AFC South: Jeremiah Johnson
Check here for a full list of Houston’s roster moves.
Biggest surprises: At times, the Texans touted running backs Jeremiah Johnson and Chris Henry. But they are both gone now, Johnson likely due at least in part to a toe injury. Veteran Derrick Ward gets the last running back spot, and the Texans will move forward with Arian Foster, Steve Slaton and Ward as they look for a big jump from their running game. Another player that got some early hype from Gary Kubiak, defensive tackle Malcolm Sheppard, didn’t stick.
No-brainers: Considering quality and draft status ahead of them, low-ranking depth chart guys were easy choices for the waiver wire: Receivers Bobby Williams and Derrick Townsel, offensive tackles Steve Maneri, Brett Helms and Cole Pemberton, defensive tackle Mitch Unrein, linebacker Will Patterson and cornerback Mark Parson. Perhaps we will see a few of them who did OK resurface on the practice squad.
What’s next: With the running back issue resolved, the Texans might not have too much waiver-wire surfing to do. They could upgrade over Jesse Nading at their final end spot. While they are quite young with their five cornerbacks, they seemed committed to them all, at least right now. While they put Kris Brown and Andre Davis on IR and Anthony Hill on PUP, they did not announce Brian Cushing is on the suspended-reserve list. So they might still be in line to gain one roster spot.
Evening notes from around division
Houston
- Jeremiah Johnson has a dislocated toe. The Texans worked out Derrick Ward and Justin Fargas and John McClain just tweeted the team is signing Ward.
- Gary Kubiak said the Texans will start off with two quarterbacks on the roster and that Dan Orlovsky is No. 2. Which means John David Booty is likely heading for the practice squad. The coach also confirmed that Jacques Reeves will be among the team’s cuts.
- Neil Rackers won the kicker job based on his kickoff abilities.
- Safety Dominique Barber (@34dombarber) tweeted that he’s made the roster.
- Jim Caldwell plans to meet with every player the Colts cut, says Phil Richards. Veterans who could be in jeopardy include Gijon Robinson, Keyunta Dawson and Adam Terry.
- I’ve seen not so much as a tidbit.
- Gerald McRath’s four-game suspension begins Saturday at 5 CT. He’s not allowed on the premises for a month after that.
- David Thornton will be placed on the physically unable to perform list and the Titans will be able to better evaluate his bad hip after six weeks, according to Jeff Fisher.
- Fisher said he will not contact cut players until Saturday.
For three years, they’ve been picked as a breakout team. In those three years, the Houston Texans went 25-23 with zero playoff appearances.
So why are the 2010 Texans going to be different? Why do they deserve that sort of faith yet again? What’s changed when the personnel alterations have been pretty minor?
“What’s different? Experience, togetherness,” Amobi Okoye said. “I feel like by the time we will kick off, we will have the full definition of team. If there was a meter of T-E-A-M, we are right at the halfway of M… By the time the season starts, we’re going to completely spell TEAM.”
Said Bernard Pollard, the feisty safety who didn’t arrive until a few games into last season: “We have so much more team chemistry. We know and understand what we are good at. We know and understand that we can’t step out of the box and have to play our game. We’re turning that corner.”
To finally get to the postseason, the Texans have to play more complete games. They have to play better in the red zone. Perhaps above all else, they have to play better in the AFC South, where they were just 1-5 last season.
Catching the Colts is a tall task. The Texans aspire to do it, but they also know there is a route to the playoffs without a division crown. They just have to drive it more smoothly.
THREE HOT ISSUES
Can the pass rush pick it up?
AP Photo/Rick ScuteriThe Texans need some pass-rushing help for star end Mario Williams.Connor Barwin should be opposite Williams on clear rush downs, and he might be the most improved player on defense. Inside, there are now alternatives to Okoye, who might just not be a good pass pressure guy. Rookie Earl Mitchell could wind up part of the nickel package along with Antonio Smith, who will shift inside to make room for Barwin.
Will the run game do its part?
Everyone is encouraged about the run game, but what’s changed? Second-round pick Ben Tate is lost with an injury. Guard Wade Smith was the only significant addition to the line, where interior issues were a big part of the problems. Offensive coordinator Rick Dennison is from the same school as predecessor Kyle Shanahan, and line coach John Benton learned under the departed Alex Gibbs.
“We have to get better running the football,” Andre Johnson said. “That helps win games, especially in the fourth quarter when you’re up and you want to kill the time, you have to go on those four-minute drives where you have to get those big fourth downs. We have to get better in that part of our offense.”
They are largely counting on young guys getting better, which begs the question: What if they don’t?
Are the supplementary pieces good enough?
AP Photo/Rick ScuteriHouston's stars, including Matt Schaub, match up with the best players on any NFL roster.Pollard and Eric Winston certainly fit the bill. Antonio Smith, Kevin Walter and Zac Diles might. That next level of player might be where this team is a little short, and it’s those kinds of guys who might well be the key to transforming a good team into a very good team.
And so we’re watching the likes of Quin, Barwin, Joel Dreessen, James Casey, Jacoby Jones and the offensive line beyond Winston, because they might wind up telling the story.
BIGGEST SURPRISE
Linebacker Darryl Sharpton: The Texans figured one of three veteran linebackers would be in the lineup during Cushing’s four-game suspension. But a combination of injuries and ineffectiveness has put Xavier Adibi, Danny Clark and Kevin Bentley on the backburner because rookie Darryl Sharpton's been such a consistent playmaker. He might be short, but he packs a good punch.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT
Injury to Ben Tate: As the Texans search for the right combination of running backs to help balance their offense, second-round pick Tate figured to be a key piece. But he was lost for the season with a serious ankle/leg injury in the preseason opener. That puts the load on Arian Foster, Steve Slaton and either Jeremiah Johnson, Chris Henry or a back not yet on the team.
OBSERVATION DECK
- The Texans are regarded by some as a finesse team, but the defense is emphasizing physicality. Cushing, Pollard, Smith, Jackson, Quin and Mitchell have all joined the team in the past two years and are physical players.
- Expect Foster to get first crack at the carries closest to the goal line as the Texans really concentrate on running better at close range. Johnson definitely could be heard from in the running game, too -- he might be the best fit for the one-cut and go zone scheme Houston uses.
- If Kris Brown and Neil Rackers continue to be virtually even in the kicker competition, it makes sense for the team to go with Rackers. Sometimes guys just need a change of scenery. If Brown stays and fails on a crucial long field goal on opening day against the Colts, the thinking will be, “Why didn’t they make a change?” If Rackers does the same thing, I’ll think, “At least they tried someone different.”[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Rick ScuteriKicker Neil Rackers has a chance to beat out incumbent Kris Brown. - Houston’s defensive tackles are quick, up-the-field types. But they’d sure love if their one big space-eater, Frank Okam, forced his way into action.
- The Texans want to get the ball in the hands of Jones since he averaged 16.2 yards a catch on his 27 receptions. But I am not so sure that means he’s going to nudge ahead of Walter for the No. 2 receiver job. Walter is smart and super reliable, and reliability is awfully important. Jones might displace Walter or get a share of snaps in two-wide formations, but look for Jones most in a heavy dose of three-wide formations.
- Troy Nolan might be a credible alternative to Eugene Wilson at free safety if Wilson gets hurt again. I’ve been critical of the team for not adding to the spot, but Nolan missed his rookie season with an injury and appears to be a high-caliber special-teamer.
- Daniels’ speed is a big part of what helped set him apart. When he returns soon from another ACL reconstruction, will he still have it in the same way? That's the big question with him.
- The offensive line is set with Duane Brown at left tackle, Chris Myers at center and Winston at right tackle. Guard jobs remain up for grabs. It seems to me that Wade Smith, a free-agent acquisition tailored to the system, and Antoine Caldwell, a third-rounder from 2009, would make the most sense.
- It sounds less likely that Trindon Holliday has to be a serviceable receiver to make the team than it did during OTAs. If he convinces the team he can be a consistently special return guy, he’ll stick. He looked good to me when the Texans worked with the Saints.
Houston Texans
Setbacks and injuries were Eugene Wilson’s story last year, but he played well when healthy and is ready to be part of a breakout season, says Jordan Godwin.
Gary Kubiak plans to get a look at all of his running backs against Arizona, says John McClain.
Jeremiah Johnson is showing good toughness, says Godwin.
Antoine Caldwell is being pushed by Wade Smith, says McClain.
Antonio Smith sees the same growth potential in Houston that he did in his early years playing for Arizona.
Indianapolis Colts
My Camp Confidential.
The Colts are well-stocked at safety, says Mike Chappell.
If Peyton Manning goes down, things will be in Curtis Painter’s hands, says Bob Kravitz.
The Colts are looking at three defenders as options for fullback snaps, says Chappell. If short-yardage is such a big concern, why don’t they ever consider a fullback for fullback?
John Oehser looks back at the first two weeks of camp.
New Titan Raheem Brock explains why he asked the Colts to release him.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Five questions about the Jags heading into their game in Philly Friday night, from Vito Stellino.
Two city councilmen skipped out on a meeting after the vote on the EverBank naming rights deal to go to dinner with some Jaguars executives, says Tia Mitchell.
The safeties are a bigger concern than the interior offensive line, says Vic Ketchman.
Tennessee Titans
Alterraun Verner is showing a nose for the ball, says John Glennon.
Brock can’t wait for a chance to hit Manning, say Jim Wyatt and Bryan Mullen. He’ll need to make the team first.
Brock wants to go to the Pro Bowl, says David Boclair.
An injury update heading into the trip to Seattle, from Wyatt.
Could a more mature Vince Young balance out the Titans' offense. Steve Wyche examines the question.
The brothers Simms are reunited in Tennessee, says Beth Rucker.
Ahmard Hall won Bob McClellan’s informal poll for the best Titan for media to deal with. I voted Hall No. 1, Vincent Fuller No. 2 and Stephen Tulloch No. 3, though I expect Will Witherspoon will press them as I get to know him. Perhaps I should have scored Tulloch down for his inability or unwillingness to talk after some tough losses last year.
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| Bill Baptist/Getty Images | |
| A healthy Chris Brown could be a big plus for Houston. |
Training camp site: Houston, Texas
Campfires: Weakside linebacker appears to be the biggest battle for a starting spot. Xavier Adibi has bulked up in an effort to become more rugged and withstand the 16-game pounding. Zach Diles appears to be an underdog here, as does veteran Cato June, who signed up after spending time in Indianapolis and Tampa Bay.
Finding a back to complement Steve Slaton is a big priority, but the Texans didn't spend much to increase their options. A healthy Chris Brown could do well in the role, but Houston is living on the edge if it's counting on 16 games from him. Undrafted rookies Jeremiah Johnson and Arian Foster are in the mix along with Ryan Moats and Clifton Dawson
The safety position remains an issue, with Nick Ferguson and Eugene Wilson in line to start now. But the team will allow for the possibility of Dominique Barber to nudge his way into the lineup.
Camp will be a downer if: Anything bad happens to Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson or Slaton. This is an offensive team keyed around that trio, and the loss of any of them for any extended time will be a huge setback.
Schaub's been labeled as injury prone, but it's really been more about being unlucky. It's not as if other quarterbacks would have played through some of the things he's faced. Still, Gary Kubiak's talked about how players can learn how to stay on the field, and he needs his signal-caller to do that.
Camp will be a success if: A defensive identity develops under new coordinator Frank Bush, who's pledged to be more aggressive.
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The Texans need some preseason success on both sides of the ball to carry into the regular season, because another shaky start will be cause for concern based on the team's history. If Houston is to plot a course to its first playoff berth, it needs to avoid a poor start.
Second time around: Slaton was a revelation as a rookie, and while there is uncertainty about who else will get carries, the line should be better. It's the second year for the group under Alex Gibbs running his scheme, which should mean better and more consistent play.
Additionally, not only does the unit have Gibbs and John Benton as coaching resources, but can look to assistant Bruce Matthews, the Hall of Famer who's now part of the staff.
Training camp site: Terre Haute, Ind.
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| Donald Miralle/Getty Images | |
| Peyton Manning's receiving corps will be without Marvin Harrison this year. |
icamp, with Hall not generating much buzz.
Returning defensive tackles Keyunta Dawson, Eric Foster, Raheem Brock (an end on early downs) and Antonio Johnson will be fighting for roles at a position that welcomed back Ed Johnson and has two young, thick additions from the draft in Fili Moala and Terrance Taylor. Getting bigger inside while maintaining athleticism was a priority for the Colts.
The plan at linebacker is for Clint Session to play on the weakside and Philip Wheeler to replace him on the strongside. But guys with starting experience like Freddy Keiaho and Tyjuan Hagler will be looking to take the team away from that blueprint.
Camp will be a downer if: Left guard Ryan Lilja, perhaps the team's best run blocker, can't make it back after the knee injury that cost him all of 2008. Trouble on the return path for cornerback Marlin Jackson (knee) would also be a bad thing.
With those injuries, the two surgeries on Manning's knee, a dinged Joseph Addai and a bunch of additional problems for the offensive line, the Colts got to show that they could survive. It's not anything they want to be in position to prove again.
Camp will be a success if: New head coach Jim Caldwell sets an early tone that gives the team no room for doubt about the transfer of power from his mentor, Tony Dungy. The players also must take to the thinking of new defensive coordinator Larry Coyer (a bit more aggressive) and new, fiery special teams coach Ray Rychleski.
It also would be great if Manning develops increased rapport with Anthony Gonzalez, who's graduated to No. 2 receiver with Marvin Harrison gone. Manning also needs to gain a real feel for the guy who wins the battle for No. 3 as well as the young tight ends, Jacob Tamme and Tom Santi.
Off the record: Even with a new coach and changes on his staff, it's unlikely there will be any different emphasis on preseason results. Indianapolis is 3-15 in the preseason over the last four years and 51-13 in the regular seasons that followed.
The Colts have a good feel for how to get ready and don't have to worry about building fan enthusiasm with preseason wins. Everyone knows to look at smaller things early in the game to gauge the team's readiness.
Reading the coverage: Why Jags feel hopeful
Houston Texans
- The Battle Red Blog has a good feeling about running back Jeremiah Johnson.
Indianapolis Colts
- Running through the Colts' running backs with John Oehser.
- And a more specific breakdown of Chad Simpson, from Oehser.
- Larry Tripplett and Mike Doss could be UFL teammates, says John Oehser.
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Better peer leadership is one of the reasons the Jaguars are optimistic, says Vito Stellino.
- Gene Frenette provides some rules to ensure the Jaguars have a quiet summer.
Tennessee Titans
- Patrick Ramsey says he's competing for the backup quarterback job, says Terry McCormick.
- The Titans' offensive line is expected to pick up where it left off, writes McCormick.
- William Hayes is aiming for double digit sacks in his second season, says Gary Estwick.
- Last year it was a big deal that Jevon Kearse was with the Titans for the bulk of their offseason conditioning. Now he has scaled it back as he tries to get his knee right, says Estwick.
- Joe Biddle chimes in on Vince Young.
Reading the coverage: An all-AFC South team
Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky
In a study of the best and worst all-time seasons for field goal kickers, Chase Stewart hits Cary Blanchard, Mike Vanderjagt, Dean Biasucci, Al Del Greco and Tony Fritch on the good list and Seth Marler on the bad one.
Before I left Houston, I visited the Oilers' old training facility.
Houston Texans
- Jerome Solomon likes what he's seen of Arian Foster so far.
- Jeremiah Johnson is trying to catch up, writes John McClain.
- Kris Brown gets an extension and rookie fourth-round pick Anthony Hill signed, says McClain.
- "There's always been a very high sense of duty to protect the integrity of the game, but I think society has softened its moral concerns about gambling, by virtue of the proliferation of it," Bob McNair told Hannah Karp. "The horse is out of the barn on that one." (Hat tip to Battle Red Blog for the link).
- Gary Kubiak spoke at a Touchdown Club event and Alan Burge was there.
Indianapolis Colts
- Jim Caldwell expects a fine year from Joseph Addai, says John Oehser.
- An assessment of the running backs and offensive line, from Oehser.
- Stampede Blue picks an all-AFC South team while keeping costs under control. A solid squad, though I'd argue that it's got to include David Stewart or Eric Winston at right tackle no matter their price.
Jacksonville Jaguars
- With Cleo Lemon set free, Todd Bouman is set as the No. 2 quarterback, writes Vito Stellino.
- The Jaguars introduced a new payment plan option for 2010.
Tennessee Titans
- Tony Brown could move to the right side of the interior defensive line, say Jim Wyatt and Gary Estwick.
- Vince Young comments on his comments. He needed to vent, reports Wyatt.
- Keith Bulluck says VY "has my respect as a teammate and a friend," reports Terry McCormick.
- Wyatt wonders about Young's timing.
- DeMarcus Faggins is settling in, says Estwick.
- Kevin Dyson has joined the team as a coaching intern, writes Estwick.
- Bulluck chatted on NFL.com.
Final thoughts from Houston, with Twitter news
HOUSTON -- A couple quick thoughts on the Texans before I wrap-up my three days in Houston and head back to Nashville:
The second running back: This team wants Chris Brown to step up and be a healthy second back to complement Steve Slaton. But it's hard to count on Brown for a full season. He missed all of last year because of back issues and missed 26 of 80 games in five years in Tennessee.
Experienced guys did not work in these three days of practices. In one team period Wednesday, I saw evidence of equal opportunity shots for four guys as they all got touches. Ryan Moats and undrafted rookies Arian Foster and Jeremiah Johnson are the primary candidates. It's hard to distinguish one of them from the others, and Johnson is just getting started after a late graduation for Oregon. I saw Clifton Dawson involved, too, but he's not being mentioned much.
Look too for the possible addition of anyone let go by Denver.
The breakout year: Guys who've been around know the Texans have been picked by some the last two years as a breakout candidate, and both years they wound up 8-8. Guys like Andre Johnson and Amobi Okoye talk about a hungry team, but seem to strike just the right tone when asked why they are more believable as a playoff candidate than in years' past. They say they have to go out and do it for people to trust the idea.
Kicker in the house: I wrote a news story about Kris Brown's contract extension that you can see here. The big emphasis on offense is on reducing turnovers and producing more in the red zone. The Texans want Brown around through 2013, but they'd love to call on him significantly less for field goals, and a lot more for extra points.
Bromance: David Anderson's affection for Conan O'Brien is a little scary. I'll revisit this down the road, but O'Brien's got to have Anderson on "The Tonight Show."
Tweeters: I talked to 14 different people in interview settings by my rough count, and continued my quest to provide you with Twitter accounts to follow. You already knew about Eric Winston, of course. He's "ericwinston."
Found only two more here:
Johnson says he isn't very linked into his, but offered up "johnson80."
Slaton is "ThaDoubleS."
And if you're not with the AFC South Blog on Twitter, you're against us. So please follow "afc_south."
A mailbag that should last you the weekend
Thomas from parts unknown writes: Kuharsky how do you know that other teams had Derek Cox rated lower on their draft boards. Did you see any teams actual draft boards? Or did you think teams had him rated lower because ESPN Faux-Scouts Kiper and Mcshay figured he was a late round selection because he wasn't invited to the combine. And that they might have overlooked him all together because he was from a small school. You should maybe get off the whole Derek Cox could have been had in a later round shtick, because in reality you aren't a scout and you don't know.
Paul Kuharsky: Here's how I know: I know people with other teams whom I trust and who help set their teams' draft boards.
So I said to them, "Hey, where did you have Cox that Jacksonville spent the 2010 second to take in the third?" And two different people with two different teams said, "Oh, sixth or seventh."
The days when teams don't pay attention to small-school guys and non-combine guys are largely over. People knew who this guy was. And he could turn out to be great. We'll have to wait and see -- the Jaguars will certainly have the last word. But we do have some context for where Cox was valued by other teams and it's hardly unreasonable to say so.
Larry in Washington, D.C., writes: I know the Colts are going to miss Howard Mudd tremendously, but with the rumors that Tom Moore may follow him into retirement scares me more. What are your thoughts on the transition should he actually retire? We know Peyton had more input in playcalling than most, if not all, QB's in the league. Do you see him actually taking over the full play-calling as opposed to choosing between the 2 or 3 plays Moore would "suggest"? Thanks, and I hope the offseason is treating you well.
Paul Kuharsky: Well, the retirements are official now, though the possibility of some sort of return as consultants hasn't been erased.
I would expect Clyde Christensen (or maybe Jim Caldwell himself) to work with Peyton Manning the same way Moore has. Manning will still need some additional, outside perspective.
Ross in Brentwood writes: I'm surprised you haven't addressed the Titans bringing in Drew Bennett for a physical yet Paul, I'd be curious to know your thoughts on them potentially bringing him back, especially in the wake of this "weakness" article on their passing game. I do agree with parts of that article, but I do think there's actually going to be improvement this year, and as I've said in my "mythbuster" response, they don't need an air-it-out offense to succeed. I do, however, think Bennett is not the missing piece here. They already tried bringing back a veteran wideout who began with the Titans, and that didn't work out too well for Justin McCareins. At this point they don't need to break the bank and/or trade away multiple draft picks (high ones at least) for a Boldin or Edwards, but Drew Bennett will just be another veteran presence who won't be a game-changer...although with the youngsters now at the position, maybe that is what they need.
Paul Kuharsky: I was away for two days when Bennett passed through Nashville.
If he's the fourth/fifth guy in case Hawkins still can't do anything or someone gets hurt, I could live with that. If he takes any opportunity away from Britt or Hawkins, then no thanks.
He's certainly not the playmaker or speedster they want, but at this stage Washington and Britt are those guys and it's unlikely they will be able to add any more. The question really is, do you want Bennett now as the fifth, or will you take your chances with what will come free at the end of training camps around the league?
Josh in Memphis writes: Wouldn't the Titans be better off signing Malcolm Floyd RFA S. Diego than Drew Bennett? The two are the same size, Malcolm's younger 27 vs. 30-31, Malcolm's healthier, caught as many balls in SD last year than Bennett in STL in 2 years. Malcolm brother player WR for the Oilers back in the 94-97 years.
Paul Kuharsky: The period for signing restricted free agents to offer sheets ended April 17. Floyd had a second-round pick attached as compensation. Between that and the contract it would have taken to assure the Chargers didn't match the offer, he would have been a lot more expensive. Friday, Floyd signed his one-year deal with the Chargers.
As for where his brother was over 10 years ago, do you really think something like that would factor in to a team's personnel decision? Why?
Mauricio in Houston writes: If I may, three questions in one. Is the need for help at running back of my Texans real? If it is, would it be worth pursuing Jones from the jets and if so, what would be a reasanoble trade value in draft picks.
Paul Kuharsky: Absolutely it's real. They need someone to complement Slaton and to turn to if he's hurt.
Maybe Jeremiah Johnson or Arian Foster surprise -- I'm in Tennessee so have seen and heard a lot of Foster and don't have high expectations for him. Maybe Chris Brown can stay healthy for a stretch. Maybe they eventually add Ryan Torain or another outsider to the mix.
Thomas Jones from the Jets, I would expect, would be too expensive. If the Texans didn't spend a second-, third- or fourth-rounder on a running back in the draft, would they part with one for a back who will be 31 in August? I suspect not. Running backs over 30 are viewed as huge question marks by most teams.
Evan in Chattanooga, Tenn., writes: Paul, I enjoy the blog, keep it up. My question is about the Titans defensive line this upcoming season. With the loss of Haynesworth, will the line still have the same potency it had last year, or do you see the Titans having to start blitzing linebackers to keep the pressure on the qb? Kearse and KVB are getting older, do you see any of the Titans young DE's having the potential to be of the same caliber as these guys? I think Tony Brown is a great DT and will be starting this year, will Jovan Haye or Jason Jones be starting as the other DT? Thanks, Evan
Paul Kuharsky: Thanks, pal.
I wouldn't say the same potency. They'll miss automatic double teams and Haynesworth's size.
But a year ago they lost Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy in free agency -- a tandem that combined fo
r 14 sacks the year before. And I can't remember once in 2007 watching the Titans and saying, "They are really missing Odom and LaBoy." I still expect them to rush the passer effectively with the front four.
I expect Brown and Jones will be the starters, but there is room and time for that to change.
They may blitz more, but I don't think it will be a lot more.
Weller Ross in Knoxville, Tenn., writes: I was wondering what your thoughts were on Tom Moore and Howard Mudd retiring. How big of a hit do you think this will be to the Colts offense if at all? Thanks, Weller PS: I also blogged about it and thought you might find it interesting.
Paul Kuharsky: I've done several posts on it. I think no matter how ready they were with guys to promote, that this could be a big hit, particularly from an offensive line perspective. Does Tony Ugoh, for example, get better without Mudd? I suspect not.
Dash in Nashville writes: Paul...love the blog. Who do you think will take the #3 RB roster spot for the Titans? A. Javon Ringer B. Chris Henry C. Rafael Little
Paul Kuharsky: A. I think it would take an upset for Ringer not to be on the roster. Little is an intriguing guy. Henry, in my eyes, has no chance to stick.
Farris in Nashville, Tenn., writes: Great blog Paul! I wanted to get your opinion on something. With the Titans finally giving Dinger a decent set of WR's that could possibly be a solid 4 deep, that he will open up the passing game and give Collins more opportunities to throw more vertical routes? I've got a gut feeling that Collins could possibly be in store for a 3,000 plus yard season and 20 plus TD's. It could possibly resemble the Co-MVP season of McNair. Dinger loves the deep routes and he finally has the speed to get it done. Thanks and I LOVE the blog and your segment on 104.5 The Zone!
Paul Kuharsky: Thanks very much, Farris.
Better and more open? Yes. Dramatically? I'd say no. The one big difference here is that in 2003 the Titans' 3.3 yards per carry was the worst for the franchise since 1974. Barring major injuries, this year's run game will be far better than that, reducing the need for Tennessee to open things up too, too much.
Pokerfitz in Jacksonville writes: Im not sure why you dont understand the reason they Jags love Greg Jones so much. When he gets the ball the guy has been productive. Including rushing for over a 100 yards in Pittsburgh when he was subbing for an injured Fred Taylor. He gets tough yards, Breaks tackles and can catch the ball. His only knock has been his health, not his ability.
Paul Kuharsky: Huge scouting bromide -- the best ability a player has is availability.
You know a guy who's even more proven? (And by proven I mean has more than 64 carries a year.) Taylor.
Jones has a 3.4-yard average. For comparison's sake, let's look around the division at secondary running backs: Houston's Chris Brown has a 4.3 average (but has bigger health issues than Jones); Tennessee's LenDale White has a 3.9 average (and gets the ball in extremely favorable situations); Former Colts running back Dominic Rhodes has a 4.0 average (and is now with the Bills).
That's not the be-all end-all, of course. But I'm not, or wasn't, really excited about them either. It's hardly unreasonable to say Jones is unproven as an every game, No. 2 commodity like they plan to make him. I will be interested to see him work.
Taylor in Murfreesboro writes: Hey Paul, I love the blog! But all I hear about Vince Young is the money the titans will have to be paying him for a back up QB is going to be way too much! So, why not try putting him on the field as a wide receiver, he has the skills, (6'5", athletic, fast) to be a great No. 1 wr if he were trained properly and was willing to "contribute" to the teams success instead of riding the bench, or he could run some Ohio State kinda of sets (Pryor and Boeckman in the fiesta bowl). What do you think about all of this?
Paul Kuharsky: I think it's crazy talk, really.
They spent good money on a free agent in Nate Washington and their top draft pick on Kenny Britt. Why not try to develop actual receivers? I am against anything that would take even a snap away from those two guys.
I can't understand the line of thinking that because Young is a good athlete he'd have to be a good wide receiver. You say he "has the skills" to be a great wide receiver -- then the first thing you list isn't a skill, it's his height, and the second and third things are "athletic" and "fast," qualities a ton of bad receivers possess, too.
Young's a good athlete and he's not a very good quarterback at this point -- and he's been focused on that position for his entire adult football life. But he's going to be a successful receiver?
cameron from parts unknown writes: Firstly, I want to say i am a huge fan of your blog and i am a constant reader. My question to you is that the texans are ready to make a run to the playoffs, i feel, but do you think trying to add a Plaxico Burress would to far of a reach to compliment andre johnson. Also do you think they should go after a chris mcallister because of his playoff experience and his career numbers.
Paul Kuharsky: Thanks and please keep clicking.
Burress still has legal issues to resolve and from what I've read and seen, he is unlikely to be immediately available. Complementing Andre Johnson isn't a huge issue for Houston. Kevin Walter had 60 catches and eight touchdowns last year.
You fall into a familiar trap with McAlister. He's recognizable so you think he'd help. The Texans, and every team, evaluate a guy like that based more on what he can do going forward than than "playoff experience and career numbers." I don't love their secondary, but I don't feel like McAlister would qualify as an addition that could fix their issues. He only played in six games last year and he's about to turn 32.
Paul in Iowa City writes: As far as Titans myths go, one I'd like to discuss is something of a non-myth. Its the whitewashing of the 99 draft, where we picked Kevin Dyson over Randy Moss. Dyson of course has a mythical position within the organization because of the MSM, but without that play the refusal to draft Moss stands out as a colossal mistake (which it still should). By and large though, the Titans draft well.
Paul Kuharsky: The posts with responses to AFC South myths are coming soon. This one wouldn't fit there, but seemed good for the mailbag.
By and large they draft well. Unless, of course, botching No. 6 and No. 3 overall picks in consecutive years counts against them.
Did they choose the wrong guy talent-wise for the receiver position at No. 16 in 1998? Absolutely.
But taking your logic and extending it, then I expect you'd absolutely defend their choice of Pacman Jones in 2006. He was, after all, a superior football talent to Antrel Rolle. (As then-Titans GM Floyd Reese predicted at the time, Rolle didn't even stay a corner.)
Now Jones turned out to be far more of a headache and troublemaker than Moss and couldn't keep himself eligible to play.
But if you rip the Titans for not taking Moss, by the same logic you would have had to applaud them for taking Jones.
So how's that stance working out for you?
Sam in Nashville writes: 2 comments. First, does anyone else but me think that Haynesworth isn't really that important to our defense? While he is a very good player, he is injured often and has a tendency to be unmotivated. Also, Washburn seems to turn everyone into a star DT. Second, Vince has shown that he is not the quarterback of the future through his skills. His skill set does not include good footwork or accuracy. Because of this, do you see the Titans drafting another quarterback soon? And since we'll probably be in the 20-30 pick range, who would you see as a possible fit next year?
Paul Kuharsky: I'm sure there are others who think as you do. I think you are overreaching on Haynesworth not being that important. He was very important, often the best player they had on the field and made life easier for the other 10 guys.
If he took plays off, as a Titans beat guy named Terry McCormick has pointed out, the defenses assigning double teams to him didn't know which ones they would be. Haynesworth looked plenty motivated to me over the last two years. That doesn't make him worth the contract he got, and it doesn't mean he's irreplaceable.
The Titans are now a smallish interior D, at least among their best guys.
Washburn turns a lot of guys into good players, absolutely. You might be overstating just a little to say he turns "everyone into a star DT." Randy Starks ring a bell? Antonio Johnson? Jesse Mahelona? Jared Clauss?
I would expect the Titans will be looking to draft a QB next year. He doesn't have to be a first-rounder, and I can't pretend to know who would fit.
Nathan in N.Y. writes: How are the Texans going to break .500 if glass-jawed Matt Schaub can't manage to start 16 games and they replaced maligned but halfway decent Sage Rosenfels with a guy last seen running out the back of his own endzone?
Paul Kuharsky: Schaub staying healthy is a must for the Texans. I wasn't big on the Dan Orlovsky signing either -- even if you love him, you overpaid and messed up the backup quarterback market. But ...
The "halfway decent" Rosenfels you mentioned wasn't regarded as much when he arrived in Houston, either. Gary Kubiak is pretty good with signal-callers, and gets the benefit of the doubt here that he will be able to turn Orlovsky into something better and the Texans will still have a chance to win a game if Schaub can't go.
Reading the coverage: Mudd leaving the Colts?
Houston Texans
- AFL Legacy Games will honor, confuse and mildly annoy, writes Alan Burge.
- Jeremiah Johnson could have shoulder surgery according to a PFW note Burge found.
Indianapolis Colts
- An alteration to the league's pension plan is prompting longtime offensive line coach Howard Mudd to retire, reports Chris Mortensen.
- Football Outsiders subscribes to Peter King's Twitter, and he says Marvin Harrison is finished.
- The Colts bring back Ed Johnson, says Phil Richards.
- In light of the Johnson news, the standards of conduct under Tony Dungy are gone, columnizes Bob Kravitz.
- Johnson's return is a low-risk, high-reward move, says John Oehser.
- Oehser considers the Colts' third quarterback and left guard.
- Five non-stories surrounding the Colts, according to Oehser.
- Breaking down the roster, Oehser looks at running backs.
- Tickets for a June 6 minicamp practice at Franklin College go on sale Friday, according to Colts.com.
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves make back-to-back appearances at No. 7 and No. 8 on Don Banks' list of 2008 rookies who need to deliver this fall and erase memories of underachieving debuts.
Tennessee Titans
- Tight end Bo Scaife is on John Czarnecki's list of players who should be watching their backs at minicamps.
- Mark Jones is hoping he can earn Chris Carr's old return jobs, writes Gary Estwick.
- In the wake of the Dallas Cowboys' troubles, Lindsay Rutledge wonders if the Titans' practice bubble is safe.
Poisted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky
Thoughts on what veterans the Texans' eight-man draft class helped and hurt.
Helped: Running back Chris Brown
GM Rick Smith reminded people about him at the team's pre-draft press conference. I thought it wouldn't be a good move to rely on him as the potential change up for Steve Slaton. But if Brown can stay healthy after spending last year on IR with a back problem, he can be significantly better than the two undrafted rookies the Texans brought in. Arian Foster fumbled a lot at Tennessee and played better early than late in his career there and Jeremiah Johnson of Oregon is a touch shorter than the 5-9 Slaton -- hardly the inside threat the team needs.
Hurt: Tight end Joel Dreessen
The Texans went back-to-back with tight ends in the fourth and fifth round in solid-blocking Anthony Hill and athletic and versatile James Casey. They'll operate behind Pro Bowler Owen Daniels. That group now knocks Dreessen, a sixth-round pick by the Jets in 205 out of Colorado State, back to No. 4 on the depth chart. And this doesn't need to be a four-tight end team.
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.
