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Houston Texans

The Chargers potent passing possibilities could be trouble for the Texans, says Jeffrey Martin.

Kris Brown is not nostalgic about playing against his old team, says John McClain.

Kevin Walter has slowed down after a hot start, says McClain.

Richard Justice intends to support Gary Kubiak.

Statistics don’t’ tell the full story on Walter, says Anna-Megan Raley.

A look at the defensive problems with Pro Football Focus, from Stephanie Stradley.

Indianapolis Colts

Peyton Manning was No. 8 on the NFL Network’s list of all-time players. (Video.)

John Clayton told JMV he thinks Anthony Gonzalez is out for a significant period of time, writes Stampede Blue. Anthony Calhoun reports the same.

Make a big mistake and coaches and management usually do their best to help you out, writes Phillip Wilson.

Jim Caldwell is navigating all the distractions, says Bob Kravitz.

Clint Session’s availability is in doubt, says Mike Chappell.

Session is not going on IR at this point, says Aaron Wilson.

The defensive challenge is to slow Michael Vick, says Phillip B. Wilson.

Looking at specifics of injuries like Session’s, with Laura Calaway.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Terrance Knighton is heeding the advice of his grandmother, says Tania Ganguli.

Courtney Greene and Don Carey were both fined for hits against the Cowboys, says Vito Stellino.

The Jags are becoming a good story, says Vic Ketchman of jaguars.com.

Vince Manuwai powered through, says Alfie Crow.

A close look at David Garrard, with Andrew Hofheimer.

Tennessee Titans

The Titans have to find ways to get Randy Moss involved, says Jim Wyatt.

David Climer gives a thumbs up to the Moss move.

Playing with what Moss has said in the past, with Climer.

Mike Heimerdinger sees Moss as a good fit, says David Boclair.

The Moss addition is a good one, says Mike Wilkening. (Hat tip to Music City Miracles.)

Could Vince Young become like Daunte Culpepper, asks Shutdown Corner.

Ernie Sims got a $50,000 fine for a hit on Lavelle Hawkins, says Marcus Hayes.

Reading the coverage …

Houston Texans

With DeMeco Ryans out, Brian Cushing is moving to the middle, says John McClain.

The Texans made some roster moves to bolster defensive depth, says McClain.

The Patriots benefited from the bad luck of former Texans kicker Kris Brown, says Jerome Solomon.

Battle Red Blog takes stock of Gary Kubiak’s season so far.

Indianapolis Colts

Anthony Gonzalez feels good and says he’s expecting to be ready to play, says Mike Chappell.

Bob Kravitz wonders about Pat McAfee’s punishment.

The Colts' offensive line is improving, says Nate Dunlevy.

Assessing the injury situation with Brett Mock.

Jacksonville Jaguars

David Garrard expects to play Sunday in Dallas, says Vito Stellino.

Jack Del Rio has the resolve to turn things around, says Stellino.

Video of Del Rio’s press conference.

The Jaguars made a wrong turn at the crossroads, says Vic Ketchman.

The Jaguars' defense is a special kind of bad, says Alfie Crow.

In Andrew Hofheimer's five points, he looks at how Don Carey and Courtney Green have played as safeties.

Tennessee Titans

Vince Young’s status remains day-to-day, says John Glennon.

Jeff Fisher’s gathering facts included a trip to the club when Kenny Britt was accused of being part of a fight, say Jim Wyatt and John Glennon.

David Thornton is unlikely to be coming off PUP, says Glennon.

Details on Kerry Collins’ finger, courtesy of Glennon.

Four plays at a time are no sweat for the Titans' defensive line, says David Boclair.

Field position has keyed the Titans' offensive success, says Tom Gower.

Three reasons to be happy and three reasons not to be, from Terry McCormick.

Reading the coverage ...

Mike Silver’s annual owner rankings: Part One, Part Two.

Houston Texans

Kris Brown is on IR until he reaches an injury settlement, says John McClain.

The Texans are a team ready for takeoff, says Steve Wyche.

Richard Justice on Dan Orlovsky, with a tangent on Jim Lauderdale.

The secondary is a whole lot different, but that’s not a bad thing, says Alan Burge.

Indianapolis Colts

Mike Chappell takes on the Colts and The Curse.

Devin Moore won the kick returner job, says Chappell.

I participated in this roundtable with Tom Brew about whether the Colts will sweep the division again.

What Nate Dunlevy learned from cut day.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars cut ties with safeties Reggie Nelson and Gerald Alexander, writes Vito Stellino.

It’s time for lofty goals for the Jaguars, says Tania Ganguli.

Five first-year Jaguars to watch, from Ganguli.

Gene Smith provides hope, says Gene Frenette.

Tennessee Titans

Jim Wyatt talked to cut Titans Samkon Gado and Tye Hill.

Kenny Britt’s not guaranteed to be active on Sunday, says Wyatt.

Ahmard Hall has studied Lorenzo Neal, says Kyle Allen.

Check here for a full list of Houston’s roster moves.

Biggest surprises: At times, the Texans touted running backs Jeremiah Johnson and Chris Henry. But they are both gone now, Johnson likely due at least in part to a toe injury. Veteran Derrick Ward gets the last running back spot, and the Texans will move forward with Arian Foster, Steve Slaton and Ward as they look for a big jump from their running game. Another player that got some early hype from Gary Kubiak, defensive tackle Malcolm Sheppard, didn’t stick.

No-brainers: Considering quality and draft status ahead of them, low-ranking depth chart guys were easy choices for the waiver wire: Receivers Bobby Williams and Derrick Townsel, offensive tackles Steve Maneri, Brett Helms and Cole Pemberton, defensive tackle Mitch Unrein, linebacker Will Patterson and cornerback Mark Parson. Perhaps we will see a few of them who did OK resurface on the practice squad.

What’s next: With the running back issue resolved, the Texans might not have too much waiver-wire surfing to do. They could upgrade over Jesse Nading at their final end spot. While they are quite young with their five cornerbacks, they seemed committed to them all, at least right now. While they put Kris Brown and Andre Davis on IR and Anthony Hill on PUP, they did not announce Brian Cushing is on the suspended-reserve list. So they might still be in line to gain one roster spot.

John McClain and Mark Berman report that the last original member of the Houston Texans, Kris Brown, has lost the kicking battle to Neil Rackers.

The two were roughly even through camp and in the preseason. But the Texans decided on new blood as opposed to extended loyalty.

Brown had some deadly misses last season, and they are way more familiar to Texans’ folks than the difficulties Rackers had in Arizona.

I’ve said frequently that I think change of scenery can be good for both and is the right choice psychologically.

If Brown missed a crucial kick Sept. 12 in the opener against the Colts, we’d think “They should have made a change.” If the same happens for Rackers, I think it will be more, “Well, at least they made a change.”

Some bullet point thoughts on the Texans’ 24-17 loss to the Buccaneers Thursday night:

• Houston sat 29 players.
• Neil Rackers hit a 21-yard field goal while Kris Brown was short on a 56-yarder in the final chances in the kicking competition. Expect the guy who doesn’t stick to find work with relative speed.
• Jeremiah Johnson turned three carries into 20 yards while Chris Henry needed 15 carries for 51 yards as the Texans got a look at their third and fourth backs. I like Johnson as the third.
• After Dan Orlovsky threw two interceptions to Corey Lynch -- one for a 91-yard touchdown -- John David Booty threw two touchdown passes. Gary Kubiak expressed continued confidence in Orlovsky after the game, but what is he supposed to say?
• The Texans went for it on fourth down five times and converted four.
• Even without Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson, Jacoby Jones, Arian Foster and Steve Slaton Houston managed 417 total yards. The Texans ran 76 plays compared to 49 for Tampa Bay, though time of possession was only 32:55 to 27:05.
• Dorin Dickerson’s one-handed 27-yard reception from Booty was the best catch I remember seeing from an AFC South player in the preseason.
• Rookie linebacker Darryl Sharpton got the start and was credited with six tackles and a sack. Xavier Adibi started on the strong side. The Brian Cushing replacement strategy looks like it will be Adibi in his spot or Sharpton at weakside with Zac Diles moved to strong.

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.

Three things I’ll be watching for in Cowboys at Houston:

Signs of life: The Texans were far too flat last week in New Orleans and it was a huge disappointment. It shouldn’t take a game against Texas’ more popular franchise and a preview of a Week 3 regular-season game to give them spark. That quick and meaningful rematch means this game will be very vanilla. But the Houston scoop ought to be the tastiest vanilla you’ve ever had. Starters should play the longest of any preseason game.

Plays in the pass rush and in coverage: The Cowboys' line may be a vulnerability. Let’s see some linemen beat some blocks and make things difficult on Tony Romo and the quarterbacks. Dallas has some talented receivers, and it’d be a nice confidence boost for one of the young cornerbacks to make a big play or two to get the ball back for the offense.

Kickoffs: They’ve been an underrated part of the Kris Brown-Neil Rackers training camp competition. The Texans haven’t been happy with kickoffs from either one, and Gary Kubiak said this week that better kickoffs could easily sway what’s been a very close competition so far.

Some bullet-point thoughts on the Texans’ 38-20 loss at New Orleans Saturday night.

Impressive:

• Neil Rackers connected on a 52-yard field goal, a nice line on his resume as he competes for the job with Kris Brown, who hit from 43.
• Steve Slaton had a 63-yard kickoff return. Would they be willing to use him in such a capacity during the regular season? Houston’s average drive started at the 38-yard line.
• Reserve linebacker Danny Clark pulled in an interception of Chase Daniel.
• Dan Orlovsky produced reasonably good numbers working behind Matt Schaub, completing 12 of 19 passes for 140 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions.

Disappointing:

• The Texans showed a serious lack of defensive intensity and said the effort looked like what they produced in their very poor three-game start in 2009. Bad tackling was an issue.
• Reggie Bush gashed them for a 9-yard touchdown run up the middle as if he was a power back. On seven carries he averaged seven yards.
• Arian Foster lost a fumble. We say it over and over because it’s such an issue – the Texans have to get creative and find ways to get their backs to hold on to the ball.
• The Texans allowed the Saints two 11-play drives and a late 18-play drive. They resulted in 17 points.
• Saints reserve quarterback Daniel looked like Drew Brees as he threw for 182 yards and three touchdowns.
• Trindon Holliday hurt his campaign to win the return job with a fumbled punt.
• Houston converted just 1-of-13 third downs and held the ball for only 20 minutes.

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.

Reading the coverage:

Houston Texans

The competition between Neil Rackers and Kris Brown goes to game level Saturday, says John McClain.

At 42, Matt Turk has no competition, says Jordan Godwin.

Rashad Butler’s developed a mean streak in camp, says Godwin.

A postcard from Texans camp courtesy of Andrew Lawrence.

Previewing Texans-Cardinals with Andy North.

Indianapolis Colts

Dallas Clark suffered a left leg injury in practice, says Mike Chappell.

Some offensive linemen could be pressed into a lot of action in Sunday’s preseason opener, says Phillip B. Richards.

Brandon James could ignite the return games, says Chappell.

More on the return games, from Cliff Brunt.

Is Donald Brown a breakout fantasy possibility?

Who’s the better fantasy tight end, Dallas Clark or Antonio Gates?

Jacksonville Jaguars

When the starters were in, the Jaguars were dominated, says Vito Stellino.

Injuries dictated the lineup, but the front didn’t rush the passer well in Jacksonville’s loss at Philly, says Tania Ganguli.

Luke McCown shined but the starters didn’t, says Gene Frenette.

Deji Karim looked pretty good returning kickoffs, says Ganguli.

Gerald Alexander warns about putting too much stock into preseason results, from Ganguli.

City councilmen blew it with a dinner with Jaguars brass, writes Gene Frenette.

Tennessee Titans

The Titans starters won’t see much action, says Jim Wyatt.

Mike Heimerdinger talks about the progress of Kenny Britt and praises Craig Stevens. (Audio from Jonathan Hutton.)

A preview of Titans-Seahawks from Wyatt.

Durability is a key for Michael Roos and David Stewart, says Phil Brame.

As Kris Brown and Neil Rackers compete for the Houston Texans kicking job, they need steady help from two typically invisible elements: the snapper and holder.

One of those -- snapper Jon Weeks -- messed up Rackers this morning at practice with a few high snaps, according to this from Gary Kubiak’s talk with the Houston media.

“Yeah, Weeks had a couple of them,” he said of the first-year snapper from Baylor who’s No. 1 on the depth chart at the position. “Obviously, this kid is going into his first NFL action this weekend. So, are we going to keep a snapper? He’ll have to be automatic if we’re going to do that. If not, then we may be back leaning on Joel [Dreessen] from that standpoint. Not only our kickers are in a big competition, but Weeks has got to prove to us that he could do it.”

Dreessen is the team’s No. 2 tight end when Owen Daniels is healthy. If a team has a reliable veteran to snap who also contributes on offense or defense, it’s usually an easy way to save a roster spot.

We’ll be watching Weeks while we monitor Brown and Rackers to see if he can become automatic enough to stick.

Reading the coverage ...

Houston Texans

Bernard Pollard’s intensity is just what the Texans need, says Richard Justice.

Andre Davis is fighting for his job, writes John McClain.

It’s a friendly battle between Kris Brown and Neil Rackers, says Jordan Godwin.

Steve Slaton has started strong and is also returning kicks.

Indianapolis Colts

Bob Sanders moved around well at the Colts’ opening practice, says Mike Chappell.

The Colts are boosting morale and the economy in Anderson, Ind., says Tania E. Lopez.

Jerry Hughes signed and got on the field, writes Mike Chappell.

It’s about team goals first for Reggie Wayne and Robert Mathis, says Bob Kravitz.

Phillip B. Wilson’s notes and observations.

Indianapolis has lockout contingency plans for the Super Bowl.

Reviewing Jim Irsay’s talk with the press, from Brandon Scott.

The Colts shouldn’t confuse better defensive line play with good defensive line play, says Nate Dunlevy.

The Colts let Tom Santi go, says Stampede Blue.

Practice notes from Eric Hartz.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Vito Stellino heard a soft voice and a chilling message from Roger Goodell.

David Garrard sat out and D’Anthony Smith hurt an ankle, says Tania Ganguli.

Goodell touched on labor issues, says Ganguli.

Vic Ketchman wants sacks, not intangibles.

Tyson Alualu should join the team Tuesday, says Rich Jones.

Derrick Harvey is great so far, says Terry O’Brien.

Tennessee Titans

Vince Young fixes mistakes faster now, says Jim Wyatt.

The Titans stopped saying it and started doing it, rotating the second corner. Monday was Alterraun Verner’s turn, says Wyatt.

No. 53 is back in the rotation as the Titans gave Rennie Curran Keith Bulluck’s old number, say Wyatt and John Glennon.

Curran hopes to live up to the 53 legacy, says David Boclair.

Thin at corner because of injuries, the Titans added Pete Ittersagen, says Glennon.

Mike Munchak is looking for reliable backups.

Reading the coverage …

Houston Texans

Bernard Pollard brings intensity even at OTAs, says Jordan Godwin.

The kicking battle between Kris Brown and Neil Rackers is heating up, say John McClain and Godwin.

Rookie corner Sherrick McManus is running way behind says Anna-Megan Raley.

The future of the Astrodome is at issue and could start to be sorted out Monday, says Mark Berman.

Jacoby Jones is trying to follow in Andre Johnson’s footsteps, says Daniel Gotera.

Reviewing Gary Kubiak’s Quarterback Club speech from Wednesday with Stephanie Stradley.

Indianapolis Colts

Looking at the returning Bob Sanders and Anthony Gonzalez with John Oehser.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Big games, not geography or demographics, make for great rivalries, says Vic Ketchman.

A look at the fullbacks, with Alfie Crow.

Tennessee Titans

The Titans need to use Chris Johnson as a decoy more often, says Doug Farrar.