NFL Nation: Jake Locker
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Yes, the start of training camps is two months away, but it’s never too early to consider the coming season. A look at the best-case and worst-case scenarios for the Titans in 2012.
Dream scenario (11-5): Jake Locker beats out Matt Hasselbeck in the training camp quarterback battle and never looks back. The second-year signal-caller provides huge energy for the Titans, alleviating concerns about his accuracy. He spreads the ball around to a nice stable if receivers, including Kenny Britt, who’s healthy all season, Nate Washington, who matches last year’s effort, and Kendall Wright, who catches on quickly and doesn’t look like a rookie.
With a running quarterback under center and all those receivers helping stretch the field, Chris Johnson gets room and has a big rebound year. Defenses have to decide: Stack the box and risk yielding big passes or keep numbers in coverage and see CJ break off chunks.
The pass rush fares far better than last season because Kamerion Wimbley proves to be a great signing -- one that's made even more so because the offense gives Tennessee leads that make opponents one-dimensional.
Mike Munchak is a coach of the year candidate in line for an extension as he takes the Titans to the playoffs.
Nightmare scenario (5-11): They head into camp thinking they have two quarterbacks, but wind up with one getting hurt and the other struggling. Britt’s not healthy, Wright’s not effective and Johnson doesn’t rebound from last year, prompting speculation that his time as playmaker has past.
With inconsistent offense and not a lot of points, too much falls on the defense.
Teams get them in nickel and attack the guy in the slot. The Titans roll through several options there and none of them prove nearly as effective as Cortland Finnegan was. Derrick Morgan can’t mount the healthy and productive pass-rush campaign the team was banking on and Wimbley is also unable to lead any sort of consistent charge at opposing quarterbacks.
The Titans finish the year talking about how much better Locker will be in 2013. They also enter an uncertain time with Munchak and his staff, which head into the final year of their contracts not having shown they warrant extensions.
Yes, the start of training camps is two months away, but it’s never too early to consider the coming season. A look at the best-case and worst-case scenarios for the Titans in 2012.
Dream scenario (11-5): Jake Locker beats out Matt Hasselbeck in the training camp quarterback battle and never looks back. The second-year signal-caller provides huge energy for the Titans, alleviating concerns about his accuracy. He spreads the ball around to a nice stable if receivers, including Kenny Britt, who’s healthy all season, Nate Washington, who matches last year’s effort, and Kendall Wright, who catches on quickly and doesn’t look like a rookie.
With a running quarterback under center and all those receivers helping stretch the field, Chris Johnson gets room and has a big rebound year. Defenses have to decide: Stack the box and risk yielding big passes or keep numbers in coverage and see CJ break off chunks.
The pass rush fares far better than last season because Kamerion Wimbley proves to be a great signing -- one that's made even more so because the offense gives Tennessee leads that make opponents one-dimensional.
Mike Munchak is a coach of the year candidate in line for an extension as he takes the Titans to the playoffs.
Nightmare scenario (5-11): They head into camp thinking they have two quarterbacks, but wind up with one getting hurt and the other struggling. Britt’s not healthy, Wright’s not effective and Johnson doesn’t rebound from last year, prompting speculation that his time as playmaker has past.
With inconsistent offense and not a lot of points, too much falls on the defense.
Teams get them in nickel and attack the guy in the slot. The Titans roll through several options there and none of them prove nearly as effective as Cortland Finnegan was. Derrick Morgan can’t mount the healthy and productive pass-rush campaign the team was banking on and Wimbley is also unable to lead any sort of consistent charge at opposing quarterbacks.
The Titans finish the year talking about how much better Locker will be in 2013. They also enter an uncertain time with Munchak and his staff, which head into the final year of their contracts not having shown they warrant extensions.
Jake Locker versus Matt Hasselbeck will be one of our most intriguing training camp story lines.
Titans coaches love Hasselbeck, who carried the torch for the message as they took over and brought an immediate, necessary and underrated dose of veteran leadership to the locker room.
Unless he’s horrible in July and August, I can’t see how he gets demoted from the starting job, especially when the Titans' first four games are against the Patriots, at the Chargers, against the Lions and at the Texans.
Coach Mike Munchak has said he thinks as things unfold the decision will be obvious. I believe, ultimately, it will take one of three things for Locker to get the starting job:
I know many fans were excited about what they saw from Locker in limited action last year. I understand he’s the future. Yes, a lot of young quarterbacks have been given the keys to their teams and done well.
Still, none of them have really been in a situation where there team worked hard to get a reliable, proven veteran who can play on the roster the way the Titans did with Hasselbeck. They feel he delivered what they brought him in for, so they won't demote him easily or lightly. Reasonable or not, they feel a degree of loyalty to him, I believe.
Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean talked with Locker recently, and Locker said the sort of things a team wants to hear from its long-term guy.
What’s the catalyst for the Titans to turn to Locker? I don’t know what it is or when it arrives.
I do know the popular idea among fans is that the Titans should turn things over to the kid to get it over with and get him going, and move to the future in the present won’t be their rationale for the move when it comes.
If they don’t think he will give them as good a chance to win on the next Sunday on the schedule, I expect he’ll continue to sit unless Hasselbeck is hurt.
Titans coaches love Hasselbeck, who carried the torch for the message as they took over and brought an immediate, necessary and underrated dose of veteran leadership to the locker room.
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Jim Brown/US PresswireJake Locker continues to wait in the wings to take over as the Titans' starting quarterback.
Jim Brown/US PresswireJake Locker continues to wait in the wings to take over as the Titans' starting quarterback.Coach Mike Munchak has said he thinks as things unfold the decision will be obvious. I believe, ultimately, it will take one of three things for Locker to get the starting job:
- A tremendous training camp and preseason paired with poor play by Hasselbeck.
- An injury to Hasselbeck.
- A gut feeling from Munchak and offensive coordinator Chris Palmer that it’s time to turn to the QB of the future.
I know many fans were excited about what they saw from Locker in limited action last year. I understand he’s the future. Yes, a lot of young quarterbacks have been given the keys to their teams and done well.
Still, none of them have really been in a situation where there team worked hard to get a reliable, proven veteran who can play on the roster the way the Titans did with Hasselbeck. They feel he delivered what they brought him in for, so they won't demote him easily or lightly. Reasonable or not, they feel a degree of loyalty to him, I believe.
Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean talked with Locker recently, and Locker said the sort of things a team wants to hear from its long-term guy.
“My goal is to earn the respect of the guys around me. Not to ask for it, but how you go out and work and how you prepare yourself, they can tell it means something to you …
“Just knowing a routine — I know what to expect now, somewhat. I know what to expect out of camp. I know what to expect out of our first road game, our first preseason game. It is not all new to me now, and there is a sense of comfort in that.”
What’s the catalyst for the Titans to turn to Locker? I don’t know what it is or when it arrives.
I do know the popular idea among fans is that the Titans should turn things over to the kid to get it over with and get him going, and move to the future in the present won’t be their rationale for the move when it comes.
If they don’t think he will give them as good a chance to win on the next Sunday on the schedule, I expect he’ll continue to sit unless Hasselbeck is hurt.
The NFL draft is in the books, and the next step is to get rookies signed with their new teams. The new rookie wage scale has helped teams sign players much easier. The drama and potential for holdouts have been taken away now that teams, players and agents already know what kind of contract to expect based on their projected slot.
Here is a quick look at what players made last year, and what the latest AFC East rookies can expect:
No. 8 pick: QB Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins
2011 No. 8 pick: QB Jake Locker, Tennessee Titans (four years, $12.58 million)
No. 10 pick: CB Stephon Gilmore, Buffalo Bills
2011 No. 10 pick: QB Blaine Gabbert, Jacksonville Jaguars (four years, $12 million)
No. 16 pick: DE Quinton Coples, New York Jets
2011 No. 16 pick: DE Ryan Kerrigan, Washington Redskins (four years, $8.72 million)
No. 21 pick: DE Chandler Jones, New England Patriots
2011 No. 21 pick: DT Phil Taylor, Cleveland Browns (four years, $8.1 million)
No. 25 pick: LB Dont'a Hightower, New England Patriots
2011 No. 25 pick: OT James Carpenter, Seattle Seahawks (four years, $7.641 million)
These contracts are absolute bargains for teams. That is why so many were trading into the top 10 at an unprecedented rate.
Even Miami's pick at No. 8 will be cheap compared to what quarterbacks in the draft usually make. Tannehill will average about $3-$4 million per year on his rookie contract? That’s not much risk for the Dolphins. Other AFC East teams will be risking even less thanks to the rookie wage scale.
Here is a quick look at what players made last year, and what the latest AFC East rookies can expect:
No. 8 pick: QB Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins
2011 No. 8 pick: QB Jake Locker, Tennessee Titans (four years, $12.58 million)
No. 10 pick: CB Stephon Gilmore, Buffalo Bills
2011 No. 10 pick: QB Blaine Gabbert, Jacksonville Jaguars (four years, $12 million)
No. 16 pick: DE Quinton Coples, New York Jets
2011 No. 16 pick: DE Ryan Kerrigan, Washington Redskins (four years, $8.72 million)
No. 21 pick: DE Chandler Jones, New England Patriots
2011 No. 21 pick: DT Phil Taylor, Cleveland Browns (four years, $8.1 million)
No. 25 pick: LB Dont'a Hightower, New England Patriots
2011 No. 25 pick: OT James Carpenter, Seattle Seahawks (four years, $7.641 million)
These contracts are absolute bargains for teams. That is why so many were trading into the top 10 at an unprecedented rate.
Even Miami's pick at No. 8 will be cheap compared to what quarterbacks in the draft usually make. Tannehill will average about $3-$4 million per year on his rookie contract? That’s not much risk for the Dolphins. Other AFC East teams will be risking even less thanks to the rookie wage scale.
Britt and Wright a big-time duo for Titans
April, 26, 2012
Apr 26
10:39
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
INDIANAPOLIS -- In Kendall Wright, the Titans add an explosive receiver who can go deep and should be a help to quarterbacks Matt Hasselbeck and Jake Locker.
I’ve written tonight about how the Colts have an obligation after adding Andrew Luck to give him weapons to work with.
This pick by Tennessee suggests the Titans feel a similar obligation to Locker, the quarterback they picked eighth overall a year ago.
In 2011, Washington blossomed in a way I figured was not possible for a seventh-year man. Some of that came from his willingness to embrace an opportunity to work out of the slot when the Titans went three-wide.
Going forward they will have some options as to where to line people up when three receivers are on the field. And it should be more often than ever since the run-and-shoot days of the Oilers.
Wright should be a home run hitter.
And a Britt-Wright pairing should give the Titans a duo that can pull them further in line with the mindset of today’s winning NFL formula, where things center a lot more on throwing it than running it.
Divisional draft rank post Manning, Mario
March, 26, 2012
Mar 26
11:29
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
With the departure of Peyton Manning and Mario Williams, the AFC South lost two overall No. 1 picks.
The loss of star power led me to wonder about what our teams have left in terms of high-ranking draft picks, and how they compare to one another and the rest of the league.
John McTigue of ESPN Stats & Information looked at the average draft slot of the top 10 highest-drafted players -- how ever deep that goes beyond the first round -- still on each team.
Obviously, where a team drafts is based on how it finishes. Certainly higher draft picks hardly guarantee successful choices. But if you’ve got higher picks, you’ve got a better chance of hitting.
As the chart at right shows, all four AFC South teams fall below the league average of 35.1: The Texans are at 35.4, the Jaguars 38.1, the Titans 39.3 and the Colts 46.8.
The Texans and Colts clearly suffer from losing Williams and Manning. The Jaguars have only four home-grown first-rounders on their team after a bunch of busts. The Titans' number inflates because Adam Jones and Vince Young didn’t stick around. The Colts have been consistently good, so they’ve consistently drafted late. Their averages are about to rise.
As the chart below shows, the top 10 highest-drafted players still in the AFC South average a draft spot of 11.1. The only division whose top 10 remaining home-grown draft picks were selected at a worse average position is the NFC East (13.9).
Keith Hawkins of ESPN Stats & Info limited his search to the average draft position of first-rounders remaining with the team that drafted them (chart at right). This seems less telling to me as you eliminate first-rounders who busted, and first-rounders who have left.
Buffalo’s the high at 7.7, the Giants are the low at 25.2.
Jacksonville comes in at 14.0, Houston at 15.0, Tennessee at 19.4 and Indianapolis at 24.2.
Here are the top draft guys in the division now, pending the Colts' pick at No. 1, and the Jaguars' pick at No. 7.
The loss of star power led me to wonder about what our teams have left in terms of high-ranking draft picks, and how they compare to one another and the rest of the league.
John McTigue of ESPN Stats & Information looked at the average draft slot of the top 10 highest-drafted players -- how ever deep that goes beyond the first round -- still on each team.
Obviously, where a team drafts is based on how it finishes. Certainly higher draft picks hardly guarantee successful choices. But if you’ve got higher picks, you’ve got a better chance of hitting.
As the chart at right shows, all four AFC South teams fall below the league average of 35.1: The Texans are at 35.4, the Jaguars 38.1, the Titans 39.3 and the Colts 46.8.
The Texans and Colts clearly suffer from losing Williams and Manning. The Jaguars have only four home-grown first-rounders on their team after a bunch of busts. The Titans' number inflates because Adam Jones and Vince Young didn’t stick around. The Colts have been consistently good, so they’ve consistently drafted late. Their averages are about to rise.
As the chart below shows, the top 10 highest-drafted players still in the AFC South average a draft spot of 11.1. The only division whose top 10 remaining home-grown draft picks were selected at a worse average position is the NFC East (13.9).
Keith Hawkins of ESPN Stats & Info limited his search to the average draft position of first-rounders remaining with the team that drafted them (chart at right). This seems less telling to me as you eliminate first-rounders who busted, and first-rounders who have left.
Buffalo’s the high at 7.7, the Giants are the low at 25.2.
Jacksonville comes in at 14.0, Houston at 15.0, Tennessee at 19.4 and Indianapolis at 24.2.
Here are the top draft guys in the division now, pending the Colts' pick at No. 1, and the Jaguars' pick at No. 7.
- Texans receiver Andre Johnson, third overall
- Titans quarterback Jake Locker, eighth
- Jaguars left tackle Eugene Monroe, eighth
- Jaguars defensive tackle Tyson Alualu, 10th
- Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert, 10th
- Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney, 11th
- Texans defensive end J.J. Watt, 11th
- Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing, 15th
- Titans defensive end Derrick Morgan, 16th
- Titans safety Michael Griffin, 19th
Three other teams relieved Manning moving
March, 19, 2012
Mar 19
3:23
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
It’s safe to presume the Colts, Texans and Jaguars weren’t upset to learn that Peyton Manning is heading out of the AFC South.
Indianapolis won’t have to face their team’s long-time icon as an opponent twice a season. And the Texans and Jaguars would choose to game plan for and play Matt Hasselbeck or Jake Locker over Manning for sure.
Houston will see Manning once, as they are the only AFC South team that has the Broncos on their schedule. The Texans will play at Denver in 2012.
While Manning sat out last season, he’s been a fixture in the division since realignment in 2002 and the division’s singular star for its entire lifespan.
His departure means there’s room at the top, and it means three teams won’t have to find a way through or around him to win their division and get into the playoffs.
Indianapolis won’t have to face their team’s long-time icon as an opponent twice a season. And the Texans and Jaguars would choose to game plan for and play Matt Hasselbeck or Jake Locker over Manning for sure.
Houston will see Manning once, as they are the only AFC South team that has the Broncos on their schedule. The Texans will play at Denver in 2012.
While Manning sat out last season, he’s been a fixture in the division since realignment in 2002 and the division’s singular star for its entire lifespan.
His departure means there’s room at the top, and it means three teams won’t have to find a way through or around him to win their division and get into the playoffs.
The Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers showed interest in former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck last offseason.
What might happen if Hasselbeck hits the market again in 2012?
The question comes to mind while Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams makes a strong push for quarterback Peyton Manning.
Adams' interest, expressed emphatically over the weekend, initially seemed like bluster. But with Manning and the Titans meeting Wednesday, there's at least a chance. Manning would get to face his former team, Indianapolis, and the happy-with-Matt Schaub Houston Texans two times apiece per season.
If Manning lands in Tennessee, the Titans would proceed with 2011 first-round choice Jake Locker as their backup and projected future starter. Hasselbeck would be out.
The Cardinals could make room for Hasselbeck by declining to pay a $7 million bonus due to Kevin Kolb by Friday. We're dealing in the hypothetical at this point, but so are the teams. As much as the Cardinals want Manning, they must prepare alternate strategies. They could have a choice between Kolb and Hasselbeck if Manning landed in Tennessee. Hasselbeck would upgrade the position on the field, in my view, while giving the Cardinals a veteran mentor for Skelton.
Hasselbeck ranked about the same as Kolb in NFL passer rating last season, but much higher in Total QBR. Hasselbeck suffered from losing top receiver Kenny Britt to a season-ending injury. The Cardinals would presumably welcome his ability to make quick decisions, a problem area for Arizona last season.
Quite a few NFC West watchers have also asked whether Kolb might land in Seattle if the Cardinals released him. My sense is that Seattle could be in the market for a range of quarterbacks at sub-starter prices. Matt Flynn and Chad Henne are visiting this week. Kolb would present another option if the Cardinals parted with him.
Manning would be the only available quarterback Seattle would pay starting money this offseason, in my view. Previous reports have suggested the Seahawks were not in contention. The latest news story from ESPN's Chris Mortensen offers at last some hope even though Seattle does not appear to be under consideration at this time.
"Manning has not eliminated any of the teams with which he has previously met -- the Denver Broncos, Arizona Cardinals, or Miami Dolphins, nor has he closed the door on possibly meeting with other teams," the story says.
As for the 49ers, they appear most likely to re-sign Alex Smith. Hasselbeck would be an obvious alternative for them if he became available and Smith's situation with the 49ers changed.
What might happen if Hasselbeck hits the market again in 2012?
The question comes to mind while Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams makes a strong push for quarterback Peyton Manning.
Adams' interest, expressed emphatically over the weekend, initially seemed like bluster. But with Manning and the Titans meeting Wednesday, there's at least a chance. Manning would get to face his former team, Indianapolis, and the happy-with-Matt Schaub Houston Texans two times apiece per season.
If Manning lands in Tennessee, the Titans would proceed with 2011 first-round choice Jake Locker as their backup and projected future starter. Hasselbeck would be out.
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Jim Brown/US PresswireIf Matt Hasselbeck becomes available, he could be an intriguing option for several NFC West teams.
Jim Brown/US PresswireIf Matt Hasselbeck becomes available, he could be an intriguing option for several NFC West teams.Hasselbeck ranked about the same as Kolb in NFL passer rating last season, but much higher in Total QBR. Hasselbeck suffered from losing top receiver Kenny Britt to a season-ending injury. The Cardinals would presumably welcome his ability to make quick decisions, a problem area for Arizona last season.
Quite a few NFC West watchers have also asked whether Kolb might land in Seattle if the Cardinals released him. My sense is that Seattle could be in the market for a range of quarterbacks at sub-starter prices. Matt Flynn and Chad Henne are visiting this week. Kolb would present another option if the Cardinals parted with him.
Manning would be the only available quarterback Seattle would pay starting money this offseason, in my view. Previous reports have suggested the Seahawks were not in contention. The latest news story from ESPN's Chris Mortensen offers at last some hope even though Seattle does not appear to be under consideration at this time.
"Manning has not eliminated any of the teams with which he has previously met -- the Denver Broncos, Arizona Cardinals, or Miami Dolphins, nor has he closed the door on possibly meeting with other teams," the story says.
As for the 49ers, they appear most likely to re-sign Alex Smith. Hasselbeck would be an obvious alternative for them if he became available and Smith's situation with the 49ers changed.
Getty ImagesMaurice Jones-Drew, left, Andrew Luck, center, and Arian Foster are candidates to become biggest star the AFC South has to offer.Without him in the AFC South, how does a star system that’s revolved around him for some time now align?
We’ll make two large presumptions here -- Mario Williams will be out of the division and Andrew Luck will be in it.
Here’s my order, with comments from Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc.:
1. Arian Foster, Texans running back.
Production: An average of 88.5 yards rushing and 126 total yards per game, with 33 touchdowns in 35 games. That’s tremendous. Last season in the Texans' second playoff game he ran for 132 yards against a highly touted Ravens defense in Baltimore.
Colts Release Peyton Manning
• Kuharsky: Manning, Colts look ahead
• Kuharsky: Separation will sting
• Fox: Irsay better hope he's right
• Page 2: Athletes with bonds to cities
• Stats & Info: Statistical legacy in Indy
• Q&A: What's next for Colts, Manning
• Vote: Was Manning treated fairly?
• Sprow: Projecting Manning's impact 
• Brandt: Finances sealed Manning's fate
• Where will Manning land?
• NFL Nation | Photo Gallery
Popularity: It’s giant and growing in Houston and nationally. He tweets with fans. And he's unafraid to take on big topics in social media, like his perspective on fantasy football or sharing an injury X-ray.
Williamson: “Perfect piece for this running game -- with [Adrian] Peterson injured, could be the top running back in all of football. Very versatile. GREAT all-around player on the best team in division.”
2. Andre Johnson, Texans receiver
Production: In 122 career games, he’s averaged 79 receiving yards a game and 13.7 yards a catch. He’s scored 52 touchdowns and led the NFL twice in receptions and twice in yardage while earning a spot on the All-Pro first team twice. He is a willing and effective blocker who combines size and speed.
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AP Photo/Phelan M. EbenhackHouston's Andre Johnson has the talent to be the best receiver in the NFL.
AP Photo/Phelan M. EbenhackHouston's Andre Johnson has the talent to be the best receiver in the NFL.Popularity: He’s absolutely beloved in Houston and qualifies as the all-time face of the young franchise. For a star of his size, he seems accessible and approachable, and appreciative that people want access and approachability.
Williamson: “With the body of work, he’s not far removed from being the best wide receiver in the NFL. He easily could rebound from injury to regain such status.”
3. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars running back
Production: Despite facing stacked boxes throughout his career, Jones-Drew has plowed for 73.7 yards a game and 4.6 yards a carry. He’s also been a solid receiver with at least 34 catches a season. In 93 games, he’s scored 73 touchdowns.
Personality: He’s a fun guy who’s well liked by team executives, coaches and teammates. But he can be defensive and take things way too personally. He maintains a list of reporters whom he feels slighted him, which is a bit over the top for a star of his magnitude.
Popularity: Very much the face of the franchise -- many would say too much so. He’s an affable guy who’s very well liked in Jacksonville and has built a national profile thanks largely to his fantasy football production and a regular gig on Sirius NFL Radio centered on the fantasy game.
Williamson: “No running back had a better 2011 season than MJD. He does it all with ZERO around him. A pro’s pro.”
Production: In three seasons as the starter at Stanford, he completed 67 percent of his passes with 82 touchdowns and 22 interceptions despite not being surrounded by great weapons. His football IQ and accuracy are factors that make him such a big-time prospect. He’s underrated as an athlete who can run and jump and do a lot of things that may not be primary skills for a pocket passer but will be big factors in a well-rounded game.
Personality: He seems like a nice enough guy and is close to an engineering degree from Stanford, which tells you he’s quite smart. He stayed in school for his senior year, which showed confidence that he would be better positioned coming out after another year of school. It also suggested some perspective on football.
Popularity: He’s a huge star coming out being so strongly the consensus No. 1 pick. He has a regular-guy demeanor that will serve him well as he inherits Manning’s spot with the Colts. It may come a bit more slowly than most No. 1 picks because of that context, but if he plays as predicted, it’ll come.
Williamson: “It is all about the future/potential/hope ... and that is a terrific story. Of course, following in Manning’s footsteps factors in as well. An exceptional and rare prospect.”
5. Chris Johnson, Titans running back
Production: It dropped off in a major way last season after he got the big contract extension he was looking for. Even with a down year, he’s averaged 89.6 rushing yards per game and 4.8 yards a carry and he’s scored 42 touchdowns in 63 games. Does he have the same speed he showed in his first three seasons?
Personality: In a word, brash. He’s made big predictions and the down year hasn’t stopped that. He recently tweeted that he will lead the league in rushing next season. Some view him as selfish -- and it’s a fair idea to examine as his effort was questionable at times. You won’t find a more confident guy, and he may like the star life a little bit too much.
Popularity: He was huge when he topped 2,000 rushing yards in 2009, and with 12 touchdowns in 2010 he was still one of the league’s top backs. But Titans fans (and fantasy owners who drafted him at or near the top) loved him less as Tennessee didn’t run nearly as effectively as usual in 2011.
Williamson: “We have certainly seen what a difference-maker Johnson can be. And actually, I expect his situation to improve a great deal next season with an improved interior offensive line and getting Kenny Britt back in the lineup, but there were just too many runs in 2011 where Johnson lacked competitiveness.”
Two notes:
- I struggled to choose between Johnson and Houston linebacker Brian Cushing for the last spot. But it’s hard for a defensive player to outrank a guy who has the ball all the time. And fair or not, Cushing has a dent in his national reputation because of his four-game suspension in 2010.
- Williamson said Britt and Titans quarterback Jake Locker could press for inclusion soon and I agree. For Britt it’s about health; For Locker it’s about opportunity and production.
Brian Spurlock/US PresswireOne thing that didn't change after this year's NFL combine -- Andrew Luck is still going to the Indianapolis Colts at No. 1. 1. There are a lot of intriguing receivers, but some insiders don’t expect even Justin Blackmon to be a quick, high-impact guy like A.J. Green and Julio Jones were last year. It’s the beginning of hole-punching season and scouts and analysts will pick people apart. But while there are a lot of talented receivers coming out, if you are a team that needs immediate impact, one strong opinion says you’d be wise to shop in a pretty good free-agent market.
What it means to the division: The Jaguars have to land at least one big-time guy in free agency. I nominate Vincent Jackson. The Colts need to hold onto Reggie Wayne or Pierre Garcon.
2. The top guys seem like sure things: Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III and USC left tackle Matt Kalil could go 1-2-3 if someone trades into St. Louis’ No. 2 pick. I’ve not heard anyone raising any real issues with any of the three or with LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne. The quarterbacks are expected to be franchise guys, the tackle can protect a franchise guy and the corner can take away the franchise guy’s top target.
What it means to the division: There is no suspense at all about what the Colts are going to do and Luck’s combine visit to Lucas Oil Stadium was the first of many. Claiborne could be irresistible if he is there at No. 7 for the Jags.
3. Position values can be overrated. Historically, guards and safeties are not regarded as early first-round values. But this draft may feature singular guys at each spot, and it makes little sense to pass on Stanford guard David DeCastro or Alabama safety Mark Barron if you have a hole at the position. They are both drawing raves.
What it means for the division: Both probably disappear after the Colts and Jaguars have picked first and seventh but before the Titans pick 20th.
4. Quinton Coples is going to be a scary pick. The North Carolina defensive end gets some people talking about Julius Peppers. But his effort in his final year with the Tar Heels was questionable at best. ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay said it looked like Coples “had a union deal” the way he went through the motions. The team that takes him won’t have a guarantee joining its roster, it'll have a guy a defensive line coach will need to figure out.
What it means for the division: The Jaguars could go into the draft still needing a rush end, but the knocks on Coples don’t make him seem like a match with GM Gene Smith at all.
5. There is a flurry of new information teams will be gathering for a couple more days. But when scouts and personnel executives get back to their offices Wednesday, the film will once again be the prevalent measure they put to work as they stack their boards. Forty times, bench press numbers, Wonderlic scores and interview notes will all factor into grades. But the most significant information gained in Indianapolis is typically the hands-on medical information training staffs gather. Details of issues there may also be the biggest secrets.
What it means for the division: Nothing different than for anyone else. We don’t know what we don’t know, and the intrigue is a big part of why this whole process is so insanely popular.
6. News nuggets from coaches and GMs are more and more difficult to pry loose at this stage of the year. We learned Jaguars defensive tackle Tyson Alualu had knee surgery, the Colts have made a contract offer to Pierre Garcon he didn’t accept, the Texans still see Matt Leinart and T.J. Yates competing for the No. 2 quarterback job and the Titans might overpay for a veteran edge rusher. Beyond that? Not much. A lot of generalities as secrecy ruled the day.
What it means for the division: Run through the AFC South coaches and GMs. Who’s the most dynamic, chatty guy of the bunch? I think it’ll be Colts coach Chuck Pagano in time. Five of the eight guys are in their first or second season in the job. Everyone is pretty reserved at this point, even the veterans of the group, Rick Smith and Gary Kubiak of the Texans.
7. We need to go find the specifics of a different rule every year. Colts general manager Ryan Grigson and Pagano both said they had not seen Peyton Manning throw. They didn’t say they aren’t allowed to see Manning throw. As it turns out, though, NFL rules don’t allow for executives beyond medical staff to watch even a rehabilitating player work at this point. While I don’t believe there is a decision still to be made, it’s interesting that the Colts' new duo at the top will only be able to hear reports from medical people and not see for themselves by the March 8th bonus deadline for Manning.
What it means for the division: Every team in the division will have a question at quarterback heading into camp: Is Matt Schaub’s foot healed? Can Matt Hasselbeck hold off Jake Locker? Does Blaine Gabbert get better? And how effective can Luck be from the start?
INDIANAPOLIS -- That was former Seattle Seahawks executive Ruston Webster lauding former Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck on Thursday.
Hasselbeck"His ability to work with the receivers and really his ability to command an offense and manage a game and get the ball to the right people without zeroing in on one guy, I think was huge," Webster, now the Tennessee Titans' general manager, said of Hasselbeck, now the Titans' quarterback, from the scouting combine.
Webster was particularly impressed with how Hasselbeck handled losing top receiver Kenny Britt to injury.
"As you know, he's the master at the line of scrimmage and changing plays and doing all those kinds of things, and so he just, I felt like, gave us a chance even without our top playmaker in there," Webster said.
The Titans plan for Hasselbeck to compete with Jake Locker for the starting job in 2012.
We've long since moved past debating whether Seattle should have held onto Hasselbeck. That discussion has played out. I'm passing along Webster's comments merely as an update regarding a couple guys with NFC West ties.
Webster was particularly impressed with how Hasselbeck handled losing top receiver Kenny Britt to injury.
"As you know, he's the master at the line of scrimmage and changing plays and doing all those kinds of things, and so he just, I felt like, gave us a chance even without our top playmaker in there," Webster said.
The Titans plan for Hasselbeck to compete with Jake Locker for the starting job in 2012.
We've long since moved past debating whether Seattle should have held onto Hasselbeck. That discussion has played out. I'm passing along Webster's comments merely as an update regarding a couple guys with NFC West ties.
On Manning elsewhere in the division
January, 30, 2012
Jan 30
9:20
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Jerome Solomon of the Houston Chronicle recently wrote that if Peyton Manning is available, the Texans should be at the head of the line.
No one knows if we are if we are talking about a healthy Manning, and he’d come with more risk of suffering another neck injury. Presuming he’s OK, in my view, you can look at all but six teams in the league and say the same thing Solomon is saying about the Texans. Simply insert the name of 25 other presumed starting quarterbacks in the Schaub slot in the above passage and it is intriguing.
Most teams aren’t big on scrapping long-range plans.
But most teams should be willing to change course given a chance at an all-time great quarterback in the rare instance when adding him is feasible and it would open a window during which they’d rank as a Super Bowl contender.
Much has been written about the teams most likely to court Manning the hardest: the Jets, Dolphins, Redskins and Cardinals top most lists.
Much has been said about an ideal fit: Add him to San Francisco, shore up the receivers and the Niners would be a Super Bowl favorite.
Let’s look at the scenario dreaming fans of the other three AFC South fans may be letting creep into their brains:
Houston
As Solomon writes, “Once Manning is let go he should be as interested in the Texans as they would be in him. There might not be a better fit for him in the NFL.”
The Texans could dominate a weak division. Gary Kubiak is a great offensive mind. Manning would be paired with an excellent run game and a fantastic receiver in Andre Johnson. The defense should continue to be quite good.
My feeling: It’s nice to imagine, but I just can’t picture the Texans going after him with the all-out sales pitch he’s likely to get from a lot of other places. They feel they now have good insurance for Schaub with T.J. Yates. But if you boil down the best option, it’s be Manning. Cap room would be an issue.
Jacksonville
New owner Shahid Khan has said he’s willing to spend and there is not a move that could make a bigger splash.
The Jaguars have excellent defensive personnel and if they add a rush end and re-stock at corner, they’ll be a top defense. They have the reigning rushing champ.
Their quarterback was horrible as a rookie. Put Blaine Gabbert behind Manning, acquire two or three receivers for him to throw to and the Jaguars would be instant contenders more than able to challenge the Texans.
My feeling: It makes sense and the Jaguars should take a swing even though it falls well outside their typical approach under general manager Gene Smith. I don’t imagine it’s the most attractive market for Manning, though he could really help put it, and Khan, on the map.
Tennessee
It won’t be long before those who still love Manning for what he did at the University of Tennessee clamor for him to finish his career with the Titans. It would mean the Titans part with Matt Hasselbeck and that Jake Locker would be planted on the bench longer than was the initial plan.
But put Manning on this team, with a great pass-protecting line, a healthy Kenny Britt, a stable of targets including Jared Cook, Nate Washington and Chris Johnson and the offense is instantly more dangerous.
My feeling: It’s too far outside the box for new general manager Ruston Webster to try it. But if owner Bud Adams fell in love with the idea and dictated that it happen, it would be a far better idea than the last time he forced a quarterback on his people.
Sorry, Matt Schaub. Thanks for your service.
Schaub might be a solid quarterback, but a healthy Manning is more than solid. He is an all-time great.
No one knows if we are if we are talking about a healthy Manning, and he’d come with more risk of suffering another neck injury. Presuming he’s OK, in my view, you can look at all but six teams in the league and say the same thing Solomon is saying about the Texans. Simply insert the name of 25 other presumed starting quarterbacks in the Schaub slot in the above passage and it is intriguing.
Most teams aren’t big on scrapping long-range plans.
But most teams should be willing to change course given a chance at an all-time great quarterback in the rare instance when adding him is feasible and it would open a window during which they’d rank as a Super Bowl contender.
Much has been written about the teams most likely to court Manning the hardest: the Jets, Dolphins, Redskins and Cardinals top most lists.
Much has been said about an ideal fit: Add him to San Francisco, shore up the receivers and the Niners would be a Super Bowl favorite.
Let’s look at the scenario dreaming fans of the other three AFC South fans may be letting creep into their brains:
Houston
As Solomon writes, “Once Manning is let go he should be as interested in the Texans as they would be in him. There might not be a better fit for him in the NFL.”
The Texans could dominate a weak division. Gary Kubiak is a great offensive mind. Manning would be paired with an excellent run game and a fantastic receiver in Andre Johnson. The defense should continue to be quite good.
My feeling: It’s nice to imagine, but I just can’t picture the Texans going after him with the all-out sales pitch he’s likely to get from a lot of other places. They feel they now have good insurance for Schaub with T.J. Yates. But if you boil down the best option, it’s be Manning. Cap room would be an issue.
Jacksonville
New owner Shahid Khan has said he’s willing to spend and there is not a move that could make a bigger splash.
The Jaguars have excellent defensive personnel and if they add a rush end and re-stock at corner, they’ll be a top defense. They have the reigning rushing champ.
Their quarterback was horrible as a rookie. Put Blaine Gabbert behind Manning, acquire two or three receivers for him to throw to and the Jaguars would be instant contenders more than able to challenge the Texans.
My feeling: It makes sense and the Jaguars should take a swing even though it falls well outside their typical approach under general manager Gene Smith. I don’t imagine it’s the most attractive market for Manning, though he could really help put it, and Khan, on the map.
Tennessee
It won’t be long before those who still love Manning for what he did at the University of Tennessee clamor for him to finish his career with the Titans. It would mean the Titans part with Matt Hasselbeck and that Jake Locker would be planted on the bench longer than was the initial plan.
But put Manning on this team, with a great pass-protecting line, a healthy Kenny Britt, a stable of targets including Jared Cook, Nate Washington and Chris Johnson and the offense is instantly more dangerous.
My feeling: It’s too far outside the box for new general manager Ruston Webster to try it. But if owner Bud Adams fell in love with the idea and dictated that it happen, it would be a far better idea than the last time he forced a quarterback on his people.
A demoralized Matt Hasselbeck said after Sunday’s loss in Indianapolis that he failed the Titans when he was unable to bring a flat team more energy at Lucas Oil Stadium.
I think far too many people have been over-reacting to the work Jake Locker’s done in relief in three recent games -- against the Falcons, the Saints and the Colts. Note please, that the rookie failed to engineer a comeback win in any of the three. That doesn’t mean he failed or played poorly, but it also doesn’t earn him a parade.
Mike Munchak said Sunday he didn’t know what he’d do at quarterback going forward. He could tell us in his 4:30 p.m. ET news conference today.
I’ve pondered both sides to the Hasselbeck-Locker debate since Sunday, when I understood why the Titans went with and stuck with Hasselbeck in the loss at Indianapolis but also thought they should have made a change to Locker sooner.
Munchak could sell me on the rationale for going either way as the Titans prepare for their Christmas Eve game against Jacksonville and their New Year's Day game at Houston.
The Titans still have a chance at the playoffs, and this decision should be all about maximizing their chances to finish with two wins to get to 9-7, not about setting things up for the future. As long as there is a chance, you work to get into the playoffs and see what happens once you do.
If it’s Hasselbeck, it’s about experience. He’s going to complete a higher percentage of passes, he understands coverages and he should recognize weak spots in a Jaguars defense that’s been decimated by injuries
Hasselbeck’s slumped recently, but has given the Titans what they wanted when they signed him. He came to Nashville expecting to throw to Kenny Britt and supplement a dominant run game keyed by Chris Johnson.
Britt was lost for the season after three games and Johnson’s season has been a giant disappointment.
Hasselbeck’s been a big locker room presence who’s helped transform a group that was starving for leadership. Pulling the rug out from under a guy who’s done that work doesn’t send a great message.
Downside: He’s been struggling. In Hasselbeck’s last five games he’s hit on 61 percent of his throws with one touchdown, five interceptions and a 61.6 passer rating.
If it’s Locker, it’s about energy and mobility. The Titans were way too flat in Indianapolis and Hasselbeck bemoaned his inability to spark the team. Locker appears to be able to do so. But has it been a result of a change at quarterback or specifically a change to this quarterback?
While he’ll complete fewer passes, he will also extend more plays with his great athleticism and running ability. And one guy who could benefit from having a run threat at quarterback is Johnson, who won’t be the sole danger out of the backfield for the Jaguars to worry about.
Give Locker a full week of practice snaps with the first team and perhaps you get a big effort from a guy the Jaguars can’t know exactly how to best defend.
I do expect Locker to overwhelmingly win this poll. I don’t expect Munchak to make the change.
We should know soon.
I think far too many people have been over-reacting to the work Jake Locker’s done in relief in three recent games -- against the Falcons, the Saints and the Colts. Note please, that the rookie failed to engineer a comeback win in any of the three. That doesn’t mean he failed or played poorly, but it also doesn’t earn him a parade.
I’ve pondered both sides to the Hasselbeck-Locker debate since Sunday, when I understood why the Titans went with and stuck with Hasselbeck in the loss at Indianapolis but also thought they should have made a change to Locker sooner.
Munchak could sell me on the rationale for going either way as the Titans prepare for their Christmas Eve game against Jacksonville and their New Year's Day game at Houston.
The Titans still have a chance at the playoffs, and this decision should be all about maximizing their chances to finish with two wins to get to 9-7, not about setting things up for the future. As long as there is a chance, you work to get into the playoffs and see what happens once you do.
If it’s Hasselbeck, it’s about experience. He’s going to complete a higher percentage of passes, he understands coverages and he should recognize weak spots in a Jaguars defense that’s been decimated by injuries
Hasselbeck’s slumped recently, but has given the Titans what they wanted when they signed him. He came to Nashville expecting to throw to Kenny Britt and supplement a dominant run game keyed by Chris Johnson.
Britt was lost for the season after three games and Johnson’s season has been a giant disappointment.
Hasselbeck’s been a big locker room presence who’s helped transform a group that was starving for leadership. Pulling the rug out from under a guy who’s done that work doesn’t send a great message.
Downside: He’s been struggling. In Hasselbeck’s last five games he’s hit on 61 percent of his throws with one touchdown, five interceptions and a 61.6 passer rating.
If it’s Locker, it’s about energy and mobility. The Titans were way too flat in Indianapolis and Hasselbeck bemoaned his inability to spark the team. Locker appears to be able to do so. But has it been a result of a change at quarterback or specifically a change to this quarterback?
While he’ll complete fewer passes, he will also extend more plays with his great athleticism and running ability. And one guy who could benefit from having a run threat at quarterback is Johnson, who won’t be the sole danger out of the backfield for the Jaguars to worry about.
Give Locker a full week of practice snaps with the first team and perhaps you get a big effort from a guy the Jaguars can’t know exactly how to best defend.
I do expect Locker to overwhelmingly win this poll. I don’t expect Munchak to make the change.
We should know soon.
Rapid Reaction: Colts 27, Titans 13
December, 18, 2011
12/18/11
4:14
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
INDIANAPOLIS -- Thoughts on the Colts’ 27-13 win over the Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium:
What it means: A happy day in Indy. The 2011 Colts won’t be joining the 2008 Detroit Lions in NFL annals as an 0-16 team. They played tight and efficient defense, rushed the passer well while not allowing big plays, took the ball away three times and ran the ball with some consistency en route to their first win. It was the first NFL win for Colts quarterback Dan Orlovsky, who was also on that Lions team. The result effectively ended the Titans’ playoff hopes. Now 7-7 they’d need a ton of help to earn the last wild card spot at 9-7.
What I liked -- Colts: Big plays on defense. Maligned cornerback Jacob Lacey took a pass away from Chris Johnson and returned it 32 yards for a score. Pat Angerer killed the Titans when they looked to be getting things going in the fourth quarter, stripping Jared Cook for a fumble which was recovered by Chris Rucker. Angerer also picked off Hasselbeck in the end zone on a deep try for Nate Washington thrown as the quarterback got hit. The Colts got a consistently good push up front and matched it with tight coverage, allowing the Titans few big chunks. Outside of an awkward trip as he backed out from center and handed off, Orlovsky played with composure and decisiveness. The defense probably tackled as well as it has all season -- even on Chris Johnson’s late 35-yard run, Rucker caught him and pulled him down from behind.
What I didn’t like -- Titans: Yes, Matt Hasselbeck was under consistent pressure. But a combination of play-calling by offensive coordinator Chris Palmer and decision-making by Hasselbeck was far too conservative. (The deep shot to Washington that was picked was too little, too late.) Tennessee seemed hell-bent on not taking shots that would stretch out the Colts defense, checking down and throwing short passes that featured Johnson far too often. Why, when so many teams have made so many big plays against Indy this season, were the Titans so willing to settle for short stuff?
Second-guess city: I backed the Titans decision to start and stick with Matt Hasselbeck into the fourth quarter. It’s easy to second guess now. But maybe Jake Locker’s mobility would have made a difference and opened things up. A veteran quarterback typically gets the benefit of the doubt, but given Hasselbeck’s poor performance and the result, Mike Munchak will have to expound on his rationale for going the direction he did.
What I wonder: How much will the Colts allow themselves to celebrate and enjoy this one when, as cathartic as it must be, it gets them to 1-13?
What’s next: The Colts have a quick turn and host division-leading Houston on Thursday night. The Texans beat the Colts on opening day. The Titans host Jacksonville on Christmas Eve. The Jaguars beat the Titans on opening day.
What it means: A happy day in Indy. The 2011 Colts won’t be joining the 2008 Detroit Lions in NFL annals as an 0-16 team. They played tight and efficient defense, rushed the passer well while not allowing big plays, took the ball away three times and ran the ball with some consistency en route to their first win. It was the first NFL win for Colts quarterback Dan Orlovsky, who was also on that Lions team. The result effectively ended the Titans’ playoff hopes. Now 7-7 they’d need a ton of help to earn the last wild card spot at 9-7.
What I liked -- Colts: Big plays on defense. Maligned cornerback Jacob Lacey took a pass away from Chris Johnson and returned it 32 yards for a score. Pat Angerer killed the Titans when they looked to be getting things going in the fourth quarter, stripping Jared Cook for a fumble which was recovered by Chris Rucker. Angerer also picked off Hasselbeck in the end zone on a deep try for Nate Washington thrown as the quarterback got hit. The Colts got a consistently good push up front and matched it with tight coverage, allowing the Titans few big chunks. Outside of an awkward trip as he backed out from center and handed off, Orlovsky played with composure and decisiveness. The defense probably tackled as well as it has all season -- even on Chris Johnson’s late 35-yard run, Rucker caught him and pulled him down from behind.
What I didn’t like -- Titans: Yes, Matt Hasselbeck was under consistent pressure. But a combination of play-calling by offensive coordinator Chris Palmer and decision-making by Hasselbeck was far too conservative. (The deep shot to Washington that was picked was too little, too late.) Tennessee seemed hell-bent on not taking shots that would stretch out the Colts defense, checking down and throwing short passes that featured Johnson far too often. Why, when so many teams have made so many big plays against Indy this season, were the Titans so willing to settle for short stuff?
Second-guess city: I backed the Titans decision to start and stick with Matt Hasselbeck into the fourth quarter. It’s easy to second guess now. But maybe Jake Locker’s mobility would have made a difference and opened things up. A veteran quarterback typically gets the benefit of the doubt, but given Hasselbeck’s poor performance and the result, Mike Munchak will have to expound on his rationale for going the direction he did.
What I wonder: How much will the Colts allow themselves to celebrate and enjoy this one when, as cathartic as it must be, it gets them to 1-13?
What’s next: The Colts have a quick turn and host division-leading Houston on Thursday night. The Texans beat the Colts on opening day. The Titans host Jacksonville on Christmas Eve. The Jaguars beat the Titans on opening day.
Rapid Reaction: Colts 27, Titans 13
December, 18, 2011
12/18/11
4:14
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
INDIANAPOLIS -- Thoughts on the Colts’ 27-13 win over the Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium:
What it means: A happy day in Indy. The 2011 Colts won’t be joining the 2008 Detroit Lions in NFL annals as an 0-16 team. They played tight and efficient defense, rushed the passer well while not allowing big plays, took the ball away three times and ran the ball with some consistency en route to their first win. It was the first NFL win for Colts quarterback Dan Orlovsky, who was also on that Lions team. The result effectively ended the Titans’ playoff hopes. Now 7-7 they’d need a ton of help to earn the last wild card spot at 9-7.
What I liked -- Colts: Big plays on defense. Maligned cornerback Jacob Lacey took a pass away from Chris Johnson and returned it 32 yards for a score. Pat Angerer killed the Titans when they looked to be getting things going in the fourth quarter, stripping Jared Cook for a fumble which was recovered by Chris Rucker. Angerer also picked off Hasselbeck in the end zone on a deep try for Nate Washington thrown as the quarterback got hit. The Colts got a consistently good push up front and matched it with tight coverage, allowing the Titans few big chunks. Outside of an awkward trip as he backed out from center and handed off, Orlovsky played with composure and decisiveness. The defense probably tackled as well as it has all season -- even on Chris Johnson’s late 35-yard run, Rucker caught him and pulled him down from behind.
What I didn’t like -- Titans: Yes, Matt Hasselbeck was under consistent pressure. But a combination of play-calling by offensive coordinator Chris Palmer and decision-making by Hasselbeck was far too conservative. (The deep shot to Washington that was picked was too little, too late.) Tennessee seemed hell-bent on not taking shots that would stretch out the Colts defense, checking down and throwing short passes that featured Johnson far too often. Why, when so many teams have made so many big plays against Indy this season, were the Titans so willing to settle for short stuff?
Second-guess city: I backed the Titans decision to start and stick with Matt Hasselbeck into the fourth quarter. It’s easy to second guess now. But maybe Jake Locker’s mobility would have made a difference and opened things up. A veteran quarterback typically gets the benefit of the doubt, but given Hasselbeck’s poor performance and the result, Mike Munchak will have to expound on his rationale for going the direction he did.
What I wonder: How much will the Colts allow themselves to celebrate and enjoy this one when, as cathartic as it must be, it gets them to 1-13?
What’s next: The Colts have a quick turn and host division-leading Houston on Thursday night. The Texans beat the Colts on opening day. The Titans host Jacksonville on Christmas Eve. The Jaguars beat the Titans on opening day.
INDIANAPOLIS -- Matt Hasselbeck will start at quarterback for the Titans as we expected, as he’s worked through the calf strain that knocked him out of last week’s loss to New Orleans.
But with Hasselbeck and Jake Locker (chest) dinged up, third quarterback Rusty Smith is active for the first time all season.
The Colts have two lineup changes.
Jacob Tamme starts at tight end in place of Dallas Clark.
Ernie Sims starts at strongside linebacker in place of Philip Wheeler.
Earlier, this post said Mike Pollak would start at left guard in place of Joe Reitz. But the Colts announced about 20 minutes before kickoff that was an error and that Reitz will start.
Titans:
Colts:
But with Hasselbeck and Jake Locker (chest) dinged up, third quarterback Rusty Smith is active for the first time all season.
The Colts have two lineup changes.
Jacob Tamme starts at tight end in place of Dallas Clark.
Ernie Sims starts at strongside linebacker in place of Philip Wheeler.
Earlier, this post said Mike Pollak would start at left guard in place of Joe Reitz. But the Colts announced about 20 minutes before kickoff that was an error and that Reitz will start.
Titans:
- RB Javon Ringer
- C Kevin Matthews
- T Byron Stingily
- LB Gerald McRath
- WR Donnie Avery
- DE William Hayes
- DT Zach Clayton
Colts:
- QB Peyton Manning
- DB Mike Holmes
- TE Dallas Clark
- LB Philip Wheeler
- LB A.J. Edds
- T Quinn Ojinnaka
- DE Jamaal Anderson
