AFC South: Jim Mora
RTC: Columnist critical of Chris Polian
Houston Texans
Cut-blocking, which is legal, is viewed as "cowardly," per Cleveland defensive end Jayme Mitchell via the Akron Beacon-Journal, writes Jeffrey Martin of the Houston Chronicle. The Texans continue to hear opponents grumble about their style. But when opponents say "dirty," the Texans hear "hard," as in the opposite of "soft," which is a tag that has saddled the team for years. That their style gets in people’s heads ahead of time gives them an advantage, I believe. They are a tougher football team than they used to be.
Cut blocking is legal. But Jerome Solomon of the Chronicle asks if it’s ethical. I ask if a football team needs to be concerned with such a question as it tries to plot a course to success. The Texans are very good at what they do, and have built a roster to do it.
Indianapolis Colts
What has Chris Polian done to assure his long-term security, asks Bob Kravitz of the Indianapolis Star. Kravitz spoke to several former Colts people who said Polian has been “a toxic force who has brought this franchise to its knees for reasons other than Peyton Manning's injury.” “Tell me, what has Chris Polian actually done besides win the genetic lottery?” Wow. Those are some very strong words.
Special teams coverage and returns have stubbornly defied sustained improvement for years, writes Phil Richards of the Indianapolis Star. Through three head coaches and special teams coordinators -- Jim Mora and Kevin Spencer, 1998-2001; Tony Dungy and Russ Purnell, 2002-08; Jim Caldwell and Ray Rychleski, 2009-present -- they have remained largely substandard. I believe the team is simply too willing to not be good on special teams.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Gene Frenette of the Times-Union offers his midseason report card for the Jaguars. He’s got an F for passing offense and a D for coaching, grades that offset some Bs.
“It would completely fly in the face of (Wayne) Weaver’s image as a patient owner to jettison (Gene) Smith after three years,” writes Frenette. “My goodness, he’s given (Jack) Del Rio nine years, longer than any coach in history without winning a division title. He gave Smith’s predecessor, James Harris, six years despite totally setting this franchise back with repeated first-round draft busts.” I agree. A housecleaning should not include Smith, and he should be hiring the next head coach.
Tennessee Titans
Javon Ringer finds himself a larger part of the Titans’ offense than he or anyone else would have envisioned at the start of the year, writes John Glennon of The Tennessean. Ringer is averaging more yards per run and reception than Chris Johnson, carried the ball a career-best 14 times last week against the Colts, and was on the field for the last three drives of the game. If he’s running better, he needs to play more, I believe. I’d make him, minimally, the third-down back.
Marshall Faulk knows what hitting a wall looks like and feels like, and tells Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean that Chris Johnson has not hit a wall. But Falk has serious questions about CJ: “Right now, he looks like a guy who doesn’t have a good grasp of what they are trying to accomplish in the running game. He is running like a guy who is not certain about how teams are attacking him.”
RTC: Free agency shouldn't scare Houston
Houston Texans
Before he was a Pro Bowl corner for a Super Bowl team, Tramon Williams was an undrafted free agent for the Texans, says John McClain.
Cameron Jordan is the pick at 11 for Houston in Lance Zierlein’s first mock draft.
The Texans shouldn’t treat free agency as a big, scary bad thing that can ruin a football team, says Houston Diehards.
Indianapolis Colts
Super Bowl representatives from Indianapolis are watching and learning in North Texans, says Bob Kravitz.
This should have been Indy’s Super Bowl, Kravitz says.
Marvin Harrison’s Hall of Fame case shouldn’t be necessary, says Nate Dunlevy.
Looking at the Colts’ defensive tackles and defensive ends, with Brett Mock.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Byron Leftwich has embraced his second chance with the Steelers, says Vito Stellino.
Jaguars’ fans will miss Vic Ketchman, says Gene Frenette.
Ketchman’s final chat at jaguars.com is at noon ET Wednesday.
How prospects fit so far into one formula for drafting quarterbacks, from Alfie Crow.
Tennessee Titans
Mike Heimerdinger is upbeat about the job opportunity and his health and Jim Mora is expressing interest, say John Glennon and Jim Wyatt.
Bud Adams’ dreams for his next coach don’t match reality, says Joe Biddle.
Even with his team on the verge of a Super Bowl, Ted Thompson is curious about Mike Munchak and the Titans, says Wyatt.
Ray Sherman still has not heard from the Titans, says Wyatt.
The Titans are no worse off than the 2007 Falcons, and look at Atlanta now, says Bob McClellan.
RTC: Mangini emerges as Titans' candidate
Houston Texans
The AFC Championship Game coaches are successful and popular, says Jerome Solomon.
John McClain likes the Steelers and Packers.
Indianapolis Colts
Jay Cutler is Santa Claus’ gift to the NFL, writes Jeff Rabjohns.
Who to root for Sunday, from a Colts’ fan perspective.
Jacksonville Jaguars
When to select a quarterback in the draft is a big question for Gene Smith, says Gene Frenette.
Tennessee Titans
Eric Mangini has emerged as a candidate for the Titans defensive coordinator job, says Jim Wyatt. Jim Mora, Clancy Pendergast and Dave McGinnis appear to be other possibilities.
How Fisher butchered the Cecil decision
Whichever it was, Fisher looks horrible today and has some very tough questions to answer when he finally has his staff together.
AP Photo/Paul SpinelliJeff Fisher has vacancies to fill at defensive coordinator and defensive line coach.Originally we thought Fisher merely declined to retain Cecil. But Jim Wyatt reports that Cecil was offered and signed a one-year extension late in the season. That means he’s getting paid by Bud Adams in 2011 while not working for the team. And Adams is an owner who absolutely hates to pay people who are no longer around. It likely takes money from the pool Fisher has available to pay other assistants as he signs them to one-year deals that line up with his.
I believe one of two scenarios panned out regarding Cecil:
- Fisher finally realized the extent of the team’s discontent with Cecil after hearing from Jim Washburn, the defensive line coach who bolted for Philadelphia Wednesday. Though several players had told the head coach they would be disinclined to return if Cecil remained, Fisher didn’t take such talk as seriously as he should have. Thursday, the switch finally flipped.
- Fisher knew he was going to have to part ways with his good friend even as he gave him the extension. Leaving Cecil out of the loop, Fisher put as large a time period between a new contract and the firing as he could, ensuring his pal has a 2011 salary if not a job.
It's a sad development, either way. Cecil deserves blame, but he didn’t draft underachieving players such as Gerald McRath or Sen’Derrick Marks and he didn’t underperform like Will Witherspoon and Tony Brown did.
Who can Fisher get? Dave McGinnis could be promoted from linebackers coach. Maybe Dick Jauron or Jim Mora would buy into a year with Fisher providing a payoff. Or maybe we see something David Climer smartly proposed: Fisher captaining the defense himself.
If the ship is sinking, the top guy might as well be at the wheel.
Chad Ochocinco will be covering Super Bowl week with his Ochocinco News Network.
Here's what you need to know about labor pains ahead, courtesy of Tim Graham.
More players have pledged their brains to a concussion study.
The combine invite list from the National Football Post.
Houston Texans
The Texans are working on an extension for Gary Kubiak, says John McClain. I think you can tie your hands long term by making such a move and that a contract year for a coach can be a good thing like a contract year for a player can be.
Richard Justice thinks it’s the right way to go.
Super Bowl/ Indianapolis Colts
The Colts are preparing for the worst with Dwight Freeney, says Mike Chappell.
Freeney’s value cannot be overstated, says Bob Kravitz.
These are familiar surroundings for the Colts, says Phil Richards.
Bill Polian says Freeney is 50-50, writes John Oehser.
Ryan Diem anchors the offensive line, says Stacy Clardie.
Jim Mora’s unwavering faith was a big piece of Peyton Manning’s development, says Clark Judge.
Jim Irsay’s best move was getting Polian in place, says Judge.
The Colts are built like a family, says Thomas George.
Joseph Addai embraces his role running in Manning’s shadow, says Nancy Gay.
Nothing’s going to stop Freeney from playing, says Robert Mathis. Jason La Canfora’s story.
The Colts and Saints must avoid temptations, says Alex Marvez.
These guys rank as hidden gems no more, says Clifton Brown.
Who’d have the edge if the starting quarterbacks went down, asks Don Banks.
Pierre Garcon is hitting the big time at the right time, says A.J. Perez.
Players will get the headlines but it’s coaches who lay the groundwork, says Pat Kirwan.
The Kyle DeVan story from Shutdown Corner.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jags are in not so Super company, says Vito Stellino.
Tennessee Titans
Chris Johnson talks contract again, saying he should be the NFL’s highest-paid running back, says Jim Wyatt.
An uncapped year will restrict six Titans, says Terry McCormick.
Reading the coverage: Game-day previews
Posted by ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky
Greetings from Indianapolis, where I will head over to Lucas Oil Stadium shortly to get ready for Seahawks-Colts.
Here's your mandatory morning pregame reading:
Houston Texans
- Matt Schaub is compiling quality stats, writes John McClain.
- The Texans and Raiders are more alike than expected, says Dale Robertson.
- Four Texans will do their part for breast cancer awareness, says McClain.
- Anthony Hill is out of the hospital and talked to Mark Berman.
- Seattle will try to match the Colts’ tempo, says Mike Chappell.
- The running game is making strides, writes Phil Richards.
- It’s almost like Tony Dungy never left, says Alex Marvez.
- Former Colts coach Jim Mora’s grandsons lighten the mood regarding his famous “playoffs?” rant, says Phillip B. Wilson.
- The Colts will also wear a splash of pink, writes Chappell.
- Chappell doesn’t expect to see Marcus Howard back with the team during Dwight Freeney’s absence.
- John Oehser takes questions, several about Clint Session and Jordan Senn.
- Gene Frenette looks at Jeff Fisher’s staying power.
- Daryl Smith is low key but gets high marks, says Michael C Wright.
- Spillover from Wright’s interview with Smith landed in his blog.
- David Garrard and the fans lose out from Jack Del Rio’s radio decision, writes Frenette.
- End Julius Williams plays great in practice but hasn’t translated it into games yet, says Wright.
- Keys to the game from iJax.com.
- Shallow thoughts and aimless musings from bigcatcountry.com.
- The Titans cut Patrick Ramsey and elevated cornerback Cary Williams from the practice squad, writes Wyatt.
- Some Titans are concerned by the results of a recent brain disease study, writes Jim Wyatt.
- Wyatt’s breakdown of the Titans’ matchup with the Jaguars.
- Ryan Mouton’s looking for redemption, says Wyatt.
- Eugene Amano is helping with typhoon relief.
- The AP got Steve McNair’s public service announcement urging young people contemplating suicide to live to see better days.
- Long passes are not a priority for Mike Heimerdinger, says Gary Estwick.
Tony Pierce in Muncie, Ind., writes: Paul, Please remind everyone that the birth of the Colts as we now know them did not occur under Tony Dungy and that his departure while sad does not automatically mean they will miss the playoffs. Bill Polian is the mastermind here and this team actually started down this path of dominance under Jim Mora. Mora took this team to the playoffs twice going 13-3 and 10-6 until the year Edgerrin James went down and then it was 6-10. Jim Mora failed to fire the D coordinator which led to his release and the hiring of Tony Dungy. Yes Dungy continued the winning and helped to build the team to what it is, but they are built to win and Jim Caldwell would have to completely incompetent to mess this up.
Paul Kuharsky: You're right, Tony. The three staples for a successful team are GM, coach and quarterback and while Polian is more than a GM, he and Peyton Manning are in place and that should ensure stability. Also, it's not like Caldwell is some outsider with a dramatically different philosophy.
Rahul in Houston, Texas, writes: I've been hearing that Rex Grossman has looked better than Schaub and Orlovsky in the opening days of training camp. While I know Schaub's job is safe, the comp between Rex and Dan has to be favoring Grossman at this point. What have you been hearing and seeing?
Paul Kuharsky: I've not been seeing anything yet; I won't be in Houston until Aug. 18.
Orlovsky got three years for $8.5 million. That's a pretty good investment. I don't have the guarantee in front of me, but they like him enough to set the market for backup quarterbacks with that contract. I believe it would take a very poor camp from him and a great preseason from Grossman for them to flip the two on the depth chart.
Robert Vega in Melbourne, Fla., writes: Paul, regarding the Titans wearing the Oilers logo, I think it's an insult to the fans. None of the current Titans fans bled Columbia Blue and filled the House of Pain (with the exception of those who sold out their city to follow the team to Tenn). The majority of the Luv ya Blue fans are now Texans fans and it's a slap in the face to see those jerseys in another city. While it's been a while, the wounds that Bud Adams inflicted on the city of Houston still hurt. While I have since moved away, I still keep an Oilers helmet in my living room, but I will take it down on the days the NFL allows the Titans to desecrate those beloved uniforms.
Paul Kuharsky: I understand your feelings on the matter. But like it or not, it's not about the cities, it's about the owner.
Interconference matchups: AFC South/NFC West
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The AFC South's overall success in 2008 came in good part to its interconference matchups. They were a collective 11-5 against the NFC North with no team worse than 2-2.
What awaits the division when it faces the NFC West this season?
Last year doesn't give us too much information, but at this point in time it's hard to say anything but the matchups look favorable. In 2008 the NFC West was a collective 20 games under .500 while the AFC South was 12 games over.
Here are seven interesting storylines or factors that will come into play in AFC South against NFC West this season.
1. Slowing top receivers: Teams in the AFC South are built on the thinking that they have to be able to matchup with some pretty good receivers. Yes, Marvin Harrison is gone, but Indianapolis still has Reggie Wayne, and Anthony Gonzalez could evolve into a tough matchup. And the Colts, Titans and Jaguars know they have to try to slow the excellent Andre Johnson twice a season. Now the division also has to contend with Torry Holt. How does such defensive construction translate against a division featuring Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Isaac Bruce and rookie Michael Crabtree?
2. Super rushers in big-time matchups: Preparing for the AFC South means preparing for a big-time edge rusher off the right side. Houston's Mario Williams, Indy's Dwight Freeney and Tennessee's Kyle Vanden Bosch are relentless in their quarterback pursuit. Their matchups with Seattle's Walter Jones and San Francisco's Joe Staley should be something to see, and the ability or inability of Arizona's Mike Gandy and St. Louis' Alex Barron to slow them will be critical storylines in those games. And are AFC South left tackles assigned to stop those big rushers in two games a year -- Michael Roos, Tra Thomas/Eugene Monroe, Tony Ugoh and Duane Brown -- also equipped to handle Justin Smith, Chris Long and Bertrand Berry?
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| Aaron Josefczyk/Icon SMI | |
| The Colts' Peyton Manning could have big days against the NFC West's pass coverages. |
3. Unfamiliar defenses vs. Peyton Manning: No, rank against the pass isn't a tell-all stat. But St. Louis ranked 19th against the pass last year, and that was tops among NFC West teams. The Rams, 49ers (20th), Cardinals (22nd) and Seahawks (32nd) are going to have to show they're much better and can be resourceful if they have a chance to minimize the damage inflicted by Manning. Otherwise, he may well pick them apart.
4. Getting to know Jim Mora: Mora is the new coach of the Seahawks. None of the AFC South teams played against the Mora-coached Atlanta Falcons teams in the regular season while he coached that franchise from 2004-06. But Jeff Fisher's 1999 Titans lost to a San Francisco team that had Mora as its defensive coordinator. The Jaguars beat the Niners that same year on opening day, but don't have a player or coach left from that team, so aren't likely to find any help in it. Indy will have a little organizational recall of Mora's defense from a loss to the 49ers in 2001. The AFC South doesn't have a lot to go on, either, as it prepares to face three other coaches who have not been with their teams long. Fisher does know Mike Singletary -- they were teammates on the Bears.
5. How will two teams from the Eastern
time zone and two from the Central travel West: Including the playoffs, AFC South teams are 5-16 in games at Seattle, Arizona, San Francisco, San Diego and Oakland since realignment in 2002. That includes 0-7 for the Titans, whose playoff fate could come down their first trip to Qwest Field, a Jan. 3 regular-season finale.
6. Will the Cardinals draw in North Florida: Things are not looking good for the Jaguars in the ticket sales department, and a visit by St. Louis combines with home games against Kansas City, Buffalo and Miami outside the division to make for a less-than-stellar slate to market. But the defending NFC Champion Cardinals are in Jacksonville on Sept. 20. If the combination of the Jaguars' home opener and Kurt Warner, Fitzgerald and Boldin coming to town doesn't produce a buzz and a sellout, it won't bode well for what's ahead.
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7. Battle of the rookie running backs: Colts president Bill Polian once passed on Ricky Williams in favor of Edgerrin James, and came out looking very smart. In April, with Knowshon Moreno long gone, Polian tabbed Donald Brown ahead of Beanie Wells. This season the Colts head to Arizona Week 3 and will use Brown against a team that took the back Polian passed on in the first round. The Cardinals preferred Brown to Wells as well. Here we get close looks at both the backs from late in the first round in a game pitting the teams many rate as the favorites in these two divisions.
ESPN's Mike Golic discusses some of the new coaches heading into the 2009 season.
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.
