AFC South: Troy Kropog
Colts at Bengals
It would be silly for Kerry Collins not to start, and Jim Caldwell has said the new quarterback will play “a lot.” They should give him a reasonable amount of time with the starting line and the weapons he needs to sync up with if he’s starting on Sept. 11 in Houston. That would stray from the typical philosophy in the fourth game, but the change of circumstances dictates a change in approach. Unfortunately, Collins won’t have a chance to work with Austin Collie (foot) or Anthony Gonzalez (hamstring).
Titans at Saints
Depth decisions are the big story for Tennessee at this point. It’s a big night for wideouts Lavelle Hawkins and Kevin Curtis, defensive tackle Sen’Derrick Marks, offensive tackles Mike Otto, Troy Kropog and Pat McQuistan, linebackers Rennie Curran and Patrick Bailey and safeties Vincent Fuller, Robert Johnson and Anthony Smith. Jake Locker should see significant time and it would be nice to see him cap the preseason with a performance that shows his growth since the starts of camp.
Rams at Jaguars
Running back Maurice Jones-Drew and defensive end Aaron Kampman are both coming back from knee injuries and they will see their first action of the preseason. Odds are we don’t get great reads on either, but it’s a significant thing for them to be involved in a bit of live action. A sack, at any time, by anyone, would really help in dealing with pass rush concerns. David Garrard will only get a series or two. He can do a lot for himself and the team but putting together an effort that helps create confidence.
Texans at Vikings
We’ll see some kids play a lot, a whole game in some instances. Matt Leinart will have a big chance to show why Gary Kubiak is so high on him, and it would be good if he could connect some with newcomer Bryant Johnson. Like the Texans, the Vikings are expected to have a bunch of guys in street clothes. So while I’d like to see guys who’ve shined for Houston in a great preseason -- like Xavier Adibi, Jesse Nading, Troy Nolan -- fare well early in this game, it won't mean much more than them faring well a bit later in previous games.
My plan
From AFC South blog HQ, I expect to watch the first hour of the Colts and the first hour of the Titans and post something on those two games when they are over. The Jaguars and Texans may need to wait until morning depending on how things unfold. Odds are against me seeing all four games start-to-finish by the time I post some thoughts on them. And by "odds are against," I mean it can't happen.
RTC: Will Rackley looks like a starter
Houston Texans
Gary Kubiak reviewed Mario Williams’ play, writes John McClain.
The Texans are very banged up at running back, says McClain.
James Casey has the Texans talking, says Richard Justice.
Andre Johnson is mentioned in the Yahoo report on rule-breaking at Miami.
Daryl Sharpton is mentioned in the Yahoo report on rule-breaking at Miami.
Indianapolis Colts
The next Polian can be as good as the first Polian, writes Bob Kravitz.
Ryan Diem was at left guard in Tuesday’s practice, says Mike Chappell.
Joe Reitz is known for a missed dunk, says Phillip B. Wilson.
How soon is too soon to judge Jerry Hughes, asks Nate Dunlevy.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Eben Britton’s grandmother won an Oscar for her role in “Bonnie and Clyde” and is a big influence on the Jaguars’ lineman, writes Tania Ganguli.
Will Rackley is in the starting mix on the offensive line, says Vito Stellino.
Mayor Alvin Brown is pushing tickets, says Stellino.
Eugene Monroe is having his best camp, says John Oehser.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans aren’t such a hot ticket right now, says Duane Marsteller.
Financial context for Chris Johnson’s desire come from Charles Johnson, Tamba Hali and Brandon Marshall, says Jim Wyatt.
Wyatt sees a new energy from the Titans.
A Chris Johnson holdout tracker from Wyatt.
The case against paying Johnson, from Ryan Wilson.
Troy Kropog is going to miss time after a knee scope, says John Glennon.
Yamon Figurs is looking to stay in one place for a while, says David Boclair.
Colin McCarthy is mentioned in the Yahoo report on rule-breaking at Miami.
Matthews and Matthews playing it cool
AP Photo/Mark HumphreyTitans offensive line coach Bruce Matthews tries to stay objective about his son,
Kevin Matthews.NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The default answer for a father coaching his son is that he won’t treat his boy any differently than any of his other players.
And surely Titans offensive line coach Bruce Matthews will treat Titans center Kevin Matthews the same as the rest of his group.
At least until it comes time to cut that group down.
“It definitely harder on dad, I will never shed the dad mantle,” Bruce Matthews said. “As much as I want to be objective, I can’t be. I love the kid. I say that in all honesty, that’s just how it is. So I don’t know yet that I will abstain from giving an opinion on him. But he’s doing well and I am excited by that.”
Kevin Matthews came in last year as an undrafted free agent out of Texas A&M and played in the final three games, with one start, after time on the practice squad. He said he was amazed by the calm of his linemates in an eye-opening experience.
After the season his position coach and dad’s best friend, Mike Munchak, got promoted to the top job, and hired his father to take his place.
“I’m not getting any special treatment or anything which should be obvious as this level,” Kevin Matthews said. “We joke around a lot and have a lot of fun in the meeting rooms and on the practice field. Being able to work with him every day, I really enjoy it and I think he’s enjoying it a lot too.”
“To get to work with him at the highest level is like a dream come true.”
The Titans have a set starting line and a backup pool of tackles Mike Otto, Troy Kropog and rookie Byron Stingily, swingman Ryan Durand and interior guys Fernando Velasco and Matthews.
Father has urged son to make it an easy decision for the team.
Son said there is a second level of pressure to make it to stick with dad.
“I’m making as little as you can make, so I don’t think they’ve got a problem with the money,” he joked. “Being undrafted there is that extra little chip that I carry around. Obviously I am fighting to make this team. If it goes the other direction, we’ll handle it. Hopefully we won’t have to.”
The guys joke sometimes about what they can say in front of Kevin for fear it would make it to their coach, but it’s all in good fun.
“That’s a once-in-a-lifetime deal,” starting left guard Leroy Harris said. “That’s pretty cool.”
Impressive:
- Rookie end Derrick Morgan did some very nice work getting outside and going around right tackle Geoff Schwartz twice early and pressuring Matt Moore. It was an encouraging sign from the first-round pick’s first preseason action.
- With Bo Scaife not playing, Craig Stevens' 23-yard catch continued to show he is more than just a blocker.
- Alterraun Verner forced a Wallace Wright fumble and Stephen Tulloch recovered it when Carolina was closing in on a score just before intermission.
- Dave Ball continues to play some very good run defense.
- Chris Johnson found virtually no room with 10 yards on eight carries. The Titans have zero doubt that he will be himself once the games have meaning and they are game planning. But a better performance would still be a bit reassuring.
- Vince Young fumbled early when he got hit after a pump fake. Guard Jake Scott saved him with a recovery. This comes after he dribbled the ball off his chest -- which he recovered -- after a pump fake in the Titans win over the Arizona Cardinals last week.
- Carolina rushed the passer very well and the Titans were ineffective at getting in the way. Young was sacked four times and took a couple other note-worthy hits.
- Damian Williams did not do much on three return chances and fumbled as he took a big hit at the end of the final one. The Titans have played three games, he’s played two and I am sure they’d like to have a better feeling about him in game action to this point.
- One third-down conversion for the first team offense in the first half.
- Left tackle Michael Roos left ahead of schedule with what the team said was a mild right knee strain. With Mike Otto recovering from a knee scope, Troy Kropog replaced Roos.
Reading the coverage: Jags talk trade
Mike Tanier shares thoughts on the toughest college programs to evaluate.
Houston Texans
John McClain thinks the Texans will go running back in Round 1.
An offensive value board from a Texans perspective courtesy of Lance Zierlein.
Indianapolis Colts
Melvin Bullitt and Dan Muir signed their tenders, says Phil Richards.
Assessing the defensive line with John Oehser.
Ryan Lilja didn’t love the way the Colts line was talked about but is moving on, writes Oehser.
Stampede Blue found an interesting NFL venue ranking that put Lucas Oil Stadium at the top of the list. I agree it’s a great venue, but if you factor in the bad food and limited dining options I think No. 1 is a bit of a stretch.
A quality Q&A with Mike Chappell.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars are being proactive in trying to trade out of No. 10, says Vito Stellino.
Vic Ketchman contemplates the need for buzz.
The Jaguars are looking for more draft-day steals, says Chris Harry.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans see a lot to like in Gerald McRath, writes Jim Wyatt.
LenDale White signed his tender, says Wyatt.
Wyatt thinks the Titans will look to bring back Daniel Loper. I think Loper’s chances hinge on what the team thinks of Mike Otto and Troy Kropog.
Cortland Finnegan makes Andy Benoit’s list of the league’s top 10 corners.
Voice of the Titans' Mike Keith is impressed with how Vince Young is carrying himself.
Unofficial counter in place for Johnson
Based on how well and how quickly the fan in control of it computes Chris Johnson’s rushing yards, it could be a very handy tool helping CJ and the Titans and those of us in the press box track a potentially record day.
No surprises on the inactive list at Qwest Field, as beautiful a building as I expected in my first visit.
Here are the guys not suiting up:
Titans
- WR Dominique Edison
- RB Javon Ringer
- CB Ryan Mouton
- CB Jamar Love
- OL Fernando Velasco
- OL Troy Kropog
- DE Jevon Kearse
- DT Tony Brown
- QB Mike Teel
- CB Josh Wilson
- LB Aaron Curry
- G Trevor Canfield
- G Mansfield Wrotto
- DT Red Bryant
- WR Nate Burleson
- TE Cameron Morrah
Is Kern kosher with pregame pants?
Brett, buddy, everyone is cold out there. Am I wrong in saying he needs to tough it out? Nashville sportswriter David Boclair points out Kern’s legs are his livelihood and maybe it’s akin to a pitcher wearing a jacket when he runs the bases.
I am told Kern even wears them during the game and takes them off when it’s time to punt or hold.
Do we think Ray Guy did that?
Anyway…
Only one lineup change from the pre-printed flip cards -- Nick Hardwick is starting at center for the Chargers.
Inactives are in, I know you’ve been waiting anxiously all day, so without further delay:
Titans
- Receiver Dominique Edison
- Running back Javon Ringer
- Return man Alvin Pearman
- Cornerback Rod Hood
- Linebacker Keith Bulluck
- Offense lineman Troy Kropog
- Tight end Craig Stevens
- Defensive end Jevon Kearse
- Quarterback Charlie Whitehurst
- Cornerback Dante Hughes
- Running back Michael Bennett
- Free safety C.J. Spillman
- Defensive end Jacques Cesaire
- Receiver Buster Davis
- Inside linebacker Kevin Burnett
- Center Eric Ghiaciuc
Kenny Britt starts ahead of Justin Gage for the Titans, while Gerald McRath starts for David Thornton, out with a shoulder injury.
Joe Berger starts at center for Jake Grove and Nate Garner starts at right guard for Donald Thomas for the Dolphins.
The full list of inactives:
Titans
- Receiver Dominique Edison
- Running back Javon Ringer
- Corner Rod Hood
- Linebacker David Thornton
- Offensive lineman Troy Kropog
- Tight end Craig Stevens
- Defensive end Jevon Kearse
- Defensive end Eric Bakhtiari
- Quarterback Tyler Thigpen
- Running back Kory Sheets
- Cornerback Evan Oglesby
- Offensive lineman Andrew Hartline
- Tackle Andrew Gardner
- Defensive end Lionel Dotson
- Defensive end Ikaika Alama-Francis
- Receiver Patrick Turner
Ugoh starting; Hood scratched again
We’ll see if Ugoh’s been making progress. He’s been inactive for five games this season, and otherwise worked only on special teams while in place as a backup except for a spot start against Tennessee in the first matchup.
For the Titans, Rod Hood is a healthy scratch for the second week in a row. Looks like a bad move to me. If the Titans get hurt in the secondary, rookies Ryan Mouton and Jason McCourty are in line to work as subs at cornerback. Hood was far better than either of them when he played.
The entire inactive lists for both teams:
Colts
- K Adam Vinatieri
- WR Anthony Gonzalez
- QB Jim Sorgi
- RB Donald Brown
- DB Aaron Francisco
- LT Charlie Johnson
- TE Tom Santi
- DE Keyunta Dawson
- WR Justin Gage
- RB Javon Ringer
- RB Alvin Pearman
- CB Rod Hood
- LB Colin Allred
- OL Troy Kropog
- DT Jason Jones
- DT Sen’Derrick Marks
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
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
Sanders, Finnegan, Kearse out of Colts-Titans
Posted by ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Colts safety Bob Sanders and Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan are among the inactive for Colts-Titans Sunday night.
Rookie Jason McCourty will start for Finnegan and another rookie, Ryan Mouton, is already slated to play nickel.
Meanwhile, Tony Ugoh starts at left tackle for the Colts for the injured Charlie Johnson.
Less expected is the Titans’ shake-up move: defensive end Jevon Kearse is a healthy scratch, replaced in the starting lineup at left end by William Hayes.
Colts’ inactives:
QB Curtis Painter
WR Anthony Gonzalez
Sanders
CB Kelvin Hayden
CB Marlin Jackson
RB Mike Hart
Johnson
DT Fili Moala
Titans’ inactives:
WR Dominique Edison
DB Vincent Fuller
Finnegan
LB Colin Allred
OL Troy Kropog
WR Lavelle Hawkins
Kearse
DT Jason Jones
Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Inactives and what they mean for Titans-Jets.
Titans
Tight end Bo Scaife -- Jared Cook is up and they hope they'll be able to get more out of him than last week.
Defensive tackle Sen’Derrick Marks
Punter Craig Hentrich -- The Titans signed Reggie Hodges to fill in.
Linebacker Stanford Keglar
Receiver Lavelle Hawkins
Quarterback Vince Young -- He was sick during the week and so the Titans put Patrick Ramsey ahead of him.
Tackle Troy Kropog
Defensive end Dave Ball
Left guard Eugene Amano is active. But he was also sick this week. Leroy Harris will start in his spot.
Jets
Cornerback Lito Sheppard
Cornerback Donald Strickland
Quarterback Eric Ainge (third)
Quarterback Kevin O’Connell
Linebacker Jamaal Westerman
Guard Matt Slauson
Defensive end Ropati Pitoitua
Receiver David Clowney
With Shepparad and Strickland out, Dwight Lowery starts at right cornerback and Drew Coleman, a short guy not rated as a high-quality corner, will be the nickel.
Titans' inactives: Washington is playing
Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky
PITTSBURGH -- Receiver Nate Washington is active but Kenny Britt will start opposite Justin Gage for the Titans.
Here are Tennessee’s inactives for Thursday night’s game:
- Tight end Jared Cook
- Receiver Lavelle Hawkins
- Cornerback Ryan Mouton
- Defensive tackle Sen’Derrick Marks
- Defensive end Dave Ball
- Offensive tackle Troy Kropog
- Running back Chris Henry
- Quarterback Patrick Ramsey
With Mawae out, Harris' development speeds up
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Kevin Mawae expects to be fully recovered from the elbow injury that cut his season short last year and the two subsequent surgeries in time for the Titans' opener at Pittsburgh on Sept. 10.
But while he's on the PUP list, the center position is well taken care of by third-year man Leroy Harris. And if Mawae isn't ready for the Steelers or against Houston or at the Jets, the Titans will have complete confidence in Harris, who started the regular-season finale and the playoff game against Baltimore last year.
 | |
| AP Photo/David Richard | |
| The Titans are comfortable with Leroy Harris (64) starting at center if Kevin Mawae isn't back from his elbow injury. |
While Mawae does effective work mostly because of his experience and crafty play, Harris is a much different player -- one that some Mawae critics hold out hope can still crack the lineup.
Harris is listed at 6-foot-3, 302 pounds; Mawae at 6-4, 289. Look at them and it's not hard to think the numbers are more different than that. Harris is very thick and strong.
"Leroy can move the pile, that's not Kevin's game. Obviously Kevin's game is quickness, getting skinny, getting to the second level, his expertise," offensive line coach Mike Munchak said. "Harris is more physical, can push the pile, matches up well, has great leverage on people because of his height. He's going to be an awfully good player."
It's interesting that Munchak points to Harris's height as something that makes him different than Mawae, when Mawae is listed as an inch taller. Harris' strength surely helps him be taller when he needs to be.
Mawae is in a contract year and wants to stay with the team beyond this season. But Harris is regarded as his successor, or at least as part of an interior line scenario where left guard Eugene Amano would move to center and Harris to guard.
Munchak compares Harris to Jets interior lineman Damien Woody, formerly of New England and Detroit, and ranks him as "5-A" on the line, an easy fill-in for any of the three interior spots.
"He's a lot stronger than I am," Mawae said. "He's got great feet, great hands and things like that. Strength-wise I'm not going to fool myself and say I am as strong as he is. I'm just not. The thing I have on him is the experience, the wisdom and the intuition that comes from playing for so long."
Mawae is unlikely to be unseated. Established starters don't lose jobs because of an injury. His presence and leadership are a big piece of the successful line. Harris said he's learned a lot about getting people off of him by watching Mawae, lessons he hopes he'll eventually be using as a starter.
"I lock up a lot more guys because I am stronger, but you're not going to be able outmuscle everybody," Harris said. "So the one thing is knocking guys' hands off. That's something I really got a chance to learn last year. Sometimes he beats your hands inside, but just having your hands quick enough where you can knock them off and still replace before you lose the guy is important. That's one thing he does really well, is swatting hands down."
So the Titans rank as four-deep on the interior.
Now Munchak needs to find a third tackle out of Mike Otto, Troy Kropog and Cory Lekkerkerker, or the Titans could be in the market for a veteran backup. Otto started Saturday against Tampa Bay at right tackle for the injured David Stewart and got a good review.
Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky
We've got rookie contract action.
The Texans have signed second-round defensive end Connor Barwin from Cincinnati, reports John McClain.
Jacksonville has signed third-round defensive tackle Terrance Knighton from Temple, writes Michael C. Wright and since announced by the team.
Both players are expected to boost their team's pass rush and help fill voids.
Here's our updated list for the entire division (player, round chosen, overall pick):
Houston Texans (seven of eight signed)
LB Brian Cushing (1-15) --
DE Connor Barwin (2-46) -- Signed
C Antoine Caldwell (3-77) -- Signed
S Glover Quin (4-112) -- Signed
TE Anthony Hill (4-122) -- Signed
TE James Casey (5-152) -- Signed
CB Brice McCain (6-188) -- Signed
S Troy Nolan (7-223) -- Signed
Indianapolis Colts (four of eight)
RB Donald Brown (1-27) --
DT Fili Moala (2-56) --
CB Jerraud Powers (3-92) -- Signed
WR Austin Collie (4-127) --
DT Terrance Taylor (4-136) -- Signed
QB Curtis Painter (6-201) --
P Pat McAfee (7-222) -- Signed
G Jaimie Thomas (7-236) -- Signed
Jacksonville Jaguars (seven of nine)
OT Eugene Monroe (1-8) --
OT Eben Britton (2-39) --
DT Terrance Knighton (3-72) --Signed
CB Derek Cox (3-73) -- Signed
WR Mike Thomas (4-107) -- Signed
WR Jarett Dillard (5-144) -- Signed
TE Zach Miller (6-180) -- Signed
RB Rashad Jennings (7-250) -- Signed
WR Tiquan Underwood (7-253) -- Signed
Tennessee Titans (10 of 11)
WR Kenny Britt (1-30) --
DT Sen'Derrick Marks (2-62) -- Signed
TE Jared Cook (3-89) -- Signed
CB Ryan Mouton (3-94) -- Signed
LB Gerald McRath (4-130) -- Signed
OT Troy Kropog (4-135) -- Signed
RB Javon Ringer (5-173) -- Signed
CB Jason McCourty (6-203) -- Signed
WR Dominique Edison (6-206) -- Signed
G Ryan Durand (7-239) -- Signed
S Nick Schommer (7-242) -- Signed
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.
