AFC South: Jim Irsay
Houston Texans
The Texans don't plan to hand the starting kicker's spot to rookie Randy Bullock, drafted out of Texas A&M in the fifth round. Rather, special-teams coordinator Joe Marciano told SportsRadio 610, Bullock will have to beat out veteran Shayne Graham. "He has to compete to make the team first," Marciano said, per the team's official site. "If he can beat Shayne out, then I think he’s going to be very good for us."
Defensive lineman Hebron Fangupo, a free-agent signee from BYU, hopes to impress coaches during upcoming rookie camps. “I’m excited to compete with a top-notch offense and defense,” Fangupo said. “I’m ready to learn all I can from coaches and players, and I believe being able to compete with such great players can help my game tremendously.”
Indianapolis Colts
Owner Jim Irsay, on Twitter, said he sees the franchise "taking shape" and that the Colts' defensive front seven "could impress" in the new 3-4 defensive scheme.
Indianapolis grabbed tight end Andre Smith off waivers from the Bears; he's expected to be part of new coordinator Bruce Arians' five-tight end offense, Brad Wells notes for Stampede Blue. The Colts also waived cornerback Mike Holmes.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Running back Maurice Jones-Drew, absent from the Jaguars' voluntary workouts, wants a contract extension, coach Mike Mularkey said. "I wish he was here. He knows we wish he was here," Mularkey said. "His teammates have talked to him about it. It's a personal decision. There's nothing I can do about it."
Tuesday's first day of organized team activities saw Jacksonville's first-round draft pick, receiver Justin Blackmon, going full speed with quarterback Blaine Gabbert and the first team, according to the Jags' official site. A sore foot that bothered Blackmon during rookie minicamps seems to have been helped by new cleats.
Defensive tackle Terrance Knighton apologized Tuesday for the club incident last month in which he suffered an eye injury that has kept him out of offseason workouts. Knighton said the vision in his injured eye has improved substantially. “It’s progressing a lot faster than they thought it would,” Knighton said. “I plan on being ready by training camp."
Tennessee Titans
A number of players, including quarterbacks Matt Hasselbeck and Jake Locker, have signed on for coach Mike Munchak's "Strikes to Stop Diabetes" charity bowling event, set for June 14. The tournament will pair a Titans player or coach with a four-person team, with proceeds going to the American Diabetes Association, the team's site reports.
Center William Vlachos, a free-agent signee from Alabama, has been impressed with the Titans' O-line after doing some film study. “I've been watching film for a couple days and my jaw's on the floor,” Vlachos said. “They're just so physical, the effort they bring every play is outstanding.”
The Texans don't plan to hand the starting kicker's spot to rookie Randy Bullock, drafted out of Texas A&M in the fifth round. Rather, special-teams coordinator Joe Marciano told SportsRadio 610, Bullock will have to beat out veteran Shayne Graham. "He has to compete to make the team first," Marciano said, per the team's official site. "If he can beat Shayne out, then I think he’s going to be very good for us."
Defensive lineman Hebron Fangupo, a free-agent signee from BYU, hopes to impress coaches during upcoming rookie camps. “I’m excited to compete with a top-notch offense and defense,” Fangupo said. “I’m ready to learn all I can from coaches and players, and I believe being able to compete with such great players can help my game tremendously.”
Indianapolis Colts
Owner Jim Irsay, on Twitter, said he sees the franchise "taking shape" and that the Colts' defensive front seven "could impress" in the new 3-4 defensive scheme.
Indianapolis grabbed tight end Andre Smith off waivers from the Bears; he's expected to be part of new coordinator Bruce Arians' five-tight end offense, Brad Wells notes for Stampede Blue. The Colts also waived cornerback Mike Holmes.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Running back Maurice Jones-Drew, absent from the Jaguars' voluntary workouts, wants a contract extension, coach Mike Mularkey said. "I wish he was here. He knows we wish he was here," Mularkey said. "His teammates have talked to him about it. It's a personal decision. There's nothing I can do about it."
Tuesday's first day of organized team activities saw Jacksonville's first-round draft pick, receiver Justin Blackmon, going full speed with quarterback Blaine Gabbert and the first team, according to the Jags' official site. A sore foot that bothered Blackmon during rookie minicamps seems to have been helped by new cleats.
Defensive tackle Terrance Knighton apologized Tuesday for the club incident last month in which he suffered an eye injury that has kept him out of offseason workouts. Knighton said the vision in his injured eye has improved substantially. “It’s progressing a lot faster than they thought it would,” Knighton said. “I plan on being ready by training camp."
Tennessee Titans
A number of players, including quarterbacks Matt Hasselbeck and Jake Locker, have signed on for coach Mike Munchak's "Strikes to Stop Diabetes" charity bowling event, set for June 14. The tournament will pair a Titans player or coach with a four-person team, with proceeds going to the American Diabetes Association, the team's site reports.
Center William Vlachos, a free-agent signee from Alabama, has been impressed with the Titans' O-line after doing some film study. “I've been watching film for a couple days and my jaw's on the floor,” Vlachos said. “They're just so physical, the effort they bring every play is outstanding.”
Reading the coverage ...
What to expect from the cornerbacks drafted into the AFC South, from Nate Dunlevy of Bleacher Report.
Houston Texans
Moving on from Neil Rackers, the Texans signed veteran kicker Shayne Graham to compete with draft pick Randy Bullock, says John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. He’s been with four teams the past two seasons and clearly the hope would be that the rookie can seize the job.
Wade Phillips is optimistic about the pass rush the Texans will field this fall, says McClain.
Who is the Texans’ No. 2 receiver? Nate Dunlevy of Bleacher Report considers the question.
Indianapolis Colts
Andrew Luck isn’t going to be able to use Jim Irsay’s plane to help him get together with other Colts before the class of 2012 is finished at Stanford, says Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star.
The Colts will return to Anderson University for training camp, with players reporting July 28, says the Star.
What the Colts need to accomplish in 2012 to consider the season a success, from Dunlevy. I’m big on his first point, developing a defensive identity.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jordan Palmer is in line to be the Jaguars’ No. 3 quarterback, says Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union. Palmer was one of the players the team signed after a minicamp included a bunch of tryout guys.
The Jets, Lions and Titans have expressed interest in recently released cornerback Drew Coleman, according to Kimberley Martin of Newsday. Rex Ryan acknowledged the Jets would look at Coleman, who played well for them before he moved on to Jacksonville.
Tennessee Titans
Running through the post-draft roster and assessing if the Titans got better, stayed the same or got worse through free agency and the draft with Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean.
Wyatt takes a closer look at fifth-round tight end Taylor Thompson.
Three Titans who should be extended in the opinion of Zach Law from Bleacher Report. I’d hold off on Jared Cook.
What to expect from the cornerbacks drafted into the AFC South, from Nate Dunlevy of Bleacher Report.
Houston Texans
Moving on from Neil Rackers, the Texans signed veteran kicker Shayne Graham to compete with draft pick Randy Bullock, says John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. He’s been with four teams the past two seasons and clearly the hope would be that the rookie can seize the job.
Wade Phillips is optimistic about the pass rush the Texans will field this fall, says McClain.
Who is the Texans’ No. 2 receiver? Nate Dunlevy of Bleacher Report considers the question.
Indianapolis Colts
Andrew Luck isn’t going to be able to use Jim Irsay’s plane to help him get together with other Colts before the class of 2012 is finished at Stanford, says Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star.
The Colts will return to Anderson University for training camp, with players reporting July 28, says the Star.
What the Colts need to accomplish in 2012 to consider the season a success, from Dunlevy. I’m big on his first point, developing a defensive identity.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jordan Palmer is in line to be the Jaguars’ No. 3 quarterback, says Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union. Palmer was one of the players the team signed after a minicamp included a bunch of tryout guys.
The Jets, Lions and Titans have expressed interest in recently released cornerback Drew Coleman, according to Kimberley Martin of Newsday. Rex Ryan acknowledged the Jets would look at Coleman, who played well for them before he moved on to Jacksonville.
Tennessee Titans
Running through the post-draft roster and assessing if the Titans got better, stayed the same or got worse through free agency and the draft with Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean.
Wyatt takes a closer look at fifth-round tight end Taylor Thompson.
Three Titans who should be extended in the opinion of Zach Law from Bleacher Report. I’d hold off on Jared Cook.
Colts' Ryan Grigson settling into tough job
May, 3, 2012
May 3
12:19
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
AP Photo/Michael ConroyGM Ryan Grigson preaches the importance of being patient while the Colts rebuild.His boss encouraged him to continue to find time to work out. So even in the most harried and stressful times in the frantic early stages of his tenure as the Colts' new general manager, Ryan Grigson periodically found his way to the team’s weight room.
“I lift weights a few times a week,” he said. “I should do more cardio. I feel like I got ran so hard as an athlete, if I don’t have to run I don’t want to. I like to lift hard.”
Forty-five hard minutes or an hour in the weight room take him way back, to early childhood memories.
“We had York weights in my basement. I was five years old and I’d see my dad down there with my uncles with their work boots on and cutoffs and tool belts, down there lifting. My brother is a big lifter. I just stick to basic movements that crush you real fast. It’s more work and less time. That’s all I can do here.
“The workout is the same every time: dips, pull-ups and bench press. I do it hard and I do it fast and I get out. It definitely clears your head. It’s good to get that blood flowing. Even early on [Colts owner] Jim Irsay would tell me, ‘Get in that weight room, get a workout.’ It gives you energy. When I was burning that midnight oil early on to the point it was ridiculous, when you had no time to sleep because you couldn’t turn your mind off, without those workouts, coffee and the support of my wife, I don’t know if I would have made it through.”
He had more to make it through than most first-time general managers.
Grigson took over a team that was about to part ways with an icon. He had no relationship with Peyton Manning, and Irsay was making the call. But as Grigson was introduced as the new GM, and later when he spoke to the press at the combine, he faced hard questions he couldn’t really answer. He sweated under the bright lights, and squirmed at least a little.
Nearly anyone would have.
Fast forward to last week’s draft.
Chris Chambers/Getty ImagesThe Colts have a vital building block in QB Andrew Luck, right, but more pieces are needed.“People have told me that, that I seem more relaxed,” he said. “When I am in the moment before, I’m still being me, maybe I just have my game face on, I don’t know. It sure is nice now to be able to talk about the guys we took and not have to sidestep anything.”
He’s not being cliché when he talks about going day-by-day, minute-by-minute, and even second-by-second. He spoke of being ultra-focused. When you are a laser beam like that, it’s believable when you talk of having no timetables for a return to prominence.
Before the draft, Irsay tweeted out a reminder of how long it took the Colts to win a playoff game after drafting Peyton Manning in 1998. (The Colts beat the Broncos and the Chiefs in the 2003 postseason.) Many analysts thought the plea for patience wasn’t something the owner needed to send out at that time.
But clearly, despite adding No. 1 pick Andrew Luck, the Colts need time. They cut or lost at least 10 of the 22 players who would have been opening day starters if the old regime stayed in place and kept its people. They are eating a giant amount of dead money against their 2012 salary cap to gain financial freedom in 2013.
When I said something about the need for patience being obvious, Grigson was pleased.
“That’s refreshing to hear you say that,” he said. “A lot of people seem to think that we can do that all at once. You have to have four drafts combined and 30 picks to get all the best players that you wanted. It’s not happening.
“There has to be an element of patience within the organization. That was a very key trait I saw in Mr. Irsay from day one. We have pillar guys who are helping us moving forward. But everyone knows no one is looking at us to do anything.”
The Colts couldn’t address every position of need in the draft and they have to reshape some of what remains. Indy will have to scheme around and deal with being weak at certain positions this year, like at cornerback.
“There are positions that scheme-wise, haven’t been as vital due to what they did,” Grigson said. “At specific positions we need different body types maybe, different types of athletes with different skill sets.”
During the initial minicamp and in offseason workouts, guys have picked things up, bought in and started learning nuances of the position that may be different. Players who will ultimately be gone may be asked to transform their game.
“They’re working, it’s nice to see guys really working,” Grigson said. “Coach [Chuck] Pagano and his staff have created an air of enthusiasm. We know we have a very long road to hoe and no one denies that. But we’re out there doing what we can control, and that’s to go full speed, to listen, to get in the playbook, to lift the weights, to condition, do all those things, the little things with high intensity.
“I look at it in a very simplistic view. I tell my kids if you hustle and work really hard, good things happen. If you cherry pick and just kind of loaf around, nothing’s ever going to fall in your lap. You’re not going to be that guy who gets a fumble recovery for a touchdown or a pick bounces off someone’s shoulder pads and lands in your hands. That usually happens to someone who’s flying around.”
His wife and five children have not joined him in Indianapolis yet, which gave him more leeway to put in the ridiculous hours he felt were necessary before the draft. His only respites were those weight room sessions, Sunday Mass and an occasional frozen pizza heated up and eaten while he watched the news or found a decent movie, preferably a comedy.
Otherwise, he was watching film, assessing issues, making decisions.
When I’ve asked people around the league about Grigson, they talk about him with respect. He’s regarded as a quality personnel man with the qualities needed to lead a front office and build a team. He inherited a tough situation with Manning’s departure, but he’s also incredibly fortunate to have Luck.
Grigson knows this rebuild is going to be hard and take time. He’s excited to get to another stage, where he can walk past the clicker in his office and not have it work like a magnet, pulling him back to watch more film. At this stage, player study no longer trumps everything else.
But even at this slower time, there is plenty pulling at him, plenty to do. He will soon add to his scouting staff. He’ll continue to work with Pagano, trying to maximize the coach’s chances of success. He’ll watch offseason practices, considering the tiny pictures and the big picture the tiny ones combine to create.
“It’s like I’m a rookie left tackle and every game I’m facing Michael Strahan, Bruce Smith, Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis,” he said. “Hopefully in the end all these experiences that I’ve had will help me to be a better GM and a better football man.”
Hopefully, at least three times a week, he’ll find his way to that weight room, fall into his routine, and build up the sort of big sweat that clears his head, at least for a little while.
“As long as it keeps me from looking real bad,” Grigson said, “then I’ll keep doing it.”
Reading the coverage ...
Houston Texans
Jacoby Jones had some big moments with the Texans, but they were too infrequent, says Jerome Solomon.
Bob McNair talks draft with Drew Dougherty of the Texans’ website, showing particular interest in receiver Keshawn Martin.
What to expect from Whitney Mercilus in the rookie year of the Texans' first-round outside linebacker, from Nate Dunlevy of Bleacher Report.
Indianapolis Colts
The average rookie-year production of first- and second- round tight ends sets a relatively low bar for production from Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen. Dunlevy breaks down the recent history.
A Jim Irsay comment about Indianapolis needing another big hotel to get another Super Bowl prompted this piece from Anthony Schoettle of the Indianapolis Business Journal.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars released a long list of workout players who will get a look in minicamp, says Vito Stellino.
The story of Long Ding, a Chinese kicker hoping to make the Jaguars, from Michael Preston of the International Federation of American Football.
What to expect from first-round receiver Justin Blackmon and second-round defensive end Andre Branch, in more Dunlevy projection pieces.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans added veteran linebacker Zac Diles and fullback Collin Mooney who spent the last three years fulfilling his service commitment to Army, says Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean. With Quinn Johnson and Mooney on the roster, it doesn't look good for Ahmard Hall to return.
What to expect from Kendall Wright, from Dunlevy.
Houston Texans
Jacoby Jones had some big moments with the Texans, but they were too infrequent, says Jerome Solomon.
Bob McNair talks draft with Drew Dougherty of the Texans’ website, showing particular interest in receiver Keshawn Martin.
What to expect from Whitney Mercilus in the rookie year of the Texans' first-round outside linebacker, from Nate Dunlevy of Bleacher Report.
Indianapolis Colts
The average rookie-year production of first- and second- round tight ends sets a relatively low bar for production from Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen. Dunlevy breaks down the recent history.
A Jim Irsay comment about Indianapolis needing another big hotel to get another Super Bowl prompted this piece from Anthony Schoettle of the Indianapolis Business Journal.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars released a long list of workout players who will get a look in minicamp, says Vito Stellino.
The story of Long Ding, a Chinese kicker hoping to make the Jaguars, from Michael Preston of the International Federation of American Football.
What to expect from first-round receiver Justin Blackmon and second-round defensive end Andre Branch, in more Dunlevy projection pieces.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans added veteran linebacker Zac Diles and fullback Collin Mooney who spent the last three years fulfilling his service commitment to Army, says Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean. With Quinn Johnson and Mooney on the roster, it doesn't look good for Ahmard Hall to return.
What to expect from Kendall Wright, from Dunlevy.
Mailbag: On the Jaguars' failure to flash
April, 15, 2012
Apr 15
9:37
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Darrick Seymore from Jacksonville, Fla., writes: The way our new owner, Mr. Khan, rolled into Jacksonville, I was expecting some really flashing things to be happening by now. Not sure if this is the quiet before the storm or something else. What's your take in the apparent lack of activity here in J-Ville?
Paul Kuharsky: Shad Khan is not about flashing things, so far, and that’s fine. Certainly he’s got a general manager and a coach who are not flashy.
Teams who are about flashing, or flashy things, generally don’t fare well. Who’s the last team that won the offseason and the Super Bowl? (That said, Khan could have tempered the big talk about being "all in." It made agents expect that GM Gene Smith was going to be out there with rolls of money, shopping.)
The Jaguars could have done better in free agency, but they retained their key people, added a receiver they like in Laurent Robinson, got a backup/alternative quarterback in Chad Henne and hope for a big draft.
I don’t know what storm you can still anticipate this long after the top free agents are gone.
Graham from Montreal writes: With Koppen re-signing with the Patriots, what's the Titans' potential opportunities to improve at center in free agency? Is it more likely that we'll see a middle-round pick being used to try to develop a center and maybe also to be used as a long-snapper?
Paul Kuharsky: There was never any evidence the Titans had any interest in Dan Koppen after they lost out on Chris Myers, Scott Wells and even Jeff Saturday.
I think your scenario is the likely one now. It’s quite possible the Titans will go forward with Eugene Amano still in place, or with a rookie or Fernando Velasco; Kevin Matthews could even fight his way into the lineup.
Jonathan from Fort Wayne, Ind., writes: Find it interesting you question why Irsay would want to be coy with the Luck pick. While I agree it's obvious based on what I've read/heard that the Colts will select Luck, Irsay not sharing has incentive - it keeps the Colts in the spotlight for a little bit longer. After the draft, the Colts will quickly fall from a team that garnered a ton of press the past few years to another struggling team with a promising future. For the first game or two the Colts will once again be thrust in the spotlight as people judge Luck. So, the team needs as much press as possible right now. I think it is mostly a PR move to keep analysts (even if they are 99.99% sure) to at least discuss the decision and the team. Even more so now with the CBA because the team won't need extra time to negotiate the contract. After this draft the Colts won't be talked about very much for awhile based on a roster that should struggle, even with a possible once-in-a-generation quarterback.
Paul Kuharsky: As I’ve written, the team isn’t obligated to reveal anything and can milk it if it likes.
The Colts aren't getting any huge public-relations advantage leading up to the draft that they wouldn’t be getting if the verdict was made public early that they are taking Andrew Luck. When Bill Polian is out there saying it's who team owner Jim Irsay wants, Irsay being coy doesn't really work.
Either way, I would have written this piece that was published Friday, for example. They didn't gain anything from mystery there. And there really is no mystery.
April 26 -- the first day of the NFL draft -- is going to wind up being more about who goes third and what happens with Ryan Tannehill than it will be about Luck or Robert Griffin III, because there is no mystery about them.
Interest in Luck will last all season, no matter how bad the Colts are.
Matt from Berkeley, Calif., writes: What do you think of Jags fullback Greg Jones? He's been a low-profile player at a low-profile position, but I've only ever read positive things about him - especially from opposing defensive coordinators. Today, I realized he'll be remembered (if people really remember fullbacks) for blocking for both Fred Taylor and MJD. Taylor arguably had a HoF career - at least by the numbers, and MJD is on pace to make an argument as well. What other positions in football have silent contributors stalwartly working to help their team week after week? We as fans often miss such players between the highlights.
Paul Kuharsky: He’s a good player, but Jack Del Rio’s love of him was overboard and he’s been dinged a lot in his career.
The difference between an average fullback and a really good fullback – which Jones is usually rated as being – is not that extreme or significant to me or to most. While the AFC South is now a division with four fullback teams, I prefer teams that have more versatile tight ends serve as the extra blockers.
I wouldn’t exactly call fullback an under-recognized spot, either. When a back has a big season like Maurice Jones-Drew did, the fullback typically gets his accolades. Vonta Leach certainly reaped huge benefits (in a big free-agent contract from Baltimore) after Arian Foster broke through in Houston.
There are a ton of offensive linemen and interior defensive lineman who do dirty work on all or most of the snaps – as compared to the typical third of the snaps of a fullback – with even less notoriety.
Bobby from Buffalo, N.Y., writes: Just a general NFL question here. If a team with no first-round picks signs a player with a first-round tender such as Mike Wallace, what do they give up or is it even allowed?
Paul Kuharsky: You have to have your original first-round pick to give up. You can’t sign a guy with a first-round tender to an offer sheet unless you have it or make a deal to get it back.
Paul Kuharsky: Shad Khan is not about flashing things, so far, and that’s fine. Certainly he’s got a general manager and a coach who are not flashy.
Teams who are about flashing, or flashy things, generally don’t fare well. Who’s the last team that won the offseason and the Super Bowl? (That said, Khan could have tempered the big talk about being "all in." It made agents expect that GM Gene Smith was going to be out there with rolls of money, shopping.)
The Jaguars could have done better in free agency, but they retained their key people, added a receiver they like in Laurent Robinson, got a backup/alternative quarterback in Chad Henne and hope for a big draft.
I don’t know what storm you can still anticipate this long after the top free agents are gone.
Graham from Montreal writes: With Koppen re-signing with the Patriots, what's the Titans' potential opportunities to improve at center in free agency? Is it more likely that we'll see a middle-round pick being used to try to develop a center and maybe also to be used as a long-snapper?
Paul Kuharsky: There was never any evidence the Titans had any interest in Dan Koppen after they lost out on Chris Myers, Scott Wells and even Jeff Saturday.
I think your scenario is the likely one now. It’s quite possible the Titans will go forward with Eugene Amano still in place, or with a rookie or Fernando Velasco; Kevin Matthews could even fight his way into the lineup.
Jonathan from Fort Wayne, Ind., writes: Find it interesting you question why Irsay would want to be coy with the Luck pick. While I agree it's obvious based on what I've read/heard that the Colts will select Luck, Irsay not sharing has incentive - it keeps the Colts in the spotlight for a little bit longer. After the draft, the Colts will quickly fall from a team that garnered a ton of press the past few years to another struggling team with a promising future. For the first game or two the Colts will once again be thrust in the spotlight as people judge Luck. So, the team needs as much press as possible right now. I think it is mostly a PR move to keep analysts (even if they are 99.99% sure) to at least discuss the decision and the team. Even more so now with the CBA because the team won't need extra time to negotiate the contract. After this draft the Colts won't be talked about very much for awhile based on a roster that should struggle, even with a possible once-in-a-generation quarterback.
Paul Kuharsky: As I’ve written, the team isn’t obligated to reveal anything and can milk it if it likes.
The Colts aren't getting any huge public-relations advantage leading up to the draft that they wouldn’t be getting if the verdict was made public early that they are taking Andrew Luck. When Bill Polian is out there saying it's who team owner Jim Irsay wants, Irsay being coy doesn't really work.
Either way, I would have written this piece that was published Friday, for example. They didn't gain anything from mystery there. And there really is no mystery.
April 26 -- the first day of the NFL draft -- is going to wind up being more about who goes third and what happens with Ryan Tannehill than it will be about Luck or Robert Griffin III, because there is no mystery about them.
Interest in Luck will last all season, no matter how bad the Colts are.
Matt from Berkeley, Calif., writes: What do you think of Jags fullback Greg Jones? He's been a low-profile player at a low-profile position, but I've only ever read positive things about him - especially from opposing defensive coordinators. Today, I realized he'll be remembered (if people really remember fullbacks) for blocking for both Fred Taylor and MJD. Taylor arguably had a HoF career - at least by the numbers, and MJD is on pace to make an argument as well. What other positions in football have silent contributors stalwartly working to help their team week after week? We as fans often miss such players between the highlights.
Paul Kuharsky: He’s a good player, but Jack Del Rio’s love of him was overboard and he’s been dinged a lot in his career.
The difference between an average fullback and a really good fullback – which Jones is usually rated as being – is not that extreme or significant to me or to most. While the AFC South is now a division with four fullback teams, I prefer teams that have more versatile tight ends serve as the extra blockers.
I wouldn’t exactly call fullback an under-recognized spot, either. When a back has a big season like Maurice Jones-Drew did, the fullback typically gets his accolades. Vonta Leach certainly reaped huge benefits (in a big free-agent contract from Baltimore) after Arian Foster broke through in Houston.
There are a ton of offensive linemen and interior defensive lineman who do dirty work on all or most of the snaps – as compared to the typical third of the snaps of a fullback – with even less notoriety.
Bobby from Buffalo, N.Y., writes: Just a general NFL question here. If a team with no first-round picks signs a player with a first-round tender such as Mike Wallace, what do they give up or is it even allowed?
Paul Kuharsky: You have to have your original first-round pick to give up. You can’t sign a guy with a first-round tender to an offer sheet unless you have it or make a deal to get it back.
Reading the coverage ...
Houston Texans
The Texans will draft the best player at a need position, but they head into the draft without a glaring need, says John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.
Indianapolis Colts
Jim Irsay oddly tweeted about how valuable Ryan Tannehill is. Here’s a report on it from Marc Sessler at NFL.com. My interpretation: Irsay is showing off that he’s paying attention to personnel in a way he hadn’t in recent years when Bill Polian was running his team.
Jacksonville Jaguars
More on the Jaguars’ interest in HBO’s "Hard Knocks," from Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union.
Tennessee Titans
Free-agent fullback Ahmard Hall visited the Dolphins, reports Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean. The Titans may be willing to move forward with Quinn Johnson.
Houston Texans
The Texans will draft the best player at a need position, but they head into the draft without a glaring need, says John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.
Indianapolis Colts
Jim Irsay oddly tweeted about how valuable Ryan Tannehill is. Here’s a report on it from Marc Sessler at NFL.com. My interpretation: Irsay is showing off that he’s paying attention to personnel in a way he hadn’t in recent years when Bill Polian was running his team.
Jacksonville Jaguars
More on the Jaguars’ interest in HBO’s "Hard Knocks," from Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union.
Tennessee Titans
Free-agent fullback Ahmard Hall visited the Dolphins, reports Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean. The Titans may be willing to move forward with Quinn Johnson.
Colts' roster barren after five more cuts
March, 9, 2012
Mar 9
6:10
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
At the news conference making Peyton Manning’s release official, Colts owner Jim Irsay indicated more roster moves were pending.
They came down Friday, and the remaining roster is a barren landscape.
Gone are halfback Joseph Addai, tight end Dallas Clark, safety Melvin Bullitt, linebacker Gary Brackett, and quarterback Curtis Painter.
All but Painter are proven players who played important roles in the system the team run under the team’s top executive, Bill Polian, and coaches Tony Dungy and Jim Caldwell.
Those three powers are gone, and new GM Ryan Grigson and coach Chuck Pagano are starting with a virtual clean slate.
Addai is not the type of back the team will want as it looks to get bigger and more powerful. Clark, Bullitt and Brackett are officially injury-prone and aging.
Some of these moves bring accelerated cap hits, and might cost more than the significant salaries the players were scheduled to make will save.
But in a year, the team should be in much better financial shape -- and be adding instead of subtracting.
The next big question is defensive end Dwight Freeney, who's due $14 million this season and carries a $19 million cap number.
They came down Friday, and the remaining roster is a barren landscape.
Gone are halfback Joseph Addai, tight end Dallas Clark, safety Melvin Bullitt, linebacker Gary Brackett, and quarterback Curtis Painter.
All but Painter are proven players who played important roles in the system the team run under the team’s top executive, Bill Polian, and coaches Tony Dungy and Jim Caldwell.
Those three powers are gone, and new GM Ryan Grigson and coach Chuck Pagano are starting with a virtual clean slate.
Addai is not the type of back the team will want as it looks to get bigger and more powerful. Clark, Bullitt and Brackett are officially injury-prone and aging.
Some of these moves bring accelerated cap hits, and might cost more than the significant salaries the players were scheduled to make will save.
But in a year, the team should be in much better financial shape -- and be adding instead of subtracting.
The next big question is defensive end Dwight Freeney, who's due $14 million this season and carries a $19 million cap number.
Looking ahead, for Manning and the Colts
March, 7, 2012
Mar 7
12:43
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
So what’s the future hold now that Peyton Manning and owner Jim Irsay have spoken about the Colts releasing the quarterback?
While I feel sure Manning knows the process, he said his thinking has been about where he’s been, not where he’s heading.
A creature of habit and a lover of regimen, he said he’s in “uncharted territory” now. He knows what a typical NFL March is, but he has no idea what this March will be like.
Manning said after being unable to throw or work with teammates for a long time, “It feels like home being back out there."
While he emphasized Indianapolis will remain home, he’s now on the market for a new football home.
As for his ability to play on, he said: “I am confident.”
"I'm throwing it pretty well. I've got some work to do. I've got some progress to make. But I've worked real hard."
He said he has no interest in retiring. No one, he said, loves his job or loves playing quarterback more than he does.
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Michael ConroyColts owner Jim Irsay, right, said he'd like to see Peyton Manning enjoy success elsewhere while the Colts rebuild.
AP Photo/Michael ConroyColts owner Jim Irsay, right, said he'd like to see Peyton Manning enjoy success elsewhere while the Colts rebuild.He goes out at peace with the way things have played out, and at peace with Irsay and the organization.
That peace is an important piece to this, as he starts to envision life somewhere else after 14 years with the Colts. Irsay said he’s rooting for Manning to have a chance to go out a winner and that the move is in his best interest.
“As a franchise, where we are right now with the salary cap, where we are rebuilding, we’re definitely a few years away,” Irsay said. “I want to see him come back and play great, there is no question about it. Just like in 2001 when he was completely healthy and everything else and we didn’t have everything to surround him. I want that opportunity for him as well to succeed at the end of his career.”
Just to sign a draft class the Colts will need to make roster moves, Irsay said.
Manning certainly has to wind up in a better situation than that.
An emotional Peyton Manning, pledging that no one loves playing quarterback more than he does, said goodbye to the Colts in a 20-minute news conference this afternoon.
Colts Release Peyton Manning
• Kuharsky: Manning, Colts look ahead
• Kuharsky: Separation will sting
• Fox: Irsay better hope he's right
• Page 2: Athletes with bonds to cities
• Stats & Info: Statistical legacy in Indy
• Q&A: What's next for Colts, Manning
• Vote: Was Manning treated fairly?
• Sprow: Projecting Manning's impact 
• Brandt: Finances sealed Manning's fate
• Where will Manning land?
• NFL Nation | Photo Gallery
“It’s weighed real heavy on my heart but, yeah, I am at peace with it,” he said of parting with the team that drafted him first overall in 1998. He and owner Jim Irsay both said that it wasn’t a decision either of them wanted to make, but one the circumstances dictated.
He was most emphatic about his thanks to fans of the Colts.
“This town and this team mean so much to me,” Manning said. “It truly has been an honor to play in Indianapolis. I do love it here. I love the fans and I’ll always enjoy having played for such a great team. I leave the Colts with nothing but good thoughts and gratitude to Jim, the organization, my teammates, the media and especially the fans.
“I haven’t thought yet about where I’ll play. But I have thought a lot about where I’ve been. And I’ve truly been blessed.”
Turning to fans specifically, he said: “Thank you very much, from the bottom of my heart. I truly have enjoyed being your quarterback.”
Reading the coverage of Peyton Manning's pending release by the Colts ...
"There is no bad guy here. Not Colts owner Jim Irsay. Not Peyton Manning. It was the perfect storm of imperfect circumstances, a 2-14 season, a devastating series of neck injuries and the unexpected and incredibly fortuitous availability of (Andrew) Luck at the No. 1 draft spot.” Bob Kravitz’s column from the Indianapolis Star.
"If you think about it," said Carmen Policy, the man who traded Joe Montana "pro football is a social example of Darwinism operating in its purest form. It's crueler than Hollywood. I mean, you're a gorgeous star today, but a few years from now you're too old and there's someone prettier and someone with more talent." Clark Judge’s column from CBSSports.com.
Breaking down all the money matters with Manning, from Andrew Brandt of ESPN.com.
Darren Rovell spun Brandt’s numbers to come up with Manning’s hourly wage during his term in Indianapolis.
WISHTV.com shows us Manning and Irsay arriving in Indianapolis on Irsay’s private jet and their stop to say hello to reporters.
Mike Silver of Yahoo! Sports ranks the 12 destinations Manning should consider, and Houston’s No. 1 despite reports it is not interested.
Manning is more motivated than ever, says Mike Freeman of CBSSports.com.
If Manning’s new team gets anywhere near his typical quality of play, then the Colts’ decision to send Peyton packing could have a major hand in how the 2012 NFL season unravels, says Chris Burke of SI.com.
Irsay better hope he made the right call on Manning, says ESPN.com’s Ashley Fox.
A timeline of all that’s unfolded, from NFL.com.
Despite the divorce, Manning’s legacy will always be in Indianapolis, writes Jeff Darlington of NFL.com.
Alex Marvez of FoxSports.com looks at potential landing spots for Manning.
Seven possible landing spots for Manning from The Sporting News.
Parents who named their kids Peyton lament the quarterback’s exit, says WISHTV.com.
Manning and the Colts cultivated a fiercely deep, loyal fan base not only in Indiana, but around the globe, says Greg Cowan of Colts Authority.
"There is no bad guy here. Not Colts owner Jim Irsay. Not Peyton Manning. It was the perfect storm of imperfect circumstances, a 2-14 season, a devastating series of neck injuries and the unexpected and incredibly fortuitous availability of (Andrew) Luck at the No. 1 draft spot.” Bob Kravitz’s column from the Indianapolis Star.
"If you think about it," said Carmen Policy, the man who traded Joe Montana "pro football is a social example of Darwinism operating in its purest form. It's crueler than Hollywood. I mean, you're a gorgeous star today, but a few years from now you're too old and there's someone prettier and someone with more talent." Clark Judge’s column from CBSSports.com.
Breaking down all the money matters with Manning, from Andrew Brandt of ESPN.com.
Darren Rovell spun Brandt’s numbers to come up with Manning’s hourly wage during his term in Indianapolis.
WISHTV.com shows us Manning and Irsay arriving in Indianapolis on Irsay’s private jet and their stop to say hello to reporters.
Mike Silver of Yahoo! Sports ranks the 12 destinations Manning should consider, and Houston’s No. 1 despite reports it is not interested.
Manning is more motivated than ever, says Mike Freeman of CBSSports.com.
If Manning’s new team gets anywhere near his typical quality of play, then the Colts’ decision to send Peyton packing could have a major hand in how the 2012 NFL season unravels, says Chris Burke of SI.com.
Irsay better hope he made the right call on Manning, says ESPN.com’s Ashley Fox.
A timeline of all that’s unfolded, from NFL.com.
Despite the divorce, Manning’s legacy will always be in Indianapolis, writes Jeff Darlington of NFL.com.
Alex Marvez of FoxSports.com looks at potential landing spots for Manning.
Seven possible landing spots for Manning from The Sporting News.
Parents who named their kids Peyton lament the quarterback’s exit, says WISHTV.com.
Manning and the Colts cultivated a fiercely deep, loyal fan base not only in Indiana, but around the globe, says Greg Cowan of Colts Authority.
RTC: On Indiana's feelings for Manning
February, 29, 2012
Feb 29
8:31
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Reading the coverage …
Andrew Brandt of the National Football Post looks at the mechanics of the franchise tag.
Houston Texans
Stocks soared for receivers and linemen coming out of the combine according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.
Indianapolis Colts
Nate Dunlevy of Colts Authority took offense to this Michael Weinreb piece at Grantland questioning Indiana’s affection for Peyton Manning. So Dunlevy seeks to set the record straight.
Jim Irsay rectified his complaint about Manning failing to keep things in-house while talking to the media to discuss elements of the issue with the quarterback.
Jacksonville Jaguars
LSU’s Morris Claiborne and Alabama’s Dre Kirkpatrick are top corners who could be of interest to the Jaguars in the draft, writes Tania Ganguli.
Tennessee Titans
Keith Millard is another member of the Titans' staff whose résumé includes a highly credentialed playing career, says David Boclair of The City Paper.
Andrew Brandt of the National Football Post looks at the mechanics of the franchise tag.
Houston Texans
Stocks soared for receivers and linemen coming out of the combine according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.
Indianapolis Colts
Nate Dunlevy of Colts Authority took offense to this Michael Weinreb piece at Grantland questioning Indiana’s affection for Peyton Manning. So Dunlevy seeks to set the record straight.
Jim Irsay rectified his complaint about Manning failing to keep things in-house while talking to the media to discuss elements of the issue with the quarterback.
Jacksonville Jaguars
LSU’s Morris Claiborne and Alabama’s Dre Kirkpatrick are top corners who could be of interest to the Jaguars in the draft, writes Tania Ganguli.
Tennessee Titans
Keith Millard is another member of the Titans' staff whose résumé includes a highly credentialed playing career, says David Boclair of The City Paper.
Reading the coverage: Replacing Williams
February, 27, 2012
Feb 27
9:18
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Houston Texans
Will the Texans be looking to draft the next Mario Williams? John McClain of the Houston Chronicle considers the question.
Robert Griffin III continues to grab the spotlight at the combine, this time with a blazing 40, says McClain.
Indianapolis Colts
Michael Silver of Yahoo! chimes in on Jim Irsay versus Peyton Manning, offering a lot of texture.
Pierre Garcon turning down a contract was probably just an initial overture, says Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star in this mailbag.
The Colts' transition to a 3-4 will be complicated and require some new pieces, says Chappell.
Jacksonville Jaguars
We’re way late to this, but it’s a significant story: Shahid Khan talked tarps. And while he understands them at EverBank Field, he’d also like to get rid of them.
The solid coaching staff should help the Jaguars in recruiting free agents provided they are willing to pay, says Daniel Lago of the fan blog site Black & Teal.
Tennessee Titans
Like a lot of teams, the Titans are intrigued by South Carolina defensive end Melvin Ingram, says Jim Wyatt.
Will the Texans be looking to draft the next Mario Williams? John McClain of the Houston Chronicle considers the question.
Robert Griffin III continues to grab the spotlight at the combine, this time with a blazing 40, says McClain.
Indianapolis Colts
Michael Silver of Yahoo! chimes in on Jim Irsay versus Peyton Manning, offering a lot of texture.
Pierre Garcon turning down a contract was probably just an initial overture, says Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star in this mailbag.
The Colts' transition to a 3-4 will be complicated and require some new pieces, says Chappell.
Jacksonville Jaguars
We’re way late to this, but it’s a significant story: Shahid Khan talked tarps. And while he understands them at EverBank Field, he’d also like to get rid of them.
The solid coaching staff should help the Jaguars in recruiting free agents provided they are willing to pay, says Daniel Lago of the fan blog site Black & Teal.
Tennessee Titans
Like a lot of teams, the Titans are intrigued by South Carolina defensive end Melvin Ingram, says Jim Wyatt.
With the offseason in full swing, let’s take a look at one major question facing each AFC South team as it begins preparations for the 2012 season:
HOUSTON TEXANS
Can they keep Mario Williams?
He’s an incredible pass-rushing talent most every team would love to have. Yet the Texans might be in a position where they have no choice but to watch him move on as an unrestricted free agent.
They should have had planned better and not have allowed themselves to be in a position where the franchise tag is an impossibility. They cannot tag the defensive end-turned-outside linebacker for $22 million, so they either have to sign him or allow him to test the market. He talks affectionately about the Texans and what the franchise did for him, and that leads some to be optimistic about the team’s chances to hold on to him.
But once he’s out there and being courted, things can change in a big way with big dollars on the table.
Connor Barwin and Brooks Reed are great talents, but they’d be better, and the entire defense would be better, if Williams were part of it.
It would be difficult for the Texans to watch Williams lift someone else's defense and put up big sack numbers. He’s also been hurt a lot, however, and if that continues, maybe there won’t be so much regret if he moves on.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
How does the Peyton Manning saga sort out?
It’s widely presumed the team is parting ways with the four-time MVP quarterback.
It would have been impossible to imagine a year ago. But several unlikely developments have all come together at the same time -- the uncertainty surrounding Manning’s arm; the team’s ability to draft Andrew Luck; the dismissal of Bill Polian and Chris Polian in the front office as well as coach Jim Caldwell and most of his staff; the hiring of new general manager Ryan Grigson and coach Chuck Pagano; other core players (Reggie Wayne, Jeff Saturday, Robert Mathis) reaching the end of their contracts.
The soap opera has been long and drawn out. It needs to be resolved so the focus on the Colts can be about those new leaders, Grigson and Pagano, the messages they want to send, the guys they want on the roster, and the systems they intend to run.
Owner Jim Irsay has been sloppy as he’s tried to gain upper ground in a public relations battle with Manning, who has not comported himself perfectly, either, as he’s tried to manipulate the story. But for the health of the organization and for the benefit of Manning going forward, this thing needs closure.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Who can they add to help Blaine Gabbert?
No team should do more to assess the free-agent market for wide receivers than the Jaguars, who had a terrible, insufficient group last season.
Mike Thomas can be a good slot guy, but if the Jaguars really want to maximize Gabbert’s chances of success in his second season, he needs his primary targets to be much better. Jacksonville has plenty of cap room, and a new staff can sell someone like Vincent Jackson on the chance to be an unquestioned No. 1 and be paid like it.
Beyond the people he will be throwing to and the ones who will be protecting him, Gabbert’s new coaches will be a big piece to his progress. Can coach Mike Mularkey, offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski and quarterbacks coach Greg Olson get Gabbert more confident in the pocket and better able to focus on his reads than on the people around him?
The team has talked of having a better veteran backup behind Gabbert to help him. The Jags need that guy to be a safety net, too. It’s possible the 2012 Jaguars can compete for a playoff spot, provided they get sufficient play from their quarterback.
TENNESSEE TITANS
Can they become more of a playmaking defense?
The Titans got great contributions from several rookie defenders -- middle linebacker Colin McCarthy and defensive tackles Jurrell Casey and Karl Klug will be a big part of things going forward. So will strongside linebacker Akeem Ayers, who wasn’t as productive in his rookie season as the Titans hoped.
Will the team be able to find more playmakers to fill out their defense? Odds are cornerback Cortland Finnegan will depart as a free agent, and although the team hopes to re-sign Jordan Babineaux as one starting safety, it should be looking for an alternative to another of its free agents, Michael Griffin.
The Titans would be well served to find someone with more upside as a playmaker in Griffin’s spot. And although they still expect big things from Derrick Morgan, it’s again time to find a consistent pass-rushing defensive end.
They need to rush better from everywhere, which is why they hired Keith Millard as a multi-position pass-rush coach.
Getting bigger up front didn’t necessarily pay off the way they planned. Stopping the run first was a theme, and they finished 24th in run defense.
HOUSTON TEXANS
Can they keep Mario Williams?
He’s an incredible pass-rushing talent most every team would love to have. Yet the Texans might be in a position where they have no choice but to watch him move on as an unrestricted free agent.
They should have had planned better and not have allowed themselves to be in a position where the franchise tag is an impossibility. They cannot tag the defensive end-turned-outside linebacker for $22 million, so they either have to sign him or allow him to test the market. He talks affectionately about the Texans and what the franchise did for him, and that leads some to be optimistic about the team’s chances to hold on to him.
But once he’s out there and being courted, things can change in a big way with big dollars on the table.
Connor Barwin and Brooks Reed are great talents, but they’d be better, and the entire defense would be better, if Williams were part of it.
It would be difficult for the Texans to watch Williams lift someone else's defense and put up big sack numbers. He’s also been hurt a lot, however, and if that continues, maybe there won’t be so much regret if he moves on.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
How does the Peyton Manning saga sort out?
It’s widely presumed the team is parting ways with the four-time MVP quarterback.
It would have been impossible to imagine a year ago. But several unlikely developments have all come together at the same time -- the uncertainty surrounding Manning’s arm; the team’s ability to draft Andrew Luck; the dismissal of Bill Polian and Chris Polian in the front office as well as coach Jim Caldwell and most of his staff; the hiring of new general manager Ryan Grigson and coach Chuck Pagano; other core players (Reggie Wayne, Jeff Saturday, Robert Mathis) reaching the end of their contracts.
The soap opera has been long and drawn out. It needs to be resolved so the focus on the Colts can be about those new leaders, Grigson and Pagano, the messages they want to send, the guys they want on the roster, and the systems they intend to run.
Owner Jim Irsay has been sloppy as he’s tried to gain upper ground in a public relations battle with Manning, who has not comported himself perfectly, either, as he’s tried to manipulate the story. But for the health of the organization and for the benefit of Manning going forward, this thing needs closure.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Who can they add to help Blaine Gabbert?
No team should do more to assess the free-agent market for wide receivers than the Jaguars, who had a terrible, insufficient group last season.
Mike Thomas can be a good slot guy, but if the Jaguars really want to maximize Gabbert’s chances of success in his second season, he needs his primary targets to be much better. Jacksonville has plenty of cap room, and a new staff can sell someone like Vincent Jackson on the chance to be an unquestioned No. 1 and be paid like it.
Beyond the people he will be throwing to and the ones who will be protecting him, Gabbert’s new coaches will be a big piece to his progress. Can coach Mike Mularkey, offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski and quarterbacks coach Greg Olson get Gabbert more confident in the pocket and better able to focus on his reads than on the people around him?
The team has talked of having a better veteran backup behind Gabbert to help him. The Jags need that guy to be a safety net, too. It’s possible the 2012 Jaguars can compete for a playoff spot, provided they get sufficient play from their quarterback.
TENNESSEE TITANS
Can they become more of a playmaking defense?
The Titans got great contributions from several rookie defenders -- middle linebacker Colin McCarthy and defensive tackles Jurrell Casey and Karl Klug will be a big part of things going forward. So will strongside linebacker Akeem Ayers, who wasn’t as productive in his rookie season as the Titans hoped.
Will the team be able to find more playmakers to fill out their defense? Odds are cornerback Cortland Finnegan will depart as a free agent, and although the team hopes to re-sign Jordan Babineaux as one starting safety, it should be looking for an alternative to another of its free agents, Michael Griffin.
The Titans would be well served to find someone with more upside as a playmaker in Griffin’s spot. And although they still expect big things from Derrick Morgan, it’s again time to find a consistent pass-rushing defensive end.
They need to rush better from everywhere, which is why they hired Keith Millard as a multi-position pass-rush coach.
Getting bigger up front didn’t necessarily pay off the way they planned. Stopping the run first was a theme, and they finished 24th in run defense.
Reading the coverage ...
Houston Texans
Shaun Cody’s wrap-up episode of “On the Nose” features a turn to song. While amusing, it’s also somewhat difficult to listen to, so brace yourself. It's very cool that he invested the time and energy he did in these videos all season long. They really gave a lot of Texans a chance to show off a different side of their personalities and gave us a hint about the team's camaraderie.
Indianapolis Colts
Phillip B. Wilson of the Indianapolis Star hopes Jim Irsay won’t say another public word until Peyton Manning’s farewell news conference.
Irsay is desperate for a way to get rid of Peyton Manning without losing paying customers, says Greg Couch of FoxSports.com. (Hat tip to Bob Kravitz on Twitter.)
Jacksonville Jaguars
GM Gene Smith is accumulating opinions, says John Oehser of the Jaguars' team website.
Tony Boselli is pumping up the passion of the Jaguars’ fan base, says Oehser.
Tennessee Titans
John Glennon of The Tennessean writes that Mike Munchak sees Jason Jones playing outside and inside if he re-signs. While Jones can be a swing guy, I think Munchak overemphasizes Jones as both an end and a tackle. Jones played nearly twice as much at end as at tackle last season. The Titans would be best served to admit a mistake and play him inside if they are able to sign him.
Glennon recounts what Randy Moss did not do during his time with the Titans.
Houston Texans
Shaun Cody’s wrap-up episode of “On the Nose” features a turn to song. While amusing, it’s also somewhat difficult to listen to, so brace yourself. It's very cool that he invested the time and energy he did in these videos all season long. They really gave a lot of Texans a chance to show off a different side of their personalities and gave us a hint about the team's camaraderie.
Indianapolis Colts
Phillip B. Wilson of the Indianapolis Star hopes Jim Irsay won’t say another public word until Peyton Manning’s farewell news conference.
Irsay is desperate for a way to get rid of Peyton Manning without losing paying customers, says Greg Couch of FoxSports.com. (Hat tip to Bob Kravitz on Twitter.)
Jacksonville Jaguars
GM Gene Smith is accumulating opinions, says John Oehser of the Jaguars' team website.
Tony Boselli is pumping up the passion of the Jaguars’ fan base, says Oehser.
Tennessee Titans
John Glennon of The Tennessean writes that Mike Munchak sees Jason Jones playing outside and inside if he re-signs. While Jones can be a swing guy, I think Munchak overemphasizes Jones as both an end and a tackle. Jones played nearly twice as much at end as at tackle last season. The Titans would be best served to admit a mistake and play him inside if they are able to sign him.
Glennon recounts what Randy Moss did not do during his time with the Titans.
Colts don't need to protect Peyton Manning
February, 15, 2012
Feb 15
11:28
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
One clumsy part of Jim Irsay’s comments Tuesday got passed over for the bigger elements of the news.
So we circle back.
ManningOn Peyton Manning's nerve regeneration and ability to throw, Irsay said: “I always want Peyton to understand the risk-rewards about playing. We want to make sure he understands the long-term aspects of his health in trying to play."
I think Irsay should be completely confident Manning understands.
He’s a smart guy who’s not going to force himself onto a football field if he can’t play or is at risk. And his doctor has already said Manning's neck isn’t a risk now, so it’s about the arm strength.
This idea that part of what Irsay and the Colts need to do now is protect Manning from himself is nonsensical to me. And somewhat insulting.
The health risk issues connected to the neck have been addressed, and clearly Manning and his medical people think he’s fine to play.
If muscles aren’t firing to allow him to throw the way he’s used to, that’s a different issue entirely.
It’s serious for sure, but it’s not as if he’d be putting himself in danger stepping on a football field without his laser, rocket arm.
So we circle back.
I think Irsay should be completely confident Manning understands.
He’s a smart guy who’s not going to force himself onto a football field if he can’t play or is at risk. And his doctor has already said Manning's neck isn’t a risk now, so it’s about the arm strength.
This idea that part of what Irsay and the Colts need to do now is protect Manning from himself is nonsensical to me. And somewhat insulting.
The health risk issues connected to the neck have been addressed, and clearly Manning and his medical people think he’s fine to play.
If muscles aren’t firing to allow him to throw the way he’s used to, that’s a different issue entirely.
It’s serious for sure, but it’s not as if he’d be putting himself in danger stepping on a football field without his laser, rocket arm.
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.
