivers was too comfortable in the pocket in San Diego’s win over the Jaguars Monday night, writes Vito Stellino of the Times-Union. To give their inexperienced cornerbacks a chance, the Jaguars simply have to find a way to pressure the quarterback better.
Tennessee Titans
Quarterbacks Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady are all in position to threaten Dan Marino’s record for single-season passing yards, says Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean. As the Titans prepare for Brees and the Saints, Wyatt looks at what’s created so many passing yards.RTC: Archie chimes in on Colts' QBs
December, 7, 2011
12/07/11
8:13
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Reading the coverage ...
Houston Texans
The Texans looked to bolster the roster, adding quarterback Jeff Garcia and punter Matt Turk, says Jeffrey Martin of the Houston Chronicle.
With their run game and defense, the Texans are built to excel at crunch time, says John McClain of the Chronicle.
Indianapolis Colts
Archie Manning doesn’t believe the Colts having both Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck on the roster would make sense, says Mike Chappell.
Tuesday’s roster moves included putting rookie defensive tackle Drake Nevis on injured reserve, says Phillip B. Wilson.
The Colts’ magic number for clinching the No. 1 pick is three, says Phil Richards.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Shahid Khan is one step closer to owning the Jaguars, reports Vito Stellino of the Times-Union.
Mark Woods of the T-U chronicles his night as a water boy for the Jaguars.
The NFL rushing title wouldn’t mean much to Maurice Jones-Drew says Tania Ganguli.
The Jaguars should not take another quarterback in the draft, says Adam Stites of Big Cat Country.
Tennessee Titans
Chris Johnson is running like the back we’ve seen in the past and has more than 40 percent of his yards for the season in the last two games, says David Climer of The Tennessean.
The Titans got approval for LP Field improvements that will be in place for the 2012 season, says Michael Cass of The Tennessean.
Houston Texans
The Texans looked to bolster the roster, adding quarterback Jeff Garcia and punter Matt Turk, says Jeffrey Martin of the Houston Chronicle.
With their run game and defense, the Texans are built to excel at crunch time, says John McClain of the Chronicle.
Indianapolis Colts
Archie Manning doesn’t believe the Colts having both Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck on the roster would make sense, says Mike Chappell.
Tuesday’s roster moves included putting rookie defensive tackle Drake Nevis on injured reserve, says Phillip B. Wilson.
The Colts’ magic number for clinching the No. 1 pick is three, says Phil Richards.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Shahid Khan is one step closer to owning the Jaguars, reports Vito Stellino of the Times-Union.
Mark Woods of the T-U chronicles his night as a water boy for the Jaguars.
The NFL rushing title wouldn’t mean much to Maurice Jones-Drew says Tania Ganguli.
The Jaguars should not take another quarterback in the draft, says Adam Stites of Big Cat Country.
Tennessee Titans
Chris Johnson is running like the back we’ve seen in the past and has more than 40 percent of his yards for the season in the last two games, says David Climer of The Tennessean.
The Titans got approval for LP Field improvements that will be in place for the 2012 season, says Michael Cass of The Tennessean.
RTC: Titans feeling better about run game
November, 29, 2011
11/29/11
7:52
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Reading the coverage ...
Houston Texans
Jeff Garcia and Jake Delhomme are the primary candidates to be the quarterback the Texans add, writes John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. But the newcomer will compete to be the backup to T.J. Yates at the start.
Andre Johnson might not be as big a factor going forward as many of us think, says Lance Zierlein of the Chronicle’s blogs.
Indianapolis Colts
Will the Patriots' general dislike of the Colts prompt them to run up the score on Sunday if they have the chance? Mike Chappell examines the idea while discussing the opening 21-point spread.
Bill Polian disputed a report that Peyton Manning’s future is grim, says Phil Richards of the Star. Talking about Marvin Harrison Sunday, Manning indicated he’d have a checkup and an update this week.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Wayne Weaver showed how patient he can be again on Monday, when a coaching change some expected did not materialize, writes Vito Stellino of the Times-Union. “(Jack Del Rio) is the only coach in NFL history to fail to win a division title in his first nine seasons.”
The entire passing offense needs to be addressed; it’s not going to be solved by adding one receiver, says John Oehser of jaguars.com.
Tennessee Titans
Mike Munchak isn’t ready to declare the run game fixed, but he likes the direction it’s heading, writes Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean. The Titans’ next three opponents don’t defend the run well.
The Titans have to worry about winning their games, not the Texans’ quarterback issues, Munchak said. Wyatt's story.
Houston Texans
Jeff Garcia and Jake Delhomme are the primary candidates to be the quarterback the Texans add, writes John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. But the newcomer will compete to be the backup to T.J. Yates at the start.
Andre Johnson might not be as big a factor going forward as many of us think, says Lance Zierlein of the Chronicle’s blogs.
Indianapolis Colts
Will the Patriots' general dislike of the Colts prompt them to run up the score on Sunday if they have the chance? Mike Chappell examines the idea while discussing the opening 21-point spread.
Bill Polian disputed a report that Peyton Manning’s future is grim, says Phil Richards of the Star. Talking about Marvin Harrison Sunday, Manning indicated he’d have a checkup and an update this week.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Wayne Weaver showed how patient he can be again on Monday, when a coaching change some expected did not materialize, writes Vito Stellino of the Times-Union. “(Jack Del Rio) is the only coach in NFL history to fail to win a division title in his first nine seasons.”
The entire passing offense needs to be addressed; it’s not going to be solved by adding one receiver, says John Oehser of jaguars.com.
Tennessee Titans
Mike Munchak isn’t ready to declare the run game fixed, but he likes the direction it’s heading, writes Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean. The Titans’ next three opponents don’t defend the run well.
The Titans have to worry about winning their games, not the Texans’ quarterback issues, Munchak said. Wyatt's story.
Chat recap: Recognizable doesn't mean good
March, 6, 2009
3/06/09
9:00
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky
It came up over and over in Thursday's chat, I get it a lot in the mailbag and it's a constant caller complaint on the radio.
A lot of fans seem obsessed with big names.
As in, 'Big Name X has been cut, will my team sign him, we really should sign him, he would fix everything and he's a big name.'
Here's a sampling of how we addressed it in our usual 3-4 p.m. Thursday slot:
Brandon West Orange, NJ: Hey do you think there is any chance of th Tennesee titans picking up any top notch WRs i know they got Washington, but it seems they should have a lot of cap space maybe T.O.?
Paul Kuharsky: There are no top-notch WRs out there, including T.O. Don't get carried away with name recognition.
Is that really the most important thing? That they have new guys you've heard of? Or do you trust them to find guys you'll love like KVB and Bironas and Tony Brown who you'd never heard of?
And later:
Jeff (Philadelphia, PA): Paul: With the Eagles only losing players lately, will they actually sign any big names to help their offense, and McNabb, this year?
Paul Kuharsky: Again the obsession with big names. The most important thing to the Eagles should not be that you are intimately familiar with who they sign. How much did you know about Runyan when they brought him in? He turned out OK, no?
I apologize if my replies came across as a little testy -- you can see the theme struck a nerve.
Sure, there are times when signing a star is a great move. But one of the best things about the league is how big-time players emerge. Look at homegrown studs like Robert Mathis and Owen Daniels, or smart additions who panned out big like Kyle Vanden Bosch [the aforementioned KVB]. Were you wild about those additions? I doubt it. Did they draw big headlines or lead "SportsCenter" or throw popcorn into their facemask? No. But do you love those guys now? I suspect so.
All I am saying, is give teams a chance.
Big names aren't a cure all. Look how tentative the league is being with Marvin Harrison, with Chris McAlister, with Mike Peterson, with Jeff Garcia. I'll bet it plays out similarly with Terrell Owens.
And there is nothing wrong with that.
Collins better than Warner? Over last 5 weeks, yes
December, 12, 2008
12/12/08
2:01
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Much has been made of Kerry Collins' role as a game manager for a run-based team.
When teams have stacked up and forced the Titans to throw more, he's done well, too. But his most notable stats for the season are lows, not highs -- he's thrown only six interceptions and been sacked seven times.
Look more closely at his body of work over the last five weeks, and I expect you will be surprised. He rates better than Jay Cutler, Philip Rivers, Kurt Warner, Chad Pennington and Eli Manning.
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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.
