AFC South: Sam Giguere
Impressive:
- The starters on offense put together a smooth and efficient 89-yard touchdown drive on their first chance. Peyton Manning hit on 8 of 10 passes for 91 yards, and got to where people want him in these games -- to the sideline with a ball cap on.
- The front-line defense, minus some key guys who were held out, made plays. Philip Wheeler forced a fumble right out of the gate. Robert Mathis pushed rookie tackle Anthony Davis around. Jerraud Powers pounced on a tipped ball for an interception, and scared Ted Ginn into a drop.
- Rookie linebackers Pat Angerer and Kavell Conner were both very productive. Angerer had a couple sacks, and Conner was in on a lot of tackles. Barring injuries, there should not be room for them on defense. But they should be impact special teams guys.
Unimpressive:
- Curtis Painter was incredibly ineffective. Even with protection issues, his performance makes it impossible to say he’s improved on his rookie work. He was 9-for-19 for 64 yards with three interceptions. Yeesh. San Francisco third-stringer Nate Davis was more calm and collected than Painter and the Colts’ third quarterback, Tom Brandstater.
- Everyone was looking for a chance to assess new returners, but we’ll have to wait at least until Game 2. Kickoff returns by Brandon James and Sam Giguere looked like the same old deal, and James only had a chance to field one punt.
- Run defense in the second half against San Francisco’s bulky rookie Anthony Dixon was insufficient. He will head back to the Bay Area feeling very good about himself after 21 carries for 100 yards and a touchdown.
Unfortunate:
- Reserve safety and special teamer Jamie Silva went down with what looks to be a serious knee injury.
This is hardly gospel. Teams typically rank rookies way low (note Jerry Hughes as fifth at left end and Brody Eldridge as the fifth tight end) and don’t always match up the sheet with what’s going on out on the field.
Still, it’s what we have at this point.
- Pierre Garcon is listed as the second starting receiver. Don’t go crazy here. It would make since for the speedster of the group to be out there to stretch the field in the two-tight end set. Anthony Gonzalez and Austin Collie are listed as second stringers, but we’ll see plenty of three-wide and I expect both will see significant time as long as all are healthy.
- Undrafted rookie Brandon James is listed as the punt returner with Gonzalez behind him, while Sam Giguere is the kick returner with James behind him.
- Fili Moala is listed as the third-string left end, with no one at all listed behind Antonio Johnson at right defensive end. Mitch King and Marlon Favorite are listed second and third, respectively, behind left defensive end Daniel Muir.
- The first string offensive line is listed as Charlie Johnson at left tackle, Jamey Richard at left guard, Jeff Saturday at center, Kyle DeVan at right guard and Ryan Diem at right tackle. Tony Ugoh is listed as Johnson’s backup, but not listed at all at guard.
Aaron M. Sprecher/Icon SMIBad news for opposing defenses: Peyton Manning's relentless drive to improve his game means the four-time MVP could be even better in 2010.How does Peyton Manning, the league’s first four-time MVP, get better for 2010?
Head coach Jim Caldwell has seen the process up close as a participant. He knows just the sort of meticulous deconstruction of the 2009 season Manning has done with quarterback coach Frank Reich in search of bullet points to concentrate on for 2010.
“He’s a very unusual guy,” Caldwell said. “Every year he kind of goes through this process where he and Frank will sit down and they’ll take a look at what he was able to accomplish last year, he’ll look at all his strengths and weaknesses. He’ll review every single snap of every game he played. And not just glancing over it, but I’m talking about detail. They’ll take notes of ever single throw, every single play call, every single check.
“And then from that he’ll go through it and then make a determination on where he thought he could improve on that setting. He’ll dissect his entire season that way and then he’ll set new goals for himself in terms of what he thinks he can accomplish. And he seems to certainly keep moving forward, each and every year you see he gets better… I don’t think there is any limitation on him, on what he can improve upon.”
How long does it take? A week? A couple?
“Months,” Caldwell said. “Plural.”
That’s not talk from Caldwell the rest of the NFL will be excited to hear, but it’s hardly surprising. Saying Manning is meticulous is akin to saying Santa Claus is overweight. Still, we don’t frequently get details of just how Manning goes about things, just like we don’t get readings from a scale at the North Pole.
I asked Caldwell about avenues for Manning to improve upon after Manning spoke at the media center podium at team headquarters Friday. I certainly wish I were getting the scoop from Manning. But odds are Manning, who’s super savvy with the media but not a big sharer with stuff that could ever qualify as state secrets, wouldn’t have offered much up on it anyway.
AP Photo/Michael ConroyPeyton Manning practiced Friday after surgery to alleviate a pinched nerve in his neck that's bothered him for four years.“The main thing I try to work on is the timing with these new receivers, Brody [Eldridge] who’s a new tight end here, Sam Giguere who’s healthy and obviously try to get even more sound with Pierre [Garcon], [Austin] Collie,” Manning said. “And everybody acts like this is the start. We’ve been here since April, we’ve been throwing. We’ve been working a lot on the field.
“I’ve had another good offseason with [Anthony] Gonzalez now that he’s back. Getting the timing down with all these young receivers, the more I can get on the same page with them the more we have a better chance at success.”
Clyde Christensen is the offensive coordinator now, with Tom Moore in a lesser role.
Manning has worked closely with Christensen in recent years. He’s been the coach who has been in charge of third-down situations and red zone plays, two excellent areas for the Colts. While some players will need to adjust to the change in coordinators, the switch won’t slow Manning down at all.
At minicamp practice, Manning looked like Manning.
In a breeze that was occasionally strong, the throws were crisp and precise whether the target was Dallas Clark or Dudley Guice. The quarterback’s conversations with a coach or player to the side during breaks were accented with points and hand gestures about patterns and positioning.
I’d never expect that Manning would decide he’s got it all under control.
But I do suspect it can get increasingly hard for very good players in any sport to find macro-issues to target this time of year. That’s why it’s so great when we learn that Kobe Bryant spent offseason time with Hakeem Olajuwon to become a better player in the post, and why details from Caldwell on Manning’s determination to be more accurate can be pretty interesting.
Before 2008, Manning’s tear-down of 2007 led him to a more intense focus on pass placement, according to Caldwell, who was the assistant working most closely with him then.
So what did that lead to?
“He works each and every drill in terms of placing the ball where he wants to place it and if he doesn’t hit it right on the spot, he’ll say, ‘Hey, let’s do that one again,’” Caldwell said. “He’ll repeat it. And for most people, the initial pass would have been one that would have been highly acceptable.
“But for him, it maybe wasn’t right on the pinpoint of the left shoulder. Or maybe it wasn’t at the right ear. He’s very, very precise in that regard, and I think that’s what makes him unusual.”
Anything Manning has discovered since then has also been layered into his private individual work with targets and sessions like today’s.
Reggie Wayne is absent in a contract protest. Upon his return, the group of Wayne, Garcon, Collie and Gonzalez gives the team a “chance to be as deep as ever” at the position, Manning said.
The draft class is supplemented by the return of Gonzalez and safety Bob Sanders from injury -- players Manning feels almost qualify as free-agent additions. Given those factors, the Colts seem like they’ll be in position to improve as they try to defend their AFC title.
But Manning emphasizes they’ve got to do the things to make it so, not rely on how it all looks on paper.
Notes from his season breakdown are on paper, too. It’s hard to imagine they won’t come to life on fall Sundays.
“He’s got such great presence of mind, such great will and determination that I think you will see him improve in almost every area,” Caldwell said.
It’s another ingredient in why the NFL is the best thing going in sports, another piece of the unpredictability we love.
Generally, I have trouble forecasting big things for teams that are counting on a high number of unproven players to make simultaneous jumps and be productive -- though they can emerge as far better than I expect, of course. Still, it’s why I am not particularly optimistic about the 2010 Tennessee Titans.
I thought I’d go team-by-team in search of less-than-established spots in the lineup to create an AFC South uncertainty index.
Let’s be clear: you may not prefer Amobi Okoye at defensive tackle for the Houston Texans, Kyle DeVan at right guard for the Indianapolis Colts, Brad Meester at center for the Jacksonville Jaguars or Michael Griffin at safety for the Titans. But they are guys who will play and have a degree of faith from the team.
I’m looking at spots where inexperience is a big factor.
We’re not pretending to know the season-opening depth charts here, simply building off last year’s versions. We’ll look a bit beyond starting lineups with significant roles and return jobs included. Here's our look in order of uncertainty. (Starting positions labeled with an asterisk.)
Titans (10, with three starters)
- *Defensive end: Derrick Morgan
- *Outside linebacker: Gerald McRath
- *Cornerback: Jason McCourty, Ryan Mouton, Alterraun Verner, Rod Hood, Tye Hill
- Third outside cornerback: McCourty, Mouton, Verner, Hood, Hill
- Second running back: Javon Ringer
- Blocking tight end: Craig Stevens
- Second receiving tight end: Jared Cook
- Third defensive tackle: Sen’Derrick Marks
- Punt returner: Damian Williams, Alvin Pearman, Ryan Mouton
- Kick returner: Marc Mariani, Damian Williams, Mark Jones
Jaguars (10 with two starters)
- *Defensive tackle: Tyson Alualu
- *Second and third wide receiver: Troy Williamson, Mike Thomas, Jarett Dillard
- Second and third running back: Deji Karim, Rashad Jennings
- Third or fourth defensive tackle: D’Anthony Smith
- Third or fourth defensive end: Larry Hart, Austen Lane
- Third tight end: Zach Miller
- Nickelback: Don Carey, Scott Starks, Tyron Brackenridge
- Punt returner: Scotty McGee, Thomas, Karim
- Kick returner: McGee, Karim, Thomas
Indianapolis (six, with one starter)
- *Left guard: Tony Ugoh, Andy Alleman, Jacques McClendon
- Third (possibly second) tight end: Brody Eldridge, Tom Santi, Jacob Tamme
- Third defensive end: Jerry Hughes
- Fourth cornerback: Ray Fisher, Mike Newton, Brandon King, Jordan Hemby
- Punt returner: Fisher, Jerraud Powers, Brandon James
- Kick returner: Fisher, Sam Giguere, James
Houston (four, with three starters)
- *Running back: Ben Tate
- *Right guard: Antoine Caldwell
- *Cornerback: Kareem Jackson
- Third (possibly second) tight end: James Casey, Garrett Graham
But before anyone who likes to wear a blue horseshoe panics, here’s a run through of Chappell’s list of the 19 guys who will be in line for restricted or unrestricted contractual freedom, divided into handy categories:
Will be signed this summer
QB Peyton Manning -- The Colts plan on ensuring the NFL’s only four-time MVP is the league’s highest paid player.
Close to essential
S Antoine Bethea -- The underrated glue of a secondary that does well limiting big plays.
LB Clint Session -- The Colts usually let linebackers leave, but this playmaker he should be an exception.
S Melvin Bullitt -- Presuming Bob Sanders’ time is close to over, this versatile defensive back won’t be easily replaced.
Like to keep, but replaceable
RB Joseph Addai -- He’ll be 28 for 2011 and Donald Brown should be ready to be the lead guy, but if Addai’s price is right and his health is good…
PK Adam Vinatieri -- A healthy and clutch season can make retaining him more important.
OT Charlie Johnson -- A versatile piece who's nice to have, but if he can secure a starting job elsewhere he could want to move.
Rather have than lose
DT Dan Muir -- They’ve invested a lot of time and effort in developing him.
DT Antonio Johnson -- They’ve invested a lot of time and effort in developing him.
Would keep for cheap
DL Eric Foster -- A versatile piece who’s a small, fast interior guy well suited for Colts.
DL Keyunta Dawson -- Ranks as the fourth end now, but can contribute as role player.
G Kyle DeVan -- Did admirable work as a surprise starter last year, but they added a few interior guys.
Expendable
OT Tony Ugoh -- His stock could change, but at this point could rate as the team’s fourth tackle.
TE Gijon Robinson -- Might not make the roster this season if fifth-rounder Brody Eldridge is the blocking upgrade expected.
S Jamie Silva -- Doesn’t seem to me to be in line to inherit a starting spot if a frontline safety leaves.
DE Ervin Baldwin -- Late add in 2009 is behind two Pro Bowlers, new first-rounder Jerry Hughes and Dawson.
WR Sam Giguere -- With quality crowd ahead of him, not going to find room to work as a receiver.
To be determined
G Andy Alleman – Haven’t seen him in Colts’ uniform yet.
OT Adam Terry -- Haven’t seen him in Colts’ uniform yet.
Colts faithful hoping Bill Polian would get in on the action for another prospect who can upgrade the return game are going to wind up disappointed.
While it seems like a focus on getting Peyton Manning and the offense better field position could add a dimension, Polian said after Friday’s third round that he sees no dual threat remaining.
“I’m not so sure that there is one left that would be any more dynamic than what we have on the squad right now,” he told Indianapolis reporters. “I’m not sure, off the top of my head, I don’t think there is a dual return guy left. Obviously, that is an important skill set. There are some return guys down there, just none that I can turn to Coach (Jim Caldwell) and say, ‘This guy’s got the job.’”
If the Colts played next week, Polian said he envisioned Sam Giguere and Jerraud Powers handling the jobs. I’m presuming he meant Giguere for kickoffs -- he was second on the team in returns with five last year -- and Powers for punts. He indicated he didn’t see Austin Collie as a possibility.
“Again, we’re not focused on the return game,” he said. “When you go to the Super Bowl, you’re not hurting in that area. If you can get a dual return guy who can do both, one guy who can do both, it’s helpful because it takes the stress off other positions. But if you can’t, you can’t. The world is not going to end because we don’t have that.”
The return game was one of three areas where some speculated the Colts might change a long-standing philosophy.
I expected a return man, and I expected some added size on the offensive line. Two veteran additions, Adam Terry and Andy Alleman, do bring more size to the pool of linemen. While a lineman or two could arrive Saturday, I'm no longer convinced they'll be much bigger than the guys already on the roster.
I didn't envision a fullback for short-yardage run situations to be added, and I feel safe sticking with that.
- 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.
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
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
Reading the coverage: Munchak in play?
Houston Texans
The winning record heightens anticipation for 2010, says John McClain,
In addition to Kyle Shanahan, the Texans could lose Gibbs and Ray Rhodes, says McClain.
Richard Justice thinks Gary Kubiak should get an extension right now. I disagree.
Bill Belichick ripped the turf at Reliant Stadium as a cause of Wes Welker’s injury.
The turf was ranked fourth in the league by NFL players, says Alan Burge.
Franchise tagged or not, Dunta Robinson wants to return, writes McClain.
Could Rick Dennison replace Shanahan? Burge provides some rationale.
Why McClain is excited about next season.
The good and the bad of the Texans’ season from Lance Zierlein.
A look at offensive coordinator candidates, from Battle Red Blog.
Battle Red Blog isn’t that excited about Robinson’s desire to return.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts rest and wait to see which of three teams is heading to Indy for a divisional round game the night of Jan. 16.
Sam Giguere gave the Colts something to think about as they decide who to keep under contract for their playoff roster, says Phil Richards.
After a rough week in fan relations, Bill Polian spent a little time trying to butter them up: “The only people who can affect the game will be the people in this building – the players, the coaches, the administrators . . . and our fans.” John Oehser’s report.
The Colts are planning on business as usual, says Tom James.
Trying to get teams to play starters is an exercise in futility, says Clark Judge.
Who’s got momentum now, asks Deshawn Zombie.
Welker’s injury doesn’t vindicate Polian, says Stampede Blue.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars are dealing with the fallout, writes Michael C. Wright. I delved into some of this earlier, here.
Players support Jack Del Rio, says Gene Frenette.
The Jaguars’ future depends on the draft, says Frenette.
Good to see Vic Ketchman back. And good stuff from him in reviewing the Jaguars’ season: “The bottom line is the season was not a failure and it revealed several bright spots."
Tennessee Titans
Vince Young is the starting quarterback going forward says Jim Wyatt.
Chris Johnson’s planning a busy offseason, say Wyatt and Gary Estwick.
Johnson’s basking in the glory of his accomplishment, writes Wyatt.
Posted by ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky
Houston
- Linebacker Buster Davis
- Running back Arian Foster
- Center Brett Helms
- Defensive end Tim Jamison
- Defensive end Jesse Nading
- Receiver Darnell Jenkins
- Cornerback Mark Parson
- Offensive tackle Adam Stenavich
- Tight end Colin Cloherty
- Receiver Sam Giguere
- Defensive tackle John Gill
- Running back Mike Hart
- Receiver John Matthews
- Guard Jaimie Thomas
- Receiver Taj Smith
- Receiver Tiquan Underwood
- Fullback Brock Bolen
- Guard Cameron Stephenson
- Center-guard Cecil Newton
- Running back Josh Vaughan
- Defensive end Jeremy Navarre
- Safety Michael Desormeaux
- Quarterback Richard Bartel
(Early version was courtesy of Michael C. Wright)
Tennessee
- Guard Ryan Durand
- Fullback Rodney Ferguson
- Defensive tackle Mitch King
- Receiver Phillip Morris
- Safety Nick Schommer
- Offensive lineman Fernando Velasco
- Receiver Paul Williams
Here are the roster moves just announced by the Colts:
Waived:
RB Lance Ball
WR Sam Giguere
DT John Gill
DT Adrian Grady
RB Mike Hart
DE Marcus Howard
DB Dante Hughes
C Steve Justice
WR John Matthews
WR Brett McDermott
RB Walter Mendenhall
OG Tom Pestock
WR Taj Smith
LB Michael Tauiliili
DT Terrance Taylor
OT Jaimie Thomas
DE Josh Thomas
OT Michael Toudouze
Waived Injured:
DB Nick Graham
DB Travis Key
TE Jamie Petrowski
Does Not Count on Active Roster:
DT Ed Johnson (suspended Week 1)
Reading the coverage: Cushing agrees to contract
Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky
The Texans have signed first-rounder Brian Cushing, reports John McClain.
Young cornerbacks are under pressure, says McClain.
So much counts on Matt Schaub avoiding injury, says Jordan Godwin.
Dan Orlovsky got yelled at on Day 1, says McClain.
Audio of Owen Daniels and three thoughts from Lance Zierlein.
A Day 1 camp report from Alan Burge.
A rundown of Jim Caldwell's pre-camp thoughts from Mike Chappell.
John Oehser asks if the Colts can win the Super Bowl.
Receiver Sam Giguere (fractured fibula), cornerback Marlin Jackson (knee), defensive tackle Antonio Johnson (knee), offensive lineman Charlie Johnson (shoulder), safety Bob Sanders and kicker Adam Vinatieri (hip) are the six Colts players who will begin camp on the PUP list, says Oehser.
Wayne Weaver is upbeat despite slow ticket sales, says Vito Stellino.
Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton remain unsigned.
Kenny Britt wasn't with the Titans for opening day of camp, writes Jim Wyatt.
Leroy Harris knows his role, say Gary Estwick and Wyatt.
Titans Radio's podcast review of opening day.
Reading the coverage: A look at Colts' stretch play
Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky
Houston Texans
- Will the Texans start practicing Friday without their top two draft picks? Megan Manfull examines the possibility.
- Alan Burge reviews the rules of the physically unable to perform list.
Indianapolis Colts
- The Colts signed three draft picks: Terrance Taylor, Pat McAfee and Jaimie Thomas, says Mike Chappell.
- Athlon's preview of the Colts.
- A great examination of the stretch play and the Colts' run-game mentality from Stampede Blue.
- A breakdown of Sam Giguere from John Oehser.
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Jack Del Rio told Michael C. Wright the Jaguars are not interested in Michael Vick.
- The Jags still don't have deals with five draft picks, writes Wright.
- The most recent "Ask Vic."
- A look at John Henderson and Reggie Hayward, from Collin Streetman.
- Jimmy Smith was sentenced to probation, says Paul Pinkham.
Tennessee Titans
- The Titans remain hopeful they'll get a deal done with Kenny Britt in time for practice Friday afternoon.
- A camp preview that covers some logistics, from Terry McCormick.
- The Titans cut two to get to their roster limit, says McCormick.
- Steve McNair's agent says everyone will be taken care of as his estate is divided.
- The Tennessean has a new blog for its writers who cover the Titans.
Houston Texans
I can't believe this, but Oilers/Titans Hall of Fame offensive lineman Bruce Matthews is joining the Texans coaching staff. I would have bet a lot against that one. He must have gotten bored at home.
We knew Eugene Wilson had a new deal. The National Football Post has contract details.
The Sage Rosenfels to Minnesota trade is official.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts are now thin at linebacker, writes Mike Chappell.
Indy announced it tendered exclusive rights free agents offensive lineman Dan Federkeil, who also was offered a tender as an exclusive rights free agent in addition to running back Lance Ball, linebacker Buster Davis and defensive tackle Daniel Muir.
The team also confirmed it's added the following players since the end of the 2008 season: Linebacker Rufus Alexander, defensive back Brannon Condren, punter Mike Dragosavich (waiver claim), defensive back Brandon Foster, wide receiver Sam Giguere, tackle Corey Hilliard, defensive back Travis Key, linebacker Michael Okwo, tight end Jamie Petrowski, wide receiver Taj Smith and defensive back Brandon Sumrall.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Tim Graham says choosing the Patriots over the Bills was easy for Fred Taylor.
Keeping Brad Meester was a good move, says Cole Pepper.
Tennessee Titans
David Climer would like the Titans to take a new approach at receiver.
The agent for receiver Nate Washington expects him to visit the Titans. Also interested: Lions, Buccaneers, Rams and Vikings. He's in Detroit Friday, according to Jim Wyatt.
Titans free agent receiver Brandon Jones will visit the 49ers, says Wyatt.
Defensive tackle Chris Canty is slated to visit the Titans Saturday after a stop in Washington.
The Titans have ratcheted up efforts to hold onto Chris Simms, says Terry McCormick.

