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The Jacksonville Jaguars have been accused (occasionally by me) of not doing well enough in assessing how the rest of the league's teams value some players the Jags draft.

Some personnel people around the league say the Jaguars simply don’t care about that. In a way, I admire them for it. Don’t be overly concerned and influenced by the forces around you, by the competition. Do your own thing. Bank on your convictions.

But when it comes to taking Cal punter Bryan Anger in the third round, the Jaguars absolutely should care about league context.

I know at least one other team had him rated as a fifth-rounder.

Anger is the first punter to go in the top 100 picks since 1995, when Todd Sauerbrun went in the second round to Chicago, 56th overall.

There is a reason for that.

It’s important that you don’t punt terribly. But it’s not so important that you punt fantastically, certainly not important enough that you sacrifice the chance to improve at a position that could be on the field for three downs a game.

“I think it will be evident when you get a chance to see him punt: He’s got a strong history which I feel will transfer to this level in helping us defensively with the yardage we can gain in field position,” general manager Gene Smith said.

“… He’s the player in that round at your pick that you feel can upgrade your football team. I think that’s an easy decision for me, to get a starter in the third round.”

Calling a punter a starter is beyond a stretch.

The Jaguars' defense played 970 plays in 2011. The Jaguars' offense played 958 plays. The Jaguars punted 99 times.

“I think it’s first downs that you gain,” Smith said in a further defense of the pick. “And I feel like in the third round it’s not a round that you always get proven starters.”

Really?

In Smith’s three previous drafts, he picked four times in the third round. Guard Will Rackley, defensive tackle Terrance Knighton and cornerback Derek Cox are starters. The only nonstarter, defensive tackle D’Anthony Smith, has missed his first two seasons with injuries.

The Jaguars averaged 41.9 yards per punt last season, 31st in the NFL. They averaged 36.5 net yards per punt, 28th in the NFL. Those numbers were, in part, a testament to the team’s foolish conclusion that greybeard Matt Turk was the man to replace Adam Podlesh, who left for Chicago as a free agent.

The Jaguars cut Turk after five games, going with Nick Harris the rest of the way. Harris was 3 yards (and 5.1 net yards) better per punt than Turk had been.

A longer punt is easier to cover, so this is too simple.

Nevertheless, here is my counterproposal to drafting Anger 70th:

Jacksonville uses an average punter and boosts its net average to what was the midpoint for 2011. By my calculations, that would give the Jaguars an extra 15.5 net yards a game. Then use the 70th pick on an offensive lineman who, as part of a better scheme, could help cut the Jaguars’ sack yardage in half. That would give the team an extra 10.3 yards a game, and also help young quarterback Blaine Gabbert not worry so much about getting crunched.

The overall gain from my plan -- not just estimating the average that will come with a big leg, but actually factoring in context -- would be better.

The goal is not to punt, and you drafted a punter. That was the first thing a reporter in Jacksonville said to coach Mike Mularkey after the pick.

“And hold, hold for extra points,” Mularkey said. “If you want to write about him, he’s a really good holder for extra points and field goals, and he just so happens to be a difference-maker when it comes to punting.”

Oh, he holds, too? Well, that changes everything.

No, actually, any guy on offense with good hands, starting with your backup quarterback, should be able to function as a holder.

Maybe Anger is the league’s best punter and holder for 15 years.

Even if he is, it says here there will be at least three dozen players among the picks after Anger who have more impactful careers than he will. And that’s a modest 20 percent of the 183 guys we’re talking about. If the Jaguars missed on him by two rounds, maybe it’s 64 players. It could be more.

Are the Jaguars, coming off a 5-11 season, good enough that they can pass on such potential people? They are not. Perhaps they are expecting Gabbert to be terrible again, knowing they’ll be punting a ton and being proactive?

They need more guys who can score touchdowns or stop touchdowns. Get more guys who can get you first downs and you’ll punt less, kicking more field goals and scoring more touchdowns. Get more guys who can stop a third-down run or break up a third-down pass and you’ll be fielding punts, not covering them.

Do those things, and getting a few additional yards when you have to kick the ball away doesn’t mean so much.

Know where you have a chance to add guys who fit that bill?

With the third-round pick you just used on a punter.

Too often the Jaguars are a punching bag or a punch line.

This time, they deserve it.

Early thoughts on the Texans scheduled to become unrestricted free agents come March 13, with thanks to Mac’s Football Blog, where you can find complete team-by-team lists that include exclusive rights and restricted free agents.

Running back Derrick Ward -- A third-stringer who has good experience and could be important if Arian Foster is lured away with an offer sheet as a restricted free agent.

Tight end Joel Dreessen -- Though largely underrated from the outside, he’s been a nice contributor and certainly has value for the Texans.

OG Mike Brisiel -- A solid starter they’d surely like to keep in order for their very good offensive line to remain intact.

C Chris Myers -- A very valuable cog in the machine and a great system fit, he may have been the best center in the NFL in 2011.

Wide receiver Bryant Johnson -- He was a non-factor as the team’s fourth receiver and they need to upgrade the spot.

Linebacker Tim Dobbins -- Played well when he got on the field, but may find better opportunity elsewhere.

Outside linebacker/defensive end Mario Williams -- If the Texans can’t lock him up before March 13, he will become the biggest prize of the free-agent class. It would be a huge accomplishment to find a way to re-sign him.

Cornerback Jason Allen -- He’s been a virtual “co-starter” with Kareem Jackson and has typically outplayed him. But based on this list, he’s not close to a priority.

Kicker Neil Rackers -- Rackers has been a steady guy for the Texans, who surely would like to keep him rather than shopping for a replacement.

Also UFAs:

• QB Jake Delhomme
• QB Jeff Garcia
• OG Kasey Studdard
• DT Tim Bulman
• S Dominique Barber
• P Matt Turk

Thoughts on the Texans’ 28-13 loss to the Panthers at Reliant Stadium:

What it means: The AFC South champs saw their winning streak end at seven and their record fall to 10-4. They await results from games involving New England, Baltimore and Pittsburgh to learn how it affects the seeds in the AFC. Houston was probably due for a letdown, and turnovers sparked this one, with Arian Foster losing an early fumble and T.J. Yates throwing two interceptions. The first two turnovers led to Carolina touchdowns and the third to the end of the game.

What I didn’t like: Third down went horribly on offense and defense. The Texans converted 2 of 9 chances while the Panthers converted nine times in 14 tries. The Panthers had too easy of a time jumping out to a 21-0 halftime lead as Carolina found the end zone three times in its first five possessions. Panthers linebacker Jordan Senn had a super-productive game with 14 tackles, an interception and a forced fumble. Matt Turk’s two punts had a net average of 29.5 yards.

What I liked: Connor Barwin's pass-rush production continued, as he recorded one of the Texans’ two sacks. He now has 10.5 on the year.

What I want to know: Was it Carolina offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski who drew up the fantastic trick play that produced Richie Brockel’s 7-yard touchdown run?

What’s next: The Texans will have to forget this one quickly as they head for Lucas Oil Stadium for "Thursday Night Football" against the Colts, who are coming off their first win of the season.

Reading the coverage ...

Houston Texans

The Texans looked to bolster the roster, adding quarterback Jeff Garcia and punter Matt Turk, says Jeffrey Martin of the Houston Chronicle.

With their run game and defense, the Texans are built to excel at crunch time, says John McClain of the Chronicle.

Indianapolis Colts

Archie Manning doesn’t believe the Colts having both Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck on the roster would make sense, says Mike Chappell.

Tuesday’s roster moves included putting rookie defensive tackle Drake Nevis on injured reserve, says Phillip B. Wilson.

The Colts’ magic number for clinching the No. 1 pick is three, says Phil Richards.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Shahid Khan is one step closer to owning the Jaguars, reports Vito Stellino of the Times-Union.

Mark Woods of the T-U chronicles his night as a water boy for the Jaguars.

The NFL rushing title wouldn’t mean much to Maurice Jones-Drew says Tania Ganguli.

The Jaguars should not take another quarterback in the draft, says Adam Stites of Big Cat Country.

Tennessee Titans

Chris Johnson is running like the back we’ve seen in the past and has more than 40 percent of his yards for the season in the last two games, says David Climer of The Tennessean.

The Titans got approval for LP Field improvements that will be in place for the 2012 season, says Michael Cass of The Tennessean.

Reading the coverage …

Houston Texans

Writes John McClain of the Houston Chronicle: “A victory over the Ravens, who lead the AFC North with a 3-1 record, would convince many in the Texans' loyal legion of fans that Sunday's stinker against Oakland was a mirage. It would show the NFL they were capable of flexing their muscles and finishing the toughest part of the schedule 4-2 and owning first place in the AFC South.”

My take: It’s always dangerous to think success in one setting can serve to erase a failure in another. A win in Baltimore would be gigantic, but it wouldn’t absolve the Texans for what happened against Oakland.

Jeffrey Martin of the Chronicle writes that Brooks Reed is trying to be smart about replacing Mario Williams. "I'm not saying I have to produce the same as Mario or I fail."

My take: Sounds like a smart approach. He’s a good player and I expect him to be productive. It’s just that he is unlikely to be Mario Williams-productive and I am not sure the Texans can withstand the drop-off.

Indianapolis Colts

Ben Stockwell of Pro Football Focus liked the offensive line's effort against the Chiefs.

My take: The question is, can it be duplicated? A banged up group that’s constantly being shuffled is going to have troubles with consistency.

Cathy Kightlinger of the Indianapolis Star says Gary Brackett is out for the season with a shoulder injury, but still heavily involved in community work.

My take: I’d expect nothing different from him.

Anthony Schoettle of the Indiana Business Journal says if the Colts can’t win at least three or four games this year, the heat might be too much for Jim Caldwell to handle.

My take: Certainly Caldwell’s status will be reviewed like everything else. And Chris Polian taking more power could be a factor in Caldwell’s future.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Mark Woods of the Times-Union liked the way the Jaguars responded to a big gaffe at the end of the loss to Cincinnati.

My take: People said the right things and that’s nice. But they need to do the right things so they don’t have to say the right things.

Tania Ganguli of the T-U looks at defensive end Jeremy Mincey. “Although the Jaguars have struggled to a 1-4 record, the defense clearly has improved. Mincey has been a bright spot and had one of his best games Sunday against the Bengals.”

My take: The guy can be electric. But the next step is a big one, and it’s to be consistently productive.

Ganguli writes that Matt Turk is out and Nick Harris is in as the Jaguars' punter.

My take: Turk was not the right guy when the team lost Adam Podlesh in free agency. Here’s hoping Harris is an upgrade.

Tennessee Titans

Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean says Matt Hasselbeck will spend the time off for the bye week relaxing and spending time with his family. It’s his first real down time since he signed.

My take: He needs it at this point and has a long haul in line after the Titans get back to work.

David Boclair of The City Paper says Titans coaches will self-scout during the bye and focus in more on what identity their new systems give them.

My take: They need to hope there are some revelations that help them going forward, particularly with regard to the running game.

Tom Gower of Total Titans looks at Damian Williams and Lavelle Hawkins as they get increased opportunities in the receiver mix.

My take: Mike Munchak has said Williams needs to stop playing like a young guy. A lot of the Titans' potential for success rests with Williams and Hawkins being able to contribute.

Reading the coverage ...

Houston Texans

Not only is Mario Williams out for the year, but fullback James Casey is out for an undetermined amount of time, says John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.

"The Texans have a Pro Bowl quarterback, a guy who is plenty good. Of all their problems, quarterback isn't one of them. If they fail to make the playoffs, it almost certainly won't be because Matt Schaub failed them," says Richard Justice of the Chronicle.

Indianapolis Colts

Owner Jim Irsay explained to Clark Judge of CBSSports.com why the Colts would consider playing Peyton Manning if he’s healthy late in the season.

Irsay says the Colts would consider taking Andrew Luck, writes Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports.

The Colts can’t close in the fourth quarter, writes Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star.

The offensive line and fill-in right tackle Quinn Ojinnaka pass-blocked well against Kansas City, says Phil Richards of the Star.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars are bringing in punters today as they consider replacing the struggling Matt Turk, says Vito Stellino of the Times-Union.

Field goals from close range have not been sufficient for the Jaguars, says Tania Ganguli of the Times-Union.

Tennessee Titans

The Titans' bye-week priority is fixing the run game, says Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean.

The bye week under the new CBA limits how much teams can do with players, says Wyatt.

Reading the coverage ...

Houston Texans

It was a physical, old-fashioned football game and the Texans came out on top, says John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.

Down the stretch, they made winning play after winning play. They were the tougher team, the better team, the team with more poise and resolve, writes Richard Justice of the Houston Chronicle.

Beating the Steelers showed the Texans won’t be pushed around anymore, says Mike Freeman of CBSSports.com.

In a starting role, cornerback Jason Allen finished the game off with an interception, says McClain.

Arian Foster carried the load, says Dale Robertson of the Chronicle.

Andre Johnson has a strained right hamstring, says McClain.

The Texans’ defense made a big statement, says Jeffrey Martin of the Chronicle.

Indianapolis Colts

Catching passes when Peyton Manning isn’t quarterback it’s a whole different deal, says Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star.

I’m late to this one: The Colts have many voices, but who has the final says, asks Bob Kravitz of the Star.

All four quarterbacks will have a role in Tampa Bay, says Chappell.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars' floundering offense didn’t stack up in a loss to the Saints, says Vito Stellino of the Times-Union. Jacksonville has scored 39 points in four games.

Second-half blitzes took their toll on Blaine Gabbert, says Tania Ganguli of the T-U.

Matt Turk switched to rugby-style punts, says Ganguli.

The Jaguars have to let Gabbert bear the burden of life as a rookie quarterback even if it means temporary failure, says Gene Frenette of the T-U.

Fewer carries didn’t limit Maurice Jones-Drew’s impact, says Garry Smits of the T-U.

Did the Jaguars' defense play well enough to win, asks Smits.

Frenette’s grades.

Stellino and Ganguli discuss the game. (Video.)

What’s with the wrong way signs, asks Andre Das of The Fifth Down Blog.

Jones-Drew urges people not to pick at Gabbert, says John Oehser of Jaguars.com.

Tennessee Titans

The offense came, and came quickly, from a variety of places, says Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean.

The low-profile Titans raised hope with their third consecutive win, says David Climer of The Tennessean.

Chris Johnson showed glimpses of good, says Wyatt.

The defense allowed yards, but not points, says Climer.

The Titans' tight ends tormented the Browns, says Wyatt.

Wyatt’s report card.

Matt Turk has punted 16 times through three games. He’s got five touchbacks and only three punts pinned inside the 20.

Jack Del Rio talked after a bad game in Carolina, where Turk dropped one snap in the rain and lost the Jaguars' possession, about the need to better work out of the punt team.

Part of it will come in the form of lower, turning, rugby-style kicks, special teams coach Russ Purnell told Jacksonville reporters Thursday. Purnell used that style once his unit crossed midfield with Hunter Smith in Indianapolis and with Adam Podlesh in Jacksonville. Podlesh went to Chicago as a free agent and the Jaguars signed Turk.

Said Purnell:

“I just think you have a bigger margin of error in there, as far as you’re not going to hit the ball too hard. Very, very seldom are you going to hit the ball too hard. When the ball hits the ground you’re going to get more balls that pop straight up or back up, like a wedge shot on the green. You eliminate that ball carrying into the end zone. You only kick that rugby style punt about 40-45 yards. If you hit a good punt it’s going to go 50 yards. If the wind carries it and it’s two yards deep in the end zone, they’re on the 20 instead of the 10 or 12 or inside the 10.”

Turk’s worked to gain a comfort level with the new approach, and Purnell indicated we could see it used against the Saints on Sunday at EverBank Field.

Really long isn’t always really good, when you’ve got 20 yards of wiggle room with a touchback in play.

“He tries to say, ‘I only want to punt this ball 40 yards and I’m going to swing nice and easy,’ and he hits the sweet spot on that ball and it goes 50 yards instead of 40 yards,” Purnell said, painting out a scenario in golf terms. “Whereas if you’re rugby style and you’re getting that end over end, it just can’t travel as far. I think you’ve got a bigger margin for error where you can control your distance much better. You can kind of eliminate the really long punt.”

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

FALLING

1. Matt Turk, Jacksonville Jaguars punter: The Jaguars pride themselves on having a good special-teams unit. They were without one of their premier special-teamers, Kassim Osgood, in Carolina; another standout, Montell Owens, probably will be on the injury report this week. The thinking was they’d help Turk look good. But through three games he has a 33.4-yard net punt average and has given up touchbacks on four of his 10 punts. Coach Jack Del Rio said it hasn't been good enough, and if it doesn’t get better, the Jaguars could ponder an alternative.

2. Red zone offense, Houston Texans: That killer instinct I’ve written about repeatedly always comes into question when the Texans settle for field goals. They moved the ball great in New Orleans but stalled when they got close, and then called on Neil Rackers too often. The good news is, no team has been inside the 20 more than Houston (16 trips). But five touchdowns for a .313 percentage in the red zone puts them 30th in the NFL. With their offense, that’s just not sufficient. (It could be worse, though. The Jaguars are dead last in red zone efficiency. They’ve been in the red zone a grand total of one time, when they kicked a field goal.)

3. Quarterback accuracy, Indianapolis Colts: Kerry Collins and Curtis Painter combined to hit on just 18 of 40 passes in the Colts’ loss to Pittsburgh. Each missed open guys at crucial moments. The stat sheet says Reggie Wayne was targeted 13 times, which is as it should be. But he caught only three passes for 24 yards, which is something we can really second-guess. Painter missed a wide open Pierre Garcon on a play that could have changed the game. We’re not going to get anything close to Peyton Manning out of these guys. But whoever is under center needs to get the ball in the hands of Wayne, Austin Collie, Dallas Clark and Garcon.

RISING

1. Pat Angerer, Indianapolis Colts linebacker: In a game in which the Colts' defense really woke up and made things work, Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis led the line and harassed Ben Roethlisberger. Angerer keyed the second level. Game statisticians credited him with 21 tackles, twice as many as anyone else in the game. And he added one on special teams for good measure. He was constantly around the ball, and he wasn’t collecting “cheap” tackles by jumping in late or from behind.

2. James Casey, Houston Texans fullback: It’s still early to rate the tight end-turned-fullback as a run-blocker. But getting him on the field gives the Texans another high-quality pass-catcher. The Saints struggled to cover him, leaving him alone on a 62-yard reception. And his diving 26-yard touchdown catch was just beautiful. Casey finished with five catches for 126 yards, just two fewer than the best receiver in the NFL, Andre Johnson. Casey is a matchup issue for everyone the Texans will face. Treat him like a fullback and opponents may suffer for it when he motions out and runs routes like a receiver.

3. Jurrell Casey, Tennessee Titans defensive tackle: He can rush the passer better, but the rookie is a big piece of a defense that currently holds the No. 1 ranking in the NFL. He was one of the guys who stopped Willis McGahee in a fourth-quarter goal-line stand against Denver. As a run-stopper, he’s an influential guy who has potential to get even better as he gets more comfortable and confident.

Reading the coverage…

Houston Texans

Blame the red zone offense for a tough loss at New Orleans, says John McClain.

It was a horror story just like so many Texans games before, says Jerome Solomon.

Schaub showed he’s not in Drew Brees’ class yet, says Jeffrey Martin.

James Casey had a breakout performance, says Martin.

Mario Williams injured his knee but did play some after, says Solomon.

The Texans are still learning how to win, but this is a game we’d always chalked up as a loss, says Richard Justice.

Brian Cushing wasn’t happy with what the defense did, say McClain and Martin.

Brees and Sean Payton showed that few teams can keep up with the Saints, says Steve Wyche.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts' defense wore down on the game’s final drive in a loss to Pittsburgh, says Phil Richards.

Indianapolis comes up short in a quarterback-driven league, says Bob Kravitz.

Valiant doesn't cut it in the NFL, where wins and losses are the bottom line and the Colts are 0-3. But Colts defenders displayed resilience not seen in the previous two losses, says Phillip B. Wilson.

Curtis Painter had good moments and bad, says Mike Chappell. I know people are excited about the good touchdown drive. Please temper all positive thoughts with equal time for the terrible fumble.

All the Colts need is a quarterback, says Nate Dunlevy.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars frustrating, drenched loss included some clock mismanagement at the end, says Tania Ganguli.

Jack Del Rio said the clock issue at the end is his fault, says Vito Stellino. That’s not something the third-longest tenured coach in the league should have to say.

Maurice Jones-Drew is back on a Pro-Bowl pace, says Stellino.

The Jaguars must right the ship quickly, says Gene Frenette.

It was the same old story for Team Tease, says Frenette.

Matt Turk’s been struggling so far, says Ganguli.

Stellino and Ganguli’s postgame video.

Frenette’s report card.

Blaine Gabbert didn’t appear overwhelmed, says John Oehser of the team web site.

Trying to sit on a small lead backfired, says Alfie Crow.

Tennessee Titans

The Titans found alternative playmakers en route to a win against Denver, says Jim Wyatt.

Tennessee flexed its entire roster, says David Climer, and guys like Craig Stevens, Daniel Graham and Brett Kern were the big playmakers.

With Kenny Britt’s season in jeopardy, the rest of the receivers know more will fall on them, says John Glennon.

The rushing offense gets an F in Wyatt’s report card.

A goal-line stand energized the defense, says Glennon.

Mike Munchak glossed over a Derrick Morgan vs. Shaun Smith altercation.

The Titans cannot run from the reality of what they’ve become on offense, says David Boclair.

Reading the coverage…

Houston Texans

Ben Tate’s future is in flux, says Jerome Solomon.

Anthony Hill wants to be the primary blocking tight end, says Craig Malveaux.

Johnathan Joseph has a groin injury and without him there was quickly a leadership void, says John McClain.

Indianapolis Colts

Rookie linemen Anthony Castonzo and Ben Ijalana are ready for their first tests, says Mike Chappell.

Don’t tell the backup quarterbacks these games are meaningless, says Chappell.

What to watch for in Colts-Rams, from Phillip B. Wilson. (Video.)

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars stuck to their plan in the loss at New England and the plan meant a lot of time for the guys at the back of the roster, says Vito Stellino.

Updating the status of David Garrard and Luke McCown, from Tania Ganguli.

Matt Turk’s not worried about a wobbly debut, says Ganguli.

Tennessee Titans

Jake Locker is making strides with his accuracy, says Jim Wyatt.

Previewing Titans-Vikings.

Reading the coverage …

Former Baltimore Colt and Houston Oiler Bubba Smith, who went on to an acting career, passed away.

Bubba Smith made his mark in a unique way, says Richard Justice.

Houston Texans

Welcome to the attitude readjustment portion of Texans training camp, where Kareem Jackson and the rest of the defensive backs are receiving extra attention, says Jeffrey Martin.

T.J. Yates had an accelerated learning curve while Matt Leinart had to sit out, says Craig Malveaux.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts free-agent action runs against their typical modus operandi, writes Mike Chappell.

Seven storylines to watch.

Young guys are getting their chances, says Phillip B. Wilson.

I talked with Dan Dakich on the radio in Indianapolis Wednesday.

Considering the free-agent movement with Nate Dunlevy.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Matt Turk’s life doesn’t need embellishment, writes Tania Ganguli.

Gene Smith can’t worry about his doubters, says Gene Frenette.

Blaine Gabbert shows at least one sign of special things at each practice, says John Oehser.

In case you missed it, my "Camp Confidential" from Jacksonville.

Tennessee Titans

Mike Munchak wants Saturday’s practice at LP Field to feel like a game, says Jim Wyatt.

Will adjusted kickoff rules impact Marc Mariani and the Titans’ return game, asks John Glennon.

The team’s current injury list, from Wyatt.

The Titans have agreed to the parameters of a deal with cornerback Frank Walker, but he has to pass a physical, says Wyatt.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Jaguars aren’t looking for parades or pinwheels as congratulations. But in the two years since Gene Smith took over as general manager, they’ve basically gutted the roster. And while setting about a major rebuilding project, they remained competitive with a 7-9 season and an 8-8 campaign.

After another draft and an active free-agency period, they now feel the rebuild is complete.

“There is an expectation level in this league to win, and I think having some horses makes us all smile in this building,” Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio said. “I think we went out and acquired some guys for the second and third level of our defense where we talked about needing some help. ... It’s going to help us be a whole lot better.

“The pressure, the demands, that’s part of what we do, and I love that part of it. It becomes a little more enjoyable when you know you’re getting closer to being on equal footing."

Del Rio’s not buying that the Colts are slipping, and he’s not waiting for them to. The in-house expectation is that this team is capable of competing for the AFC South crown no matter what any other team in the division has going for it.

Bolstered by four upgrades among the top 12 players on defense, Jacksonville is a team that should be much improved. The Jaguars won’t be a popular pick, but they could be a surprise, emergent team.

THREE HOT ISSUES

1. Will there be a quarterback controversy? The team stands firmly with David Garrard and intends to bring first-round pick Blaine Gabbert along slowly. But Gabbert has looked great early, while Garrard tends to be inconsistent. There are bound to be times during the season when there is some pressure to make a change from inside team headquarters, not just from media and fans.

“If we ever get to the point where we think Blaine is better than Dave, that’s good for the Jaguars,” offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter said. “Because I think Dave is good enough to win with; I think we can win our division with Dave Garrard at quarterback. If Blaine is better than Dave, shoot, that’s good for us.”

Del Rio and Koetter could have a complicated job managing how and when to play Gabbert if they feel he’s forcing his way into the lineup.

“I’ve got a healthy appreciation for the desire out there to make it a story,” Del Rio said. “For us, we’re about maximizing our opportunities as a football team, playing the guys who give us the best chance to win games and working on the preparation. ...

“Through the course of competition and exposure and based on health, those factors kind of take care of themselves. I don’t think we have to get ahead of the story. I think we can just let it play out, and at least we are doing so from a position of strength. There is no reason to make it dysfunctional, make it unhealthy. What purpose does that serve? It’s not going to help us win more games.”

It sounds good, but it can get complicated. Garrard’s the guy right now, and the team and the quarterback need to do a better job of making sure he gets hit far less so he can make consistently good decisions with the ball.

Factor tight ends Marcedes Lewis and Zach Miller and running backs Maurice Jones-Drew and Rashad Jennings into the mix with the receivers, and the Jaguars have sufficient weapons to complement a run-based offense. Mike Thomas, Jason Hill and Cecil Shorts could be a better three-pack of receivers than many people think.

2. How much better can the revamped defense be? If this defense doesn’t improve from 32nd against the pass, 28th overall and 27th in points allowed, Del Rio will lose his job.

The team shelled out $37 million guaranteed to three prime free agents: linebackers Paul Posluszny and Clint Session and safety Dawan Landry. The Jags also added nickelback Drew Coleman.

That group, plus rookie defensive backs Chris Prosinski and Rod Issac, should vastly improve the defensive production and depth.

Smith wanted to build foundations early and spent his first two drafts working on the lines. Defensive tackles Tyson Alualu and Terrance Knighton should take up all kinds of blockers and create space for the two new linebackers and the underrated Daryl Smith to make a lot of impact plays.

“Jacksonville’s interior D-line really stood out,” Posluszny said about his research as a free agent. “They’ve got two studs in the middle that are very active, get to the ball a lot and certainly are going to take up a lot of blockers.”

Safety play last season was horrific, and Landry will be a significant upgrade even though he didn’t bring Ed Reed with him from Baltimore.

“I’m not looking for any grace period to assemble this defense,” Del Rio said. "Guys we’re assembling and counting on for the most part are veterans. ... We’re going to expect to play coming out of the gate as a winning football team, and defensively we’ve got a lot of work to do.”

3. Can they play well late in the season? December is a debacle for this team.

In the past three seasons in games played in December and beyond, the Jaguars are 4-11. They need to learn to finish games and seasons better. What can change it?

“I think in Week 13 or something, we had a better record than the Packers did last year,” Daryl Smith said. “They got hot, and who would have thought they would go on to win? That could be us. Why not? We have to try to stay off of that roller coaster, try to be consistent, just get better each week. Steady, steady, steady, then come late November or December, get hot.”

“I’ve been in the playoffs twice since I’ve been here and that’s been the formula. … We can’t feel like we arrived when we have a good game or played well and won a couple games.”

Del Rio says that with a more talented roster, he has to guide it to better work in the last quarter of the season.

BIGGEST SURPRISE

Beat writers and fans call Austen Lane “The Bringer of Pain.” It’s funny. But he looks like a guy who will make it hard for the team to look anywhere else for its second starting defensive end. He can be a ball of fury, and that will fit right in with the tone and tempo of the rest of the defensive front.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT

Right tackle Eben Britton came in with a reputation as a nasty player, and the team missed him last season when he was lost with a shoulder injury. I’ve picked him as a breakout-caliber guy this season. But word is he has not been great so far. Perhaps he’s still being cautious and easing his way back, but he needs to take things up a big notch soon.

OBSERVATION DECK

• Two years ago, people were writing off center Brad Meester. But defenses were taking advantage of weak guard play to get to him. He rebounded well last season and is a guy whom coaches love as a reliable offensive line leader.
• Knighton’s weight always will be an issue. The defensive tackle is a great player and superlikable guy. The team cannot hold his fork for him. The more he can control it, the more impact and money he will make.
• Prosinski could well be in the opening day lineup as the free safety. He worked with the first team early in camp and might be up to a pairing with Landry in the middle of the secondary. Rashean Mathis and Derek Cox need to play better at corner, but the Jaguars will improve from the safety upgrades and from the presence of veteran nickelback Drew Coleman.
• Looking for an underdog to root for? How about undrafted free agent Marc Schiechl? He set a Football Championship Subdivision record for sacks at the Colorado School of Mines.
• Scotty McGee isn’t working with defensive backs regularly anymore. Can he stick as strictly a punt-return specialist? He caught 185 punts on one day of camp. And the team should move away from using Thomas in the role, although McGee is hardly the only alternative.
• I like Miller, and the team raves about his potential. But he’s been inconsistent early in camp with too many drops. He’s got great hands, so it seems to be a focus issue.
• Larry Hart may be in the doghouse for coming back from the lockout overweight. At defensive end, he currently ranks behind Aaron Kampman, Lane, Jeremy Mincey and Aaron Morgan.
• Fourth-round receiver Cecil Shorts was great in camp early, and I bet the undrafted crop of wideouts has at least one NFL-caliber guy. Keep your eyes on Armon Binns, Jamar Newsome and Dontrelle Inman.
• Third-year receiver Jarett Dillard is running well after a couple of injuries cost him the bulk of his first two seasons.
• Watch how much better punter Matt Turk gets now that he will be a beneficiary of the Jaguars’ topflight cover guys, Montell Owens and Kassim Osgood.
• The Jaguars may be content to use Jones-Drew, coming off a knee operation, very minimally in camp and preseason games.
• Veteran Jason Spitz has not been on the field yet, but I think the team would like for third-round pick Will Rackley to win the open left guard spot.

Are teams addressing needs? We can’t say if they’ve picked the right guys until we see how they all play. But we can assess how our four franchises have done in terms of filling holes or attempting to upgrade to this point.

Houston Texans

Old needs: The Texans were in desperate need of defensive backs and landed the second-best available cornerback in Johnathan Joseph and a safety better than any they have in Danieal Manning. They re-signed receiver Jacoby Jones, third tackle Rashad Butler and backup quarterback Matt Leinart. Matt Turk was a free agent who departed, so a punter is a need.

New needs: Fullback Vonta Leach was a huge part of Arian Foster’s rushing title but went to Baltimore. It seems likely the Texans will turn to versatile tight end James Casey as a lead blocker, but there are some quality free-agent options out there.

Don’t think they need: They’ve said from the time Wade Phillips evaluated personnel that Shaun Cody and Earl Mitchell will be a capable combo at nose tackle. It’s a spot they may well be overestimating.

Indianapolis Colts

Old needs: A contract for quarterback Peyton Manning was No. 1, even though he was not technically a free agent, and they’ve gotten that done. They prevented safety and kicker from becoming issues with quick moves to retain Melvin Bullitt and Adam Vinatieri.

New needs: Kavell Conner is likely the third linebacker with Clint Session now a member of the Jaguars. But the linebacking depth is hardly great, and even a late veteran addition at the position might be significant.

Don’t think they need: I’m sure they’d love to find the next Reggie Wayne or a run-stuffing defensive tackle, but they either don’t see those guys out there or, more likely, aren’t changing their philosophy about chasing significant outsiders.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Old needs: Very aggressively address linebacker (with Paul Posluszny and Session), safety (with Dawan Landry) and nickelback (with Drew Coleman). That’s four quality players added to their top 12 on defense

New needs: Punter Adam Podlesh bolted for a big contract in Chicago. But the Jaguars quickly adjusted, signing Turk to replace him.

Don’t think they need: They’ve tried and failed with veteran wideouts to varying degrees -- from the bust of Jerry Porter, to the more affordable non-contributions of Troy Williamson, to the stopgap year from Torry Holt. They appear comfortable with a top three of Mike Thomas, Jason Hill and Jarett Dillard or Cecil Shorts. They won’t likely be shopping.

Tennessee Titans

Old needs: They’ve addressed quarterback (Matt Hasselbeck), middle linebacker (Barrett Ruud), defensive tackle (Shaun Smith), and guard (re-signing Leroy Harris). Safety has gone unaddressed, so it appears Chris Hope remains in place. With Ahmard Hall a free agent, they could use a fullback, but may just go with tight ends or an undrafted if he departs.

New needs: Stephen Tulloch didn’t officially leave until after the Titans signed Ruud. They lost Jason Babin to Philadelphia, but never really planned to pursue him hard, and the move of Jason Jones to end helps offset it.

Don’t think they need: Wide receiver is always an issue for the Titans, but they don’t feel the desperation outsiders do. They’re content with their group, though an experienced, low-cost free agent could eventually arrive.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Matt Turk drove 14 hours from Houston to Jacksonville Saturday to join his new team, the third player in the AFC South to jump teams inside the division.

The Jaguars beat out the Giants, Eagles and Texans for his services.

“Houston was in it, Houston wanted me to wait until after Saturday afternoon when they worked two punters out," he said. "I was like, ‘You want me to wait around? I can’t do it.'"

The two punters were Daniel Sepulveda and David Zastudil.

Now Turk, who’s 43 and already being called “grandpa” and “coach,” replaces Adam Podlesh, who jumped to Chicago.

He’ll do more directional punting for the Jaguars than he did for Houston, he said, and as a hang-time punter he will benefit from having some of the league’s top cover guys in Montell Owens and Kassim Osgood.

He suffered a hip flexor injury six games into last season and played through it while posting a not-very-good net average of 36.8 yards in his final season with the Texans.

I asked if he was insulted by Houston’s request to wait.

“It’s human nature ... to be insulted a little bit by it,” he said. “I gave them four years of what I felt like was my all. I played through an injury the last 10 weeks of the season. I know how this business works and I was told that they were going to go young, which I understood. But when they want you to wait to see if two other guys are going to replace you or not, it’s just something you can’t do.”

Houston signed Central Michigan’ s Brett Harman as an undrafted free agent. The Texans are still expected to add a veteran.