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ESPN Stats & Information can now delve into playtime percentages, a great feature we will use often.

My initial reaction to the available info was merely to ask for the numbers on some key situational guys and some stars from each of our teams. Keep in mind some are influenced by time missed because of injuries.

Here’s the percentage of their team's snaps on offense or defense they’ve played.

Houston Texans: CB Kareem Jackson 74.4, CB Jason Allen 52.8, WR Kevin Walter 66.8, WR Jacoby Jones 71.5, DT Shaun Cody 35.9, DT Earl Mitchell 25.6.

Indianapolis Colts: TE Dallas Clark 86.9, TE Brody Eldridge 41.3, WR Austin Collie 59.2, CB Jacob Lacey 75.3, DE Dwight Freeney 63.1, DE Robert Mathis 64.3, DE Jamaal Anderson, 38.3, DE Tyler Brayton 45.6, S David Caldwell 44.1, S Joe Lefeged 38.1.

Jacksonville Jaguars: LB Clint Session 42.3, FB Greg Jones 40.3, RB Maurice Jones-Drew, 71.9, CB Drew Coleman 53.0, DE John Chick 25.3.

Tennessee Titans: DE Derrick Morgan 57.7, LB Will Witherspoon 83.8, DT Karl Klug 50.7, DT Jurrell Casey 56.1, TE Craig Stevens 33.6. TE Jared Cook 62.1, RB Chris Johnson 70.7.

Four guys I’d like to see more of starting this weekend:

Houston -- The Texans keep calling Kareem Jackson and Jason Allen both starters in their cornerback group. If you really think that way, then how does Allen disappear in Baltimore and how do you end up saying afterward you had hoped he’d play more? Are you unable to monitor who’s playing how much in the course of a game? Jackson is still not good. I’d like to see more of the alternative.

Indianapolis -- Running back Donald Brown came into the season close to being labeled a bust. While the 2009 first-round draft pick can still be overly hesitant, overall he has done a good job this season. He’s averaging 5.6 yards a carry, but has only taken 13 handoffs. I understand it’s a small sample size. Why not see what a bigger sample size looks like? I like Delone Carter a lot, but he’s more a short-yardage guy.

Jacksonville -- Defensive end John Chick has pass-rush skills. It was apparent last year when the Colts brought him in from the CFL. He spent time on their practice squad but didn’t make the final cut this season. The Jaguars picked him up and he’s showed an ability to get in the backfield when he gets on the field. With Austen Lane now out for the year, the door is open for Chick, and I expect to see production from the pass-rusher.

Tennessee -- I am not a proponent of taking carries away from Chris Johnson. The Titans need to keep giving it to him while figuring out what’s wrong with the run game. But I do believe offensive coordinator Chris Palmer ought to find a way to get rookie running back Jamie Harper some touches somewhere along the way. How? I’m not quite sure. But there has to be a way where they don’t disrupt what they are trying to get going with Johnson.

Check here for a complete list of the Indianapolis Colts' roster moves.

Surprise moves: Tommie Harris seemed to play well enough to stick, but the former first-round defensive tackle apparently wanted to be treated like the team’s top defensive linemen and the team didn’t like the attitude. Defensive end John Chick had solid games but couldn’t get past Jerry Hughes. Undrafted rookie tight end Mike McNeill made it, as did four others who were not April selections: running backs Darren Evans and Chad Spann, linebacker Adrian Moten and safety Joe Lefeged.

No-brainers: Veteran additions on defense made good impressions in the preseason and are sticking around -- ends Jamaal Anderson and Tyler Brayton and linebacker Ernie Sims. Anthony Gonzalez may be injury prone, but none of the other options at receiver is a better player.

What’s next: They’ve got only four defensive tackles in Fili Moala, Antonio Johnson, Eric Foster and Drake Nevis. It could be a spot where they look to add or upgrade on Foster. Offensive linemen Mike Pollak and Jamey Richard will have to prove they deserved to stick ahead of Kyle DeVan.

A running list of Saturday cuts around the AFC South so far, per reports from people in the know…

Houston

• LB Xavier Adibi
• WR Dorin Dickerson
• DE Damione Lewis
• TE Anthony Hill

Indianapolis

• DT Tommie Harris
• DT Ricardo Matthews
• TE Michael Matthews
• WR Taj Smith
• DE John Chick
• QB Dan Orlovsky
• LB Kerry Neal
• G Kyle DeVan
• RB Javarris James
• P Travis Baltz

Jacksonville

• OT Daniel Baldridge
• DE Larry Hart
• DL Andrew Lewis
• CB Terrence Wheatley
• CB Jalil Johnson
• LB Mike Lockley

Tennessee

• WR Justin Gage
• DE Jacob Ford
• S Vincent Fuller
• S Robert Johnson
• OT Adam Terry

Roster and practice-squad news so far Sunday:

Houston Texans

Were awarded linebakcer David Nixon from the Oakland Raiders and cornerback Jamar Wall from the Dallas Cowboys of waivers. Released linebacker Danny Clark.

Indianapolis Colts

Signed quarterback Tom Brandstater, defensive end John Chick, receiver Brandon James, defensive back Mike Newton and receiver Blair White to the practice squad.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Were awarded defensive tackle Landon Cohen off waivers from the Detroit Lions. Released offensive lineman Paul McQuistan.

Signed offensive tackle Daniel Baldridge, tight end Mike Caussin, receiver John Matthews, and defensive tackle Kommonyan Quaye to the practice squad.

Tennessee Titans

Were awarded linebacker Tim Shaw from the Chicago Bears and linebacker Patrick Bailey from the Pittsburgh Steelers off waivers. Released linebackers Stanford Keglar and running back LeGarrette Blount.

Signed defensive lineman Hall Davis, receiver Dominique Edison, cornerback Pete Ittersagen, center Kevin Matthews, safety Myron Rolle and linebacker Patrick Trahan to the practice squad.

Check here for a full list of Indianapolis’ roster moves.


Biggest surprises: Undrafted running back/returner Devin Moore, undrafted offensive tackle Jeff Linkenbach and undrafted cornerback Brandon King all won roster spots. Defensive tackle Mitch King, who also ranked as a long shot when camp started, survived. So did Gijon Robinson, the primary blocking tight end in recent years who figures to lose snaps to rookie Brody Eldridge. John Chick, a CFL star, lost out to Keyunta Dawson in his bid to be the fourth defensive end.

No-brainers: Two out of three of the return candidates were going, and those turned out to be Brandon James and seventh-rounder Ray Fisher.

What’s next: The team traded an undisclosed pick to Washington for defensive back Justin Tryon, so it appears more settled with cornerback depth. Despite fan desires for a change from Curtis Painter, I’d expect he’s locked in as the backup quarterback to Peyton Manning. The team is currently 10 deep on the offensive and defensive lines, but there doesn’t seem to be a spot screaming out for help at the expense of a lineman right now.

As the Indianapolis Colts’ first-round pick, Jerry Hughes will draw the focus. A third edge pass rusher to go with Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis is something Bill Polian’s been searching for.

But during my recent visit to Colts camp, Polian stressed that rushers take some time to develop. Perhaps lowering expectations can help Hughes as he adjusts to the NFL.

And Indy’s got an alternative who fits their mold, looks pretty rugged and has been tested at the pro level already: former CFLer John Chick.

“He’s far, far ahead experience-wise of Jerry Hughes,” Polian said. “Dwight Freeney didn’t play for eight weeks in his rookie year. Bruce Smith took two years to really become a factor.

Polian likes to point out that anytime the Colts have had Freeney and Mathis healthy together through the playoffs, the team’s won the Super Bowl. Of course by “anytime,” he means “the only time” -- 2006.

“It’s obviously a critical position in our defense, so we have been searching for guys, plural, who can come in and spell them and back them up and be ready over the course of 19 or 20 games to be ready to rush at a high level. When we got and opportunity to get Chick we jumped at that. When we got the opportunity to get Hughes, we jumped at that. Hopefully it’ll pay off.”

Chick, 27, went to Utah State and was an undrafted free agent with Houston in 2006 but didn’t stick, then played for the Saskatchewan RoughRiders from 2007-09.

Chick said he feels like a fit with the Colts and is optimistic about his chances.

“The defense we ran up there was pretty crazy too, an untraditional attack but it seemed to work,” he said. “What I had been doing helped prepare me for what I am doing now quite a bit. They told me they need another end who can help rush the passer. It sounded exciting especially with a team the caliber of the Colts.

“It’s been very welcoming. They want the best guys to play. Their secret to success really isn’t that big a secret, they do things right… It’s not about who you are, what size you are or anything like that. It’s about how you can contribute. From what I saw they want to play their best players.”

Reading the coverage ...

Houston Texans

The Texans and Steve Slaton are working on a cure for his fumble issue, says Jerome Solomon.

Gary Kubiak didn’t like the Texans’ last practice before they left for New Orleans, say John McClain and Jordan Godwin.

Last year’s fights don’t leave the Texans looking for more as they pair up with New Orleans, says McClain.

David Anderson has a flashback.

Jacoby Jones will be playing back in his hometown, says Anna Megan-Raley.

Ben Tate is out for the season.

Indianapolis Colts

John Chick is looking forward to a game back in Canada, says Mike Chappell. More to come on Chick from me shortly.

The final night practice of training camp drew a big crowd, say Chappell.

The Colts play out of the country for the first time since 2005 when they kickoff in Toronto Thursday, says Chappell.

Chappell takes a lot of questions about Curtis Painter.

Painter’s not inspiring much confidence, says Don Banks.

Austin Collie and Fili Moala both look better, says John Oehser.

An AFC down-cycle will help the Colts again, says Nate Dunlevy. I agree and have said the Colts’ fate may have a lot to do with just how much the rest of the conference has done to close the gap on Indy.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Marcedes Lewis may have been the star of camp, says Vito Stellino.

Zach Miller is frustrated after re-aggravating a mid-foot sprain and the Jags continue to look for linebacker depth, says Tania Ganguli.

A ticket update from Ganguli and Stellino. The Jags need to sell 3,000 more per game to avoid blackouts. That still sounds like a lot to me.

It’s make or break for David Garrard, says Jason Cole.

The offensive line will be the key, says Luke Sims.

Wayne Weaver is making sure preseason games aren’t blacked out, says Vic Ketchman.

Tennessee Titans

Jason McCourty holds an edge in the cornerback competition, says John Glennon.

The Titans waived Stafon Johnson and expect him to spend the year on injured reserve, say Jim Wyatt and Glennon.

Johnson remains upbeat, says Terry McCormick.

Glennon’s practice report.

Rusty Smith doesn’t lack confidence, says David Climer.

The Titans got some experience with Samkon Gado, says David Boclair.

The receiver competition is heating up, says Phil Brame.

Kerry Collins vs. Chris Simms isn’t even close, says Drexel Perry.

ESPN.com NFL Power Ranking (pre-camp): 1

ANDERSON, Ind. -- They could have made a bid at an undefeated regular season and their hopes for a Super Bowl win were snuffed out by an onside kick and an untimely pick.

So it should concern the rest of the AFC South that the 2010 Indianapolis Colts appear to be better than last year’s version.

They get two high-quality players, who were injured for most of last year, back in safety Bob Sanders and receiver Anthony Gonzalez. The Colts added a third edge rusher and a blocking tight end in the draft.

“Coach [Jim] Caldwell wants us to be a consistent team and not one that plays really well one week and not one that goes into a slump the next couple of games and then comes back,” Peyton Manning said. “I think we have been pretty consistent. Our offseason work, our execution and our attention to detail in training camp make a difference.

“But what has happened in the past doesn’t guarantee you anything for this 2010 season. We have some new players, new coaches and it is up to us to go out and form the identity of his team and to go out and try to win games this season.”

THREE HOT ISSUES

1. Can Sanders stay on the field? The thing that makes him so good is the same thing that makes him so injury prone. He throws himself around like a torpedo, and suffers the consequences. He’s upbeat and happy right now to be spending his time on the field and with coaches and teammates instead of in the training room with medical staff.

“I don’t think you can put yourself in less danger on the field,” Sanders said when I asked if there was any way he could be less reckless to try to preserve himself. “We’re football players so we’re going to be physical. It’s a physical game. I make tackles. You just never know what’s going to happen. You just have to play your best, hope for the best, I pray and put it in God’s hands and just try to do my job.”

When he’s out there, he’ll be more creative than when we last saw him playing consistently. Second-year defensive coordinator Larry Coyer is much more willing to blitz than Ron Meeks was.

As good as Melvin Bullitt's been as Sanders’ replacement, Sanders is a game-altering presence when he’s out there. Sanders is making plays in camp. If he’s out there, the Colts’ defense could be fantastic.

2. Will offensive line changes amount to an upgrade? Left guard Ryan Lilja was let go, so at least one spot will be filled by someone new. Tony Ugoh looked like the early choice, but he’s been pulled back to tackle to work for the injured Charlie Johnson, so Jamey Richard is in play. Richard might shift to center while Jeff Saturday recovers from a knee scope, which could open the door for rookie Jacques McClendon, if he’s healthy, or someone like Jaimie Thomas.

The talent pool now includes McClendon and tackle Adam Terry, but there was no overhaul. Pass protection combined with Manning’s ability to get the ball out quick meant few sacks, but the team needs to run better for balance. Short-yardage bugaboos have been a factor in season-ending losses the past two years.

New offensive line coach Pete Metzelaars has a chance to make minor alterations that could have a bearing, and a quality-blocking tight end like Brody Eldridge could even help revive the once bread-and-butter stretch play.

3. Will secondary depth hold up? Bill Polian purged the roster of some injury-prone corners, then saw third-round pick Kevin Thomas go down shortly after the draft with a serious knee injury. Kelvin Hayden, Jerraud Powers and Jacob Lacey should be a fine top three, but if one gets hurt, Deshea Townsend or Marcus McCauley, who were available recently, could be the next option.

If the Colts have to go that deep down the depth chart, their pass rush will be even more vital. But how many teams would love for the fourth cornerback to be a primary issue heading into a season?

BIGGEST SURPRISE

It’s hard to find them with a very low-key team that drafts and grooms the bulk of its players. Polian’s harped on short-yardage failures, but then the team didn’t add a sure fire starter to the line with Andy Alleman (already gone), Terry and McClendon.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT

Before the Colts could start to sort things out, injuries dictated they move offensive linemen around. Saturday is out 2-6 weeks after a knee scope, and Johnson and McClendon are sidelined. It would have been nice to see Metzelaars have a full deck for a long stretch in order to best hold competitions and compare and contrast players. The sooner they resolve the lineup and start to build cohesion, the better. Now it’s probably going to be later than would be ideal.

OBSERVATION DECK

• [+] Enlarge
  AP Photo/Darron CummingsExpect more surprises out of Larry Coyer's defense this season.
  In Year 2 of Coyer’s tenure as defensive coordinator, I expect the Colts will be more exotic with an occasional surprise look or package -- perhaps most often utilizing their depth at safety where Sanders, Antoine Bethea and Bullitt make for three starting-caliber players.
• While the defensive line shows fantastic speed and strength, Mitch King looked the least smooth during the drill in which linemen weave through blocking dummies, turn a corner and try to strip a quarterback. For those excited about him, an adjusted timetable might be advisable.
• As the punter and kickoff man, Pat McAfee is electric. But teams in the market for a kickoff specialist might want to keep an eye on Garrett Lindholm, who looks like he can regularly put the ball in the end zone.
• Powers carries himself exceptionally well. During a break in one practice, as most guys went to the cool-down tent or took themselves out of football mentality for a minute, he picked the brain of Reggie Wayne. Powers already has become a media favorite, too.
• Manning could make good money if his only job was to put on clinics about how to best loft red-zone passes to the pylons in the back corners of the end zones.
• Joseph Addai knows what he’s doing on every play, and Donald Brown is smart enough to follow his lead, though Brown doesn’t shine in pass protection one-on-ones versus linebackers. The Colts will be just fine if the line can block for the runners, and maybe even if it can’t. Brown’s had more than a year to get pass protections down. If that keeps him off the field any this year, it’s no one’s fault but his.
• Better didn’t mean great for the interior defensive line in 2009. Daniel Muir and Antonio Johnson continue to improve, and Fili Moala will make for a third 300-pounder in there. He appears to be comfortable and ready to contribute.
• The Colts haven’t emphasized the return game and, at times, it’s felt almost like they de-emphasized it. But undrafted rookie Brandon James is a miniature speedster who is in position to win at least the punt-return job. He could give Manning and the offense a short field once in a while.
• John Chick, who joined the Colts from the Canadian Football League, could win the fourth defensive end spot if he shows a good learning curve and durability.

Reading the coverage:

Michael Lombardi adds up rushing attempts and pass completions for an interesting chart in here.

Houston Texans

Alan Burge asks if you’d rather have Kareem Jackson or Leigh Bodden.

Indianapolis Colts

I look at John Chick for “On The Radar” last week. Here’s Phillip B. Wilson with more on the former CFL star.

Running down some of what Football Outsiders says about the Colts offense with Nate Dunlevy.

Jamie Dukes follows the consensus and ranks Peyton Manning the league’s top quarterback.

Brandon Scott previews Colts camp. There’s a Manning interview from his quarterback camp attached.

Rookie safety David Caldwell talked with Coltzilla.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Will this bumper sticker campaign help the Jaguars in Jacksonville?

A closer look at undrafted defensive lineman Aaron Morgan from Adam Stites.

Hunter Ansley thinks the Jaguars could be a surprise team.

Tennessee Titans

It’s not been the best Titans’ offseason, but don’t jump to say it’s the worst says David Boclair.

Kevin Matthews has special ties to the Titans, writes Phil Brame.

» NFC On the Radar: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

A player, coach or issue that should be on your radar as training camp approaches.

All the talk about the Colts’ edge rush this offseason has revolved around how first-round pick Jerry Hughes can give the team a legitimate third guy to go with Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. Bill Polian said it’s one of the things the team’s had the toughest time finding.

But a little further down the depth chart, might Polian have found another quality end candidate?

A quiet signing way back on Jan. 8, John Chick was defensive MVP of the Canadian Football League in 2010. In three seasons with Saskatchewan RoughRiders he recorded 68 tackles, 19 sacks, six forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

Could he be the next Cameron Wake, a CFL standout who had 5.5 sacks last season for the Dolphins?

That’s probably a stretch. He was an undrafted free agent for Houston in 2006 and didn’t make it to camp.

But Chick looks to fit the Colts’ mold and is the kind of guy they like to coach up and give a chance. Mel Kiper had him as his 45th-rated defensive end coming out of Utah State, where he was a four-year starter who also saw time at linebacker. If he comes along, he could compete with someone like Ervin Baldwin for the team’s fifth defensive end spot.

Chick’s a long shot for sure, but just the sort of guy to keep an eye on early in camp.