AFC South: Reading the coverage

Reading the coverage ...

Who had the best defensive end season in AFC South history? Nate Dunlevy of Bleacher Report asks and examines.

Houston Texans

The Texans are playing a numbers game, as Whitney Mercilus is now wearing 59 (which used to belong to DeMeco Ryans) and undrafted rookie linebacker Shawn Loiseau has Mario Williams’ old 90, says Dale Robertson of the Houston Chronicle.

Houston plans to bid for the 2017 Super Bowl, says David Barron of the Chronicle.

Indianapolis Colts

Ryan Grigson thinks Cassius Vaughn has not hit his ceiling yet, says Phil Richards of the Indianapolis Star.

Mike Chappell of the Star discusses continuing coverage in Indy of Peyton Manning and other former Colts.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Thirty-year-old fullback Naufahu Tahi served his Mormon mission in Jacksonville and now he’s back, trying to earn a roster spot with the Jaguars, says Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union.

Why Mike Thomas is not likely to be on the roster bubble, from Ganguli. Thomas would really have to bomb for this to become any sort of an issue, and Lee Evans would have to really bounce back.

The Jaguars have opened up contract talks with some of their draft picks, says Ganguli.

Tennessee Titans

It’s time for Titans cornerback Jason McCourty to take on a bigger leadership role, writes John Glennon of The Tennessean. I agree and I think McCourty is ready to do it.

Glennon found Golf Channel video of Jordan Babineaux getting golf tips.
First off, here is my unsolicited idea on the NFL’s desire to provide reliable Wi-Fi for fans at all NFL stadiums: Turn goal posts and pylons into antennas.

Moving along and reading the coverage ...

Houston Texans

Punter Brett Hartmann now has league permission to take Ritalin, says Mark Berman of Fox Houston. His suspension was reduced from four games to three. I’m curious about why this case warranted a reduction, when suspensions related to violations of the league’s policies on such matters are usually cut and dried.

Rookie offensive lineman Brandon Brooks is the heaviest Texans player ever, says Dale Robertson of the Houston Chronicle. They’re asking him to drop 15 of his 346 pounds, and heat he’s not used to may help.

Linebackers coach Reggie Herring says the Texans gained back what they lost with the trade of DeMeco Ryans by adding Bradie James, according to Gregg Rosenthal.

Arian Foster says he can get better at everything and knows things are different for the Texans now that they’ve had success, says Robertson.

Indianapolis Colts

Tight end Dallas Clark signed with Tampa Bay after the Bucs got rid of Kellen Winslow.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Aaron Kampman and Rashean Mathis are enduring solitary roads to recovery from knee injuries, says Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union.

Montell Owens isn’t against the idea of leg pads, says Ganguli.

Martellus Bennett thinks Laurent Robinson proved himself as a No. 1 receiver last year in Dallas, says Ganguli.

Tennessee Titans

The Titans have signed all of their draft picks except for first-rounder Kendall Wright, says John Glennon of The Tennessean.

RTC: On DaJohn Harris' heart

May, 22, 2012
May 22
7:29
AM ET
Reading the coverage ...

Houston Texans

Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson are sidelined and healing, but there is no need to panic says Jerome Solomon of the Houston Chronicle.

The Texans’ young receivers will get a more extensive look this spring with Johnson out, says Dale Robertson of the Chronicle.

Indianapolis Colts

A sampling of Peyton Manning’s talk with the Denver press after OTAs opened from the Broncos, from Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars' first coach, Tom Coughlin, seems energized by his work with the Giants and nowhere near retirement, says Gene Frenette of the Florida Times-Union.

Tennessee Titans

Defensive tackle DaJohn Harris didn’t work out at the combine after doctors discovered a small hole in his heart. But now he’s determined to make the Titans as an undrafted free agent, says John Glennon of The Tennessean.
Reading the coverage …

Houston Texans

The Texans' goals for organized team activities in the form of a slideshow from Dale Robertson. Building on the good vibe from last season is one item here. The question is: Can it be built on or does it have to be rebuilt from the ground up in a new season?

Strength and conditioning coach Cedric Smith spoke with Nick Scurfield of the team’s website about where the team stands as OTAs commence.

Indianapolis Colts

Dan Pompei of the National Football Post sees the Colts' addition of seventh-round offensive lineman Justin Anderson as telling about their new direction.

Six overrated storylines from Colts offseason camps of the past, from Nate Dunlevy of Bleacher Report.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Some Jaguars consider the concussion issue but decide the risk is worth it, writes Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union.

Tennessee Titans

Titans rookies are coming into the league during an unprecedented time of concern over concussions, says John Glennon.

Tracking win probability over the course of the Titans-Saints game last season, with Dunlevy.
Reading the coverage …

Houston Texans

Owner Bob McNair’s challenge is to keep contract extensions for coach Gary Kubiak and GM Rick Smith at a manageable length “so that he won’t hesitate to pull the trigger if the time does come that he has to make a move,” writes Jerome Solomon of the Houston Chronicle.

Recently cut receiver and return man Jacoby Jones signed with the rival Ravens, says John McClain of the Chronicle.

Indianapolis Colts

The rookie wage scale that was part of the new collective bargaining agreement means the contract for No. 1 pick Andrew Luck won’t be difficult, says Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Quarterback Jordan Palmer doesn’t see as much Bob Bratkowski influence on the Jaguars’ offense as he expected, says Tania Ganguli.

Tennessee Titans

Matt Hasselbeck and Michael Roos have built a close friendship based on mutual respect, says Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean. Hasselbeck jokes that two bald guys spend a lot of time discussing hair styles.
Reading the coverage ...

What to expect from the cornerbacks drafted into the AFC South, from Nate Dunlevy of Bleacher Report.

Houston Texans

Moving on from Neil Rackers, the Texans signed veteran kicker Shayne Graham to compete with draft pick Randy Bullock, says John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. He’s been with four teams the past two seasons and clearly the hope would be that the rookie can seize the job.

Wade Phillips is optimistic about the pass rush the Texans will field this fall, says McClain.

Who is the Texans’ No. 2 receiver? Nate Dunlevy of Bleacher Report considers the question.

Indianapolis Colts

Andrew Luck isn’t going to be able to use Jim Irsay’s plane to help him get together with other Colts before the class of 2012 is finished at Stanford, says Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star.

The Colts will return to Anderson University for training camp, with players reporting July 28, says the Star.

What the Colts need to accomplish in 2012 to consider the season a success, from Dunlevy. I’m big on his first point, developing a defensive identity.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Jordan Palmer is in line to be the Jaguars’ No. 3 quarterback, says Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union. Palmer was one of the players the team signed after a minicamp included a bunch of tryout guys.

The Jets, Lions and Titans have expressed interest in recently released cornerback Drew Coleman, according to Kimberley Martin of Newsday. Rex Ryan acknowledged the Jets would look at Coleman, who played well for them before he moved on to Jacksonville.

Tennessee Titans

Running through the post-draft roster and assessing if the Titans got better, stayed the same or got worse through free agency and the draft with Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean.

Wyatt takes a closer look at fifth-round tight end Taylor Thompson.

Three Titans who should be extended in the opinion of Zach Law from Bleacher Report. I’d hold off on Jared Cook.
Reading the coverage ...

Houston Texans

Jacoby Jones had some big moments with the Texans, but they were too infrequent, says Jerome Solomon.

Bob McNair talks draft with Drew Dougherty of the Texans’ website, showing particular interest in receiver Keshawn Martin.

What to expect from Whitney Mercilus in the rookie year of the Texans' first-round outside linebacker, from Nate Dunlevy of Bleacher Report.

Indianapolis Colts

The average rookie-year production of first- and second- round tight ends sets a relatively low bar for production from Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen. Dunlevy breaks down the recent history.

A Jim Irsay comment about Indianapolis needing another big hotel to get another Super Bowl prompted this piece from Anthony Schoettle of the Indianapolis Business Journal.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars released a long list of workout players who will get a look in minicamp, says Vito Stellino.

The story of Long Ding, a Chinese kicker hoping to make the Jaguars, from Michael Preston of the International Federation of American Football.

What to expect from first-round receiver Justin Blackmon and second-round defensive end Andre Branch, in more Dunlevy projection pieces.

Tennessee Titans

The Titans added veteran linebacker Zac Diles and fullback Collin Mooney who spent the last three years fulfilling his service commitment to Army, says Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean. With Quinn Johnson and Mooney on the roster, it doesn't look good for Ahmard Hall to return.

What to expect from Kendall Wright, from Dunlevy.
Reading the coverage ...

Houston Texans

Case Keenum is grateful that he landed as an undrafted quarterback with the Texans, says Sam Khan of the Houston Chronicle.

Indianapolis Colts

How Andrew Luck can have early success, from Austin Green of Bleacher Report. “He's got the arm strength, the accuracy, the mechanics and, perhaps most importantly, the intelligence to lead the Colts on a surprising run this season.”

Jacksonville Jaguars

From Gene Frenette of the Florida Times-Union: “By not re-signing punter Adam Podlesh last year, didn't the Jaguars essentially tell us that he wasn't good enough to merit his fourth-round selection? How many All-Pro selections will (Bryan) Anger have to receive to justify his third-round status -- one, three, five or never enough?”

Shad Khan discussed his willingness to spend, on players and facilities, with Vito Stellino of the T-U.

Tennessee Titans

Matt Hasselbeck is excited about the addition of Kendall Wright, says Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean. “It just gives us more leeway, and it should help the passing game. It should help the running game, too. We’ll find out.”
Reading the coverage ...

Houston Texans

General manager Rick Smith’s expecting a top pick who impacts the team, says Dale Robertson of the Houston Chronicle. Robertson interpreted Smith’s comments as suggesting offensive line or linebacker as the most likely first-round leanings.

Houston perspective on Andrew Luck, whose dad, Oliver Luck, was an Oilers quarterback, from John McClain of the Chronicle.

Kicker Neil Rackers left the Texans for Washington, says Mark Berman of Fox 26. Rackers said the Texans didn’t make a big push for him.

Indianapolis Colts

GM Ryan Grigson finally said publicly that Luck is the Colts’ man. Now can the quarterback pry No. 12 from Quan Cosby? Mike Chappell’s story from the Indianapolis Star.

Luck is ready for the NFL and the Colts, says Bob Kravitz of the Star in this video.

Indianapolis needs play-making linebackers and Chappell previews the position in this draft.

Chuck Pagano loves the enthusiasm at minicamp, says Chappell.

Jacksonville Jaguars

General manager Gene Smith has built a reputation as one of the staunchest NFL decision-makers with regard to character issues, says Gene Frenette.

Former Jaguars receivers coach Ted Monken went on to become offensive coordinator at Oklahoma State and tells Frenette why Justin Blackmon would be a great fit for the Jaguars. Odds seem slim that the receiver is still available at No. 7.

The Jaguars' draft strategy needs to change and produce some skill-position players who can help score points, says Nate Dunlevy of Bleacher Report.

Tennessee Titans

Every time the Titans pick, general manager Ruston Webster will be looking at a group of six players from the Titans' board, says Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean.

Whatever cornerback the Titans add in whatever round, he’ll need to be a versatile player, says John Glennon of The Tennessean.

Once again, Matt Hasselbeck is ready to defend his job, says David Climer of The Tennessean.

RTC: Examining Melvin Ingram

April, 24, 2012
Apr 24
10:43
AM ET
Reading the coverage ...

Houston Texans

An NFL Network list of the top Heisman Trophy winners in the NFL ranked Tim Tebow over Earl Campbell, says Nick Matthews of the Houston Chronicle.

Free-agent kicker Neil Rackers met with the Redskins, says John McClain of the Chronicle.

Texans TV rounded up a big gang for a thorough video discussion about what the Texans might do in the 2012 draft.

Indianapolis Colts

Rate the Colts' need of a receiver for Andrew Luck as high, says Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star.

Chappell’s looking forward to seeing Chuck Pagano lead a voluntary minicamp that kicks off today.

Luck will visit with David Letterman on draft day.

A trading card company has filed suit against Luck, says Matthews.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union sets up the Jaguars' draft room, running through who’s at the main table. Shad Khan has room for family members at the team’s primary table. I don’t know how many owners have family members with them in such a setting. But I know how many should: none.

More on how it’s likely to be difficult, or impossible, to trade out of No. 7, from Ganguli.

Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com rates Melvin Ingram as the best pass-rusher in the draft. That’d make him ideal for the Jaguars if he’s there at No. 7.

Tennessee Titans

Matt Hasselbeck and Jake Locker are ready to compete for the Titans’ starting quarterback job, says Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean.

The Tennessean’s multimedia draft preview looks at every possible pick at No. 20.

Wyatt reviews the Titans’ roster, position-by-position, with what they’ve got and what they need.
Reading the coverage…

Houston Texans

Linebacker Bradie James feels like the Texans give him the best chance to go out with a bang, says John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. James looks like a smart veteran addition to me.

Nick Scurfield of the team’s website ties into the National Football Posts positional draft analysis. This time it’s at nose tackle.

This draft will be an interesting philosophical test for the Texans, says Nate Dunlevy of Blaecher Report.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts will likely use the draft to add a big run stuffer to the middle of their defensive line, says Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star.

Advice for Andrew Luck from other quarterbacks who followed legends, from Daniel Brown of the San Jose Mercury News. Hat tip to Mark Alesia.

NFL analysts are concerned about the supporting cast Luck will take the field with, says Chappell.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Gene Smith remains steadfast about drafting a player and not worrying about where he went to school, says Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union.

Ganguli chronicles the ends to which scouts will go to see a player.

The league is looking to add more drama to draft pick announcements, says Vito Stellino of the T-U.

The Jaguars are likely engaged in smoke screening, says Adam Stites of Big Cat Country.

Tennessee Titans

A year after the lockout prevented offseason work with a new staff, the Titans commence their offseason program today, says Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean.

Ruston Webster’s stress relief as he heads into his first draft as GM comes from knowing he’s done his homework, and he has quality scouts around him, says Wyatt.

A slideshow of the Titans' best and worst all-time draft picks, with analysis by Wyatt.

Drafting 12 spots later than last year, it’s much harder for the Titans to foresee what will unfold ahead of them, says David Boclair of the Nashville City Paper.
Reading the coverage …

Houston Texans

Are Luke Kuechly and Dont’a Hightower just what the Texans need at linebacker, asks John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.

Indianapolis Colts

“Elite tight ends are hard to find but worth the search,” says Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star. Minus Dallas Clark and Jacob Tamme, the Colts need to restock the position.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Holding an indoor practice in limited space re-raised the question about the Jaguars' need for a practice bubble, writes Vito Stellino of the Florida Times-Union.

Tennessee Titans

Cory Chavous’ seven-round Titans mock draft for The Tennessean starts off with cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
Reading the coverage…

Houston Texans

John McClain of the Houston Chronicle sees the Texans going 11-5 this season, but you’ve got to scroll through a slideshow to see.

Bob McNair promoted two in the front office, including one of his sons, Cal McNair, says McClain.

A look at the defensive linemen in the draft from Sam Khan of the Chronicle.

Indianapolis Colts

“Come next Thursday night, the Colts will have their centerpiece in place. But what happens the following few days, in rounds two through seven, will go a long way toward establishing how quickly the rebuilding process will proceed,” says Bob Kravitz of the Indianapolis Star.

Many players feel like they are starting over with the new coaching staff, says Mike Chappell of the Star. Fili Moala is now a 3-4 end.

Jacksonville Jaguars

D’Anthony Smith is healthy and hopes to contribute as the two defensive tackles ahead of him recover from injury, says Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union. It’s time for him to show something, but we have no idea what he can do yet.

Aaron Ross will get a few days off from training camp to watch his wife compete in the London Olympics, says Vito Stellino of the T-U. That doesn’t seem unreasonable to me.

Lee Evans’ one-year contract includes a $1.05 million base salary, reports Ganguli. But if he doesn’t make the team out of camp, they can avoid that and a roster bonus of nearly $200,000 and get off the hook having paid just his $250,000 guarantee.

Receiver Taylor Price will miss the rest of the offseason with a stress fracture in his left foot, says Ganguli.

Tennessee Titans

As expected, Chris Johnson intends to participate in the offseason program which kicks off Monday. He’ll be there Tuesday, says Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean. If Johnson makes 30 of 36 workouts, he won’t sacrifice $250,000.

The McCourty brothers, Jason and Devin, are ready for their Week 1 matchup in the Patriots-Titans game, says Wyatt.

The Titans have raked in SEC players over the years, says Wyatt.
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.
Reading the coverage…

Houston Texans

Pass-catching tight ends are at a premium in the draft, says Sam Khan of the Houston Chronicle.

What do the Texans need on offense and who might fit? Lance Zierlein of the fan blog at the Houston Chronicle takes a look.

Indianapolis Colts

Bob Kravitz of the Indianapolis Star trusts Tom Moore’s judgment, and Moore likes Andrew Luck a lot.

David Thornton spent his career as a linebacker with the Indianapolos Colts and Tennessee Titans. He was recently hired by the Colts' new regime as their new player development coordinator. Phillip B. Wilson of the Star looks at Thornton's ability to make frinds and impact people.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars added veteran receiver Lee Evans with a one-year deal, says Tania Ganguli of the Jacksonville Times-Union. A friend in Baltimore told me Evans showed absolutely nothing during his one season with the Ravens. But I like the signing, which I am sure costs very little. If he bounces back, he’ll be a great add, and if he doesn't, well, they shouldn’t have been counting on much.

Tennessee Titans

The Titans and a lot of others believe Jake Locker was the right choice at the right time, says Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean.

Titans safety Jordan Babineaux and his brother have a film production company that has a movie coming out, says Terry McCormick of the National Football Post.
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