AFC South: Maurice-Jones-Drew
» AFC Scenarios: East | West | North | South
Yes, the start of training camps is two months away, but it’s never too early to consider the coming season. A look at the best-case and worst-case scenarios for the Jaguars in 2012.
Dream scenario (10-6): Mike Mularkey’s offensive scheme does for Blaine Gabbert what it did early on for Matt Ryan in Atlanta. Gabbert silences his stable of critics, playing with newfound poise and confidence and finding himself in situations in which he’s comfortable and can show off the arm that was a big reason he was a top 10 pick.
The second-year quarterback is well-protected as he works his way through progressions and spreads the ball around to a much-improved receiving corps headed by Laurent Robinson and Justin Blackmon. With the passing offense faring far better, Maurice Jones-Drew's hammer hits even harder because his carries are less predictable.
Defensively, the team is healthy all season long in karmic payback for last year’s slew of injuries.
Defensive tackles Tyson Alualu and Terrance Knighton put it all together, with middle linebacker Paul Posluszny playing great behind them, and no one can even ponder running up the middle against the Jaguars. Rookie second-rounder Andre Branch provides a serious boost to the pass rush, and the linebackers get involved in pressuring the quarterback. When they don’t get a sufficient push, the coverage holds up.
And rookie punter Bryan Anger regularly hits bombs and pins teams deep, semi-justifying his third-round draft status.
Mularkey wins coach of the year as the Jaguars qualify for the playoffs.
Nightmare scenario (4-12): New coaches, a new system and new receivers don’t make for a new Gabbert, and he struggles in his second season much as he did as a rookie. A rough start means the fan base calls for backup Chad Henne, and Mularkey finds himself in a tough spot with a quick quarterback controversy.
Henne eventually gets the call but doesn’t play much better, so the team is over-reliant on the run game. The defense, meanwhile, can’t overcome the lack of a pass rush. It gives up too many passing yards and too many big plays because quarterbacks have time to wait for targets to break open. Then the Jaguars begin to blitz more to amp things up but pay a price by giving up big plays out of high-risk, high-reward situations.
Owner Shahid Khan, used to life as a businessman who wins, says or does something controversial that makes things even messier. The Jaguars actually finish a game worse than they did in Jack Del Rio’s final season, leaving Denver’s defensive coordinator shrugging and people removing some responsibility for 2011 from him.
Yes, the start of training camps is two months away, but it’s never too early to consider the coming season. A look at the best-case and worst-case scenarios for the Jaguars in 2012.
Dream scenario (10-6): Mike Mularkey’s offensive scheme does for Blaine Gabbert what it did early on for Matt Ryan in Atlanta. Gabbert silences his stable of critics, playing with newfound poise and confidence and finding himself in situations in which he’s comfortable and can show off the arm that was a big reason he was a top 10 pick.
The second-year quarterback is well-protected as he works his way through progressions and spreads the ball around to a much-improved receiving corps headed by Laurent Robinson and Justin Blackmon. With the passing offense faring far better, Maurice Jones-Drew's hammer hits even harder because his carries are less predictable.
Defensively, the team is healthy all season long in karmic payback for last year’s slew of injuries.
Defensive tackles Tyson Alualu and Terrance Knighton put it all together, with middle linebacker Paul Posluszny playing great behind them, and no one can even ponder running up the middle against the Jaguars. Rookie second-rounder Andre Branch provides a serious boost to the pass rush, and the linebackers get involved in pressuring the quarterback. When they don’t get a sufficient push, the coverage holds up.
And rookie punter Bryan Anger regularly hits bombs and pins teams deep, semi-justifying his third-round draft status.
Mularkey wins coach of the year as the Jaguars qualify for the playoffs.
Nightmare scenario (4-12): New coaches, a new system and new receivers don’t make for a new Gabbert, and he struggles in his second season much as he did as a rookie. A rough start means the fan base calls for backup Chad Henne, and Mularkey finds himself in a tough spot with a quick quarterback controversy.
Henne eventually gets the call but doesn’t play much better, so the team is over-reliant on the run game. The defense, meanwhile, can’t overcome the lack of a pass rush. It gives up too many passing yards and too many big plays because quarterbacks have time to wait for targets to break open. Then the Jaguars begin to blitz more to amp things up but pay a price by giving up big plays out of high-risk, high-reward situations.
Owner Shahid Khan, used to life as a businessman who wins, says or does something controversial that makes things even messier. The Jaguars actually finish a game worse than they did in Jack Del Rio’s final season, leaving Denver’s defensive coordinator shrugging and people removing some responsibility for 2011 from him.
Some thoughts on things that unfolded while I spent some time away from the blog last week. We may circle back to a few.
Houston Texans
The Texans intend to use James Casey as both their fullback and tight end. They tout his versatility and his ability to play both as part of what makes him attractive. But his single best quality is his soft hands. The Texans have a lot of people to throw to, but wherever they are lining Casey up, to maximize him as a player, they need to target him.
Houston isn’t interested in "Hard Knocks," and that shouldn’t be a surprise. I can’t imagine a camera tracking Gary Kubiak’s private training camp moments.
Indianapolis Colts
The team claimed Andre Smith off waivers from the Bears and cut Brody Eldridge in the same week. Eldridge didn’t seem to gain any traction with the new regime, which drafted two tight ends in the first three rounds. He was claimed by the Rams.
Meanwhile, former Colt Dallas Clark visited New England. It sure wouldn’t seem there is much opportunity for him with the Patriots, who’ve already got Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez and signed veteran Daniel Fells earlier this offseason. It would be a surprise if Clark landed in New England unless he’s available later and someone gets hurt. He’s also visited Kansas City.
Jacksonville Jaguars
They are still the only known team that’s interested in "Hard Knocks." There is an idea floating around that they aren’t glamorous or compelling enough. But it’s a mistake to think the show needs a glamour team. Getting a thorough behind the scenes look at any team makes for compelling television, and interesting storylines abound in any camp by the mere nature of what is playing out.
Rashad Jennings is the team’s top back with Maurice Jones-Drew not participating in OTAs. I can’t see MJD getting the new deal he wants but I don’t think he’ll have a hard time learning the new offense once he arrives. Meanwhile, the capable Jennings will get valuable time after missing last season with an injury.
Tennessee Titans
There is a ton of talk about how different the Titans will be in 2012 after a full offseason for a coaching staff that worked with a quick turnaround in its first season. Receiver Nate Washington says the offense is going to sling it and defensive coordinator Jerry Gray is talking about installing his stuff rather than modifying the old stuff. We’ll see how much both of those ideas come to fruition.
Eugene Amano is rehabbing from knee surgery. But if the incumbent center, regarded as the line’s weak link, loses his job, it will be to an in-house competition. Kevin Matthews is currently in the best position to make a bid for the spot. There is bound to be some awkwardness to the competition, considering Matthews’ dad, Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews, coaches the offensive line.
Houston Texans
The Texans intend to use James Casey as both their fullback and tight end. They tout his versatility and his ability to play both as part of what makes him attractive. But his single best quality is his soft hands. The Texans have a lot of people to throw to, but wherever they are lining Casey up, to maximize him as a player, they need to target him.
Houston isn’t interested in "Hard Knocks," and that shouldn’t be a surprise. I can’t imagine a camera tracking Gary Kubiak’s private training camp moments.
Indianapolis Colts
The team claimed Andre Smith off waivers from the Bears and cut Brody Eldridge in the same week. Eldridge didn’t seem to gain any traction with the new regime, which drafted two tight ends in the first three rounds. He was claimed by the Rams.
Meanwhile, former Colt Dallas Clark visited New England. It sure wouldn’t seem there is much opportunity for him with the Patriots, who’ve already got Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez and signed veteran Daniel Fells earlier this offseason. It would be a surprise if Clark landed in New England unless he’s available later and someone gets hurt. He’s also visited Kansas City.
Jacksonville Jaguars
They are still the only known team that’s interested in "Hard Knocks." There is an idea floating around that they aren’t glamorous or compelling enough. But it’s a mistake to think the show needs a glamour team. Getting a thorough behind the scenes look at any team makes for compelling television, and interesting storylines abound in any camp by the mere nature of what is playing out.
Rashad Jennings is the team’s top back with Maurice Jones-Drew not participating in OTAs. I can’t see MJD getting the new deal he wants but I don’t think he’ll have a hard time learning the new offense once he arrives. Meanwhile, the capable Jennings will get valuable time after missing last season with an injury.
Tennessee Titans
There is a ton of talk about how different the Titans will be in 2012 after a full offseason for a coaching staff that worked with a quick turnaround in its first season. Receiver Nate Washington says the offense is going to sling it and defensive coordinator Jerry Gray is talking about installing his stuff rather than modifying the old stuff. We’ll see how much both of those ideas come to fruition.
Eugene Amano is rehabbing from knee surgery. But if the incumbent center, regarded as the line’s weak link, loses his job, it will be to an in-house competition. Kevin Matthews is currently in the best position to make a bid for the spot. There is bound to be some awkwardness to the competition, considering Matthews’ dad, Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews, coaches the offensive line.
Houston Texans
Houston has signed five members of its 2012 draft class: center Ben Jones, receiver Keshawn Martin, defensive end Jared Crick, kicker Randy Bullock and tackle Nick Mondek.
Coach Gary Kubiak told James Casey that the team plans to use him as both a fullback and tight end this season, reports the Houston Chronicle's John McClain. "He’s going to play everywhere,” Kubiak said. “He’s our starting fullback. He’s a starting [tight end] if we go to two tights. It’s still about versatility with James.”
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts begin organized team activities Tuesday at the Indiana Farm Bureau Complex.
The Colts suffered more than their fair share of injuries in 2011, continuing a trend going back to 2006, writes Stampede Blue's Brad Wells.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Coach Mike Mularkey likes Blaine Gabbert's ability to deal with criticism, something he had to do a lot during his rookie season. Mularkey: "I give him credit for handling the negativity -- I haven't seen it affect him."
With Josh Scobee out in a contract impasse, the Jaguars signed former Georgia kicker Brandon Coutu for a look during OTAs, which begin Tuesday.
Scobee and running back Maurice Jones-Drew are not expected to attend OTAs, reports the Florida Times-Union's Tania Ganguli.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans reportedly hosted veteran safeties Yeremiah Bell and Chris Crocker on Tuesday, reports the Tennessean's Jim Wyatt.
Coach Mike Munchak said receiver Kenny Britt, who's recovering from ACL and MCL surgery, may need a second procedure on his knee before he's ready to play this season, reports Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.
Kicker Rob Bironas, coming off one of his best seasons, credits his consistency on the field to plenty of rest off of it, writes Wyatt.
Houston has signed five members of its 2012 draft class: center Ben Jones, receiver Keshawn Martin, defensive end Jared Crick, kicker Randy Bullock and tackle Nick Mondek.
Coach Gary Kubiak told James Casey that the team plans to use him as both a fullback and tight end this season, reports the Houston Chronicle's John McClain. "He’s going to play everywhere,” Kubiak said. “He’s our starting fullback. He’s a starting [tight end] if we go to two tights. It’s still about versatility with James.”
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts begin organized team activities Tuesday at the Indiana Farm Bureau Complex.
The Colts suffered more than their fair share of injuries in 2011, continuing a trend going back to 2006, writes Stampede Blue's Brad Wells.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Coach Mike Mularkey likes Blaine Gabbert's ability to deal with criticism, something he had to do a lot during his rookie season. Mularkey: "I give him credit for handling the negativity -- I haven't seen it affect him."
With Josh Scobee out in a contract impasse, the Jaguars signed former Georgia kicker Brandon Coutu for a look during OTAs, which begin Tuesday.
Scobee and running back Maurice Jones-Drew are not expected to attend OTAs, reports the Florida Times-Union's Tania Ganguli.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans reportedly hosted veteran safeties Yeremiah Bell and Chris Crocker on Tuesday, reports the Tennessean's Jim Wyatt.
Coach Mike Munchak said receiver Kenny Britt, who's recovering from ACL and MCL surgery, may need a second procedure on his knee before he's ready to play this season, reports Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.
Kicker Rob Bironas, coming off one of his best seasons, credits his consistency on the field to plenty of rest off of it, writes Wyatt.
It’s very likely that after the second round is over Friday night, we’ll say the same thing about three teams in the AFC South: That they’ve added a receiver and a pass-rusher.
Jacksonville grabbed Justin Blackmon and with the sixth pick tonight, 38th overall, it will eye a pass-rusher.
Tennessee pounced on Kendall Wright and with the 20th pick tonight, 52nd overall, it will eye a pass-rusher.
Houston snatched Whitney Mercilus and with the 26th pick tonight, 58th overall, it will eye a receiver.
Even if things don’t unfold that way, all three of the teams will wind up addressing both receiver and pass-rusher in this draft. The Colts, too, will add in both areas.
Sensing a theme?
Three of these four franchises are run-based teams. Maurice Jones-Drew, Arian Foster and Chris Johnson are top-flight backs, though Johnson has some bouncing back to do. Chuck Pagano is talking of the need for Indianapolis to run effectively, too.
But run-based is going the way of the dodo bird. No matter you’re pre-draft roster, no matter the philosophy in your DNA, no matter the path that’s given you some success, you must acknowledge it’s a passing league.
Eli Manning, Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady and Drew Brees are taking their teams deep into the playoffs and winning Super Bowls by throwing it, not by handing it off. Even if your quarterback is not of that stature, you need to mirror that approach.
You need the guy to throw it, and all the teams of the AFC South now feel they have that guy.
You need guys for him to throw it to. Enter Blackmon and Wright and maybe tight end Coby Fleener for the Colts with the second pick of the second round tonight.
You need guys to harass the guy throwing it for the other team. Enter Mercilus and another influx of rushers I expect tonight.
It’s more than a coincidence that the road into the AFC South is bringing in receivers and rushers.
Jacksonville grabbed Justin Blackmon and with the sixth pick tonight, 38th overall, it will eye a pass-rusher.
Tennessee pounced on Kendall Wright and with the 20th pick tonight, 52nd overall, it will eye a pass-rusher.
Houston snatched Whitney Mercilus and with the 26th pick tonight, 58th overall, it will eye a receiver.
Even if things don’t unfold that way, all three of the teams will wind up addressing both receiver and pass-rusher in this draft. The Colts, too, will add in both areas.
Sensing a theme?
Three of these four franchises are run-based teams. Maurice Jones-Drew, Arian Foster and Chris Johnson are top-flight backs, though Johnson has some bouncing back to do. Chuck Pagano is talking of the need for Indianapolis to run effectively, too.
But run-based is going the way of the dodo bird. No matter you’re pre-draft roster, no matter the philosophy in your DNA, no matter the path that’s given you some success, you must acknowledge it’s a passing league.
Eli Manning, Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady and Drew Brees are taking their teams deep into the playoffs and winning Super Bowls by throwing it, not by handing it off. Even if your quarterback is not of that stature, you need to mirror that approach.
You need the guy to throw it, and all the teams of the AFC South now feel they have that guy.
You need guys for him to throw it to. Enter Blackmon and Wright and maybe tight end Coby Fleener for the Colts with the second pick of the second round tonight.
You need guys to harass the guy throwing it for the other team. Enter Mercilus and another influx of rushers I expect tonight.
It’s more than a coincidence that the road into the AFC South is bringing in receivers and rushers.
Mularkey deserves better from Jones-Drew
April, 17, 2012
Apr 17
5:12
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Set aside whether or not Maurice Jones-Drew is unhappy with his contract, which Pete Prisco of CBS suggests is the case.
The running back is the Jaguars' most recognizable player, best skill player and the face of the franchise.
Jones-DrewNew coach Mike Mularkey started an orientation series of OTAs today, and MJD was not there.
Mularkey said yesterday that he didn’t know of anyone beyond defensive tackle Terrance Knighton, recovering from an eye injury, and Josh Scobee, unhappy about being franchise tagged, who would not be with the team.
And then his biggest guy is not there.
Per Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union Mularkey said he had an inkling Jones-Drew would be absent, but they hadn't spoken of it. Mularkey had asked players to let the team know if they wouldn't be around.
Given that...
No matter your complaint or your leverage, no matter if you’re just married, what exactly is the reasoning behind not telling your new boss that you won’t be around for the team’s first gathering?
It’s not mandatory. Jones-Drew doesn’t have to be there. But a phone call, text or email giving Mularkey a heads up would have qualified as a common courtesy.
Instead, Jones-Drew winds up making Mularkey look bad.
The coach looks like he’s not influential or respected, and considering he’s just getting started he deserves far better from his star.
It doesn’t enhance MJD's case at being worth more than he’s scheduled to make, if that’s part of what he’s getting at.
It’s a bad start to an important relationship.
The running back is the Jaguars' most recognizable player, best skill player and the face of the franchise.
Mularkey said yesterday that he didn’t know of anyone beyond defensive tackle Terrance Knighton, recovering from an eye injury, and Josh Scobee, unhappy about being franchise tagged, who would not be with the team.
And then his biggest guy is not there.
Per Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union Mularkey said he had an inkling Jones-Drew would be absent, but they hadn't spoken of it. Mularkey had asked players to let the team know if they wouldn't be around.
Given that...
No matter your complaint or your leverage, no matter if you’re just married, what exactly is the reasoning behind not telling your new boss that you won’t be around for the team’s first gathering?
It’s not mandatory. Jones-Drew doesn’t have to be there. But a phone call, text or email giving Mularkey a heads up would have qualified as a common courtesy.
Instead, Jones-Drew winds up making Mularkey look bad.
The coach looks like he’s not influential or respected, and considering he’s just getting started he deserves far better from his star.
It doesn’t enhance MJD's case at being worth more than he’s scheduled to make, if that’s part of what he’s getting at.
It’s a bad start to an important relationship.
RTC: Hardware removed from Schaub's foot
April, 17, 2012
Apr 17
10:16
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Reading the coverage…
Our Stats and Info blog runs through needs in the AFC South.
Houston Texans
Matt Schaub had a customary follow-up procedure on his surgically repaired foot recently, and vows to be ready for the start of the regular season, says John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.
The Texans were excited about getting their offseason underway Monday, says McClain.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have needs all over, but tight end might be the biggest, says Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star.
The Colts can expect a lot more 1:00 starts when the schedule comes out tonight.
The first financial analysis of the Super Bowl cost in Indianapolis say the city lost $350,000, says Jon Murray of the Star.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Maurice Jones-Drew won’t be at the Jaguars voluntary orientation camp as Mike Mularkey gathers his team for the first time, reports Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union.
Twelve bits of draft advice for the Jaguars from Gene Frenette of the T-U.
Tennessee Titans
Cal defensive end Ernest Owusu, who went to high school in Nashville, visited with the team he grew up rooting for, says Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean.
Nate Washington had minor knee surgery recently, says Wyatt.
Our Stats and Info blog runs through needs in the AFC South.
Houston Texans
Matt Schaub had a customary follow-up procedure on his surgically repaired foot recently, and vows to be ready for the start of the regular season, says John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.
The Texans were excited about getting their offseason underway Monday, says McClain.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have needs all over, but tight end might be the biggest, says Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star.
The Colts can expect a lot more 1:00 starts when the schedule comes out tonight.
The first financial analysis of the Super Bowl cost in Indianapolis say the city lost $350,000, says Jon Murray of the Star.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Maurice Jones-Drew won’t be at the Jaguars voluntary orientation camp as Mike Mularkey gathers his team for the first time, reports Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union.
Twelve bits of draft advice for the Jaguars from Gene Frenette of the T-U.
Tennessee Titans
Cal defensive end Ernest Owusu, who went to high school in Nashville, visited with the team he grew up rooting for, says Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean.
Nate Washington had minor knee surgery recently, says Wyatt.
Mailbag: On the Jaguars' failure to flash
April, 15, 2012
Apr 15
9:37
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Darrick Seymore from Jacksonville, Fla., writes: The way our new owner, Mr. Khan, rolled into Jacksonville, I was expecting some really flashing things to be happening by now. Not sure if this is the quiet before the storm or something else. What's your take in the apparent lack of activity here in J-Ville?
Paul Kuharsky: Shad Khan is not about flashing things, so far, and that’s fine. Certainly he’s got a general manager and a coach who are not flashy.
Teams who are about flashing, or flashy things, generally don’t fare well. Who’s the last team that won the offseason and the Super Bowl? (That said, Khan could have tempered the big talk about being "all in." It made agents expect that GM Gene Smith was going to be out there with rolls of money, shopping.)
The Jaguars could have done better in free agency, but they retained their key people, added a receiver they like in Laurent Robinson, got a backup/alternative quarterback in Chad Henne and hope for a big draft.
I don’t know what storm you can still anticipate this long after the top free agents are gone.
Graham from Montreal writes: With Koppen re-signing with the Patriots, what's the Titans' potential opportunities to improve at center in free agency? Is it more likely that we'll see a middle-round pick being used to try to develop a center and maybe also to be used as a long-snapper?
Paul Kuharsky: There was never any evidence the Titans had any interest in Dan Koppen after they lost out on Chris Myers, Scott Wells and even Jeff Saturday.
I think your scenario is the likely one now. It’s quite possible the Titans will go forward with Eugene Amano still in place, or with a rookie or Fernando Velasco; Kevin Matthews could even fight his way into the lineup.
Jonathan from Fort Wayne, Ind., writes: Find it interesting you question why Irsay would want to be coy with the Luck pick. While I agree it's obvious based on what I've read/heard that the Colts will select Luck, Irsay not sharing has incentive - it keeps the Colts in the spotlight for a little bit longer. After the draft, the Colts will quickly fall from a team that garnered a ton of press the past few years to another struggling team with a promising future. For the first game or two the Colts will once again be thrust in the spotlight as people judge Luck. So, the team needs as much press as possible right now. I think it is mostly a PR move to keep analysts (even if they are 99.99% sure) to at least discuss the decision and the team. Even more so now with the CBA because the team won't need extra time to negotiate the contract. After this draft the Colts won't be talked about very much for awhile based on a roster that should struggle, even with a possible once-in-a-generation quarterback.
Paul Kuharsky: As I’ve written, the team isn’t obligated to reveal anything and can milk it if it likes.
The Colts aren't getting any huge public-relations advantage leading up to the draft that they wouldn’t be getting if the verdict was made public early that they are taking Andrew Luck. When Bill Polian is out there saying it's who team owner Jim Irsay wants, Irsay being coy doesn't really work.
Either way, I would have written this piece that was published Friday, for example. They didn't gain anything from mystery there. And there really is no mystery.
April 26 -- the first day of the NFL draft -- is going to wind up being more about who goes third and what happens with Ryan Tannehill than it will be about Luck or Robert Griffin III, because there is no mystery about them.
Interest in Luck will last all season, no matter how bad the Colts are.
Matt from Berkeley, Calif., writes: What do you think of Jags fullback Greg Jones? He's been a low-profile player at a low-profile position, but I've only ever read positive things about him - especially from opposing defensive coordinators. Today, I realized he'll be remembered (if people really remember fullbacks) for blocking for both Fred Taylor and MJD. Taylor arguably had a HoF career - at least by the numbers, and MJD is on pace to make an argument as well. What other positions in football have silent contributors stalwartly working to help their team week after week? We as fans often miss such players between the highlights.
Paul Kuharsky: He’s a good player, but Jack Del Rio’s love of him was overboard and he’s been dinged a lot in his career.
The difference between an average fullback and a really good fullback – which Jones is usually rated as being – is not that extreme or significant to me or to most. While the AFC South is now a division with four fullback teams, I prefer teams that have more versatile tight ends serve as the extra blockers.
I wouldn’t exactly call fullback an under-recognized spot, either. When a back has a big season like Maurice Jones-Drew did, the fullback typically gets his accolades. Vonta Leach certainly reaped huge benefits (in a big free-agent contract from Baltimore) after Arian Foster broke through in Houston.
There are a ton of offensive linemen and interior defensive lineman who do dirty work on all or most of the snaps – as compared to the typical third of the snaps of a fullback – with even less notoriety.
Bobby from Buffalo, N.Y., writes: Just a general NFL question here. If a team with no first-round picks signs a player with a first-round tender such as Mike Wallace, what do they give up or is it even allowed?
Paul Kuharsky: You have to have your original first-round pick to give up. You can’t sign a guy with a first-round tender to an offer sheet unless you have it or make a deal to get it back.
Paul Kuharsky: Shad Khan is not about flashing things, so far, and that’s fine. Certainly he’s got a general manager and a coach who are not flashy.
Teams who are about flashing, or flashy things, generally don’t fare well. Who’s the last team that won the offseason and the Super Bowl? (That said, Khan could have tempered the big talk about being "all in." It made agents expect that GM Gene Smith was going to be out there with rolls of money, shopping.)
The Jaguars could have done better in free agency, but they retained their key people, added a receiver they like in Laurent Robinson, got a backup/alternative quarterback in Chad Henne and hope for a big draft.
I don’t know what storm you can still anticipate this long after the top free agents are gone.
Graham from Montreal writes: With Koppen re-signing with the Patriots, what's the Titans' potential opportunities to improve at center in free agency? Is it more likely that we'll see a middle-round pick being used to try to develop a center and maybe also to be used as a long-snapper?
Paul Kuharsky: There was never any evidence the Titans had any interest in Dan Koppen after they lost out on Chris Myers, Scott Wells and even Jeff Saturday.
I think your scenario is the likely one now. It’s quite possible the Titans will go forward with Eugene Amano still in place, or with a rookie or Fernando Velasco; Kevin Matthews could even fight his way into the lineup.
Jonathan from Fort Wayne, Ind., writes: Find it interesting you question why Irsay would want to be coy with the Luck pick. While I agree it's obvious based on what I've read/heard that the Colts will select Luck, Irsay not sharing has incentive - it keeps the Colts in the spotlight for a little bit longer. After the draft, the Colts will quickly fall from a team that garnered a ton of press the past few years to another struggling team with a promising future. For the first game or two the Colts will once again be thrust in the spotlight as people judge Luck. So, the team needs as much press as possible right now. I think it is mostly a PR move to keep analysts (even if they are 99.99% sure) to at least discuss the decision and the team. Even more so now with the CBA because the team won't need extra time to negotiate the contract. After this draft the Colts won't be talked about very much for awhile based on a roster that should struggle, even with a possible once-in-a-generation quarterback.
Paul Kuharsky: As I’ve written, the team isn’t obligated to reveal anything and can milk it if it likes.
The Colts aren't getting any huge public-relations advantage leading up to the draft that they wouldn’t be getting if the verdict was made public early that they are taking Andrew Luck. When Bill Polian is out there saying it's who team owner Jim Irsay wants, Irsay being coy doesn't really work.
Either way, I would have written this piece that was published Friday, for example. They didn't gain anything from mystery there. And there really is no mystery.
April 26 -- the first day of the NFL draft -- is going to wind up being more about who goes third and what happens with Ryan Tannehill than it will be about Luck or Robert Griffin III, because there is no mystery about them.
Interest in Luck will last all season, no matter how bad the Colts are.
Matt from Berkeley, Calif., writes: What do you think of Jags fullback Greg Jones? He's been a low-profile player at a low-profile position, but I've only ever read positive things about him - especially from opposing defensive coordinators. Today, I realized he'll be remembered (if people really remember fullbacks) for blocking for both Fred Taylor and MJD. Taylor arguably had a HoF career - at least by the numbers, and MJD is on pace to make an argument as well. What other positions in football have silent contributors stalwartly working to help their team week after week? We as fans often miss such players between the highlights.
Paul Kuharsky: He’s a good player, but Jack Del Rio’s love of him was overboard and he’s been dinged a lot in his career.
The difference between an average fullback and a really good fullback – which Jones is usually rated as being – is not that extreme or significant to me or to most. While the AFC South is now a division with four fullback teams, I prefer teams that have more versatile tight ends serve as the extra blockers.
I wouldn’t exactly call fullback an under-recognized spot, either. When a back has a big season like Maurice Jones-Drew did, the fullback typically gets his accolades. Vonta Leach certainly reaped huge benefits (in a big free-agent contract from Baltimore) after Arian Foster broke through in Houston.
There are a ton of offensive linemen and interior defensive lineman who do dirty work on all or most of the snaps – as compared to the typical third of the snaps of a fullback – with even less notoriety.
Bobby from Buffalo, N.Y., writes: Just a general NFL question here. If a team with no first-round picks signs a player with a first-round tender such as Mike Wallace, what do they give up or is it even allowed?
Paul Kuharsky: You have to have your original first-round pick to give up. You can’t sign a guy with a first-round tender to an offer sheet unless you have it or make a deal to get it back.
Jags interested, should chase 'Hard Knocks'
April, 11, 2012
Apr 11
5:32
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
As Adam Schein indicated on the bottom of this piece, the Jaguars have told the people who will choose a team for "Hard Knocks" that they are interested in hosting HBO this summer.
It would be a smart move for the Jaguars but I’d guess HBO feels it can do “better.”
The team can use all the exposure it can get. But it’s hardly filled with the type of personalities that carried the last edition of the show, when the Jets were the subject in 2010. (There was no show in 2011 thanks to the lockout.)
Schein reports the cable network wants the Jets again, but that coach Rex Ryan actually wants to scale back the team’s visibility.
Coach Mike Mularkey and general manager Gene Smith, respectively, are not going to match the personalities of Ryan and Mike Tannenbaum.
But the show doesn’t need big personalities to be a hit.
A look behind the scenes at any NFL team in training camp is fascinating, and no one finds and explores the story lines of a football summer better than HBO.
We’d see how a new staff coaches Blaine Gabbert, how Maurice Jones-Drew operates as the one player on the team with a national profile and how a defense that probably doesn’t have the respect it deserves may well be poised to be one of the league’s best if it can find more of a pass rush.
Every season there are stories, and at least one roster underdog, that find a following that extends well beyond the show.
That’s just the sort of boost the Jags should jump on whenever they get a chance.
It would be a smart move for the Jaguars but I’d guess HBO feels it can do “better.”
The team can use all the exposure it can get. But it’s hardly filled with the type of personalities that carried the last edition of the show, when the Jets were the subject in 2010. (There was no show in 2011 thanks to the lockout.)
Schein reports the cable network wants the Jets again, but that coach Rex Ryan actually wants to scale back the team’s visibility.
Coach Mike Mularkey and general manager Gene Smith, respectively, are not going to match the personalities of Ryan and Mike Tannenbaum.
But the show doesn’t need big personalities to be a hit.
A look behind the scenes at any NFL team in training camp is fascinating, and no one finds and explores the story lines of a football summer better than HBO.
We’d see how a new staff coaches Blaine Gabbert, how Maurice Jones-Drew operates as the one player on the team with a national profile and how a defense that probably doesn’t have the respect it deserves may well be poised to be one of the league’s best if it can find more of a pass rush.
Every season there are stories, and at least one roster underdog, that find a following that extends well beyond the show.
That’s just the sort of boost the Jags should jump on whenever they get a chance.
With free agency slowing down and the draft quickly approaching, Scouts Inc.’s Matt Williamson breaks down the running back situations in the AFC South.
1. Houston Texans: The Texans have the best set of running backs in the NFL in Arian Foster and Ben Tate. Of course, Houston’s scheme and blocking are phenomenal, but these two are outstanding in their own right. Foster in particular would fit any scheme. He has size, excellent vision, patience, explosive traits and can be a physical player with the ability to break off long runs. Foster is also extremely adept in the passing game. He gains separation in his routes, catches the ball cleanly and is also an above-average pass-blocker. Only 25, Foster should have a lot of great production ahead of him. The Texans are banking on it after locking him up with a long-term contract right before free agency began. You could make the argument that Foster is the best running back in football right now, especially when factoring in Adrian Peterson’s injury. Tate averaged a whopping 5.4 yards per carry in his second season. It could be argued that he is the most effective backup running back in the league right now. He is more of a straight-line runner than Foster and doesn’t fit all schemes as well as Foster, but he is perfect for what Houston does with its movement-based zone blocking scheme. Tate is quick to get downhill, decisive and runs with power, yet like Foster, can run away from defenders. Houston is loaded at running back.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Maurice Jones-Drew had as good of a season in 2011 as any running back in the NFL -- and every defense Jacksonville faced keyed on stopping him. Averaging 4.7 yards per carry under his circumstances was truly a remarkable performance. Everyone makes note of Jones-Drew’s lack of size when discussing him, but he’s a very powerful runner with exceptional leverage. He might not have quite the same burst and long speed as he once did, but his running skills are as sharp as ever. He has a great history of finding the end zone and is excellent as an outlet receiver. Jones-Drew can also stand up a blitzing linebacker as well as any running back in the league. At just 27, he is on a Hall of Fame career pace. Jones-Drew’s backups are Rashad Jennings and Deji Karim. Jennings missed the entire season, but is a very good running back when right. He runs hard and has light feet for a bigger back. As mentioned above, the circumstances were far from optimal last season, but Karim’s 2.1-yard average was simply abysmal. Karim has the look of a poor man’s Jones-Drew … a very poor man’s.
3. Tennessee Titans: Chris Johnson clearly had an incredibly disappointing 2011 season. He ran with little conviction or competitiveness for much of the season and too often looked to hit the home run instead of grinding out the tough yards. He improved late in the season, though, and there is no question Johnson can remain among the best players at his position. His speed has become legendary. Johnson is also a very good receiver who is lethal in space. I am not suggesting that we will see the back who exceeded 2,000 yards on the ground in 2009, but I am expecting a bounce-back season from Johnson in 2012. The Titans’ run blocking should be better and to me, Johnson is simply a much better player than what he showed on film for much of the season. There are also questions concerning what kind of shape he was in to start 2011. Javon Ringer is Tennessee’s top backup, but Jamie Harper also has ability. Ringer is much more reliable and proven, though. He runs hard with ample degrees of power and acceleration for a backup. Ringer is also an asset as a receiver and continues to improve in this area. Harper has a decent all-around skill set, but his 2.6-yard average last year is inexcusable.
4. Indianapolis Colts: Although Donald Brown has never really lived up to his first-round draft status, he was one of the few bright spots for the Colts last year. His 4.8 yards-per-carry average on the worst team in the league last season does stand out. It was by far Brown’s best season as a pro. As running backs go, I see Brown as a jack-of-all-trades but a master of none in many ways. He doesn’t have a single trait that stands out above all others, but as he showed in 2011, he is quite solid in all areas. Brown also is a decent receiver and a very good pass-blocker. Delone Carter was rather disappointing in all phases of playing the position as a rookie. He is a wide-bodied, shorter back who didn’t show the power you would expect and also wasn’t real light on his feet or agile. I still have hope for Carter, though. As is the case with fellow second-year RB Jamie Harper in Tennessee, a true offseason could do Carter a lot of good. With the gaping holes that Indianapolis has on its roster, running back is not among the top needs. But it is far from a great positional group when comparing it to the rest of the league. Perhaps the Colts will add another runner in the middle rounds of the draft.
Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN.com. Follow Matt Williamson on Twitter @WilliamsonNFL.
1. Houston Texans: The Texans have the best set of running backs in the NFL in Arian Foster and Ben Tate. Of course, Houston’s scheme and blocking are phenomenal, but these two are outstanding in their own right. Foster in particular would fit any scheme. He has size, excellent vision, patience, explosive traits and can be a physical player with the ability to break off long runs. Foster is also extremely adept in the passing game. He gains separation in his routes, catches the ball cleanly and is also an above-average pass-blocker. Only 25, Foster should have a lot of great production ahead of him. The Texans are banking on it after locking him up with a long-term contract right before free agency began. You could make the argument that Foster is the best running back in football right now, especially when factoring in Adrian Peterson’s injury. Tate averaged a whopping 5.4 yards per carry in his second season. It could be argued that he is the most effective backup running back in the league right now. He is more of a straight-line runner than Foster and doesn’t fit all schemes as well as Foster, but he is perfect for what Houston does with its movement-based zone blocking scheme. Tate is quick to get downhill, decisive and runs with power, yet like Foster, can run away from defenders. Houston is loaded at running back.
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Kim Klement/US PresswireDespite facing defenses keyed on stopping him, Maurice Jones-Drew rushed for over 1,600 yards last season.
Kim Klement/US PresswireDespite facing defenses keyed on stopping him, Maurice Jones-Drew rushed for over 1,600 yards last season.3. Tennessee Titans: Chris Johnson clearly had an incredibly disappointing 2011 season. He ran with little conviction or competitiveness for much of the season and too often looked to hit the home run instead of grinding out the tough yards. He improved late in the season, though, and there is no question Johnson can remain among the best players at his position. His speed has become legendary. Johnson is also a very good receiver who is lethal in space. I am not suggesting that we will see the back who exceeded 2,000 yards on the ground in 2009, but I am expecting a bounce-back season from Johnson in 2012. The Titans’ run blocking should be better and to me, Johnson is simply a much better player than what he showed on film for much of the season. There are also questions concerning what kind of shape he was in to start 2011. Javon Ringer is Tennessee’s top backup, but Jamie Harper also has ability. Ringer is much more reliable and proven, though. He runs hard with ample degrees of power and acceleration for a backup. Ringer is also an asset as a receiver and continues to improve in this area. Harper has a decent all-around skill set, but his 2.6-yard average last year is inexcusable.
4. Indianapolis Colts: Although Donald Brown has never really lived up to his first-round draft status, he was one of the few bright spots for the Colts last year. His 4.8 yards-per-carry average on the worst team in the league last season does stand out. It was by far Brown’s best season as a pro. As running backs go, I see Brown as a jack-of-all-trades but a master of none in many ways. He doesn’t have a single trait that stands out above all others, but as he showed in 2011, he is quite solid in all areas. Brown also is a decent receiver and a very good pass-blocker. Delone Carter was rather disappointing in all phases of playing the position as a rookie. He is a wide-bodied, shorter back who didn’t show the power you would expect and also wasn’t real light on his feet or agile. I still have hope for Carter, though. As is the case with fellow second-year RB Jamie Harper in Tennessee, a true offseason could do Carter a lot of good. With the gaping holes that Indianapolis has on its roster, running back is not among the top needs. But it is far from a great positional group when comparing it to the rest of the league. Perhaps the Colts will add another runner in the middle rounds of the draft.
Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN.com. Follow Matt Williamson on Twitter @WilliamsonNFL.
MJD, Foster advance in Madden contest
March, 28, 2012
Mar 28
12:23
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Round two of the tournament that will determine the cover boy for "Madden NFL 2013" is underway.
The AFC South candidates were cut in half in the first round.
Third-seeded Jacksonville running back Maurice Jones-Drew beat 14th-seeded Oakland kicker Sebastian Janikowski and third-seeded Houston running back Arian Foster topped 14th-seeded Jets reserve quarterback Tim Tebow.
But Indianapolis defensive end Dwight Freeney, a ninth seed, lost a close contest to San Diego tight end Antonio Gates. And eighth-seeded Tennessee running back Chris Johnson was beaten by ninth-seeded Seattle running back Marshawn Lynch.
The victories by Foster and Gates were the closest of the first round.
Next up, Foster gets Detroit wide receiver Calvin Johnson and MJD gets San Francisco linebacker Patrick Willis.
You can vote here.
The AFC South candidates were cut in half in the first round.
Third-seeded Jacksonville running back Maurice Jones-Drew beat 14th-seeded Oakland kicker Sebastian Janikowski and third-seeded Houston running back Arian Foster topped 14th-seeded Jets reserve quarterback Tim Tebow.
But Indianapolis defensive end Dwight Freeney, a ninth seed, lost a close contest to San Diego tight end Antonio Gates. And eighth-seeded Tennessee running back Chris Johnson was beaten by ninth-seeded Seattle running back Marshawn Lynch.
The victories by Foster and Gates were the closest of the first round.
Next up, Foster gets Detroit wide receiver Calvin Johnson and MJD gets San Francisco linebacker Patrick Willis.
You can vote here.
The voting in a tournament-style field to select the next coverboy for Madden is off and running.
First-round voting runs to March 28.
The voting process is largely a popularity contest, but it comes with a twist. Because of the hype with the cover jinx, some fans do their best to make sure their team's candidate is eliminated as soon as possible.
Here are the AFC South candidates:
Texans runing back Arian Foster is a No. 3 seed, but draws a very tough matchup in new Jets quarterback Tim Tebow, a 13 seed.
Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew is a No. 3 seed who drew 13th-seeded Oakland kicker Sebastian Janikowski.
Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney is a ninth seed taking on eighth-seeded San Diego tight end Antonio Gates.
Titans running back Chris Johnson is a ninth seed taking on eighth-seeded Seattle running back Marshawn Lynch.
First-round voting runs to March 28.
The voting process is largely a popularity contest, but it comes with a twist. Because of the hype with the cover jinx, some fans do their best to make sure their team's candidate is eliminated as soon as possible.
Here are the AFC South candidates:
Texans runing back Arian Foster is a No. 3 seed, but draws a very tough matchup in new Jets quarterback Tim Tebow, a 13 seed.
Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew is a No. 3 seed who drew 13th-seeded Oakland kicker Sebastian Janikowski.
Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney is a ninth seed taking on eighth-seeded San Diego tight end Antonio Gates.
Titans running back Chris Johnson is a ninth seed taking on eighth-seeded Seattle running back Marshawn Lynch.
Getty ImagesMaurice Jones-Drew, left, Andrew Luck, center, and Arian Foster are candidates to become biggest star the AFC South has to offer.Without him in the AFC South, how does a star system that’s revolved around him for some time now align?
We’ll make two large presumptions here -- Mario Williams will be out of the division and Andrew Luck will be in it.
Here’s my order, with comments from Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc.:
1. Arian Foster, Texans running back.
Production: An average of 88.5 yards rushing and 126 total yards per game, with 33 touchdowns in 35 games. That’s tremendous. Last season in the Texans' second playoff game he ran for 132 yards against a highly touted Ravens defense in Baltimore.
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Popularity: It’s giant and growing in Houston and nationally. He tweets with fans. And he's unafraid to take on big topics in social media, like his perspective on fantasy football or sharing an injury X-ray.
Williamson: “Perfect piece for this running game -- with [Adrian] Peterson injured, could be the top running back in all of football. Very versatile. GREAT all-around player on the best team in division.”
2. Andre Johnson, Texans receiver
Production: In 122 career games, he’s averaged 79 receiving yards a game and 13.7 yards a catch. He’s scored 52 touchdowns and led the NFL twice in receptions and twice in yardage while earning a spot on the All-Pro first team twice. He is a willing and effective blocker who combines size and speed.
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AP Photo/Phelan M. EbenhackHouston's Andre Johnson has the talent to be the best receiver in the NFL.
AP Photo/Phelan M. EbenhackHouston's Andre Johnson has the talent to be the best receiver in the NFL.Popularity: He’s absolutely beloved in Houston and qualifies as the all-time face of the young franchise. For a star of his size, he seems accessible and approachable, and appreciative that people want access and approachability.
Williamson: “With the body of work, he’s not far removed from being the best wide receiver in the NFL. He easily could rebound from injury to regain such status.”
3. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars running back
Production: Despite facing stacked boxes throughout his career, Jones-Drew has plowed for 73.7 yards a game and 4.6 yards a carry. He’s also been a solid receiver with at least 34 catches a season. In 93 games, he’s scored 73 touchdowns.
Personality: He’s a fun guy who’s well liked by team executives, coaches and teammates. But he can be defensive and take things way too personally. He maintains a list of reporters whom he feels slighted him, which is a bit over the top for a star of his magnitude.
Popularity: Very much the face of the franchise -- many would say too much so. He’s an affable guy who’s very well liked in Jacksonville and has built a national profile thanks largely to his fantasy football production and a regular gig on Sirius NFL Radio centered on the fantasy game.
Williamson: “No running back had a better 2011 season than MJD. He does it all with ZERO around him. A pro’s pro.”
Production: In three seasons as the starter at Stanford, he completed 67 percent of his passes with 82 touchdowns and 22 interceptions despite not being surrounded by great weapons. His football IQ and accuracy are factors that make him such a big-time prospect. He’s underrated as an athlete who can run and jump and do a lot of things that may not be primary skills for a pocket passer but will be big factors in a well-rounded game.
Personality: He seems like a nice enough guy and is close to an engineering degree from Stanford, which tells you he’s quite smart. He stayed in school for his senior year, which showed confidence that he would be better positioned coming out after another year of school. It also suggested some perspective on football.
Popularity: He’s a huge star coming out being so strongly the consensus No. 1 pick. He has a regular-guy demeanor that will serve him well as he inherits Manning’s spot with the Colts. It may come a bit more slowly than most No. 1 picks because of that context, but if he plays as predicted, it’ll come.
Williamson: “It is all about the future/potential/hope ... and that is a terrific story. Of course, following in Manning’s footsteps factors in as well. An exceptional and rare prospect.”
5. Chris Johnson, Titans running back
Production: It dropped off in a major way last season after he got the big contract extension he was looking for. Even with a down year, he’s averaged 89.6 rushing yards per game and 4.8 yards a carry and he’s scored 42 touchdowns in 63 games. Does he have the same speed he showed in his first three seasons?
Personality: In a word, brash. He’s made big predictions and the down year hasn’t stopped that. He recently tweeted that he will lead the league in rushing next season. Some view him as selfish -- and it’s a fair idea to examine as his effort was questionable at times. You won’t find a more confident guy, and he may like the star life a little bit too much.
Popularity: He was huge when he topped 2,000 rushing yards in 2009, and with 12 touchdowns in 2010 he was still one of the league’s top backs. But Titans fans (and fantasy owners who drafted him at or near the top) loved him less as Tennessee didn’t run nearly as effectively as usual in 2011.
Williamson: “We have certainly seen what a difference-maker Johnson can be. And actually, I expect his situation to improve a great deal next season with an improved interior offensive line and getting Kenny Britt back in the lineup, but there were just too many runs in 2011 where Johnson lacked competitiveness.”
Two notes:
- I struggled to choose between Johnson and Houston linebacker Brian Cushing for the last spot. But it’s hard for a defensive player to outrank a guy who has the ball all the time. And fair or not, Cushing has a dent in his national reputation because of his four-game suspension in 2010.
- Williamson said Britt and Titans quarterback Jake Locker could press for inclusion soon and I agree. For Britt it’s about health; For Locker it’s about opportunity and production.
Who played the most on offense in 2011?
February, 22, 2012
Feb 22
1:49
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Who played the most on offense in the AFC South in 2011?
Here’s a rundown, with percentage of offensive snaps played:
A few notes:
Chris Johnson was the only back other than MJD to play as much as 60 percent of his team’s snaps (70.23).
Jones was the only fullback to play at least a third of his team’s snaps. Houston’s James Casey was next in fullback playing time, working 32.39 percent of the Texans’ snaps.
Wayne missed just 12 snaps and Garcon only 44 for the Colts. They are both heading for unrestricted free agency, and if both are lost that’s a lot of playing time to fill in. The next biggest number for a receiver in the division? The Titans' Nate Washington at 82.9.
Daniels didn’t beat out Jacksonville’s Marcedes Lewis (76.75) by much. I’d bet guessing the No. 3 tight end would be tough. Prove me wrong in the comments section below.
Two other offensive linemen narrowly missed 100 percent: Titans guard Eugene Amano missed only one play and Colts center Jeff Saturday was off the field for just six.
Here’s a rundown, with percentage of offensive snaps played:
QB – Matt Hasselbeck, Titans, 90.4
RB – Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars, 74.93
FB – Greg Jones, Jaguars, 38.71
WR – Reggie Wayne, Colts, 98.8
WR – Pierre Garcon, Colts, 95.5
TE – Owen Daniels, Texans, 79.13
C – Brad Meester, Jaguars, 100
G – Wade Smith, Texans, 100
G – Uche Nwaneri, Jaguars, 100
G – Jake Scott, Titans, 100
T – Jeff Linkenbach, Colts, 100
T – Michael Roos, Titans, 100
A few notes:
Chris Johnson was the only back other than MJD to play as much as 60 percent of his team’s snaps (70.23).
Jones was the only fullback to play at least a third of his team’s snaps. Houston’s James Casey was next in fullback playing time, working 32.39 percent of the Texans’ snaps.
Wayne missed just 12 snaps and Garcon only 44 for the Colts. They are both heading for unrestricted free agency, and if both are lost that’s a lot of playing time to fill in. The next biggest number for a receiver in the division? The Titans' Nate Washington at 82.9.
Daniels didn’t beat out Jacksonville’s Marcedes Lewis (76.75) by much. I’d bet guessing the No. 3 tight end would be tough. Prove me wrong in the comments section below.
Two other offensive linemen narrowly missed 100 percent: Titans guard Eugene Amano missed only one play and Colts center Jeff Saturday was off the field for just six.
Getty ImagesDuane Brown (left) and Chris Myers anchored one of the best offensive lines in the league.We’ll start with the offense.
It’s a tough assignment.
The second guy at some spots -- like Houston running back Arian Foster -- is superb, while the top guy at other spots was hardly as good and was not so clearly better than his competition.
But we forge ahead.
WRs: Wide receivers were not great this season, with Andre Johnson missing too much time to be eligible and not one Jacksonville player at the position worth a look. Indianapolis’ Reggie Wayne remained productive on a team that played three bad quarterbacks and was unable to have many offensive days of note. Tennessee’s Nate Washington topped 1,000 yards and was a prime third-down target. He blossomed in a season when the Titans were desperate after Kenny Britt was lost early on.
LT: Houston’s Duane Brown gets the nod after a fine season. He was probably the second-best guy (to center Chris Myers) on one of the very best lines in the NFL. But Tennessee’s Michael Roos was very steady again and Jacksonville’s Eugene Monroe emerged as a player closer to the kind the Jaguars expected and need him to be. Both deserve mention.
LG: I struggled to find a left guard that was worthy of a spot here, so I reluctantly leave the spot open. The second-best guard in the division was Houston’s Mike Brisiel and, like Jacksonville’s Uche Nwaneri, he plays on the right. One film-watcher I spoke with said I should just go with the entire Texans group, but others thought left guard Wade Smith dropped off from his 2010 performance. Tennessee’s Leroy Harris pass-blocked well like all the Titans, but was part of the team’s run struggles.
C: Myers led Houston’s line, perhaps the best in the NFL. He’s super smart, efficient and effective. He’s also very much the group’s tone-setter and leader. Considering how much the team's scheme relies on the unit working together with lateral movements and cutting, Myers' leadership is incredibly valuable.
RG: A lot of Jaguars linemen were in and out of the lineup as the team had to shuffle and leaned on one rookie, Will Rackley. Nwaneri may have even outranked Monroe as the steadiest guy on a line that help spring Maurice Jones-Drew for a league-high 1,606 yards on a team that could hardly throw the ball.
RT: Tennessee’s David Stewart was very good, but Eric Winston had a very strong season. Winston wins out over Stewart because he was more balanced and the Texans were far more balanced.
TE: Not a great year for guys at a position that could be stacked if everyone was healthy for the full season and producing as they are capable of doing. I was leaning toward Tennessee’s Jared Cook based on a solid finish. But Cook didn't do enough early and scouting associates steered me to Owen Daniels, who was not at his best but was still a threat who helped offset the stretches without Johnson.
QB: Matt Schaub didn’t play enough for the Texans to offset Matt Hasselbeck's season. While Hasselbeck didn’t maintain the high level of play he showed early on, he was the most consistent and productive guy in the division and the only quarterback not named Warren Moon to pass for 3,500 yards for the Titans/Oilers.
FB: Greg Jones of the Jaguars blocked for the best running game in the division and the most productive running back in the division. Case closed.
RB: If we weren’t in a quarterback-dominated era and if running well translated to winning more, then Jones-Drew of the Jaguars would be in the running for offensive player of the year. Such things are not happening in today’s NFL. That does not detract from his remarkable season, which is what took to win this spot over Foster.
Ray Lewis finished atop ESPN.com’s NFL Any Era poll, and he’s certainly a guy whose game would have worked in any point in time of professional football.
The AFC South finished with just two players in the list of 20, with Colts quarterback Peyton Manning at No. 20 and Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney at No. 18.
I have no major beef with the exclusion of anyone else.
But if we wanted to pick three more guys and present a top five of NFL Any Era players from the AFC South, who would they be?
Here are my candidates, one from each of the other three teams. I welcome your input in the comments section.
Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew -- A very powerful runner who can find space between the tackles and willing to take on contact. He runs effectively against stacked boxes in the modern day, he’d have been able to do the same in more rough and tumble times.
Texans linebacker Brian Cushing -- Sure, it’s not smart that he gashed the bridge of his nose head-butting someone with his helmet off. But the picture from this season with blood streaming down his face is the sort you’d see in black and white from back in the day.
Titans right tackle David Stewart -- He’s not concerned with any of the trappings of modern professional football outside of blocking the guys coming at him and providing a mean streak. He doesn’t need fluffy towels.
The AFC South finished with just two players in the list of 20, with Colts quarterback Peyton Manning at No. 20 and Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney at No. 18.
I have no major beef with the exclusion of anyone else.
But if we wanted to pick three more guys and present a top five of NFL Any Era players from the AFC South, who would they be?
Here are my candidates, one from each of the other three teams. I welcome your input in the comments section.
Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew -- A very powerful runner who can find space between the tackles and willing to take on contact. He runs effectively against stacked boxes in the modern day, he’d have been able to do the same in more rough and tumble times.
Texans linebacker Brian Cushing -- Sure, it’s not smart that he gashed the bridge of his nose head-butting someone with his helmet off. But the picture from this season with blood streaming down his face is the sort you’d see in black and white from back in the day.
Titans right tackle David Stewart -- He’s not concerned with any of the trappings of modern professional football outside of blocking the guys coming at him and providing a mean streak. He doesn’t need fluffy towels.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Paul Kuharsky
Kuharsky joined ESPN.com in 2008 after 12 years covering the Oilers/Titans and the NFL for The (Nashville) Tennessean. The New Jersey native and Columbia graduate lives in Nashville with his wife and son.
