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Houston Texans

Richard Justice of the Houston Chronicle: “To those people who say Gary Kubiak must be more like Mike Ditka or Jim Harbaugh or Bill Cowher, I would say this: The fastest way for a coach to lose a team is try to be something he is not. Players will quit on a phony in a heartbeat.” I agree that Kubiak can’t and shouldn’t change. But if he’s not coaching a playoff team this season, his replacement will have a different personality.

If the Texans win Sunday, it should be the start of something big. If they lose, it’s time to push the panic button. John McClain of the Houston Chronicle assesses.

Tim Jamison isn’t satisfied after a breakout game, says Jeffrey Martin of the Chronicle.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts' fortunes have changed since the last time they played the Saints, writes Mike Chappell of The Star. "We've been to the mountaintop," defensive end Robert Mathis said. "We're at the valley low right now."

Pat McAfee looks at kickoffs and thinks, no return, no risk, writes Phil Richards of The Star.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Receiver Mike Sims-Walker is rejoining the Jaguars, writes Tania Ganguli of the Times-Union. The Jaguars told him before the lockout that they wouldn’t re-sign him as a free agent, so it’s hard to get too excited about his return. Still, he should add something to a bad group.

Injuries mean offensive tackle remains a concern, says Vito Stellino of the T-U.

Tennessee Titans

Things went south for the Titans after the bye last year and they need to avoid a repeat, says Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean.

The Titans took a hard look at receiver Brandon Lloyd, according to Mike Munchak. Now they intend to get Donnie Avery involved, says John Glennon of The Tennessean. Munchak also said the Titans would take a look at a healthy Terrell Owens. Please note that taking a look and signing are miles apart.

Hot topics on Texans-Titans from Glennon.

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

FALLING

1. Jacob Lacey, Indianapolis Colts cornerback: Lacey is ideally a dime guy, maybe a nickel. But the Colts married themselves to him as their No. 2 starter right after the lockout in a move many of us still struggle to understand. Lately they’ve been using Terrence Johnson some. Sunday in Cincinnati it sure seemed like they went with Lacey early and then pulled him for Johnson. If there was anyone on the roster who was capable of putting real pressure on Lacey, he’d have to get some time on the bench to get his game together. Drew Brees will look his way and see red meat.

2. Rashean Mathis, Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback: In a poor first half for the Jaguars in Pittsburgh, Mathis was exceptionally noticeable. He had a crack at a hit that would have prevented a Rashard Mendenhall touchdown run, got stiff-armed out of another run play, he dropped a ball I thought he could have picked and was in defense on a touchdown pass to Mike Wallace (yes he’s tough to defend, but still). Mathis is a quality leader and a quality guy. He told the team after the game that it’s on the cusp of winning a game. They may be, but he’s one of the guys who’s got to do better to make it happen.

3. Leroy Harris and Eugene Amano, Tennessee Titans interior offensive linemen: Mike Munchak’s team has been very good in pass protection, which is why Matt Hasselbeck’s been able to be such a significant story. But run blocking is an issue, and these two guys are the root of it. Munchak is steadfastly loyal to the group that started for him last season when he was offensive line coach, but asked recently if he was considering any line changes, his answer wasn’t “no,” it was “not yet.” That’s as close as this pair may come to getting put on notice. Fernando Velasco is the one legitimate alternative on the bench.

RISING

1. Tim Jamison, Houston Texans defensive end: As the Texans started life without injured outside linebacker Mario Williams, Jamison exploded with a big first-half performance: two sacks, including one that forced a fumble he recovered that set up a touchdown. It was an impressive showing, and it’s the sort of effort from a member of the supporting cast that the Texans can really use. Gary Kubiak said he sees Jamison as a young Antonio Smith. That’s high praise considering what a player Smith is.

2. The Tennessee Titans’ health: Coming off a bye, the Titans appear pretty healthy. Safety Chris Hope (arm) is out for a long stretch. Backup linebacker and special-teamer Colin McCarthy (hamstring) may be the only other issue. If tight end Craig Stevens (ribs) is feeling better, things will be looking up for the Titans. And considering the Texans just played the very physical Ravens and have a banged-up quarterback in Matt Schaub, it’s a nice advantage to have.

3. Indianapolis’ pass protection: The Colts have scrambled to patch things together with a bunch of injured guys, but quarterback Curtis Painter has gone over 100 pass attempts without an interception and he’s had time the past few games to make his reads and make his throws. Pierre Garcon and Reggie Wayne have been beneficiaries. This line’s taken a beating when things have been bad, and run blocking is no strength. But the group is stepping up to give the young quarterback a chance.

BALTIMORE -- We asked this week if the Texans could come to M&T Bank Stadium minus Andre Johnson and Mario Williams and hang with the Ravens.

Through the first half, it’s a definite yes.

Though the Texans trail 10-7, they’re doing some very good things at this point.

The best: getting hits on quarterback Joe Flacco in their first game since losing Williams for the season with a pectoral injury. Tim Jamison has two sacks, including a strip sack and fumble recovery that set up Houston’s touchdown.

Jamison’s hardly been alone in the backfield. J.J. Watt, Antonio Smith (who gave the Ravens two first downs with penalties), Brian Cushing and others have been in on the action.

That's the encouraging news. On the other side, Houston’s not been a great adjusting team this season.

The Texans have been outscored 24-6 in the third quarter and 76-37 in the second half.

The suggestion, from Matt Wagner via Facebook and Brian Hood of Indianapolis via mailbag: The sequence that had the Texans defense celebrating a big hit, then suffering the consequences as Peyton Manning got the next snap off quickly and threw for a big gain. We seek to expand on what Lance Zierlein addressed this in this blog entry.

The situation: Second-and-six from the Indianapolis 15-yard line with 10:56 left in the fourth quarter and the Texans leading 20-14.

The Texans just stopped Joseph Addai for a four-yard gain on a short pass over the middle, as Dunta Robinson buried the running back just as he secured the ball after a bobble. So exciting was Robinson’s hit that the Texans were compelled to celebrate. When they did, Manning got the Colts offense at the line and ready and took full advantage.

Manning is in shotgun, with Addai to his right, Dallas Clark on the line beside left tackle Charlie Johnson, Reggie Wayne wide left, Austin Collie in the slot to the right and Pierre Garcon wide right.

The Texans have their nickel personnel on the field, which means two linebackers -- DeMeco Ryans and Brian Cushing -- along with a fifth defensive back, Jacques Reeves.

What I saw unfold after the snap: The Texans were late to get in position because of the celebration from the previous play, which featured Robinson, Ryans and Amobi Okoye most prominently.

But even players who weren’t overexcited were outsmarted by the quick snap.

When Jeff Saturday sent the shotgun snap to Manning, I count nine of the Texans 11 defenders unprepared:

• Safeties Jon Busing and Bernard Pollard (with a hand in the air, apparently requesting information), cornerback Glover Quin and Cushing (with both hands on his helmet) are all facing the sideline.
• Ryans is not square to the line of scrimmage, his body sideways but his head turned to face Manning.
• Robinson is completely out of position, still on the inside edge of the numbers which Wayne is halfway between them and the sideline. Robinson is lucky he doesn’t trip himself up as he crosses his feet as he panics to try to get back in place to cover Wayne.
• Mario Williams is still walking to his spot at left end.
• Right tackle Okoye is crouching but doesn’t have a hand on the ground.
• Right end Tim Jamison is still a step off the line of scrimmage.

Left tackle Shaun Cody is in position. Left corner Reeves may be a bit confused but is spaced out in a spot where he can play Garcon effectively. (Cue the applause.)

Collie runs down the hash marks, gets behind Ryans, who’s left to spin awkwardly and collects the Manning’s pass between four defenders: Busing is still beyond him deep, Ryans is trying to recover from inside, Pollard is closing from Collie's left and Cushing is chasing from behind.

Collie makes a lateral move to his left, brushing past Pollard’s arm, watching Robinson flail and miss and going down only when Busing arrives.

Result: A 31-yard gain that sets the Colts up with first-and-10 at their own 46-yard line.

Ultimate outcome: Six plays later, the Colts are in the end zone, and take a 21-20 lead they won’t relinquish.

Bonus commentary from Gary Kubiak: “I told them that it was an example of their team and our team at that point. We make a big play. We have a big hit and we should be excited. Everybody should be excited. That’s a great play, but you have to refocus. That’s your job, to make those plays. So you’ve got to go back and come make it again. Then you’re looking at a team, an 11-0 football team, one of their players gets the heck knocked out of them and nobody lost focus. They went right to the line of scrimmage and made a 30-something yard play that got their team going. That’s what this game is about -- staying focused regardless of the high or low or what happened. Keep playing the game. We not only lost our focus for that next play, it happened for a couple plays that drive. We had a couple of issues in that drive.”

HOUSTON – Inactives for Monday Night Football between the Titans and Texans.

Tennessee

• Receiver Justin Gage
• Running back Javon Ringer
• Returner Alvin Pearman
• Linebacker David Thornton
• Linebacker Colin Allred
• Tackle Troy Kropog
• Defensive end Jevon Kearse
• Defensive tackle Jason Jones

Kenny Britt starts for Gage, Gerald McRath starts for Thornton.

Houston

• Quarterback Dan Orlovsky
• Receiver/ punt returner Jacoby Jones
• Cornerback Antwaun Molden
• Cornerback Fred Bennett
• Safety Dominique Barber
• Guard Tutan Reyes
• Defensive end Tim Jamison
• Defensive tackle Frank Okam

Glenn Martinez will return punts for Jones. He won AFC special teams player of the week honors as a member of the Denver Broncos for an 80-yard punt return for a TD against the Titans in 2007.

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

Indianapolis (one spot to fill)

• Tight end Colin Cloherty
• Receiver Sam Giguere
• Defensive tackle John Gill
• Running back Mike Hart
• Receiver John Matthews
• Guard Jaimie Thomas
• Receiver Taj Smith

Jacksonville

• 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

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

The Texans list of cuts:QB Alex Brink
LB Khary Campbell
LB Buster Davis
FB Jonathan Evans
RB Arian Foster
TE Clark Harris
FS Brandon Harrison
C Bret Helms
DE Tim Jamison
WR Darnell Jenkins
G Adrian Jones
DT Josh Leonard
DE Jess Nading
CB Deltha O'Neal
CB Mark Parson
CB Matterral Richadson
WR Mark Simmons
T Adam Stenavich
T Brandon Torrey
T Cliff Washburn

They also waived injured:

CB A.J. Davis

LB Toddrick Verdell

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

A quick trip around the division to consider some long shots who've looked good. Rosters get cut from 80 to 75 on Sept. 1, then to 53 on Sept. 5.


Houston

Free safety John Busing is a big hitter and a solid special teamer. Does he have enough upside at a questionable position for the Texans to keep him over a veteran like Nick Ferguson or Brandon Harrison, a fifth-rounder from 2007?

I also heard good things about defensive end Tim Jamison, who's got some likeable rush skills.

Two receivers have created a little bit of a buzz. And it wouldn't be a big surprise if Glenn Martinez or Darnell Jenkins make the team, especially if the Texans find another punt returner and decide they're done with Jacoby Jones.



Indianapolis

Cornerback Jacob Lacey has gotten his hands on a lot of balls and could prompt the Colts to keep him at the back end of their cornerback group. Might he stick ahead of Dante Hughes or prompt them to go heavy at the spot?

Linebacker Ramon Humbler has shown promise and can be a good special teamer.

The last receiver could be one of two relative unknowns. Both Brett McDermott and John Matthews are quiet and go unnoticed until the ball comes their way, then they catch it. Both are more quick than fast and they are roughly the same size at about 6-0, 200.

Chad Simpson and Lance Ball are likely going head to head for the final running back slot, but neither qualifies as a long shot.



Jacksonville

Word is that receiver Nate Hughes has moved beyond long shot and is early assured of a spot. He could rank as high as fourth now, and could make the team at the expense of one of the three draft picks. Or maybe that means Mike Thomas (groin) to IR?

Linebacker Russell Allen was the team's primary target among undrafteds and looks to have a great shot of making the roster.

Longer shots? Michael Desormeaux could oust Marlon McCree as a reserve safety or Pete Ittersagen could overtake Scott Starks as a reserve corner.



Tennessee

A deep roster with a draft class of 11 doesn't leave room for many street free agents or undrafted to emerge. So a late-round draft picks making it could qualify as a bit of an upset.

Cornerback Jason McCourty's been far better than Cary Williams and Dominique Edison looks to rank fourth at wide receiver right now.

With Leroy Harris heading back to a backup role as Kevin Mawae comes off PUP, Fernando Velasco's chance is probably gone.

	Bob Levey/Getty Images
	Linebacker DeMeco Ryans and the Texans defense have a new attitude.

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

HOUSTON -- React or act?

Give a group of guys who've spent a lot of time doing the former to do the latter and you'll be greeted with glee.

That's the Houston Texans' defense's feelings for first-year coordinator Frank Bush, promoted by Gary Kubiak to replace Richard Smith.

Camp Confidential: AFC South • Titans: Mon., Aug. 3 • Jaguars: Sat., Aug. 8 • Colts: Sat., Aug. 15 • Texans: Fri., Aug. 21 • Training camp index

"His leadership and the way he comes off to the players, it's a different feeling," middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans said. "It's a different attitude, a different mentality which carries over to the guys and our attitude. We're a lot more physical team. I don't want to say we were too passive.

"I think we had guys thinking too much, we had so many checks and this and that. It was too much, you're thinking so much to where you can't just line up and go tee off on someone. Now we can just line up and get it, there isn't so much too it. It's simplified to where we don't have all the checks."

The primary word being used for the team's new approach is "aggressive," and that's not a term that characterized them too often with Smith at the controls. The mild mannered Bush has the defense excited and determined not to let the Texans be known exclusively as an offensive team.

While Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson, Steve Slaton and Owen Daniels will go a long way towards determining if the Texans can build on consecutive 8-8 seasons and make the playoffs, Mario Williams, Ryans and linebacker Brian Cushing, a first-round pick, bring a good dose of star power to the defense.

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"They are getting tougher and tougher to go against every day," offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan said. "They've improved themselves with a bunch of players, they've been rushing the passer better and they are making it tough on us."

To graduate to being a playoff team, the Texans have to reverse some trends. They'll need to play better early so they aren't left to fight so hard to get back to .500. They need to fare better within the division, finding ways to finish off their primary rivals when they have the chance.

They expect the Titans and Colts to be strong again. The Texans will likely have to chase one or both of those teams down.

Anything less than double digit wins and a playoff berth won't be considered a success.

Key questions

1. Can the offense fix turnover and red-zone issues?

The Texans ranked third in total offense last year, but it didn't mean as much as it should have because they were 17th in points per game. The two big themes heading into the 2009 season are cutting turnovers and getting better production once they get inside the 20.

They were minus-10 in takeaways/giveaways last year, third worst in the NFL. They scored touchdowns on just 45.9 percent of their red zone possessions.

"I think if we can make those two adjustments, we can win at least two more games," Shanahan said. "If we can do that I think we will be a playoff team. We were a good offense last year statistically. But that was the first thing I talked about on the first day of OTAs this year, that doesn't mean anything. The top three offenses in the league last year were New Orleans, Denver and us. None of us made the playoffs. Moving the ball does not matter unless you move it across that goal line."

2. Do they have enough in the secondary?

Their top cornerback, Dunta Robinson, has not been with the team because he's upset about getting slapped with a franchise tag, but he will ultimately sign it and play for a guarantee of nearly $10 million.

Jacques Reeves will miss the start of the season with a fractured fibula, which means Fred Bennett will get some time as the second starter. Rookie Glover Quin is currently the nickel and they like his physical play.

But the safeties and the defensive backfield depth are question marks, even if the defensive front gets more of a pa
ss rush and forces the ball out quicker. Can they get steady enough play from Eugene Wilson and second-year man Dominique Barber, the presumptive starters at safety on opening day against the Jets?

	Defensive end Mario Williams
	Defensive end Mario Williams accounted for 12 of the Texans' 25 sacks last season.

3. Does Williams have enough pass rush help?

The Texans had just 25 sacks in 2008, fewest in the division. And Williams accounted for 12 of them. Houston made moves intended to get pressure from elsewhere -- first by signing free agent defensive lineman Antonio Smith, then by drafting Cushing and defensive end Connor Barwin with their first two picks. New defensive line coach Bill Kollar is a fiery type who preaches pocket penetration and may just be the team's biggest addition.

An effective rush from the front can help take a lot of pressure off the secondary, which ranks as the team's weak link.

Market watch

Ideally, Jacoby Jones would be in line to replace Kevin Walter as the No. 2 receiver in a year if the team doesn't or can't re-sign Walter. But Jones lacks maturity and consistency and his job security could be in jeopardy. The team is looking at kickoff return man Andre Davis, a better receiver, as a punt return possibility. If Davis succeeds there, Jones could be expendable.

Jones can be very good, but he can also put the ball on the ground too much as a punt returner. And Kubiak is not a fan of specialists. He wants football players who can fill multiple roles. That describes Davis, who can cover kicks as well as return them in addition to catching passes. It may not cover Jones much longer.

Newcomer to watch

Smith

Smith wasn't regarded as any sort of premier pass rusher when he hit free agency. But he's a versatile lineman who is very good with his hands. If things go the way the Texans hope, he can be an early down end and a third down tackle, having a positive influence and taking on a leadership role for youngsters Williams, Amobi Okoye and Barwin.

"He's a kid that can move from outside to inside, he's a big man that's a real good athlete," said Bush, who also worked with him in Arizona. "He's a 285-pound guy with good knee bend. He's extremely tough, has no problem playing over a center, guard or tackle. He takes a lot of pride in his performance and he came up through the ranks the hard way, he honed his craft and made himself what he is.

"That whole sense of a guy that came from virtually nothing to what he is right now kind of helps our team. Other guys can see it and aspire to be that way."

Observation deck

Antwaun Molden got hurt in his rookie season when the team wanted to bring him along slowly. He's a physical cornerback who could provide some great insurance or become a real alternative now if he's needed. ... Dan Orlovsky hasn't looked very good, but the team knows it will take him a while to be comfortable in the system and are convinced with coaching he can be a quality No. 2 quarterback for them. Even before a hamstring injury Rex Grossman wasn't going to challenge him for the backup quarterback job. ... Ryan Moats is like Slaton style-wise and Arian Foster is Chris Brown-like. But the undrafted rookie back may have missed his chance with a preseason injury and a too-slow return. Brown's ability to stay healthy will be a big question for the offense. ... While he's a popular fall guy with media and fans, defensive tackle Travis Johnson, who's missed camp so far recovering from hernia surgery, generally does what the team asks, taking up blockers. That it's a contract year won't hurt his motivation either. ... Undrafted free agent John Busing hits and plays good special teams, which may give him a shot at a roster spot that has belonged to Nick Ferguson or Brandon Harrison. ... The team also likes undrafted defensive end Tim Jamison, but will there be room for him? ... Frank Okam is big, quick and smart and he's been a pet project for coaches. When Kubiak complimented his offseason, Okam knew it meant something, "because it's difficult for an Aggie to give a Longhorn a compliment." ... Rookie tight end James Casey can play fullback, line up wide or throw. That's versatility that makes him Houston's Wildcat candidate. ... Want an undrafted possibility on offense? If Jones is out, there could be room for receiver Darnell Jenkins.