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Early thoughts on some key Colts scheduled to become unrestricted free agents come March 13.

Thanks to Mac’s Football Blog, where you can find complete team-by-team lists that include exclusive right and restricted free agents.

QB Kerry Collins – He may not have filed paperwork, but he’s retired.

QB Dan Orlovsky – Showed enough to be on a roster in the league as a third quarterback in a crowded situation or a backup somewhere with a sure-fire starter.

WR Pierre Garcon – He’s inconsistent, but this team needs a speed receiver for Andrew Luck and it’s better to keep the one they’ve been developing than going searching.

WR Anthony Gonzalez – Was completely in the doghouse at the end and could not get on the field. Probably needs to sign for a season, in Indy or elsewhere, and prove he can be healthy and contribute.

WR Reggie Wayne – Has said he’d stay and be honored to be part of a rebuild, but they’d have to be fair. Other teams will court him and somebody will pay him better than the Colts would if they pursued him, I suspect.

TE Jacob Tamme – Was quite a good receiving option for Peyton Manning in 2010, but how much of that was Manning? I think Tamme is a valuable piece they should want back and can certainly afford.

OT Ryan Diem – Did well to serve as a veteran example for a young line and was flexible, playing some guard. But his time is going to be up.

OG Mike Pollak – Has played a lot and not gotten a lot better. They got new tackles last year; it’s time for a new guard or two.

OC Jeff Saturday – If Manning is gone, it would make sense to turn the page with Saturday, too. Reportedly the Colts and at least one other team would like him in their front offices.

DE Robert Mathis – Will be a commodity, for sure. Never mind his age. He can help you rush the passer for the next three years. Colts should want to keep him, but will they pay what he costs?

LB Philip Wheeler – If the Colts are getting bigger on defense, they’ll probably move on here. He’s consistently failed to get in or stay in the lineup for extended stretches in a defense for which he’s better suited.

Other UFAs:

• DE Jamaal Anderson
• FB Jerome Felton
• OT Quinn Ojinnaka
• OG Jamey Richard
• DE Tyler Brayton
• DE Eric Foster
• LB Kevin Bentley
• LB Ernie Sims

Observations from the Texans' 34-24 loss to the Eagles on Thursday:

What it means: The Texans fell to 5-7 and sit alone in last place in the AFC South, awaiting the results of Sunday’s Jaguars-Titans game. The seven losses assure they cannot top last season’s 9-7 record.

The Vick factor: The Texans got quality pressure on Michael Vick at times, delivering some shots in the first half that served to slow him. But ultimately he was more than capable of making the plays the Eagles needed to win, throwing for 302 yards and two touchdowns and running for another score.

Crucial spot: Tight end Brent Celek was able to spin and stretch for the first-down marker to convert a third-and-19 on the touchdown drive that put the Eagles up by the final 10-point margin. He was initially marked short, but a replay challenge by Eagles coach Andy Reid was upheld. Celek landed on top of Kevin Bentley as he made the lunge, and safety Troy Nolan, the second player with a chance to stop him short, flew past the play as he tried for a hard shot rather than worrying about Celek’s location.

What I liked: The Texans’ ability to come back -- down 17-3 early, they were ahead 24-20 in the third quarter… Some good life out of Amobi Okoye (for the second week in a row) and Antonio Smith up front… Big third-and-long conversion catches by Joel Dreessen, David Anderson and Andre Johnson.

What I didn’t like: There were a lot of failures beyond Matt Schaub for the Texans, but he had at three especially bad moments. First was a brutal interception late in the first half on a short throw intended for Arian Foster. Then there was the bounce pass toward Kevin Walter on a third-and-7 when Schaub had room to run for a conversion (on the possession after Philadelphia retook the lead). And what about the play-call and/or Schaub decision on fourth-and-5 on Houston’s last best chance, a back shoulder throw intended for Walter up the right sideline?

What I couldn’t tell: If Schaub actually got hit in the helmet by Joselio Hanson on that fourth-down play, which would have warranted a flag and produced a first down. Schaub and Gary Kubiak certainly thought there was a missed call.

What’s next: The Texans host Baltimore on "Monday Night Football" on Dec. 13.

Brian Cushing may still see some time in the middle, but the big move from strong-side (Sam) to middle linebacker to replace the injured DeMeco Ryans is over.

It’s good that coach Gary Kubiak can look at it and decide that moving Cushing back outside maximizes his chance to make more plays. It’s bad that the other alternatives are so limited.

Here is Cushing from John McClain’s article.

“Sam is where I’ve made the majority of my plays. I’m going to be back at the position that I need to be.

“I think the coaches could see the frustrations that I had. I didn’t feel that anything was wrong, but I didn’t feel like I was really playing the game that I can.”

We should point out that even as Sam, Cushing has hardly been the same guy who won defensive rookie of the year in 2009 (twice). Is it a second-year slump? Is it a comedown from whatever caused the PED policy violation that got him suspended for the first four games of the year?

We don’t know.

We do know, I think, that he can’t play corner or defensive tackle, which is where the Texans need help the most.

It was a two-game experiment, although in the loss at Indianapolis the Texans played nickel defense in which Cushing played the same role he always has. Against San Diego he said he was over-thinking things in the middle.

Now Cushing will see some time in the middle but Kevin Bentley will be the main guy there.

It’s not a change that will transform the league’s worst defense into a monster. But it won’t make things any worse.

INDIANAPOLIS -- The best of ESPN Stats & Info’s breakdown of the Colts win over the Texans on Monday night:

Peyton Manning on third down with three wide: Despite being without Dallas Clark and Austin Collie, Manning actually fared better on third down with three wide receivers on the field.

In the Colts’ first six games, he completed 57.4 percent of his passes in those situations, with two touchdowns, an interception and an 85.7 passer rating.

Against the Texans he hit 66.7 percent, had two TDs and no picks and posted a 119.1 rating.

Nickel and dimed: Did you see much of Kevin Bentley on the field? He was the strongside linebacker who replaced Brian Cushing when the team moved Cushing to the middle to replace DeMeco Ryans, who’s out for the season.

But Bentley didn’t play much and that’s because the Texans played five or more defensive backs on every single passing snap the Colts ran. Before Monday night, 89 percent of Manning’s pass attempts had come against nickel or dime coverages.

Bentley had one defensive tackle.

Sacks without blitzing: Dwight Freeney set the tone by forcing Houston’s first punt with a sack on third-and-10, and later put the game on ice by strip-sacking Matt Schaub (again on third-and-10) on the Texans’ final play. The stellar performance moves the tandem of Freeney and Mathis within striking distance of the league’s top pass-rushing duos.

Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck of the Giants and Jason Babin and Dave Ball of the Titans have each combined for 11 sacks out of four-man pressure this season. Freeney’s sacks put him and Robert Mathis at 10.5 as a tandem without blitz help.

Underthrowing: Among Matt Schaub’s 70 incomplete passes through the Texans’ first six games this season, just 13 of them were on underthrown balls (18.5 percent). Schaub underthrew his targets seven times (50 percent of his incompletions) on Monday night, including a second-quarter interception returned for a touchdown by Kelvin Hayden.

Half the chances: Arian Foster put up a respectable performance with 102 yards on the ground, but it paled in comparison to his 231 yards in the Week 1 win over the Colts. The difference this time was opportunity -- the Texans never trailed in Week 1, so Foster racked up 33 carries. On Monday, Houston was behind nearly the entire game and the Texans back had just 15 rushes.

In Week 1, Foster carried the ball 17 times (for 157 yards) on first down compared to just six first-down carries in Week 8.

Reading the coverage…

Houston Texans

Dale Robertson looks at Texans' injuries during the Gary Kubiak era.

Kevin Bentley not only joins the starting lineup following knee surgery, but will maintain a key spot on special teams, says Robertson.

Indianapolis Colts

With Dallas Clark done and Austin Collie out, Reggie Wayne wants to make a big showing, says Mike Chappell.

Donald Brown could be ready while Jerraud Powers has two sore feet, says Phil Richards.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Decline of a defense: How the Jaguars slipped from one of the best to one of the worst, by Vito Stellino.

Tennessee Titans

The feisty Cortland Finnegan is trying to measure his edge, says John Glennon.

Turnovers have been fueling the Titans, says David Climer.

» NFC Stock Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

FALLING

1. The Jaguars’ run defense: Jacksonville got gashed by the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium and in yielding 236 yards, a 5.6-yard average and three rushing touchdowns, the Jaguars dropped six spots in the league ratings to 25th. On a day when only 13 passes were completed against the Jaguars, 28 of their 65 tackles were credited by game-day statisticians to defensive backs.

2. Colts kickoff coverage: Pat McAfee has been good for nearly two kickoff touchbacks a game and consistently puts the ball deep. The team’s substitute punter, Jeremy Kapinos, punted in 20 games for Green Bay in 2008-09 and one for the Jets in 2007, but doesn’t look to be a kickoff guy. Odds are Adam Vinatieri kicks off to Steve Slaton or Jacoby Jones. Vinatieri’s short kickoffs were a reason McAfee was so attractive to the Colts in the 2009 draft. The Colts are currently 19th in the league defending kick returns.

3. Titans’ tight ends: Bo Scaife was played against Philadelphia with a groin injury. But in the team’s last seven-plus quarters, when Kerry Collins has been the quarterback, Tennessee has seen six connections on 13 passes aimed for the tight end for 32 yards, with a long of 12 and a 2-yard Collins-to-Scaife connection in Jacksonville. More balls to receivers is generally a good thing for the Titans, but Jared Cook still not earning chances isn't

RISING

1. Damian Williams, Titans receiver: He’s jumped Lavelle Hawkins, who the Titans spent the offseason hyping, and been a reliable target for Collins the last two weeks. I believe he should remain in the top three even if Justin Gage is recovered from a hamstring injury. Williams lost out to Marc Mariani in the return jobs competition. But when the Titans drafted him in the third round they said they thought he could develop into an eventual No. 1 and they’d be wise to let him get some chances.

2. Kevin Bentley, Texans linebacker: Bentley is coming off knee surgery while Xavier Adibi’s had a hamstring injury. Perhaps Bentley is just healed up better, but he’s gotten the nod over Adibi, at least initially, to take over Brian Cushing's strong side linebacker spot. Cushing is moving to middle linebacker for the remainder of the season to replace the injured DeMeco Ryans.

3. Jacob Tamme, Colts tight end: A big opportunity has arrived for Tamme, who’s been used infrequently on offense in his three seasons. He’s now listed as the starter for the Colts in the spot typically occupied by Dallas Clark, who’s finished for the season with a wrist injury. Tamme is fast and has good hands, but we don’t know how polished he is running routes or finding seams. Odds are we find out Monday night.

Gary Kubiak’s had time to pause, ponder and plan. What he came up with following a season-ending Achilles injury to stalwart middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans is this: Brian Cushing is moving over.

I think it makes sense for a couple reasons.


The collection of other candidates for the spot is thin or unqualified. Kevin Bentley is coming off knee surgery. Xavier Adibi is better suited to play outside -- he was Cushing’s fill-in during his four-game suspension. Rookie Daryl Sharpton is inexperienced and fomer Titan Stanford Keglar just joined the team. Interestingly, John McClain reports that Bentley will be put into Cushing’s spot even though Adibi (groin) is expected to be available Monday night in Indianapolis.

Cushing has both a great football IQ and great instincts. I think it’ll be a relatively easy adjustment for him to make after a crash course.

This is the best way for Kubiak and defensive coordinator Frank Bush to get their best three linebackers on the field. Cushing and strong safety Bernard Pollard are good leaders who need to pick up some of Ryans’ role in that department to help offset the loss.

Seems to me Cushing will have an easier time doing so from right splat in the middle of it all.

In addition to adding Keglar, McClain says the Texans dropped defensive tackle Frank Okam in favor of Damione Lewis.

Here's what Mat Williamson of Scouts Inc. had to say when I asked him about Cushing to the middle:

"It is obviously a small sample size, but Cushing hasn't been impressive in 2010. Maybe he was just 'Getting his feet wet' or maybe he was enhanced as a rookie-and isn't now. But let's assume that the 2009 version of Cushing is on the horizon. If so, he can handle the middle. He is quick to recognize and a very good take-on player. I do think he is best off at strongside linebacker, but my guess is that Kubiak trusts him most to make all the calls and be the 'Quarterback of the D' -- which makes sense. He surely will not be as potent of a pass rusher from that spot though and this team is short on rushers other than Super Mario."

Wrapping up the Houston Texans' 35-31 win against the Kansas City Chiefs.

What it means: The Texans moved to 4-2 with a big bounce back from a poor performance a week ago with a last-minute Matt Schaub-to-Andre Johnson connection. They matched what the Colts were able to do a week ago by winning against the Chiefs at home, and will come out of the weekend tied for the best record in the division

What I liked: I’ve said for some time that Houston’s offense should be able to outscore people if and when the defense needs it too. It got the sort of performances out of Schaub, Johnson and Arian Foster against the Chiefs to do just that. Schaub was in prime form with a 305-yard, two-touchdown game.

What I didn’t like: While the pass defense did well yardage-wise with Matt Cassel throwing for just 201, it allowed for three touchdown passes, two to Dwayne Bowe. The Chiefs were 10-for-17 on third and fourth down, averaged 6 yards a carry and came up just 7 yards short of having two 100-yard running backs.

Injury of note: Middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans is the heart and soul of the Texans defense. If his Achilles injury is a long-term deal, we’re going to find out a lot about the leadership of other big names on defense like Brian Cushing, Mario Williams and Bernard Pollard. His would be a hard loss to swallow, and his primary backup, Kevin Bentley, is recovering from recent knee surgery. Update: Ryans' injury is season-ending and the Texans are down to three healthy linebackers, according to the Houston Chronicle.

What’s next: A bye week before a rematch of opening weekend on the road against Indianapolis for Monday Night Football.

Three things I'll be looking for in Buccaneers at Texans:

A right guard: Antoine Caldwell and Mike Brisiel are still fighting for the last unresolved starting offensive spot on the team. I have no gut feel in handicapping it and can make a case both ways for who they'd like to win it. But coach Gary Kubiak and his staff will have the last bit of film on which to decide once the night is over.

Kickers: The Texans would get killed for it, but on third-and-longs in long field goal range they should send Chris Henry up the middle and get into field goal situations. Then they should urge the crowd to pretend the attempt is to win the Super Bowl with two seconds left. Maybe that would produce something to differentiate Kris Brown and Neil Rackers.

Cushing replacement candidates: Darryl Sharpton's hype has dropped off significantly in short order and Kevin Bentley is getting talked up as the third starter during Brian Cushing's four-game suspension. Who knows if or what they can see from Xavier Adibi (groin) or Danny Clark (knee) in this game. Someone get in, play well, raise your hand and tell the coaches you want it.

A check in on unresolved starting position battles in the division as teams prepare for preseason finales on Thursday and the cut down to 53 on Saturday.

Houston Texans

Right guard: It’s third-year man Mike Brisiel, who missed all but the opener last season with an injury, trying to hold off second-year man Antoine Caldwell. I’d think they view Caldwell as having more upside and being more suited to the system, but it seems too close to call still.

Kicker: Kris Brown could be limited with a bit of a foot injury, but it doesn’t sound like it will factor into the decision. He and Neil Rackers have been quite even, so the question becomes does Gary Kubiak stay loyal to Brown or decide a change of scenery will be healthier and go with Rackers?

Outside linebacker: While Brian Cushing sits the first four games to serve his suspension, it's still unclear what the Texans will do. There was a lot of talk about Zac Diles playing strongside while rookie Daryl Sharpton took Diles' spot. Now the local media is talking as if Kevin Bentley is the front-runner.

Indianapolis Colts

Left guard: The offensive line’s been a complete scramble in the preseason because of injuries. Presuming Charlie Johnson is set to return as left tackle for opening day in Houston, this spot looks like the one most up in the air. Tony Ugoh was plugged in at the start of camp, but then wound up at tackle when Johnson was hurt. Jamey Richard could also win it, and if the Colts are being secretive, rookie Jacques McClendon could factor in.

Return man: Three newcomers -- Brandon James, Devin Moore and Ray Fisher -- have all gotten looks in games. Moore had the best results with the ball in his hands. But he's been dinged and the other two have made fielding errors with Fisher booting one against Buffalo and James doing the same at Green Bay. How they stack up in-house right now is unknown, and Thursday could certainly still factor into things.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Right guard: Has Vince Manuwai, an incumbent starter, held on to the one open spot on the line? If so he should play on the right. If not, Uche Nwaneri will probably play on the right with Kynan Forney on the left. It seems Jack Del Rio’s decided, but just isn’t sharing yet.

Safety: Both spots are hardly cemented, and it will be a bigger surprise if the team doesn’t add a safety from waivers than if it does. Anthony Smith looks to lead at strong with Gerald Alexander at free, but they have Sean Considine and Reggie Nelson and even Courtney Greene and Tyron Brackenridge in the mix too. None of them has stepped forward and made a huge push so far.

Tennessee Titans

Right cornerback: Jason McCourty is steadier and faster, rookie Alterraun Verner is a bigger playmaker. Jeff Fisher’s left open the possibility of playing them both, but that’s a difficult juggling act that could slow the progress of both. It’s also a good way for the coach to keep quiet on the starter in the opener until just before kickoff.

Returner: Damian Williams is the guy they’d like to win it, but he’s been a little timid and lost a fumble during a return in Carolina. Another rookie, Marc Mariani, is the primary alternative.

Outside linebacker: While Gerald McRath serves his four-game suspension, who lines up with Stephen Tulloch and Will Witherspoon? Colin Allred would appear the leader, with Jamie Winborn the other possibility. Activating David Thornton off PUP and using him is an outside option. I don’t see it considering his scheduled salary of around $5 million, his propensity for getting hurt and his current physical status.

ESPN.com NFL Power Ranking (pre-camp): 14

For three years, they’ve been picked as a breakout team. In those three years, the Houston Texans went 25-23 with zero playoff appearances.

So why are the 2010 Texans going to be different? Why do they deserve that sort of faith yet again? What’s changed when the personnel alterations have been pretty minor?

“What’s different? Experience, togetherness,” Amobi Okoye said. “I feel like by the time we will kick off, we will have the full definition of team. If there was a meter of T-E-A-M, we are right at the halfway of M… By the time the season starts, we’re going to completely spell TEAM.”

Said Bernard Pollard, the feisty safety who didn’t arrive until a few games into last season: “We have so much more team chemistry. We know and understand what we are good at. We know and understand that we can’t step out of the box and have to play our game. We’re turning that corner.”

To finally get to the postseason, the Texans have to play more complete games. They have to play better in the red zone. Perhaps above all else, they have to play better in the AFC South, where they were just 1-5 last season.

Catching the Colts is a tall task. The Texans aspire to do it, but they also know there is a route to the playoffs without a division crown. They just have to drive it more smoothly.

THREE HOT ISSUES

Can the pass rush pick it up?

Mario Williams had nine sacks to go with a bum shoulder he’s still reluctant to talk about. He needs more support in chasing the quarterback, and the Texans need to hurry and hit quarterbacks more often to help those three young cornerbacks -- Kareem Jackson, Glover Quin and Brice McCain -- cover.

Connor Barwin should be opposite Williams on clear rush downs, and he might be the most improved player on defense. Inside, there are now alternatives to Okoye, who might just not be a good pass pressure guy. Rookie Earl Mitchell could wind up part of the nickel package along with Antonio Smith, who will shift inside to make room for Barwin.

Will the run game do its part?

Everyone is encouraged about the run game, but what’s changed? Second-round pick Ben Tate is lost with an injury. Guard Wade Smith was the only significant addition to the line, where interior issues were a big part of the problems. Offensive coordinator Rick Dennison is from the same school as predecessor Kyle Shanahan, and line coach John Benton learned under the departed Alex Gibbs.

“We have to get better running the football,” Andre Johnson said. “That helps win games, especially in the fourth quarter when you’re up and you want to kill the time, you have to go on those four-minute drives where you have to get those big fourth downs. We have to get better in that part of our offense.”

They are largely counting on young guys getting better, which begs the question: What if they don’t?

Are the supplementary pieces good enough?

The Texans' stars match up with virtually anyone’s. But beyond Johnson, Williams, Brian Cushing, DeMeco Ryans, Matt Schaub and Owen Daniels, have head coach Gary Kubiak and general manager Rick Smith done enough to unearth the right sort of players on the next tier?

Pollard and Eric Winston certainly fit the bill. Antonio Smith, Kevin Walter and Zac Diles might. That next level of player might be where this team is a little short, and it’s those kinds of guys who might well be the key to transforming a good team into a very good team.

And so we’re watching the likes of Quin, Barwin, Joel Dreessen, James Casey, Jacoby Jones and the offensive line beyond Winston, because they might wind up telling the story.

BIGGEST SURPRISE

Linebacker Darryl Sharpton: The Texans figured one of three veteran linebackers would be in the lineup during Cushing’s four-game suspension. But a combination of injuries and ineffectiveness has put Xavier Adibi, Danny Clark and Kevin Bentley on the backburner because rookie Darryl Sharpton's been such a consistent playmaker. He might be short, but he packs a good punch.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT

Injury to Ben Tate: As the Texans search for the right combination of running backs to help balance their offense, second-round pick Tate figured to be a key piece. But he was lost for the season with a serious ankle/leg injury in the preseason opener. That puts the load on Arian Foster, Steve Slaton and either Jeremiah Johnson, Chris Henry or a back not yet on the team.

OBSERVATION DECK

• The Texans are regarded by some as a finesse team, but the defense is emphasizing physicality. Cushing, Pollard, Smith, Jackson, Quin and Mitchell have all joined the team in the past two years and are physical players.
• Expect Foster to get first crack at the carries closest to the goal line as the Texans really concentrate on running better at close range. Johnson definitely could be heard from in the running game, too -- he might be the best fit for the one-cut and go zone scheme Houston uses.
• [+] Enlarge
  AP Photo/Rick ScuteriKicker Neil Rackers has a chance to beat out incumbent Kris Brown.
  If Kris Brown and Neil Rackers continue to be virtually even in the kicker competition, it makes sense for the team to go with Rackers. Sometimes guys just need a change of scenery. If Brown stays and fails on a crucial long field goal on opening day against the Colts, the thinking will be, “Why didn’t they make a change?” If Rackers does the same thing, I’ll think, “At least they tried someone different.”
• Houston’s defensive tackles are quick, up-the-field types. But they’d sure love if their one big space-eater, Frank Okam, forced his way into action.
• The Texans want to get the ball in the hands of Jones since he averaged 16.2 yards a catch on his 27 receptions. But I am not so sure that means he’s going to nudge ahead of Walter for the No. 2 receiver job. Walter is smart and super reliable, and reliability is awfully important. Jones might displace Walter or get a share of snaps in two-wide formations, but look for Jones most in a heavy dose of three-wide formations.
• Troy Nolan might be a credible alternative to Eugene Wilson at free safety if Wilson gets hurt again. I’ve been critical of the team for not adding to the spot, but Nolan missed his rookie season with an injury and appears to be a high-caliber special-teamer.
• Daniels’ speed is a big part of what helped set him apart. When he returns soon from another ACL reconstruction, will he still have it in the same way? That's the big question with him.
• The offensive line is set with Duane Brown at left tackle, Chris Myers at center and Winston at right tackle. Guard jobs remain up for grabs. It seems to me that Wade Smith, a free-agent acquisition tailored to the system, and Antoine Caldwell, a third-rounder from 2009, would make the most sense.
• It sounds less likely that Trindon Holliday has to be a serviceable receiver to make the team than it did during OTAs. If he convinces the team he can be a consistently special return guy, he’ll stick. He looked good to me when the Texans worked with the Saints.

When Brian Cushing's suspension came to light, Houston Texans coach Gary Kubiak said pretty strongly that Zac Diles has settled in so nicely on the weak side that flipping him to the strong side while Cushing misses four games wasn’t an alternative.

Things have changed according to what the coach said to Houston media Tuesday about rookie fourth-rounder Darryl Sharpton out of Miami.

From a transcript provided by the team:

On if he’s considering Darryl Sharpton as a starter: “Well there’s consideration for him being one of our top three. He’s in the mix right now. Would we flip him to Sam? Probably we would move Zac before we move him. He’s in consideration right now and we’re going to play our three best however we go to play him.”

On if Sharpton is in the running to become a starter this season: “There’s no doubt. He’s made statements since he’s been out here in camp. Obviously, the other night he did it again.”

So while Cushing’s out, instead of seeing Xavier Adibi, Kevin Bentley or Danny Clark in his place, we could see Diles flipped and Sharpton starting -- provided Sharpton keeps playing like he’s been playing.

Maybe from there we could even see him push Diles?

I’ll have an eye on Sharpton Wednesday and Thursday when I watch the Texans practice against the Saints in Louisiana.

Reading the coverage ...

Rick Gosselin’s weekly NFL rankings.

Three hundred-pounders are the norm these days.

Houston Texans

The Texans relish the opportunity to open against the Colts, says Dale Robertson.

Kevin Bentley’s spent a lot of time starting on the strong side, says Jordan Godwin.

Kevin Walter became an NFL success the old-fashioned way, earning his place in the league with hard work and perseverance, says Richard Justice.

Bob McNair’s backing of Brian Cushing is another example of why players like him, says John McClain.

Matt Schaub returned the most value on the money he earned in 2009 among AFC South quarterbacks, says Ben Alamar.

New England and Seattle look to be Houston’s primary competition for Aaron Schobel.

Indianapolis Colts

Tony Ugoh and Mike Pollak seem more comfortable and could be ready to turn things around, writes Philip B. Wilson.

A public intoxication charge against John Gill has been dropped, reports the Indianapolis Star.

Profiling Austin Collie with Coltzilla.

Jacksonville Jaguars

As the Jaguars head to Atlanta for practices with the Falcons, Jack Del Rio reviews some scrimmage developments, from Vito Stellino.

The safety competitions are wide open, writes Tania Ganguli.

Derrick Harvey is the best player on the Jaguars’ defense, declares Adam Sites.

Tennessee Titans

The NFL is more concerned about concussions than ever, writes John Glennon.

Jim Wyatt runs down the Titans’ four veteran free-agent additions.

Is Kevin Mawae being black-balled? David Climer considers.

Take preseason games out of season-ticket packages and sell the seats for cheap, says David Boclair.

Does Craig Johnson have it easy coaching Chris Johnson? Climer’s take.

HOUSTON -- Some quick early impressions after watching the Texans in an organized team activities session that got pushed into their practice bubble by some serious rain.

• As a group the running backs look good –- which they are supposed to. Steve Slaton is in a red shirt to discourage any contact as he gets back from a neck injury. He’s lighter. Further down the depth chart, Chris Henry has bulked up. Ben Tate is still catching up after missing early time. Arian Foster is still at the head of the line and could put me in a spot where I have to give him a bit more credit, though I am weary of banking on much from him off a few good games at the end of 2009. Ryan Moats is the old man of the group and he’s just 27. One OTA practice should tell me little, but I can’t help but feel a little better about their depth.
• This was just the second day of the kicker competition, and after a draw in round one, Kris Brown was a bit better than Neil Rackers. Brown hit five of five from 38 yards, Rackers four or five with a couple narrowly inside the right upright. I love a kicker competition -- because I don’t need a lot of help to see who’s doing better. This should be a good one, but it’s hard to replicate the sort of pressure the Texans need to be sure they can handle in a way Brown didn’t last year. Gary Kubiak is certain the guy who’s not kicking for him will be kicking for another team.
• Brian Cushing is working as the starter. Kubiak said he won’t mess with the lineup through the remainder of the offseason since Cushing is going to be around for 12 games. In camp the coach will start to juggle, and he forecasts a three-way battle to sub for Cushing between Xavier Adibi, Kevin Bentley and Danny Clark for a four-game starting stint on the strongside.
• I don’t know what becomes of young long snapper Ryan Weeks or undrafted tackle Steve Maneri. But I feel sure that they will be telling their children and grandchildren about moments like today, when each had one-on-one coaching from Hall of Fame lineman Bruce Matthews. Matthews, a quality snapper, helped Weeks early and stayed late to work with Maneri on pass-protection drops.
• Matt Schaub looked crisp and confident, and I saw way more of that from backup Dan Orlovsky than I did this time last year. The visual matched up with what I’d read about Orlovsky, who was third behind Schaub and since-departed Rex Grossman the previous year, appears more equipped to play if needed.
• Kubiak said he wanted to bring some chaos to practice, and since the team was inside, he used crowd noise for the first time this offseason. It was loud and ran pre-snap to a second after a receiver caught a pass or a running back was to the second or third level. It left me with a headache. I’m tough and will shake it off as soon as a Diet Coke finds me.

» NFC Stock Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

Falling

Brian Cushing, LB, Texans: A four-game suspension made for an awful week for the Houston linebacker.

For the first four games of 2010 -- vs. Indianapolis, at Washington, vs. Dallas and at Oakland -- he won’t be with the team. His absence will put a big damper on the hopes for a hot start against the team that owns the AFC South and the team that has such a large following in Texas and well beyond.

Here are the likely candidates to fill in for Cushing while he is out: Xavier Adibi, Kevin Bentley and newly signed Danny Clark.

In a season when the Texans face what rates as the toughest schedule in the league based on last year’s records, they’ve got a giant challenge. And how will Cushing be when he gets back for a game against the Giants Oct. 10?

Rising

Titans helping Nashville recover: In the wake of the serious flooding in Nashville, the Titans proved themselves central characters in the drama. Waters in LP Field helped draw some national attention to an under-covered natural disaster.

At a Saturday blood drive hosted by Elise Reinfeldt, daughter of the Titans' GM, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano stopped by with Tennessee governor Phil Bredesen and Nashville mayor Karl Dean.

Players, coaches and employees have been among the countless volunteers helping out those in need. And Wednesday, the team had an organized get-together working on four houses on a West Nashville street.