AFC South: Mike pollak
Inactives are out and the Colts include no surprises:
So much for Cloherty's long shot MVP hopes we examined here.
- Kicker Adam Vinatieri
- Receiver Sam Giguere
- Tight end Colin Cloherty
- Defensive tackle John Gill
- Offensive tackle Michael Toudouze
- Guard Mike Pollak
- Defensive end Ervin Baldwin
- Defensive tackle Fili Moala
So much for Cloherty's long shot MVP hopes we examined here.
INDIANAPOLIS -- Jerraud Powers is out with a foot injury suffered in last week’s win over Baltimore and the Colts will turn to another rookie, Jacob Lacey, in his place.
Lacey’s played extensively, and the Colts have plenty of confidence in him.
The issue, if one arises, would be with Tim Jennings as part of the nickel package. But the Jets may not have enough firepower in the passing game to take advantage.
The rest of the Colts inactives:
Lacey’s played extensively, and the Colts have plenty of confidence in him.
The issue, if one arises, would be with Tim Jennings as part of the nickel package. But the Jets may not have enough firepower in the passing game to take advantage.
The rest of the Colts inactives:
- Kicker Adam Vinatieri
- Receiver Sam Giguere
- Tight end Colin Cloherty
- Tackle Michael Toudouze
- Guard Mike Pollak
- Defensive end Ervin Baldwin
- Defensive tackle Fili Moala
INDIANAPOLIS -- The Colts were hazy leading up to the game about their kick return plan, but Chad Simpson will continue in the role against the Ravens tonight.
Sam Giguere returned kicks in the season finale against the Bills but is inactive against Baltimore. So Simpson’s the man when Billy Cundiff kicks off.
Also not dressing for the Colts:
Kicker Adam Vinatieri
Tight end Colin Cloherty
Defense John Gill
Tackle Michael Toudouze
Guard Mike Pollak
Defensive end Ervin Baldwin
Defensive tackle Fili Moala
Sam Giguere returned kicks in the season finale against the Bills but is inactive against Baltimore. So Simpson’s the man when Billy Cundiff kicks off.
Also not dressing for the Colts:
Kicker Adam Vinatieri
Tight end Colin Cloherty
Defense John Gill
Tackle Michael Toudouze
Guard Mike Pollak
Defensive end Ervin Baldwin
Defensive tackle Fili Moala
DeVan's job as Colts guard beats subbing
January, 12, 2010
Jan 12
4:13
PM ET
INDIANAPOLIS -- A year ago, Kyle DeVan was living with his mom in Vacaville, Calif., supervising dodge ball games or classes as a substitute teacher when needed.
“I was probably sitting around and eating, watching the games,” he said.
Saturday, even die-hard Raiders or 49ers fans in his hometown will be all about the Colts as DeVan starts a playoff game against the Ravens at right guard and tries to slow people like Ray Lewis.
Mike Pollak started the first seven games for the Colts, but DeVan had earned a time share in the last few of those. Then in the team’s eighth game he took over. He’s proved more physical and consistent than Pollak, a second-round pick from 2008.
DeVan played at Oregon State and was signed as an undrafted free agent by Washington. He wound up serving time last season on the Jets’ practice squad. He played for the Boise Burn of arenafootball2 in the spring of 2009.
Now things are a bit more high profile.
I thought he might be getting killed about it in the locker room, but veteran center Jeff Saturday, who also came into the league as an undrafted free agent, understands the situation and is hardly giving DeVan a hard time.
“I’m trying to keep that down to a minimum now," Saturday said. “Letting him enjoy the moment, not trying to overwhelm him with it.”
DeVan is one of 18 Colts in position to play in their first postseason game, though several of them might be inactive.
“It’s a great story … of how a guy’s career and life can change over a year,” Peyton Manning said. “… Kyle has been one of our hard-working guys. I think he loves football. He’s got a great attitude.
“It always makes you feel good as an older player, seeing a younger guy like that once you kind of learn about his story, how he got to that point. It does make you feel good about it. And we’ll count on him in a big way on Saturday to play well for us and I know he’ll do a good job.”
I watched Phillip B. Wilson try to pin DeVan down on the most important football game he’d played before this one, and DeVan wriggled and spun as best he could -- using some moves from his wrestling background -- to stay as general as possible.
He did mention Oregon State’s win at Oregon in the Civil War his senior year that got his team into the Top 25, but insisted he was singling it out only among his college games.
“I’ve got to answer cliché-ish,” he said. “Because every game has been important.”
His education in the Colts’ ways obviously extends well beyond guard play already.
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Darron CummingsKyle DeVan is poised to start his first playoff game this Saturday.
Saturday, even die-hard Raiders or 49ers fans in his hometown will be all about the Colts as DeVan starts a playoff game against the Ravens at right guard and tries to slow people like Ray Lewis.
Mike Pollak started the first seven games for the Colts, but DeVan had earned a time share in the last few of those. Then in the team’s eighth game he took over. He’s proved more physical and consistent than Pollak, a second-round pick from 2008.
DeVan played at Oregon State and was signed as an undrafted free agent by Washington. He wound up serving time last season on the Jets’ practice squad. He played for the Boise Burn of arenafootball2 in the spring of 2009.
Now things are a bit more high profile.
I thought he might be getting killed about it in the locker room, but veteran center Jeff Saturday, who also came into the league as an undrafted free agent, understands the situation and is hardly giving DeVan a hard time.
“I’m trying to keep that down to a minimum now," Saturday said. “Letting him enjoy the moment, not trying to overwhelm him with it.”
DeVan is one of 18 Colts in position to play in their first postseason game, though several of them might be inactive.
“It’s a great story … of how a guy’s career and life can change over a year,” Peyton Manning said. “… Kyle has been one of our hard-working guys. I think he loves football. He’s got a great attitude.
“It always makes you feel good as an older player, seeing a younger guy like that once you kind of learn about his story, how he got to that point. It does make you feel good about it. And we’ll count on him in a big way on Saturday to play well for us and I know he’ll do a good job.”
I watched Phillip B. Wilson try to pin DeVan down on the most important football game he’d played before this one, and DeVan wriggled and spun as best he could -- using some moves from his wrestling background -- to stay as general as possible.
He did mention Oregon State’s win at Oregon in the Civil War his senior year that got his team into the Top 25, but insisted he was singling it out only among his college games.
“I’ve got to answer cliché-ish,” he said. “Because every game has been important.”
His education in the Colts’ ways obviously extends well beyond guard play already.
I was wrong.
A lot of people revel in it whenever I write or speak those words, and I understand it. There it is. Enjoy.
My preseason picks for the AFC South got only the Jaguars in the right spot. I had Titans, Colts, Texans, Jaguars and it finished up Colts, Texans, Titans, Jaguars.
If you are a regular at the AFC South Blog, you know this served as evidence of one of our biggest themes: The unpredictability of the NFL is the No. 1 reason for its incredible popularity.
I was in a pick ‘em pool with only press room bragging rights on the line this season. Thirty entries picked every game against the spread. The second place finisher (134-119) was a beagle named Pepper who picked games by retrieving one of two balls thrown for her to fetch. Tied for fifth (127-126) was “The Dreaded Coin Flip” that picked the home team if he got heads and the visitor if he got tails.
Yours truly was 14th, seven games under .500. (I like dogs, but prefer bills to coins.)
Where was I?
Oh yeah. I wanted to link you back to this preseason post that covered my picks for the AFC South and offer my mea culpa.
I obviously over-estimated the Titans by a great deal, though the thing that swayed me to pick them over the Colts for the division crown proved solid -- Tennessee’s offensive line was excellent. The Colts didn’t have the troubles I thought they might because of their offensive line, even as Mike Pollak was demoted during the year.
The Texans run defense was the concern I imagined it to be, until they hit a home run by bringing in strong safety Bernard Pollard, who helped settle things down. He was the in-season addition of the year in the division, maybe the league.
I do think the concern about so many inexperienced Jaguars playing well simultaneously was legitimate and stood up.
So there you have it. I look forward to incorrectly predicting things for you again come late summer.
Fun times.
A lot of people revel in it whenever I write or speak those words, and I understand it. There it is. Enjoy.
My preseason picks for the AFC South got only the Jaguars in the right spot. I had Titans, Colts, Texans, Jaguars and it finished up Colts, Texans, Titans, Jaguars.
If you are a regular at the AFC South Blog, you know this served as evidence of one of our biggest themes: The unpredictability of the NFL is the No. 1 reason for its incredible popularity.
I was in a pick ‘em pool with only press room bragging rights on the line this season. Thirty entries picked every game against the spread. The second place finisher (134-119) was a beagle named Pepper who picked games by retrieving one of two balls thrown for her to fetch. Tied for fifth (127-126) was “The Dreaded Coin Flip” that picked the home team if he got heads and the visitor if he got tails.
Yours truly was 14th, seven games under .500. (I like dogs, but prefer bills to coins.)
Where was I?
Oh yeah. I wanted to link you back to this preseason post that covered my picks for the AFC South and offer my mea culpa.
I obviously over-estimated the Titans by a great deal, though the thing that swayed me to pick them over the Colts for the division crown proved solid -- Tennessee’s offensive line was excellent. The Colts didn’t have the troubles I thought they might because of their offensive line, even as Mike Pollak was demoted during the year.
The Texans run defense was the concern I imagined it to be, until they hit a home run by bringing in strong safety Bernard Pollard, who helped settle things down. He was the in-season addition of the year in the division, maybe the league.
I do think the concern about so many inexperienced Jaguars playing well simultaneously was legitimate and stood up.
So there you have it. I look forward to incorrectly predicting things for you again come late summer.
Fun times.
» NFC Wrap-ups: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
» Clayton: Video | AFC grades ... NFC » More: Fantasy MVPs | FB Outsiders
| Awards
A team-by-team analysis of the division. The arrow indicates which direction each team is trending.
Houston Texans
Final Power Ranking: 14
Biggest surprise: Despite losing tight end Owen Daniels to injury along the way, quarterback Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson connected consistently, even as defenses keyed on minimizing the receiver. Johnson led the league in receiving with 1,569 yards -- 221 yards more than No. 2 Wes Welker. Schaub answered questions about his durability by starting all 16 games, earning a $10 million option bonus to trigger the remainder of his contract in the process.
Biggest disappointment: The inability of Kris Brown to hit clutch kicks and running back Chris Brown to convert clutch chances. In back-to-back November losses to Indianapolis and Tennessee, the kicker had chances to force overtime and missed on each occasion. The running back was miscast as a short-yardage answer, and his ineffectiveness hurt the Texans at the end of losses to Jacksonville and Arizona.
Biggest need: The Texans have issues in the secondary, where free safety and cornerback need to be upgraded. But this is an offensive team and, even when running back Steve Slaton was healthy and running behind a healthy starting line, it didn’t run well enough to complement the pass attack. The Texans need a big back who can gain a tough yard.
Team MVP: Johnson. He consistently produced despite extra defensive attention, putting his combination of size and speed to the best use yet.
Contract issues pending: Three key members of the Texans -- Daniels, middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans and strong safety Bernard Pollard -- will lose chances at unrestricted free agency if there is no new CBA. In that case, they would be restricted free agents. They won’t be happy playing for one-year tenders and the Texans need to find a way to smooth things out with them.
Indianapolis Colts
Final Power Ranking: 1
Biggest surprise: Rookie cornerbacks Jerraud Powers and Jacob Lacey were supposed to be role players. But injuries in the secondary meant they were each starters for the majority of the season. Both did very well doing what the Colts asked of them. Overall, the secondary got little from three of four projected starters, with only free safety Antoine Bethea a consistent presence. But the Colts defense played very well anyway, giving up few big plays when Randy Moss wasn’t involved.
Biggest disappointment: Passing on a chance to try to carry a perfect regular season into the playoffs was a biggie. Team brass was clearly put off, and surprised, by the volume and depth of the media and fan backlash after the Colts pulled starters and handed the Jets a game that dropped the Colts to 14-1. To suggest records for wins in a decade and consecutive regular season wins were more historic than a perfect 19-0 season sure seemed silly during the spin control period.
Biggest need: Offensive linemen. Charlie Johnson did admirable work after he was promoted to replace the disappointing Tony Ugoh at left tackle and Kyle DeVan was a more physical right guard after replacing another underachiever, Mike Pollak. With legendary line coach Howard Mudd set to retire, the Colts need to restock and provide more options for his successor, Pete Metzlaars.
Team MVP: Peyton Manning is expected to win NFL MVP, so it would be hard to look anywhere else. He was exceptionally accurate and was a big reason young receivers developed and old targets produced. And it seemed like he led his team to a fourth-quarter comeback weekly.
Next men up: Anthony Gonzalez was expected to be the team’s No. 2 receiver behind Reggie Wayne. But he went down with a serious knee injury in the season opener and never made it back. Rookie Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon were effective targets for Manning when opponents worked hard to blanket Wayne and forced the Colts to go elsewhere.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Final Power Ranking: 23
Biggest surprise: They called it a retooling instead of a rebuilding, but after major roster turnover the Jaguars were 6-4 and 7-5 and very much in the thick of a hunt for an AFC playoff berth. They got quality experience for four high draft picks who started a lot of games -- offensive tackles Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton, cornerback Derek Cox and defensive tackle Terrance Knighton.
Biggest disappointment: David Garrard was sacked 42 times and hit way too much. The Jaguars failed badly in two West Coast trips, losing in Seattle and San Francisco, and closed with a four-game losing streak. Losses to Indianapolis and at New England were understandable, but defeats at home to Miami and at Cleveland in the season finale with an 8-8 record on the line were a lot harder to accept.
Biggest need: Though the team traded up for Derrick Harvey and took a second defensive end, Quentin Groves, with their first two picks just two years ago, it’s in desperate need of pass rush help. The team had just 14 sacks. Quarterbacks often had all day to throw and managed a 96.0 passer rating, 28 touchdowns and just 15 interceptions against Jacksonville.
Team MVP: Running back Maurice Jones-Drew fared very well in his first season as the team’s feature back and is the franchise’s lone Pro Bowler. He ran for 1,391 yards and 15 touchdowns behind an inconsistent line.
Mighty have fallen: Free safety Reggie Nelson, the team’s top pick in 2007, could be on his way out. He was consistently burned in coverage and failed to finish tackles. The team tried him at cornerback when injuries thinned out that position and he fared no better. By season’s end, he earned himself a spot on the bench.
Tennessee Titans
Final Power Ranking: 16
Biggest surprise: Chris Johnson showed himself to be an electrifying playmaker in his first season. But when he said in training camp before his rookie campaign he would run for 2,000 yards, people scoffed. Improbably, on a non-winning team, Johnson ran for a league-leading 2,006 yards, becoming just the sixth member of the 2,000-yard club. He topped 100 yards rushing in each of his final 11 games and scored on seven rushing plays of 20 yards or more.
Biggest disappointment: After a 13-3 regular season that was the NFL’s best in 2008, the 2009 team played terribly early and dug itself an 0-6 hole. While it did well climbing out and finishing 8-8, that miserable start cost the Titans a chance at a return to the playoffs. The slow start featured a slew of drops by the receivers, horrific pass coverage, and return game nightmares. The turnaround began after team owner Bud Adams called for Jeff Fisher to replace Kerry Collins with Vince Young at quarterback.
Biggest need: Defensive playmakers. The Titans got old and less effective at several spots. Defensive end Jevon Kearse and cornerback Nick Harper won’t be back. The team is likely ready to move on from veteran linebackers Keith Bulluck and David Thornton as well. Free safety Michael Griffin took a huge step backwards and defensive tackle Jason Jones couldn’t fight through a shoulder injury. The Titans will look to add veterans and draft picks to rebuild.
Team MVP: Johnson should be the NFL’s offensive player of the year. Without him, who knows what the Titans would have done down the stretch. Getting him to 2,000 yards was a unifying team goal. Johnson even impressed his teammates by backing up the bold 2,000-yard prediction.
Back from the dead: While he didn’t finish especially strong, Young did a lot of good work in 10 games after he was reinserted as the starter. He deserves credit for maturing. His decision making has improved. He's set himself up to be the Titans starter in 2010 after changing the opinion of many of his critics, some of whom reside inside team headquarters.
» Clayton: Video | AFC grades ... NFC » More: Fantasy MVPs | FB Outsiders
| Awards
A team-by-team analysis of the division. The arrow indicates which direction each team is trending.
Houston Texans
Final Power Ranking: 14
Biggest surprise: Despite losing tight end Owen Daniels to injury along the way, quarterback Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson connected consistently, even as defenses keyed on minimizing the receiver. Johnson led the league in receiving with 1,569 yards -- 221 yards more than No. 2 Wes Welker. Schaub answered questions about his durability by starting all 16 games, earning a $10 million option bonus to trigger the remainder of his contract in the process.
Biggest disappointment: The inability of Kris Brown to hit clutch kicks and running back Chris Brown to convert clutch chances. In back-to-back November losses to Indianapolis and Tennessee, the kicker had chances to force overtime and missed on each occasion. The running back was miscast as a short-yardage answer, and his ineffectiveness hurt the Texans at the end of losses to Jacksonville and Arizona.
Biggest need: The Texans have issues in the secondary, where free safety and cornerback need to be upgraded. But this is an offensive team and, even when running back Steve Slaton was healthy and running behind a healthy starting line, it didn’t run well enough to complement the pass attack. The Texans need a big back who can gain a tough yard.
Team MVP: Johnson. He consistently produced despite extra defensive attention, putting his combination of size and speed to the best use yet.
Contract issues pending: Three key members of the Texans -- Daniels, middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans and strong safety Bernard Pollard -- will lose chances at unrestricted free agency if there is no new CBA. In that case, they would be restricted free agents. They won’t be happy playing for one-year tenders and the Texans need to find a way to smooth things out with them.
Indianapolis Colts
Final Power Ranking: 1
Biggest surprise: Rookie cornerbacks Jerraud Powers and Jacob Lacey were supposed to be role players. But injuries in the secondary meant they were each starters for the majority of the season. Both did very well doing what the Colts asked of them. Overall, the secondary got little from three of four projected starters, with only free safety Antoine Bethea a consistent presence. But the Colts defense played very well anyway, giving up few big plays when Randy Moss wasn’t involved.
Biggest disappointment: Passing on a chance to try to carry a perfect regular season into the playoffs was a biggie. Team brass was clearly put off, and surprised, by the volume and depth of the media and fan backlash after the Colts pulled starters and handed the Jets a game that dropped the Colts to 14-1. To suggest records for wins in a decade and consecutive regular season wins were more historic than a perfect 19-0 season sure seemed silly during the spin control period.
Biggest need: Offensive linemen. Charlie Johnson did admirable work after he was promoted to replace the disappointing Tony Ugoh at left tackle and Kyle DeVan was a more physical right guard after replacing another underachiever, Mike Pollak. With legendary line coach Howard Mudd set to retire, the Colts need to restock and provide more options for his successor, Pete Metzlaars.
Team MVP: Peyton Manning is expected to win NFL MVP, so it would be hard to look anywhere else. He was exceptionally accurate and was a big reason young receivers developed and old targets produced. And it seemed like he led his team to a fourth-quarter comeback weekly.
Next men up: Anthony Gonzalez was expected to be the team’s No. 2 receiver behind Reggie Wayne. But he went down with a serious knee injury in the season opener and never made it back. Rookie Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon were effective targets for Manning when opponents worked hard to blanket Wayne and forced the Colts to go elsewhere.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Final Power Ranking: 23
Biggest surprise: They called it a retooling instead of a rebuilding, but after major roster turnover the Jaguars were 6-4 and 7-5 and very much in the thick of a hunt for an AFC playoff berth. They got quality experience for four high draft picks who started a lot of games -- offensive tackles Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton, cornerback Derek Cox and defensive tackle Terrance Knighton.
Biggest disappointment: David Garrard was sacked 42 times and hit way too much. The Jaguars failed badly in two West Coast trips, losing in Seattle and San Francisco, and closed with a four-game losing streak. Losses to Indianapolis and at New England were understandable, but defeats at home to Miami and at Cleveland in the season finale with an 8-8 record on the line were a lot harder to accept.
Biggest need: Though the team traded up for Derrick Harvey and took a second defensive end, Quentin Groves, with their first two picks just two years ago, it’s in desperate need of pass rush help. The team had just 14 sacks. Quarterbacks often had all day to throw and managed a 96.0 passer rating, 28 touchdowns and just 15 interceptions against Jacksonville.
Team MVP: Running back Maurice Jones-Drew fared very well in his first season as the team’s feature back and is the franchise’s lone Pro Bowler. He ran for 1,391 yards and 15 touchdowns behind an inconsistent line.
Mighty have fallen: Free safety Reggie Nelson, the team’s top pick in 2007, could be on his way out. He was consistently burned in coverage and failed to finish tackles. The team tried him at cornerback when injuries thinned out that position and he fared no better. By season’s end, he earned himself a spot on the bench.
Tennessee Titans
Final Power Ranking: 16
Biggest surprise: Chris Johnson showed himself to be an electrifying playmaker in his first season. But when he said in training camp before his rookie campaign he would run for 2,000 yards, people scoffed. Improbably, on a non-winning team, Johnson ran for a league-leading 2,006 yards, becoming just the sixth member of the 2,000-yard club. He topped 100 yards rushing in each of his final 11 games and scored on seven rushing plays of 20 yards or more.
Biggest disappointment: After a 13-3 regular season that was the NFL’s best in 2008, the 2009 team played terribly early and dug itself an 0-6 hole. While it did well climbing out and finishing 8-8, that miserable start cost the Titans a chance at a return to the playoffs. The slow start featured a slew of drops by the receivers, horrific pass coverage, and return game nightmares. The turnaround began after team owner Bud Adams called for Jeff Fisher to replace Kerry Collins with Vince Young at quarterback.
Biggest need: Defensive playmakers. The Titans got old and less effective at several spots. Defensive end Jevon Kearse and cornerback Nick Harper won’t be back. The team is likely ready to move on from veteran linebackers Keith Bulluck and David Thornton as well. Free safety Michael Griffin took a huge step backwards and defensive tackle Jason Jones couldn’t fight through a shoulder injury. The Titans will look to add veterans and draft picks to rebuild.
Team MVP: Johnson should be the NFL’s offensive player of the year. Without him, who knows what the Titans would have done down the stretch. Getting him to 2,000 yards was a unifying team goal. Johnson even impressed his teammates by backing up the bold 2,000-yard prediction.
Back from the dead: While he didn’t finish especially strong, Young did a lot of good work in 10 games after he was reinserted as the starter. He deserves credit for maturing. His decision making has improved. He's set himself up to be the Titans starter in 2010 after changing the opinion of many of his critics, some of whom reside inside team headquarters.
Here is the final fan voting for the Pro Bowl as it pertains to AFC South players. It counts one third with ballots from player and coaches also factored into results we’ll learn Dec. 29.
AFC South players accounted for five of the top 10 vote getters. Details below.
Quarterback: Peyton Manning first. He finished first in overall voting with 1,545,642,
Running back: Chris Johnson first; Maurice Jones-Drew third. Johnson was seventh overall.
Fullback: None.
Receiver: Andre Johnson first; Reggie Wayne second. Johnson was ninth overall, Wayne 10th.
Tight end: Dallas Clark first. He’s sixth overall.
Center: Jeff Saturday first; Kevin Mawae fourth.
Tackles: Ryan Diem, fifth.
Guards: Mike Pollak third; Ryan Lilja fourth. (Pollak-related rant from earlier in this process here. He’s been benched for several weeks. Great job voters!)
Cornerback: None.
Free safety: Antoine Bethea, second.
Strong safety: Melvin Bullitt, fourth.
Inside linebacker: Gary Brackett, fourth; DeMeco Ryans, fifth.
Outside linebacker: None
Defensive end: Dwight Freeney, first; Mario Williams, second; Robert Mathis, third.
Defensive tackles: Antonio Johnson, fifth.
Kicker: Adam Vinatieri, first; Rob Bironas, fifth. (Vinatieri-related rant from earlier in this process here. He played in five games this season. Great job voters!)
Punter: Pat McAfee, fourth.
Kick returner: None
Special teamer: Bullitt, third.
AFC South players accounted for five of the top 10 vote getters. Details below.
Quarterback: Peyton Manning first. He finished first in overall voting with 1,545,642,
Running back: Chris Johnson first; Maurice Jones-Drew third. Johnson was seventh overall.
Fullback: None.
Receiver: Andre Johnson first; Reggie Wayne second. Johnson was ninth overall, Wayne 10th.
Tight end: Dallas Clark first. He’s sixth overall.
Center: Jeff Saturday first; Kevin Mawae fourth.
Tackles: Ryan Diem, fifth.
Guards: Mike Pollak third; Ryan Lilja fourth. (Pollak-related rant from earlier in this process here. He’s been benched for several weeks. Great job voters!)
Cornerback: None.
Free safety: Antoine Bethea, second.
Strong safety: Melvin Bullitt, fourth.
Inside linebacker: Gary Brackett, fourth; DeMeco Ryans, fifth.
Outside linebacker: None
Defensive end: Dwight Freeney, first; Mario Williams, second; Robert Mathis, third.
Defensive tackles: Antonio Johnson, fifth.
Kicker: Adam Vinatieri, first; Rob Bironas, fifth. (Vinatieri-related rant from earlier in this process here. He played in five games this season. Great job voters!)
Punter: Pat McAfee, fourth.
Kick returner: None
Special teamer: Bullitt, third.
Here is your updated fan voting for the Pro Bowl as it pertains to AFC South players. I will not rant again about Mike Pollak or Adam Vinatieri, instead sending you here and here.
Pro Bowl teams are announced Dec. 29. Fan voting accounts for one third of the results and run through Dec. 21, here.
Quarterback: Peyton Manning first. He’s third in overall voting behind Drew Brees and Brett Favre.
Running back: Chris Johnson second; Maurice Jones-Drew third. Johnson is ninth overall.
Receiver: Andre Johnson first; Reggie Wayne second. Johnson is 10th overall.
Tight end: Dallas Clark first. He’s seventh overall.
Center: Jeff Saturday first; Kevin Mawae fifth.
Tackles: Ryan Diem, fourth; Charlie Johnson, fifth.
Guards: Mike Pollak third; Ryan Lilja fourth.
Cornerback: None.
Free safety: Antoine Bethea, second.
Strong safety: Melvin Bullitt, fourth.
Inside linebacker: Gary Brackett, fourth; DeMeco Ryans, fifth.
Outside linebacker: None
Defensive end: Dwight Freeney, first; Mario Williams, second; Robert Mathis, third.
Defensive tackles: Antonio Johnson, fifth.
Kicker: Adam Vinatieri, first.
Punter: Pat McAfee, third.
Kick returner: None
Special teamer: Bullitt, fourth.
Pro Bowl teams are announced Dec. 29. Fan voting accounts for one third of the results and run through Dec. 21, here.
Quarterback: Peyton Manning first. He’s third in overall voting behind Drew Brees and Brett Favre.
Running back: Chris Johnson second; Maurice Jones-Drew third. Johnson is ninth overall.
Receiver: Andre Johnson first; Reggie Wayne second. Johnson is 10th overall.
Tight end: Dallas Clark first. He’s seventh overall.
Center: Jeff Saturday first; Kevin Mawae fifth.
Tackles: Ryan Diem, fourth; Charlie Johnson, fifth.
Guards: Mike Pollak third; Ryan Lilja fourth.
Cornerback: None.
Free safety: Antoine Bethea, second.
Strong safety: Melvin Bullitt, fourth.
Inside linebacker: Gary Brackett, fourth; DeMeco Ryans, fifth.
Outside linebacker: None
Defensive end: Dwight Freeney, first; Mario Williams, second; Robert Mathis, third.
Defensive tackles: Antonio Johnson, fifth.
Kicker: Adam Vinatieri, first.
Punter: Pat McAfee, third.
Kick returner: None
Special teamer: Bullitt, fourth.
Let Manning try to clinch MVP Thursday
December, 13, 2009
Dec 13
9:43
PM ET
AP Photo/Darron CummingsWill Peyton Manning's chances at a fourth MVP title suffer if the Colts rest him?For that distinction, Drew Brees, Brett Favre, Chris Johnson and Philip Rivers surely would trade situations with Peyton Manning.
But after the Indianapolis Colts' 28-16 victory over the Denver Broncos at Lucas Oil Stadium Sunday, we might have seen the last full game of the regular season from Manning.
And if the regular-season final image of Manning depicts him with a dangling earpiece and under a poncho in Buffalo in Week 17 -- helping substitute quarterback Curtis Painter cope with the Bills -- how will that affect MVP voters?
Will they reflect upon Manning's accomplishments leading the Colts to a 13-0 start? Will that three-week-old memory have any impact while they're watching, say, Brees cap an undefeated regular season, or Favre carry the Vikings into the playoffs, or Johnson crack 2,000 rushing yards?
When that Associated Press panel submits its MVP votes Jan. 4, could Manning fall victim to omnipresent what-have-you-done-for-me-lately thinking?
“I would say you can’t count it against him if he’s not out there,” Dwight Freeney said. “It’s about the team first, nothing else matters. …If it came down to that, it would be a shame.”
“The effect that he’s had on a team, I don’t know how you could match that,” said Colts kicker Matt Stover, who’s played with Phil Simms, Jeff Hostetler, Bernie Kosar, Vinny Testaverde and a slew of other quarterbacks in 20 NFL seasons. “What he does in practice, what he’s replicated on the field, warrants an MVP to me.
“I have never seen anything like it in my 20 years and that’s playing with a lotta, lotta, lotta quarterbacks. To me it’s ‘What has he done to give his team the best opportunity to win, to get his team to the playoffs?’”
With his play, Manning’s helped put the Colts in position to ease up. They are expected to stay true to a long-standing philosophy of resting key starters once playoff position has been secured, a stance honed by former head coach Tony Dungy and expected to be adopted by his successor Jim Caldwell.
No other quarterback has put his team in such a spot so early, so to penalize him for it in any way wouldn’t seem fair to me.
Colts executive Bill Polian made his traditional sour face when I asked him if MVP is important. He cares little for things voted on by media members and things he and his team cannot control, at least conversationally. Still, asked to make the case for his quarterback, it came easily.
“If you ask me is it comparable to the seasons that he’s won, the answer is yes it is,” he said. “Certainly beyond, because of the circumstances, because of the offensive line transition, the offensive line difficulties and the receiver transitions.”
Manning has excelled even as the team’s projected starters at left tackle and right guard (Tony Ugoh and Mike Pollak, respectively) were outplayed and replaced by understudies (Charlie Johnson and Kyle DeVan, respectively). And with Hall of Fame receiver Marvin Harrison gone and No. 2 target Anthony Gonzalez hurt, Manning's thrown to rookie Austin Collie and second-year man Pierre Garcon unhesitatingly, helping both become major contributors.
I skipped Manning’s news conference after the Broncos game because I knew an MVP question would be fruitless and I’d fare better on this subject in the locker room.
But make no mistake, a fourth MVP would mean a great deal to Manning just as late yards in a blowout win at Tennessee on Oct. 11 meant something to him. Those yards got him over 300 yards for the fifth straight game at the start of the season. The milestone kept him on track to match or surpass the shared record of six, held by Kurt Warner and Steve Young. (He came up well shy of 300 a week later at St. Louis.)
That doesn’t mean Manning is at all selfish or has any priorities out of whack.
I just believe he’s acutely aware of the numbers and the history. He takes a great deal of personal pride in getting the first and making the other when he has the chance. None of that makes a second Super Bowl win any less important to him or the team he leads.
A year ago, en route to his third MVP, Manning and the Colts played at Jacksonville in a late-season Thursday night game. The Dec. 18 contest marked the Colts' 15th game. In a 31-24 victory, Manning was a pitcher with no-hitter control -- zipping balls through small windows, lofting them just over defenders' fingertips, throwing them with just the perfect touch.
That 29-for-34 passing for 364 yards and three touchdowns, broadcast nationally on NFL Network, clinched the award for him, I thought.
A week later in a meaningless game against Tennessee he threw early and often, and topped 4,000 yards. He helped get Harrison past Cris Carter into second place for career receptions, and then Manning left the game.
Nobody asked me but… I humbly propose the Colts set Manning loose on the Jaguars again in four days. Kelvin Hayden said even if the team takes its foot off the gas, it doesn’t want to drop a game to a loathsome division rival.
Manning will do what he’s asked to do. Still, he said he hasn’t liked playing a bit and then taking a seat when he’s been required to do it in the past. So don’t ask him to do it three consecutive weeks while risking the honor that would come with being the league’s first four-time MVP.
Let Manning be Manning in North Florida Thursday, with his stable of healthy weapons helping him stake his claim.
If Brees or Favre or Johnson or someone passes him from there as he plays only a couple series against the New York Jets (Week 16) and at Buffalo, so be it. At least the voters will have less time to forget what they should be sure to remember.
BALTIMORE -- The Colts put backup tackle Dan Federkeil on IR with a concussion, adding safety De'von Hall to their roster.
The entire list of inactives:
The entire list of inactives:
- Kicker Adam Vinatieri
- Receiver Anthony Gonzalez
- Cornerback Kelvin Hayden
- Running back Mike Hart
- Safety Aaron Francisco
- Tight end Gijon Robinson
- Guard Mike Pollak
- Quarterback Jim Sorgi
Reading the coverage: Mathis to miss game
November, 19, 2009
Nov 19
11:56
AM ET
Houston Texans
The spotlight beckons Mario Williams again, says Richard Justice.
Matt Schaub sees Monday night as a chance to showcase the Texans, writes John McClain.
Vince Young is a double threat for the Texans, says McClain.
A replay of McClain’s chat.
Indianapolis Colts
Surpassing John Mackey humbles Dallas Clark, says Mike Chappell.
Gary Brackett is quite familiar with Ray Rice, says Phil Richards.
A knee injury means Terrell Suggs won’t play against the Colts on Sunday.
The Colts are missing Anthony Gonzalez, are watching Jerraud Powers gain confidence and are relentless on defense, says John Oehser.
The standard is high for Clark, there’s accountability on the offensive line and Reggie Wayne is as good as there is, says Oehser.
Thirteen players missed practice Wednesday, writes Oehser.
The league is looking into a postgame incident where Bill Belichick’s security guy and a cameraman came into contact, says Tom Spalding.
Yes, the failures of Tony Ugoh and Mike Pollak are bad, but the Colts have been able to replace them, says Stampede Blue.
The Colts and Saints are the league’s two best teams, but one of them probably won’t make the Super Bowl, says Clark Judge.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Perry Fewell will make his head coaching debut against the Jags, a team he used to work for, says Vito Stellino.
Rashean Mathis is out of the Buffalo game with a groin injury, says Michael C. Wright.
Is there a segment of Jaguars fans that spend time searching for signs of disrespect? Vic Ketchman wonders,
Clint Ingram is not what he should be, says big Cat Country.
Jimmy Smith got probation after a guilty plea to a drug possession charge.
Tennessee Titans
With Chris Johnson and Young, the Titans are double trouble running the ball, says Jim Wyatt.
David Letterman saluted Bud Adams, says Jim Wyatt.
Adams is making the weekend a reunion of the original Oilers, says Terry McCormick.
Chase Stuart looks at Johnson’s numbers.
The spotlight beckons Mario Williams again, says Richard Justice.
Matt Schaub sees Monday night as a chance to showcase the Texans, writes John McClain.
Vince Young is a double threat for the Texans, says McClain.
A replay of McClain’s chat.
Indianapolis Colts
Surpassing John Mackey humbles Dallas Clark, says Mike Chappell.
Gary Brackett is quite familiar with Ray Rice, says Phil Richards.
A knee injury means Terrell Suggs won’t play against the Colts on Sunday.
The Colts are missing Anthony Gonzalez, are watching Jerraud Powers gain confidence and are relentless on defense, says John Oehser.
The standard is high for Clark, there’s accountability on the offensive line and Reggie Wayne is as good as there is, says Oehser.
Thirteen players missed practice Wednesday, writes Oehser.
The league is looking into a postgame incident where Bill Belichick’s security guy and a cameraman came into contact, says Tom Spalding.
Yes, the failures of Tony Ugoh and Mike Pollak are bad, but the Colts have been able to replace them, says Stampede Blue.
The Colts and Saints are the league’s two best teams, but one of them probably won’t make the Super Bowl, says Clark Judge.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Perry Fewell will make his head coaching debut against the Jags, a team he used to work for, says Vito Stellino.
Rashean Mathis is out of the Buffalo game with a groin injury, says Michael C. Wright.
Is there a segment of Jaguars fans that spend time searching for signs of disrespect? Vic Ketchman wonders,
Clint Ingram is not what he should be, says big Cat Country.
Jimmy Smith got probation after a guilty plea to a drug possession charge.
Tennessee Titans
With Chris Johnson and Young, the Titans are double trouble running the ball, says Jim Wyatt.
David Letterman saluted Bud Adams, says Jim Wyatt.
Adams is making the weekend a reunion of the original Oilers, says Terry McCormick.
Chase Stuart looks at Johnson’s numbers.
Here comes my annual rant.
If you aren’t paying attention to the league closely, I’ll be sending a federal agent to your house to block you from NFL.com so as to prevent you from casting a Pro Bowl ballot.
The special group of agents will be designated as the Name Recognition Task Force.
If you’ve voted for Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri, who’s played in half his team’s games this year or are one of the 39,357 who believe Bob Sanders should start for the AFC at strong safety, please raise your hand, step forward and attempt to explain yourself. Sanders missed the first five games, then played in two before landing on IR. Two.
If it's not name recognition voting you are guilty of, perhaps you'll be visited by the Bureau of Blindly Voting for Your Team's Guys.
Are you proud to be one of the 62,635 people who voted for Mike Pollak at guard? At best, Pollak splits time with former AFL2 lineman Kyle DeVan, who now gets the starting nod ahead of him. Is Pollak really the third best AFC guard in your eyes? He's certainly not better than teammates Ryan Lilja, who ranks fourth.
It’s just embarrassing.
Here’s the list of AFC South players who rank in the top five at their position in fan voting, which counts one third of the result, should be taken away immediately and concludes Dec. 21.
Quarterback
1) Peyton Manning, 532,455 votes
5) Matt Schaub, 122,840
Running back
1) Cedric Benson, 321,552
2) Maurice Jones-Drew, 191,293
3) Chris Johnson, 184,207
Wide receiver
1) Andre Johnson, 279,395
2) Reggie Wayne, 246,225
Tight end
1) Dallas Clark, 274, 400
3) Owen Daniels, 90,382*
*injured and out for the season
Center
1) Jeff Saturday, 215, 658
Tackle
1) Jake Long, 107,299
4) Ryan Diem, 64,976
Guard
1) Alan Faneca, 122,029
3) Mike Pollak, 62,635
4) Ryan Lilja, 53,435
Defensive end
1) Dwight Freeney, 200,568
2) Mario Williams, 117,086
3) Robert Mathis, 75,238
Strong Safety
1) Troy Polamalu, 192,289
3) Bob Sanders, 39,357
Free safety
1) Ed Reed, 146,388
3) Antoine Bethea, 39,730
Kicker
1) Adam Vinatieri, 72,029
Punter
1) Daniel Sepulveda, 48,468
3) Pat McAfee, 32,143
Special Teams
1) Joshua Cribbs, 61,851
3) Melvin Bullitt, 32,144
No AFC South fullbacks, defensive tackles, inside linebackers, outside linebackers, cornerbacks or kick returners are currently in the top five.
If you aren’t paying attention to the league closely, I’ll be sending a federal agent to your house to block you from NFL.com so as to prevent you from casting a Pro Bowl ballot.
The special group of agents will be designated as the Name Recognition Task Force.
If you’ve voted for Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri, who’s played in half his team’s games this year or are one of the 39,357 who believe Bob Sanders should start for the AFC at strong safety, please raise your hand, step forward and attempt to explain yourself. Sanders missed the first five games, then played in two before landing on IR. Two.
If it's not name recognition voting you are guilty of, perhaps you'll be visited by the Bureau of Blindly Voting for Your Team's Guys.
Are you proud to be one of the 62,635 people who voted for Mike Pollak at guard? At best, Pollak splits time with former AFL2 lineman Kyle DeVan, who now gets the starting nod ahead of him. Is Pollak really the third best AFC guard in your eyes? He's certainly not better than teammates Ryan Lilja, who ranks fourth.
It’s just embarrassing.
Here’s the list of AFC South players who rank in the top five at their position in fan voting, which counts one third of the result, should be taken away immediately and concludes Dec. 21.
Quarterback
1) Peyton Manning, 532,455 votes
5) Matt Schaub, 122,840
Running back
1) Cedric Benson, 321,552
2) Maurice Jones-Drew, 191,293
3) Chris Johnson, 184,207
Wide receiver
1) Andre Johnson, 279,395
2) Reggie Wayne, 246,225
Tight end
1) Dallas Clark, 274, 400
3) Owen Daniels, 90,382*
*injured and out for the season
Center
1) Jeff Saturday, 215, 658
Tackle
1) Jake Long, 107,299
4) Ryan Diem, 64,976
Guard
1) Alan Faneca, 122,029
3) Mike Pollak, 62,635
4) Ryan Lilja, 53,435
Defensive end
1) Dwight Freeney, 200,568
2) Mario Williams, 117,086
3) Robert Mathis, 75,238
Strong Safety
1) Troy Polamalu, 192,289
3) Bob Sanders, 39,357
Free safety
1) Ed Reed, 146,388
3) Antoine Bethea, 39,730
Kicker
1) Adam Vinatieri, 72,029
Punter
1) Daniel Sepulveda, 48,468
3) Pat McAfee, 32,143
Special Teams
1) Joshua Cribbs, 61,851
3) Melvin Bullitt, 32,144
No AFC South fullbacks, defensive tackles, inside linebackers, outside linebackers, cornerbacks or kick returners are currently in the top five.
INDIANAPOLIS -- No surprises at all on the Colts inactive list as we draw near kickoff of Pats-Colts and hope for a game more compelling than the late afternoon slate Sunday.
Kyle DeVan starts for the second consecutive game at right guard ahead of Mike Pollak.
Kyle DeVan starts for the second consecutive game at right guard ahead of Mike Pollak.
- Kicker Adam Vinatieri
- Receiver Anthony Gonzalez
- Quarterback Jim Sorgi
- Cornerback Kelvin Hayden
- Safety Aaron Francisco
- Tackle Tony Ugoh
- Guard Mike Pollak
- Tight end Tom Santi
Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky
Power Rankings: Preseason: 6. This week: 2.
2009 Schedule/Results
Where they stand: The Colts are the AFC’s lone unbeaten team and as they prepare for their showdown Sunday night against New England, they rate as the favorite to represent the conference in the Super Bowl in Miami on February 7, 2010.
They’ve got the league’s top passing offense led by the MVP frontrunner Peyton Manning and the league’s top scoring defense led by whirling dervish Dwight Freeney, who’s got a sack in every game. In Jim Caldwell’s first half season as Tony Dungy’s successor, things have gone as well as could possibly have been expected.
Disappointments: Incumbent left tackle Tony Ugoh lost his starting job to Charlie Johnson and currently rates so low among the team’s offensive linemen that he’s not even dressed for the Colts’ last three games. Another lineman drafted high and expected to be a long-term answer, guard Mike Pollak, has shared time with journeyman Kyle DeVan, who played in 2009 with the Boise Burn of ArenaFootball2. The run game continues to struggle, with only 85.4 yards a game and just 3.4 a carry from lead back Joseph Addai.
Defensive tackle Ed Johnson was supposed to spur a run defense revival on his second chance, but word is he was lazy and not in shape and the team surprised a lot of people by cutting him after five games.
Surprises: As a result of injuries, the Colts have gotten four starts from Kelvin Hayden and none from Marlin Jackson, the two players the team expected to be locked in as their top cornerbacks. That’s a scenario that would undo the season for virtually every team in the league. But the Colts have gotten great play from third-round draft pick Jerraud Powers and undrafted rookie Jacob Lacey, with veteran Tim Jennings working as the extra corner.
Indianapolis ranks an impressive ninth against the pass even without those two corners and with only two games from another secondary starter, strong safety Bob Sanders who’s now out for the season along with Jackson.
Outlook: The Colts have a tough stretch coming, with New England Sunday night followed by trips to Baltimore and Houston for a rematch with the Texans. Their first loss, or two, will likely arrive in that span, but they should still wind up with the top seed in the conference and line up for two home games in the playoffs.
The question is whether Caldwell can jolt them out of the first-round funk that’s seen them bow out of the postseason quickly to San Diego two years in a row after winning Super Bowl XLI.
Power Rankings: Preseason: 6. This week: 2.
2009 Schedule/Results
Where they stand: The Colts are the AFC’s lone unbeaten team and as they prepare for their showdown Sunday night against New England, they rate as the favorite to represent the conference in the Super Bowl in Miami on February 7, 2010.
 | |
| Andy Lyons/Getty Images | |
| Third-round draft pick Jerraud Powers has been a pleasant surprise at cornerback for the Colts. |
Disappointments: Incumbent left tackle Tony Ugoh lost his starting job to Charlie Johnson and currently rates so low among the team’s offensive linemen that he’s not even dressed for the Colts’ last three games. Another lineman drafted high and expected to be a long-term answer, guard Mike Pollak, has shared time with journeyman Kyle DeVan, who played in 2009 with the Boise Burn of ArenaFootball2. The run game continues to struggle, with only 85.4 yards a game and just 3.4 a carry from lead back Joseph Addai.
Defensive tackle Ed Johnson was supposed to spur a run defense revival on his second chance, but word is he was lazy and not in shape and the team surprised a lot of people by cutting him after five games.
Surprises: As a result of injuries, the Colts have gotten four starts from Kelvin Hayden and none from Marlin Jackson, the two players the team expected to be locked in as their top cornerbacks. That’s a scenario that would undo the season for virtually every team in the league. But the Colts have gotten great play from third-round draft pick Jerraud Powers and undrafted rookie Jacob Lacey, with veteran Tim Jennings working as the extra corner.
Indianapolis ranks an impressive ninth against the pass even without those two corners and with only two games from another secondary starter, strong safety Bob Sanders who’s now out for the season along with Jackson.
Outlook: The Colts have a tough stretch coming, with New England Sunday night followed by trips to Baltimore and Houston for a rematch with the Texans. Their first loss, or two, will likely arrive in that span, but they should still wind up with the top seed in the conference and line up for two home games in the playoffs.
The question is whether Caldwell can jolt them out of the first-round funk that’s seen them bow out of the postseason quickly to San Diego two years in a row after winning Super Bowl XLI.
» NFC Stock Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
Posted by ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky
Falling
1. Ryan Moats, Texans RB. No. 1 riser a week ago flips all the way to No. 1 faller. The one thing he couldn’t do against the Colts is the one thing he did -- lose a fumble. That it came right on the doorstep of a touchdown made it an even bigger sin.
However the Texans are coaching their running backs on ball security isn’t working and they need to find a solution during their bye week.
2. Mike Pollak, Colts G. Pollak had been sharing time with Kyle DeVan. But it’s one thing to yield to a former afl2 player and another thing entirely to have him start in front of you, as DeVan did on Sunday against Houston.
Bill Polian said after the Colts beat San Francisco that someone on the interior had been run over a couple of times. There is little doubt who it was now.
3. Houston special teams: Yes the coverage was good. But Kevin Bentley got a flag on a Texans punt, Jesse Nading was penalized on a Houston kickoff return and Connor Barwin was whistled on a kickoff return.
Penalties on special teams have hurt the Texans this season and the problem is far from solved.
Rising
1. Vince Young, Titans QB. His supporting cast has been great, making defensive plays and actually holding on to passes and paving the way for Chris Johnson to go crazy.
But Young’s done his part in the two wins since taking over for Kerry Collins, posting a 105.3 passer rating, which is 36.5 points better than his career rating coming into the season.
2. Clint Session, Colts LB. In the team’s first game since losing strongside linebacker Tyjuan Hagler for the season to an injury, Session was a big presence from the weakside for Indianapolis in its win over Houston.
Game statisticians credited him with a game-high 14 tackles and he snatched a key interception when Gary Brackett’s blitz forced a bad throw by Matt Schaub.
3. Jaguars’ defensive philosophy. Give Jack Del Rio and defensive coordinator Mel Tucker credit, I suppose, for pulling out all the stops in an effort to maximize their defensive talent. But their 3-4 front wasn’t productive in the pass-rush department.
A return to the 4-3 is the right move, and while it won’t transform a group that’s far from loaded, the defense was solid for a day with three sacks that upped the season total to eight.
Posted by ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky
Falling
|
However the Texans are coaching their running backs on ball security isn’t working and they need to find a solution during their bye week.
|
Bill Polian said after the Colts beat San Francisco that someone on the interior had been run over a couple of times. There is little doubt who it was now.
3. Houston special teams: Yes the coverage was good. But Kevin Bentley got a flag on a Texans punt, Jesse Nading was penalized on a Houston kickoff return and Connor Barwin was whistled on a kickoff return.
Penalties on special teams have hurt the Texans this season and the problem is far from solved.
Rising
|
But Young’s done his part in the two wins since taking over for Kerry Collins, posting a 105.3 passer rating, which is 36.5 points better than his career rating coming into the season.
|
Game statisticians credited him with a game-high 14 tackles and he snatched a key interception when Gary Brackett’s blitz forced a bad throw by Matt Schaub.
3. Jaguars’ defensive philosophy. Give Jack Del Rio and defensive coordinator Mel Tucker credit, I suppose, for pulling out all the stops in an effort to maximize their defensive talent. But their 3-4 front wasn’t productive in the pass-rush department.
A return to the 4-3 is the right move, and while it won’t transform a group that’s far from loaded, the defense was solid for a day with three sacks that upped the season total to eight.
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.
