AFC South: Tim Tebow
The Mailman from Section 146 EverBank Field writes: An elite punter that can consistently force fair catches and pin the enemy inside the 20 is a defensive weapon. Is an elite punter worth a high draft pick? Al Davis took Ray Guy with his 1st round pick in the '73 draft. Was that crazy? Yeah, I'd say so and we're talking about Ray Guy. I can live with giving up a 3rd round pick if Bryan Anger is another Ray Guy. At least GM Gene is not Al Davis crazy.
Paul Kuharsky: You’re giving me one whole example, and he was drafted 39 years ago.
Think the game’s evolved a little bit since then? I am not anti-punter.
And I could have lived with Bryan Anger in the fourth perhaps, definitely in the fifth.
But it’s simply silly to refer to someone who would have punted 99 times last year as a starter, as Gene Smith did, when the offense and defense played more than 900 plays each.
Realistically, what are the odds Anger is Guy? Slim.
Brutus from Houston writes: Now that the Texans have drafted 2 new receivers, and released Jacoby Jones, do you see a receiver currently on the Texans' roster that can really step up and challenge Kevin Walter as the starter opposite Andre Johnson and the heir apparent to Andre down the road?
Paul Kuharsky: I am sure DeVier Posey and Keshawn Martin will prove more dynamic than Walter.
But they’ll have to be precise to chop away at his snaps.
It’s not a bad thing, if Johnson is healthy, and Arian Foster and Owen Daniels are on the field, to have a precise, sure route-runner who blocks on the field as well. That’s Walter.
Dan from Indianapolis writes: Looking at the Colts draft picks this year; especially the TEs. It’s clear they plan on running a lot of 2 TE sets. However, I remember Grigson and/or Pagano saying weeks ago that they plan on using fullback running sets. I'm trying to imagine the standard offensive sets they plan to use this year. With 5 lineman, QB, RB, FB, and two TE's, that only leaves one open spot for any of the WRs. Obviously, multiple formations are used in game. But do you really think this is what the colts plan on doing for the most part? Or do you think that post draft, the Colts are now shying away from the fullback idea? Are the days of 2 wide outs, slot receiver formations mostly over.
Paul Kuharsky: They will be two-tight sometimes, and they will be fullback at other times. They won’t be both at the same time, except maybe in an occasional short-yardage situation.
If the skill guys pan out, I hope they lead the Colts (and any team) away from using a fullback much. A quality tight end like Dwayne Allen should be able to add enough to the run game as a blocker while not giving away that it’s a run every time he’s on the field. Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians historically does a lot with multiple tight ends, so I expect two-tights to wind up as the base look.
But these days, you’re a dinosaur if you aren’t going three-wide (or the equivalent of three wide with Coby Fleener in the slot) a reasonable amount of the time, too.
They still have a lot of time to sort these things out.
Ellen Rosenblum from Jacksonville writes: Why do you continue to fan the flames of Tebow and jacksonville? I know every Tebow reference by ESPN is supposed to get ratings, but for most of us in Jacksonville it is very old and tired news. The sports media is having a great time accentuating the negatives of Jacksonville, while downplaying the positive of getting Justin Blackmon. Goodbye ESPN.
Paul Kuharsky: You blame me, I blame the Jags.
Why in the world would they be talking Wildcat now, and make it a selling point for cornerback Mike Harris. If they are going to run some silly, gimmicky stuff, then they should have gone and gotten the league’s biggest gimmick.
Otherwise, find people who can run somewhat conventional offense with success and run it.
And talk about that.
Paul Kuharsky: You’re giving me one whole example, and he was drafted 39 years ago.
Think the game’s evolved a little bit since then? I am not anti-punter.
And I could have lived with Bryan Anger in the fourth perhaps, definitely in the fifth.
But it’s simply silly to refer to someone who would have punted 99 times last year as a starter, as Gene Smith did, when the offense and defense played more than 900 plays each.
Realistically, what are the odds Anger is Guy? Slim.
Brutus from Houston writes: Now that the Texans have drafted 2 new receivers, and released Jacoby Jones, do you see a receiver currently on the Texans' roster that can really step up and challenge Kevin Walter as the starter opposite Andre Johnson and the heir apparent to Andre down the road?
Paul Kuharsky: I am sure DeVier Posey and Keshawn Martin will prove more dynamic than Walter.
But they’ll have to be precise to chop away at his snaps.
It’s not a bad thing, if Johnson is healthy, and Arian Foster and Owen Daniels are on the field, to have a precise, sure route-runner who blocks on the field as well. That’s Walter.
Dan from Indianapolis writes: Looking at the Colts draft picks this year; especially the TEs. It’s clear they plan on running a lot of 2 TE sets. However, I remember Grigson and/or Pagano saying weeks ago that they plan on using fullback running sets. I'm trying to imagine the standard offensive sets they plan to use this year. With 5 lineman, QB, RB, FB, and two TE's, that only leaves one open spot for any of the WRs. Obviously, multiple formations are used in game. But do you really think this is what the colts plan on doing for the most part? Or do you think that post draft, the Colts are now shying away from the fullback idea? Are the days of 2 wide outs, slot receiver formations mostly over.
Paul Kuharsky: They will be two-tight sometimes, and they will be fullback at other times. They won’t be both at the same time, except maybe in an occasional short-yardage situation.
If the skill guys pan out, I hope they lead the Colts (and any team) away from using a fullback much. A quality tight end like Dwayne Allen should be able to add enough to the run game as a blocker while not giving away that it’s a run every time he’s on the field. Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians historically does a lot with multiple tight ends, so I expect two-tights to wind up as the base look.
But these days, you’re a dinosaur if you aren’t going three-wide (or the equivalent of three wide with Coby Fleener in the slot) a reasonable amount of the time, too.
They still have a lot of time to sort these things out.
Ellen Rosenblum from Jacksonville writes: Why do you continue to fan the flames of Tebow and jacksonville? I know every Tebow reference by ESPN is supposed to get ratings, but for most of us in Jacksonville it is very old and tired news. The sports media is having a great time accentuating the negatives of Jacksonville, while downplaying the positive of getting Justin Blackmon. Goodbye ESPN.
Paul Kuharsky: You blame me, I blame the Jags.
Why in the world would they be talking Wildcat now, and make it a selling point for cornerback Mike Harris. If they are going to run some silly, gimmicky stuff, then they should have gone and gotten the league’s biggest gimmick.
Otherwise, find people who can run somewhat conventional offense with success and run it.
And talk about that.
Tebow was the guy if Jags wanted gimmicks
April, 30, 2012
Apr 30
3:32
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
A piece I linked to earlier today calls for more comment.
Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union wrote about how the Jaguars intend to experiment with a Wildcat package in camp and the preseason with Mike Harris, their sixth-round pick out of Florida State in position to throw.
I’ve been saying I think the Jaguars can close the gap on Tennessee if Blaine Gabbert can up his game to average and if the coaching staff lives up to its billing.
Two picks into the draft I was excited about what they’d done with receiver Justin Blackmon and defensive end Andre Branch.
Then they made the controversial third-round punter pick. And now they are talking Wildcat.
Seriously?
You lean on a gimmick when your base stuff won’t work, so looking at Harris’ good arm as potentially providing a change-up doesn’t serve as a great endorsement of Blaine Gabbert.
Harris was a spread option quarterback at South Miami (Florida) High School. I wouldn't bank on that for much beyond an occasional trick play.
My understanding about why Tim Tebow ultimately decided to steer the Broncos to trade him to the Jets instead of the Jaguars -- who made a similar offer -- was because he’d get more chances to play on offense in New York.
Great, I said, no gimmicky stuff for the Jaguars. They want to play and excel largely as a conventional offense.
Now I am wondering why they are pumping up the Wildcat, which is largely dead around the league.
Here’s a piece of Ganguli’s story with Mularkey talking.
With anything they run that’s Wildcat-like this season, they are begging more Tebow questions, especially if he has any success in the system with the Jets.
The Jaguars, of course, are upbeat and confident they’ve made the right choices, with the selection of punter Bryan Anger in the third-round, outside linebacker Brandon Marshall at a spot where the roster is well stocked, and Harris and seventh-round defensive tackle Jeris Pendleton out of Ashland.
Every team in the league feels confident now. I just hope Terry McDonough, the team’s director of player personnel, doesn’t wind up regretting this enthusiastic comment:
“The bottom line is that we will win, we will fill the stadium and we are going to talk about the punter at the end of the year.’’
Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union wrote about how the Jaguars intend to experiment with a Wildcat package in camp and the preseason with Mike Harris, their sixth-round pick out of Florida State in position to throw.
Two picks into the draft I was excited about what they’d done with receiver Justin Blackmon and defensive end Andre Branch.
Then they made the controversial third-round punter pick. And now they are talking Wildcat.
Seriously?
You lean on a gimmick when your base stuff won’t work, so looking at Harris’ good arm as potentially providing a change-up doesn’t serve as a great endorsement of Blaine Gabbert.
Harris was a spread option quarterback at South Miami (Florida) High School. I wouldn't bank on that for much beyond an occasional trick play.
My understanding about why Tim Tebow ultimately decided to steer the Broncos to trade him to the Jets instead of the Jaguars -- who made a similar offer -- was because he’d get more chances to play on offense in New York.
Great, I said, no gimmicky stuff for the Jaguars. They want to play and excel largely as a conventional offense.
Now I am wondering why they are pumping up the Wildcat, which is largely dead around the league.
Here’s a piece of Ganguli’s story with Mularkey talking.
“It’s not really the college Wildcat scheme but it is a way to attack defenses with somebody other than your quarterback,’’ he said.
He said his scheme sometimes doesn’t have the quarterback on the field. In some Wildcat formations, the quarterback is spread out as a wide receiver.
He said he always asks players if they’ve played quarterback at some point and how well they throw. Besides Harris, the other player he has identified as a candidate is wide receiver Cecil Shorts, who was a high school quarterback.
“We’re going to see how it looks in camp and maybe experiment a little bit in the preseason,’’ he said.
With anything they run that’s Wildcat-like this season, they are begging more Tebow questions, especially if he has any success in the system with the Jets.
The Jaguars, of course, are upbeat and confident they’ve made the right choices, with the selection of punter Bryan Anger in the third-round, outside linebacker Brandon Marshall at a spot where the roster is well stocked, and Harris and seventh-round defensive tackle Jeris Pendleton out of Ashland.
Every team in the league feels confident now. I just hope Terry McDonough, the team’s director of player personnel, doesn’t wind up regretting this enthusiastic comment:
“The bottom line is that we will win, we will fill the stadium and we are going to talk about the punter at the end of the year.’’
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.
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.
AFC South links: Tebow bid OK by Gabbert
April, 4, 2012
Apr 4
10:20
AM ET
By ESPN.com staff | ESPN.com
Houston Texans
Wide receiver Andre Johnson talked to Sirius NFL Radio about the Texans' losses in free agency and how he still isn't over the DeMeco Ryans trade.
Johnson said he never took the Peyton Manning-to-Texans rumors seriously.
Arian Foster is not a fan of the NCAA. In an interview with NFLDraft365, Foster said, “I don’t really like the NCAA. I don’t believe that the system they have in place is fair. College football is a billion dollar business. And they equate the billions of dollars they make to a bachelor’s degree."
Nike unveiled the Texans’ new uniforms Tuesday, but there were no real changes.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have signed free-agent tight end Kyle Miller and long-snapper Matt Overton.
Indianapolis may be interested in signing free-agent quarterback Byron Leftwich to teach either Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
The team had no comment after putting former Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck through a private workout Tuesday in Palo Alto, Calif. Among those on hand were general manager Ryan Grigson, coach Chuck Pagano, offensive coordinator Bruce Arians and quarterbacks coach Clyde Christensen, reports Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star.
Former Colts offensive coordinator Tom Moore, in an interview with NBC, said Luck was the closest thing he's seen to a second coming of Manning.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars say a new coaching staff and new facilities have changed the atmosphere.
Tyson Alualu is off crutches following offseason surgery to clean out his knee, reports Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union. "I’m just excited and looking forward to a great season with two healthy knees," Alualu said.
The play of the Jaguars' receivers dropped off last season under former WR coach Johnny Cox, but wideout Mike Thomas expects better things under new position coach Jerry Sullivan, writes Ganguli.
Blaine Gabbert took a philosophical approach to the team's failed effort to land Tim Tebow. "It was not a worry in the world," Gabbert said. "[The Jaguars] had to do their due diligence evaluating players. It’s the nature of the business. You have to do that in order to build a complete football team.”
Tennessee Titans
Titans GM Ruston Webster says the team is preparing for a second round of free agency, reports The Tennessean's John Glennon. “We’ll keep looking at guys and talking about guys to sign and fill spots for us,” Webster said.
The Titans have signed former Jaguars defensive lineman Leger Douzable.
Tennessee has re-signed Pannel Egboh, a defensive end who has spent his three seasons in the NFL on practice squads, to add depth behind Kamerion Wimbley and Derrick Morgan.
Wide receiver Andre Johnson talked to Sirius NFL Radio about the Texans' losses in free agency and how he still isn't over the DeMeco Ryans trade.
Johnson said he never took the Peyton Manning-to-Texans rumors seriously.
Arian Foster is not a fan of the NCAA. In an interview with NFLDraft365, Foster said, “I don’t really like the NCAA. I don’t believe that the system they have in place is fair. College football is a billion dollar business. And they equate the billions of dollars they make to a bachelor’s degree."
Nike unveiled the Texans’ new uniforms Tuesday, but there were no real changes.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have signed free-agent tight end Kyle Miller and long-snapper Matt Overton.
Indianapolis may be interested in signing free-agent quarterback Byron Leftwich to teach either Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
The team had no comment after putting former Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck through a private workout Tuesday in Palo Alto, Calif. Among those on hand were general manager Ryan Grigson, coach Chuck Pagano, offensive coordinator Bruce Arians and quarterbacks coach Clyde Christensen, reports Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star.
Former Colts offensive coordinator Tom Moore, in an interview with NBC, said Luck was the closest thing he's seen to a second coming of Manning.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars say a new coaching staff and new facilities have changed the atmosphere.
Tyson Alualu is off crutches following offseason surgery to clean out his knee, reports Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union. "I’m just excited and looking forward to a great season with two healthy knees," Alualu said.
The play of the Jaguars' receivers dropped off last season under former WR coach Johnny Cox, but wideout Mike Thomas expects better things under new position coach Jerry Sullivan, writes Ganguli.
Blaine Gabbert took a philosophical approach to the team's failed effort to land Tim Tebow. "It was not a worry in the world," Gabbert said. "[The Jaguars] had to do their due diligence evaluating players. It’s the nature of the business. You have to do that in order to build a complete football team.”
Tennessee Titans
Titans GM Ruston Webster says the team is preparing for a second round of free agency, reports The Tennessean's John Glennon. “We’ll keep looking at guys and talking about guys to sign and fill spots for us,” Webster said.
The Titans have signed former Jaguars defensive lineman Leger Douzable.
Tennessee has re-signed Pannel Egboh, a defensive end who has spent his three seasons in the NFL on practice squads, to add depth behind Kamerion Wimbley and Derrick Morgan.
Houston Texans
A pair of free-agent signings last offseason paid off in a big way for Houston's defense in 2011.
Indianapolis Colts
Andrew Luck is scheduled to have a private workout in front of Colts officials on Tuesday.
Craig Kelley of Colts.com continues the position-by-position breakdown with a look at the specialists.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jaguars defensive end Aaron Kampman is trying to prove his critics wrong once again.
Gene Frenette of The Florida Times-Union: "Despite enduring a ton of criticism, including fans who lamented the Jaguars not acquiring Tim Tebow recently in a trade to compete for the starting job, [Blaine] Gabbert has conditioned himself to leave the past in the rearview mirror. He refuses to get drawn in to negativity."
Tennessee Titans
Linebacker Tim Shaw isn't a fan of last season's rule change that moved kickoffs from the 30-yard line to the 35.
Free agent Chris Hope is still waiting for some team to come calling for his services.
A pair of free-agent signings last offseason paid off in a big way for Houston's defense in 2011.
Indianapolis Colts
Andrew Luck is scheduled to have a private workout in front of Colts officials on Tuesday.
Craig Kelley of Colts.com continues the position-by-position breakdown with a look at the specialists.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jaguars defensive end Aaron Kampman is trying to prove his critics wrong once again.
Gene Frenette of The Florida Times-Union: "Despite enduring a ton of criticism, including fans who lamented the Jaguars not acquiring Tim Tebow recently in a trade to compete for the starting job, [Blaine] Gabbert has conditioned himself to leave the past in the rearview mirror. He refuses to get drawn in to negativity."
Tennessee Titans
Linebacker Tim Shaw isn't a fan of last season's rule change that moved kickoffs from the 30-yard line to the 35.
Free agent Chris Hope is still waiting for some team to come calling for his services.
As he leaves, Ryans reviews the division
March, 29, 2012
Mar 29
3:53
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Linebacker DeMeco Ryans is using a workout facility in suburban Nashville as a weigh station between Houston and Philadelphia this week.
He’s got a stake in a D1 facility in Birmingham, and is working out at the Franklin, Tenn., facility this week with a handful of others, including a couple Jets backup quarterbacks Tim Tebow and Greg McElroy.
Ryans is in great spirits, and excited about the opportunity to man the middle and lead for the Eagles.
He’s not sad, but he was reflective about the idea of leaving, just one year into what the Texans intend to be a long stretch of playoff-caliber seasons.
Two key players that helped the team break through are gone, with Ryans traded and right tackle Eric Winston released to help alleviate salary-cap issues.
“We've been building a team so long, and we finally got there,” Ryans said. “We made it to the playoffs because the backups were good, the seconds and thirds were good enough to go in, and it wasn't a drop-off. So, that's sort of the hardship of being so good, when you have so many good players you can't pay everybody.”
I was in a super multi-media mood.
So I offer two other features:
[+] Enlarge
Paul Kuharsky/ESPN.comDeMeco Ryans gets some work in at the D1 workout facility in Franklin, Tenn.
Paul Kuharsky/ESPN.comDeMeco Ryans gets some work in at the D1 workout facility in Franklin, Tenn.Ryans is in great spirits, and excited about the opportunity to man the middle and lead for the Eagles.
He’s not sad, but he was reflective about the idea of leaving, just one year into what the Texans intend to be a long stretch of playoff-caliber seasons.
Two key players that helped the team break through are gone, with Ryans traded and right tackle Eric Winston released to help alleviate salary-cap issues.
“We've been building a team so long, and we finally got there,” Ryans said. “We made it to the playoffs because the backups were good, the seconds and thirds were good enough to go in, and it wasn't a drop-off. So, that's sort of the hardship of being so good, when you have so many good players you can't pay everybody.”
I was in a super multi-media mood.
So I offer two other features:
- The picture above, where Ryans is focused on a guy at a podium who is calling out signals and dropping a tennis ball to simulate a snap, so players can work on their get-offs.
- This short audio clip. As he heads out of the AFC South, I asked him five questions about the division. You’ll hear shoutouts to the Jaguars' backfield (but not the city they play in), as well as Titans right tackle David Stewart.
Reading the coverage ...
All four teams would probably be pleased if the draft went like this mock from Nolan Nawrocki.
Houston Texans
Arian Foster pulled off a stunner in the "Madden" cover contest, beating Tim Tebow, says Nick Mathews of the Houston Chronicle.
Baylor receiver Kendall Wright is the pick for the Texans in the newest mock from Lance Zierlein of the Houston Chronicle.
Eric Winston won’t be buying a suite at Reliant Stadium.
Indianapolis Colts
Year 1 went completely different than left tackle Anthony Castonzo expected, says Phil Richards of the Indianapolis Star.
There are Colts Andrew Luck jerseys out there, but they aren’t legal, says Richards.
Two have been arrested for allegedly swindling Dwight Freeney out of more than $2 million, says Greg Risling of AP.
Jacksonville Jaguars
It doesn’t sound like there is a chance for end Matt Roth to return and Mike Mularkey talked optimistically about Eben Britton’s rehab, says Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union.
Rashean Mathis and Aaron Ross will be competing for a starting spot opposite Derek Cox, says Ganguli.
Tennessee Titans
“A league source tells CSN's Derrick Gunn that Asante Samuel could be traded to the Tennessee Titans for a conditional third-round pick some time in the next few days.” I’m skeptical, but we’ll have to wait and see.
All four teams would probably be pleased if the draft went like this mock from Nolan Nawrocki.
Houston Texans
Arian Foster pulled off a stunner in the "Madden" cover contest, beating Tim Tebow, says Nick Mathews of the Houston Chronicle.
Baylor receiver Kendall Wright is the pick for the Texans in the newest mock from Lance Zierlein of the Houston Chronicle.
Eric Winston won’t be buying a suite at Reliant Stadium.
Indianapolis Colts
Year 1 went completely different than left tackle Anthony Castonzo expected, says Phil Richards of the Indianapolis Star.
There are Colts Andrew Luck jerseys out there, but they aren’t legal, says Richards.
Two have been arrested for allegedly swindling Dwight Freeney out of more than $2 million, says Greg Risling of AP.
Jacksonville Jaguars
It doesn’t sound like there is a chance for end Matt Roth to return and Mike Mularkey talked optimistically about Eben Britton’s rehab, says Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union.
Rashean Mathis and Aaron Ross will be competing for a starting spot opposite Derek Cox, says Ganguli.
Tennessee Titans
“A league source tells CSN's Derrick Gunn that Asante Samuel could be traded to the Tennessee Titans for a conditional third-round pick some time in the next few days.” I’m skeptical, but we’ll have to wait and see.
MJD, Foster advance in Madden contest
March, 28, 2012
Mar 28
12:23
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Round two of the tournament that will determine the cover boy for "Madden NFL 2013" is underway.
The AFC South candidates were cut in half in the first round.
Third-seeded Jacksonville running back Maurice Jones-Drew beat 14th-seeded Oakland kicker Sebastian Janikowski and third-seeded Houston running back Arian Foster topped 14th-seeded Jets reserve quarterback Tim Tebow.
But Indianapolis defensive end Dwight Freeney, a ninth seed, lost a close contest to San Diego tight end Antonio Gates. And eighth-seeded Tennessee running back Chris Johnson was beaten by ninth-seeded Seattle running back Marshawn Lynch.
The victories by Foster and Gates were the closest of the first round.
Next up, Foster gets Detroit wide receiver Calvin Johnson and MJD gets San Francisco linebacker Patrick Willis.
You can vote here.
The AFC South candidates were cut in half in the first round.
Third-seeded Jacksonville running back Maurice Jones-Drew beat 14th-seeded Oakland kicker Sebastian Janikowski and third-seeded Houston running back Arian Foster topped 14th-seeded Jets reserve quarterback Tim Tebow.
But Indianapolis defensive end Dwight Freeney, a ninth seed, lost a close contest to San Diego tight end Antonio Gates. And eighth-seeded Tennessee running back Chris Johnson was beaten by ninth-seeded Seattle running back Marshawn Lynch.
The victories by Foster and Gates were the closest of the first round.
Next up, Foster gets Detroit wide receiver Calvin Johnson and MJD gets San Francisco linebacker Patrick Willis.
You can vote here.
Khan on Tebow: 'He didn't want to come'
March, 26, 2012
Mar 26
2:00
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
When Tim Tebow said he was not in position to choose between the Jets and Jaguars when Denver was trading him, it sure seemed like he wasn’t being entirely truthful.
John Elway contradicted him and I concluded that Tebow was being literal and that behind the scenes he was talking to agent Jimmy Sexton who was talking to Elway and the Broncos. Players often fail to realize the degree to which their agent is serving as a power broking middle man and speaking on their behalf, and it was a complicated situation for Tebow. Peter King of SI.com reported that Tebow absolutely had a say in where he landed.
The Jaguars could have upped their offer and landed him, but owner Shah Khan didn’t see why to do it when Tebow didn’t want to join them.
Khan talked with Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union.
Khan told Ganguli he got a full explanation from Gene Smith about why the Broncos didn’t draft Tebow, and then asked his GM to prepare to make an offer. The owner was in touch with Denver from the moment the Broncos got Peyton Manning, and he said his legal team actually found and investigated the contract language that impacted finances of the deal and prompted some teams to drop off.
As I wrote when Tebow landed with the Jets, he did the Jaguars a favor, as they can now say he didn’t want to come home to Jacksonville.
"It’s well-thought, it’s logical, we’ve offered more money and we have a higher draft pick," Khan said. "It’s up to the player. It’s not up to me. We’ve done everything.
"In a way, this turned out great. If he doesn’t want to come, here we would have blown through a draft pick, blown through money, because cash and salary cap, you’ve blown through all that and we have a player who doesn’t want to be there. From their viewpoint that is a far, far better alternative."
The Jags have done everything. Tebow didn't want them.
Both are true. Both fit neatly in them explaining why he's elsewhere as they move on without him.
John Elway contradicted him and I concluded that Tebow was being literal and that behind the scenes he was talking to agent Jimmy Sexton who was talking to Elway and the Broncos. Players often fail to realize the degree to which their agent is serving as a power broking middle man and speaking on their behalf, and it was a complicated situation for Tebow. Peter King of SI.com reported that Tebow absolutely had a say in where he landed.
The Jaguars could have upped their offer and landed him, but owner Shah Khan didn’t see why to do it when Tebow didn’t want to join them.
Khan talked with Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union.
"That would have been the worst thing for Jacksonville and the worst thing for him. He didn’t want to come, obviously. … Any one of the 53 players we have, have to be committed to Jacksonville, making us be the best team we are. The question was: Did he want to come? And if the decision had been taken out [of his hands] and we got him, that would not be good for him, or for us."
Khan told Ganguli he got a full explanation from Gene Smith about why the Broncos didn’t draft Tebow, and then asked his GM to prepare to make an offer. The owner was in touch with Denver from the moment the Broncos got Peyton Manning, and he said his legal team actually found and investigated the contract language that impacted finances of the deal and prompted some teams to drop off.
As I wrote when Tebow landed with the Jets, he did the Jaguars a favor, as they can now say he didn’t want to come home to Jacksonville.
"It’s well-thought, it’s logical, we’ve offered more money and we have a higher draft pick," Khan said. "It’s up to the player. It’s not up to me. We’ve done everything.
"In a way, this turned out great. If he doesn’t want to come, here we would have blown through a draft pick, blown through money, because cash and salary cap, you’ve blown through all that and we have a player who doesn’t want to be there. From their viewpoint that is a far, far better alternative."
The Jags have done everything. Tebow didn't want them.
Both are true. Both fit neatly in them explaining why he's elsewhere as they move on without him.
Recapping the wild day that culminated in the trade of Tim Tebow not to the Jaguars, but to the Jets, with Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union. The issue I had was that while Tebow said he didn't have input into where he landed, he said his agent was in regular communication with the Broncos. Hey Tim, the agent is speaking on your behalf.
Matt Hasselbeck was completely reasonable and measured as he discussed his feelings about the Titans' chase of Peyton Manning. He said you "... don’t flinch, don’t blink, you just do your job better.” Pitch perfect. That could be on the next sign Mike Munchak posts on a wall at team headquarters. Jim Wyatt's story from The Tennessean.
Pat Robertson says if Manning gets hurt and misses the season the Broncos would be paying the price for their treatment of Tebow. Give me a break. Another overly emotional Tebow fan feeling he's mistreated. Teams are allowed to upgrade. Even encouraged to do so. Reid Cherner's story from USA Today.
Tight end Joel Dreessen is deciding between offers from Denver and Houston this morning, says John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. Gary Kubiak says the free agency period's been tough on the Texans, but they have to forge ahead.
Matt Hasselbeck was completely reasonable and measured as he discussed his feelings about the Titans' chase of Peyton Manning. He said you "... don’t flinch, don’t blink, you just do your job better.” Pitch perfect. That could be on the next sign Mike Munchak posts on a wall at team headquarters. Jim Wyatt's story from The Tennessean.
Pat Robertson says if Manning gets hurt and misses the season the Broncos would be paying the price for their treatment of Tebow. Give me a break. Another overly emotional Tebow fan feeling he's mistreated. Teams are allowed to upgrade. Even encouraged to do so. Reid Cherner's story from USA Today.
Tight end Joel Dreessen is deciding between offers from Denver and Houston this morning, says John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. Gary Kubiak says the free agency period's been tough on the Texans, but they have to forge ahead.
Reading the coverage ...
Houston Texans
The Texans' offseason moves have pushed them further away from a Super Bowl, says Jerome Solomon of the Houston Chronicle.
DeMeco Ryans was caught off-guard, but sees a great opportunity in Philadelphia, says John McClain of the Chronicle.
Indianapolis Colts
The addition of free-agent center Samson Satele sure makes it look like Jeff Saturday won’t be returning, says Phil Richards of the Indianapolis Star. At this point, the departure of a beloved veteran free agent can’t count as a surprise.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Given a second chance at Tim Tebow, the Jaguars fumbled again, says Gene Frenette of the Florida Times-Union. “Forget the potential bump in season-ticket or jersey sales, which can never be accurately gauged,” he writes. “The real loss here is the Jaguars missed an opportunity to bring a dynamic element to their franchise. If any NFL offense could have used a wrinkle or two that Tebow brings in attacking opponents, it's the Jaguars.” That’s as good an argument for Tebow-to-Jacksonville as I’ve seen.
Tania Ganguli of the Times-Union runs down what unfolded, and didn't.
Tennessee Titans
Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean breaks down Kamerion Wimbley’s contract, which carries a $4.3 million cap hit for 2012.
Peyton Manning told NFL Network he loved Mike Munchak, says Wyatt.
Houston Texans
The Texans' offseason moves have pushed them further away from a Super Bowl, says Jerome Solomon of the Houston Chronicle.
DeMeco Ryans was caught off-guard, but sees a great opportunity in Philadelphia, says John McClain of the Chronicle.
Indianapolis Colts
The addition of free-agent center Samson Satele sure makes it look like Jeff Saturday won’t be returning, says Phil Richards of the Indianapolis Star. At this point, the departure of a beloved veteran free agent can’t count as a surprise.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Given a second chance at Tim Tebow, the Jaguars fumbled again, says Gene Frenette of the Florida Times-Union. “Forget the potential bump in season-ticket or jersey sales, which can never be accurately gauged,” he writes. “The real loss here is the Jaguars missed an opportunity to bring a dynamic element to their franchise. If any NFL offense could have used a wrinkle or two that Tebow brings in attacking opponents, it's the Jaguars.” That’s as good an argument for Tebow-to-Jacksonville as I’ve seen.
Tania Ganguli of the Times-Union runs down what unfolded, and didn't.
Tennessee Titans
Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean breaks down Kamerion Wimbley’s contract, which carries a $4.3 million cap hit for 2012.
Peyton Manning told NFL Network he loved Mike Munchak, says Wyatt.
Jags win in being turned down by Tebow
March, 21, 2012
Mar 21
9:46
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Adam Schefter reports that before the Broncos finalized the trade of Tim Tebow to the Jets, they allowed Tebow to share his preference between the Jets and Jaguars.
If it had gone another way, I’d have a different stance.
But that Tebow picked the Jets did the Jaguars a great, two-part service.
The Jets now employ a huge proponent of Wildcat formations in offensive coordinator Tony Sparano, and the Jets surely will use Tebow in such situations from game to game depending on the defenses New York sees and the success its base offense has.
The Jaguars won’t be forced to employ such things, which are not the favored approach of general manager Gene Smith or coach Mike Mularkey and his staff. (I applaud those who frown upon gimmicks. It's just a default setting I have.)
Look, Blaine Gabbert was terrible as a rookie. But one season is far too soon to label a quarterback with his arm a complete bust. The Jaguars think the new coaching staff will improve his play a great deal.
If that happens, they will look smart. If that doesn’t happen, well, they’ll be in a tough spot. That spot could have been even tougher had Tebow been in the mix with an organization that didn't fully believe in him.
Tebow was Josh McDaniels’ guy, which is why he was a first-round pick in Denver. Tebow wasn’t John Elway's guy or John Fox’s guy, which is why the Broncos dealt him at the first opportunity.
Tebow was not Gene Smith's guy or Mike Mularkey’s guy.
Which is surely a big reason why, if he had a say, he chose to go be Rex Ryan’s guy and Sparano’s guy.
If it had gone another way, I’d have a different stance.
1) They aren’t saddled with a guy at least a share of the organization does not believe can play.
2) They’ll always be able to say they wanted him and he picked someone else.
The Jets now employ a huge proponent of Wildcat formations in offensive coordinator Tony Sparano, and the Jets surely will use Tebow in such situations from game to game depending on the defenses New York sees and the success its base offense has.
The Jaguars won’t be forced to employ such things, which are not the favored approach of general manager Gene Smith or coach Mike Mularkey and his staff. (I applaud those who frown upon gimmicks. It's just a default setting I have.)
Look, Blaine Gabbert was terrible as a rookie. But one season is far too soon to label a quarterback with his arm a complete bust. The Jaguars think the new coaching staff will improve his play a great deal.
If that happens, they will look smart. If that doesn’t happen, well, they’ll be in a tough spot. That spot could have been even tougher had Tebow been in the mix with an organization that didn't fully believe in him.
Tebow was Josh McDaniels’ guy, which is why he was a first-round pick in Denver. Tebow wasn’t John Elway's guy or John Fox’s guy, which is why the Broncos dealt him at the first opportunity.
Tebow was not Gene Smith's guy or Mike Mularkey’s guy.
Which is surely a big reason why, if he had a say, he chose to go be Rex Ryan’s guy and Sparano’s guy.
Statement from Jaguars owner Shad Khan:
“Earlier this week I asked Gene Smith and his staff to explore the potential of acquiring Tim Tebow. I think we have a duty to consider all avenues of improving the Jaguars on and off the field, especially given the unique circumstances involving the player. I appreciate the high level of due diligence Gene and his staff dedicated to this matter, even as late as this evening, and I am very satisfied with the outcome. Our commitment to developing Blaine Gabbert was, and still is, central to our goal of returning the Jaguars to elite status in the NFL. We’re looking ahead with zero regrets.”
“Earlier this week I asked Gene Smith and his staff to explore the potential of acquiring Tim Tebow. I think we have a duty to consider all avenues of improving the Jaguars on and off the field, especially given the unique circumstances involving the player. I appreciate the high level of due diligence Gene and his staff dedicated to this matter, even as late as this evening, and I am very satisfied with the outcome. Our commitment to developing Blaine Gabbert was, and still is, central to our goal of returning the Jaguars to elite status in the NFL. We’re looking ahead with zero regrets.”
Jacksonville or New York? Tim Tebow's future is up to him.
After a trade that would have sent the Broncos quarterback to the New York Jets hit a contract-related snag Wednesday afternoon, a league source tells ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter that Tebow can choose whether Denver deals the former Heisman Trophy winner to his hometown Jaguars or to Rex Ryan's Jets.
Word spread rapidly Wednesday that the Jets had acquired Tebow from Denver for draft picks, the teams encountered a hang-up in the language in Tebow's contract that put the trade on hold, a Broncos source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
In Tebow's contract is a $6.2 million salary advance, of which $1.2 million already has been paid by Denver, sources told Schefter. The difference of $5 million is still advanced against his future salary, and that burden would shift to the Jets in a trade. The Jets, sources said, believe the Broncos should owe Tebow that money.
The trade, then, will not be finalized until the sides resolve who should pay the money to Tebow.
For the full story, please click here.
After a trade that would have sent the Broncos quarterback to the New York Jets hit a contract-related snag Wednesday afternoon, a league source tells ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter that Tebow can choose whether Denver deals the former Heisman Trophy winner to his hometown Jaguars or to Rex Ryan's Jets.
Word spread rapidly Wednesday that the Jets had acquired Tebow from Denver for draft picks, the teams encountered a hang-up in the language in Tebow's contract that put the trade on hold, a Broncos source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
In Tebow's contract is a $6.2 million salary advance, of which $1.2 million already has been paid by Denver, sources told Schefter. The difference of $5 million is still advanced against his future salary, and that burden would shift to the Jets in a trade. The Jets, sources said, believe the Broncos should owe Tebow that money.
The trade, then, will not be finalized until the sides resolve who should pay the money to Tebow.
For the full story, please click here.
Tebow wouldn't have lifted Jags' tarps
March, 21, 2012
Mar 21
1:41
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
He’s a hometown hero and he played for the nearby Gators in college, where he was part of two national championships and won the Heisman Trophy.
I understand the reason so many predicted Tim Tebow would land in Jacksonville, but he’s now a New York Jet, and that’s a good thing for the Jaguars.
Please, please, please, even in hindsight, can we cease the exaggerations about the effect that Tebow would have had on the tarps at EverBank Stadium?
The Jaguars didn’t have an easy time selling all the seats they needed to get blackouts lifted last season, coming down to the wire and relying on corporate help. They would have had to sell those seats first.
Then we were talking about roughly 10,000 additional seats.
The single biggest failure in the thinking for the city of Jacksonville as it gutted and rebuilt the Gator Bowl into an NFL stadium in order to land the Jaguars was to make it big. That was to accommodate the annual Georgia-Florida football game. The "World’s Largest Cocktail Party" draws well from two big college fan bases. They use all their seats and add some for that.
But even with tarps, EverBank Field holds 67,164. That’s more than Soldier Field.
No matter who’s on their roster, is it reasonable for the small-market Jaguars, with their minimal history, to expect to fill a stadium bigger than the one the Bears have in Chicago?
Tebow is certainly popular in Jacksonville.
But did we really think they were going to have a tarp-lifting ceremony if they traded for him? His presence was going to sell 10,000 tickets?
We realize that not everyone who lives in Florida is a Florida fan, right? A share of those people are Miami and Florida State devotees. A share are relocated Northerners without any college devotion.
I don’t think Tebow would have helped sell anything close to 10,000 tickets, and none of the people I talked to in North Florida thought so either.
So let’s relax with that exaggeration.
And let’s remember that a tarp-lifting ceremony would have come with the very real possibility of a Tebow failure leading to a quieter, tarp-replacement ceremony.
That second event would have been as much a franchise killer as anything.
A few more thoughts on Tebow and Jacksonville, even in light of it being a dead issue:
1) If Tebow landed in Jacksonville, it would have been a force by owner Shad Khan and against the will of general manager Gene Smith and coach Mike Mularkey.
He wouldn’t have come in as the starter, he’d have come in as a third-stringer who could have run some special packages.
2) If the Jaguars wanted to make a splash, they should have gone out and gotten defensive end Mario Williams or receiver Vincent Jackson. You know, guys who would play right from the start and address major positions of need.
3) Mularkey’s first term as a head coach in Buffalo ended, in part, because he wound up without the control he had been told he would have.
It would have been terrible if mere months after he was hired in Jacksonville Khan made him feel the same way again.
4) They're not going to be giving up on Blaine Gabbert yet.
I understand the reason so many predicted Tim Tebow would land in Jacksonville, but he’s now a New York Jet, and that’s a good thing for the Jaguars.
Please, please, please, even in hindsight, can we cease the exaggerations about the effect that Tebow would have had on the tarps at EverBank Stadium?
[+] Enlarge
Ron Chenoy/US PresswireIt's unlikely that adding Tim Tebow to the roster would have brought in an extra 10,000 or more fans to EverBank Stadium.
Ron Chenoy/US PresswireIt's unlikely that adding Tim Tebow to the roster would have brought in an extra 10,000 or more fans to EverBank Stadium. Then we were talking about roughly 10,000 additional seats.
The single biggest failure in the thinking for the city of Jacksonville as it gutted and rebuilt the Gator Bowl into an NFL stadium in order to land the Jaguars was to make it big. That was to accommodate the annual Georgia-Florida football game. The "World’s Largest Cocktail Party" draws well from two big college fan bases. They use all their seats and add some for that.
But even with tarps, EverBank Field holds 67,164. That’s more than Soldier Field.
No matter who’s on their roster, is it reasonable for the small-market Jaguars, with their minimal history, to expect to fill a stadium bigger than the one the Bears have in Chicago?
Tebow is certainly popular in Jacksonville.
But did we really think they were going to have a tarp-lifting ceremony if they traded for him? His presence was going to sell 10,000 tickets?
We realize that not everyone who lives in Florida is a Florida fan, right? A share of those people are Miami and Florida State devotees. A share are relocated Northerners without any college devotion.
I don’t think Tebow would have helped sell anything close to 10,000 tickets, and none of the people I talked to in North Florida thought so either.
So let’s relax with that exaggeration.
And let’s remember that a tarp-lifting ceremony would have come with the very real possibility of a Tebow failure leading to a quieter, tarp-replacement ceremony.
That second event would have been as much a franchise killer as anything.
A few more thoughts on Tebow and Jacksonville, even in light of it being a dead issue:
1) If Tebow landed in Jacksonville, it would have been a force by owner Shad Khan and against the will of general manager Gene Smith and coach Mike Mularkey.
He wouldn’t have come in as the starter, he’d have come in as a third-stringer who could have run some special packages.
2) If the Jaguars wanted to make a splash, they should have gone out and gotten defensive end Mario Williams or receiver Vincent Jackson. You know, guys who would play right from the start and address major positions of need.
3) Mularkey’s first term as a head coach in Buffalo ended, in part, because he wound up without the control he had been told he would have.
It would have been terrible if mere months after he was hired in Jacksonville Khan made him feel the same way again.
4) They're not going to be giving up on Blaine Gabbert yet.
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.
