NFL Nation: Nick Harper
While McCourty leads, Titans talk rotation
June, 22, 2010
6/22/10
2:50
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Titans appear hell bent on maintaining the cornerback slot opposite Cortland Finnegan is open for competition.
And that’s the right approach in June, when you can't win a job and probably can't lose one either.
But through 12 of 14 spring and summer OTA practices, Jason McCourty has run with the first team 11 times. Tye Hill was due to get a shot last week, but suffered a hamstring injury and was out. Ryan Mouton got that day, but then McCourty was quickly back in place.
Still, coach Jeff Fisher says it’s unwise to read too much into who’s getting the reps at the head of the line.
“We’re just rotating,” Fisher said.
But no matter how much he talks about rotating, the team hasn’t been rotating, at least not at the top.
Fisher said Hill, when healthy, can expect reps to come, as can rookie Alterraun Verner.
Rod Hood would have been in the mix as well, but he tore an ACL recently and is out of the mix.
I sought out former Titans safety Marcus Robertson, the defensive backs coach, to get a review of McCourty’s work so far.
Like his boss, Robertson wasn’t especially eager to single out McCourty or differentiate him too much from Mouton -- leaning toward talking of “them” rather than “him.”
Perhaps we need start calling them McCourton?
I think it’s clear that the Titans like Mouton better in the slot and he’s better suited for it while McCourty is better outside. But with Vincent Fuller entrenched there, it’s not an available spot.
Robertson said McCourty has “drastically improved.”
“Both of those guys have the ability,” Robertson said. “The one thing I like about JMac is the simple thing that he’s coachable. He has all the tools to be a good football player, he understands the game. I think for him, the more times he sees it, the better he will be.”
A brutal season for the Titans' secondary last year included too much time for Mouton and McCourty on the field as rookies.
“Although it wasn’t a great thing for us, I think it was a good thing for them,” Robertson said. “Because they got an opportunity to realize that at any given time you can be exposed and that if you don’t do the hard work during the week, you can easily be embarrassed on Sunday.
“That isn’t a good feeling and I know now that they are dedicated to being the best players they can be.”
McCourty said he isn’t concentrating on who’s lining up when, but that all of the team’s corners -- with Nick Harper’s old spot now open -- have to think of themselves as starting material.
“I know the guys behind me are just as good,” McCourty said. “So if I go out there and I slack, one of them is going to pick up on that and hop in front of me.”
Receiver Lavelle Hawkins interrupted to brag about having beaten McCourty on a play late in practice. McCourty didn’t really flinch. Pressed, he said it wasn’t much of a victory for the receiver, who grabbed a short slant.
And that’s the right approach in June, when you can't win a job and probably can't lose one either.
But through 12 of 14 spring and summer OTA practices, Jason McCourty has run with the first team 11 times. Tye Hill was due to get a shot last week, but suffered a hamstring injury and was out. Ryan Mouton got that day, but then McCourty was quickly back in place.
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Bill KostrounWhile Jason McCourty appears to be the front-runner to start opposite Cortland Finnegan, Titans coaches aren't saying as much.
AP Photo/Bill KostrounWhile Jason McCourty appears to be the front-runner to start opposite Cortland Finnegan, Titans coaches aren't saying as much.“We’re just rotating,” Fisher said.
But no matter how much he talks about rotating, the team hasn’t been rotating, at least not at the top.
Fisher said Hill, when healthy, can expect reps to come, as can rookie Alterraun Verner.
Rod Hood would have been in the mix as well, but he tore an ACL recently and is out of the mix.
I sought out former Titans safety Marcus Robertson, the defensive backs coach, to get a review of McCourty’s work so far.
Like his boss, Robertson wasn’t especially eager to single out McCourty or differentiate him too much from Mouton -- leaning toward talking of “them” rather than “him.”
Perhaps we need start calling them McCourton?
I think it’s clear that the Titans like Mouton better in the slot and he’s better suited for it while McCourty is better outside. But with Vincent Fuller entrenched there, it’s not an available spot.
Robertson said McCourty has “drastically improved.”
“Both of those guys have the ability,” Robertson said. “The one thing I like about JMac is the simple thing that he’s coachable. He has all the tools to be a good football player, he understands the game. I think for him, the more times he sees it, the better he will be.”
A brutal season for the Titans' secondary last year included too much time for Mouton and McCourty on the field as rookies.
“Although it wasn’t a great thing for us, I think it was a good thing for them,” Robertson said. “Because they got an opportunity to realize that at any given time you can be exposed and that if you don’t do the hard work during the week, you can easily be embarrassed on Sunday.
“That isn’t a good feeling and I know now that they are dedicated to being the best players they can be.”
McCourty said he isn’t concentrating on who’s lining up when, but that all of the team’s corners -- with Nick Harper’s old spot now open -- have to think of themselves as starting material.
“I know the guys behind me are just as good,” McCourty said. “So if I go out there and I slack, one of them is going to pick up on that and hop in front of me.”
Receiver Lavelle Hawkins interrupted to brag about having beaten McCourty on a play late in practice. McCourty didn’t really flinch. Pressed, he said it wasn’t much of a victory for the receiver, who grabbed a short slant.
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Falling
Nick Harper, former Titans cornerback: His name’s not surfaced in any sort of free-agent talks around the league. No one thought he’d resurface with the Titans, and that’s been guaranteed with the addition of free agents Rod Hood and Tye Hill. Harper, underrated in his first two seasons with the Titans, slipped in his third and will be 36 in September. Will he find a team that wants experienced depth?
Rising
Jacques Reeves, Texans cornerback: Consistency has been the question. But with the offseason conditioning program under way, he’s got a chance with Dunta Robinson gone to make a play for a big role. Odds are a rookie corner from high in the draft will be part of things at the end of the month. But good work from Reeves now and through the summer can potentially keep him at the head of the line opposite second-year man Glover Quin.
Falling
Nick Harper, former Titans cornerback: His name’s not surfaced in any sort of free-agent talks around the league. No one thought he’d resurface with the Titans, and that’s been guaranteed with the addition of free agents Rod Hood and Tye Hill. Harper, underrated in his first two seasons with the Titans, slipped in his third and will be 36 in September. Will he find a team that wants experienced depth?
Rising
Jacques Reeves, Texans cornerback: Consistency has been the question. But with the offseason conditioning program under way, he’s got a chance with Dunta Robinson gone to make a play for a big role. Odds are a rookie corner from high in the draft will be part of things at the end of the month. But good work from Reeves now and through the summer can potentially keep him at the head of the line opposite second-year man Glover Quin.
Houston Texans
Potential unrestricted free agents: CB Dunta Robinson, WR Kevin Walter, RB Chris Brown, DT Jeff Zgonina, G Chester Pitts, S Brian Russell, S Nick Ferguson, LS Bryan Pittman, LB Chaun Thompson, QB Rex Grossman, LB Khary Campbell, G Tutan Reyes, T Ephraim Salaam, P Matt Turk.
Potential restricted free agents: DL Tim Bulman, S John Busing, OT Rashad Butler, TE Owen Daniels, RB Ryan Moats, S Bernard Pollard, LB DeMeco Ryans, G Chris White.
Franchise player: None.
What to expect: I don’t think the Texans will jump out and make any monumental moves. But by deciding not to tag Robinson they created another hole and saved themselves big dollars. With needs at corner, running back, free safety, interior offensive line and defensive tackle they may have more than they can address in one draft. That means they could jump out for one significant free agent – like they did last year with defensive lineman Antonio Smith -- and maybe another less expensive one or two.
Indianapolis Colts
Potential unrestricted free agents: MLB Gary Brackett, K Matt Stover.
Potential restricted free agents: WR Hank Baskett, S Antoine Bethea, S Melvin Bullitt, OL Dan Federkeil, CB Aaron Francisco, LB Tyjuan Hagler, CB Marlin Jackson, CB Tim Jennings, DT Antonio Johnson, OT Charlie Johnson, LB Freddy Keiaho, DT Dan Muir, CBPR T.J. Rushing.
Franchise player: None.
What to expect: Brackett is priority one and the team has indicated a plan to pay him as an upper-echelon guy. The restricted list includes a lot of key guys who will remain big factors next year. Indy is not a team that looks to bring in many outsiders for big roles and it won’t start now. Bill Polian’s said the Colts will sit back and see how things unfold in the new capless landscape.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Potential unrestricted free agents: DE Reggie Hayward, G Kynan Forney.
Potential restricted free agents: DT Atiyyah Ellison, LB Clint Ingram, DL Greg Peterson.
Franchise player: None.
What to expect: The Jaguars are draft-reliant, but will also shop for bargains in free agency, hoping to plug a couple holes with high-character guys with upside who fit what they are doing. As for a big splash, it’s unlikely based on their recent busts with big-name free agents like Jerry Porter and Drayton Florence and the direction they’ve moved since.
Tennessee Titans
Potential unrestricted free agents: DE Kyle Vanden Bosch, C Kevin Mawae, LB Keith Bulluck, TE Alge Crumpler, CB Nick Harper, CB Rod Hood, DE Jevon Kearse, S Kevin Kaesviharn.
Potential restricted free agents: DE Dave Ball, DT Tony Brown, TE Bo Scaife, LB Stephen Tulloch, DT Kevin Vickerson, RB LenDale White.
Franchise player: None.
What to expect: The Titans will undergo a youth movement, especially on defense where Vanden Bosch and Bulluck, who’s recovering from ACL repair, are going to be allowed to walk. Mawae been told his only chance to return is as a backup at a backup price. Brown, Scaife and Tulloch are important guys they’ll want to retain. Beyond that, expect mostly bargain shopping.
Potential unrestricted free agents: CB Dunta Robinson, WR Kevin Walter, RB Chris Brown, DT Jeff Zgonina, G Chester Pitts, S Brian Russell, S Nick Ferguson, LS Bryan Pittman, LB Chaun Thompson, QB Rex Grossman, LB Khary Campbell, G Tutan Reyes, T Ephraim Salaam, P Matt Turk.
Potential restricted free agents: DL Tim Bulman, S John Busing, OT Rashad Butler, TE Owen Daniels, RB Ryan Moats, S Bernard Pollard, LB DeMeco Ryans, G Chris White.
Franchise player: None.
What to expect: I don’t think the Texans will jump out and make any monumental moves. But by deciding not to tag Robinson they created another hole and saved themselves big dollars. With needs at corner, running back, free safety, interior offensive line and defensive tackle they may have more than they can address in one draft. That means they could jump out for one significant free agent – like they did last year with defensive lineman Antonio Smith -- and maybe another less expensive one or two.
Indianapolis Colts
Potential unrestricted free agents: MLB Gary Brackett, K Matt Stover.
Potential restricted free agents: WR Hank Baskett, S Antoine Bethea, S Melvin Bullitt, OL Dan Federkeil, CB Aaron Francisco, LB Tyjuan Hagler, CB Marlin Jackson, CB Tim Jennings, DT Antonio Johnson, OT Charlie Johnson, LB Freddy Keiaho, DT Dan Muir, CBPR T.J. Rushing.
Franchise player: None.
What to expect: Brackett is priority one and the team has indicated a plan to pay him as an upper-echelon guy. The restricted list includes a lot of key guys who will remain big factors next year. Indy is not a team that looks to bring in many outsiders for big roles and it won’t start now. Bill Polian’s said the Colts will sit back and see how things unfold in the new capless landscape.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Potential unrestricted free agents: DE Reggie Hayward, G Kynan Forney.
Potential restricted free agents: DT Atiyyah Ellison, LB Clint Ingram, DL Greg Peterson.
Franchise player: None.
What to expect: The Jaguars are draft-reliant, but will also shop for bargains in free agency, hoping to plug a couple holes with high-character guys with upside who fit what they are doing. As for a big splash, it’s unlikely based on their recent busts with big-name free agents like Jerry Porter and Drayton Florence and the direction they’ve moved since.
Tennessee Titans
Potential unrestricted free agents: DE Kyle Vanden Bosch, C Kevin Mawae, LB Keith Bulluck, TE Alge Crumpler, CB Nick Harper, CB Rod Hood, DE Jevon Kearse, S Kevin Kaesviharn.
Potential restricted free agents: DE Dave Ball, DT Tony Brown, TE Bo Scaife, LB Stephen Tulloch, DT Kevin Vickerson, RB LenDale White.
Franchise player: None.
What to expect: The Titans will undergo a youth movement, especially on defense where Vanden Bosch and Bulluck, who’s recovering from ACL repair, are going to be allowed to walk. Mawae been told his only chance to return is as a backup at a backup price. Brown, Scaife and Tulloch are important guys they’ll want to retain. Beyond that, expect mostly bargain shopping.
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| Awards
A team-by-team analysis of the division. The arrow indicates which direction each team is trending.
Houston Texans
Final Power Ranking: 14
Biggest surprise: Despite losing tight end Owen Daniels to injury along the way, quarterback Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson connected consistently, even as defenses keyed on minimizing the receiver. Johnson led the league in receiving with 1,569 yards -- 221 yards more than No. 2 Wes Welker. Schaub answered questions about his durability by starting all 16 games, earning a $10 million option bonus to trigger the remainder of his contract in the process.
Biggest disappointment: The inability of Kris Brown to hit clutch kicks and running back Chris Brown to convert clutch chances. In back-to-back November losses to Indianapolis and Tennessee, the kicker had chances to force overtime and missed on each occasion. The running back was miscast as a short-yardage answer, and his ineffectiveness hurt the Texans at the end of losses to Jacksonville and Arizona.
Biggest need: The Texans have issues in the secondary, where free safety and cornerback need to be upgraded. But this is an offensive team and, even when running back Steve Slaton was healthy and running behind a healthy starting line, it didn’t run well enough to complement the pass attack. The Texans need a big back who can gain a tough yard.
Team MVP: Johnson. He consistently produced despite extra defensive attention, putting his combination of size and speed to the best use yet.
Contract issues pending: Three key members of the Texans -- Daniels, middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans and strong safety Bernard Pollard -- will lose chances at unrestricted free agency if there is no new CBA. In that case, they would be restricted free agents. They won’t be happy playing for one-year tenders and the Texans need to find a way to smooth things out with them.
Indianapolis Colts
Final Power Ranking: 1
Biggest surprise: Rookie cornerbacks Jerraud Powers and Jacob Lacey were supposed to be role players. But injuries in the secondary meant they were each starters for the majority of the season. Both did very well doing what the Colts asked of them. Overall, the secondary got little from three of four projected starters, with only free safety Antoine Bethea a consistent presence. But the Colts defense played very well anyway, giving up few big plays when Randy Moss wasn’t involved.
Biggest disappointment: Passing on a chance to try to carry a perfect regular season into the playoffs was a biggie. Team brass was clearly put off, and surprised, by the volume and depth of the media and fan backlash after the Colts pulled starters and handed the Jets a game that dropped the Colts to 14-1. To suggest records for wins in a decade and consecutive regular season wins were more historic than a perfect 19-0 season sure seemed silly during the spin control period.
Biggest need: Offensive linemen. Charlie Johnson did admirable work after he was promoted to replace the disappointing Tony Ugoh at left tackle and Kyle DeVan was a more physical right guard after replacing another underachiever, Mike Pollak. With legendary line coach Howard Mudd set to retire, the Colts need to restock and provide more options for his successor, Pete Metzlaars.
Team MVP: Peyton Manning is expected to win NFL MVP, so it would be hard to look anywhere else. He was exceptionally accurate and was a big reason young receivers developed and old targets produced. And it seemed like he led his team to a fourth-quarter comeback weekly.
Next men up: Anthony Gonzalez was expected to be the team’s No. 2 receiver behind Reggie Wayne. But he went down with a serious knee injury in the season opener and never made it back. Rookie Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon were effective targets for Manning when opponents worked hard to blanket Wayne and forced the Colts to go elsewhere.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Final Power Ranking: 23
Biggest surprise: They called it a retooling instead of a rebuilding, but after major roster turnover the Jaguars were 6-4 and 7-5 and very much in the thick of a hunt for an AFC playoff berth. They got quality experience for four high draft picks who started a lot of games -- offensive tackles Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton, cornerback Derek Cox and defensive tackle Terrance Knighton.
Biggest disappointment: David Garrard was sacked 42 times and hit way too much. The Jaguars failed badly in two West Coast trips, losing in Seattle and San Francisco, and closed with a four-game losing streak. Losses to Indianapolis and at New England were understandable, but defeats at home to Miami and at Cleveland in the season finale with an 8-8 record on the line were a lot harder to accept.
Biggest need: Though the team traded up for Derrick Harvey and took a second defensive end, Quentin Groves, with their first two picks just two years ago, it’s in desperate need of pass rush help. The team had just 14 sacks. Quarterbacks often had all day to throw and managed a 96.0 passer rating, 28 touchdowns and just 15 interceptions against Jacksonville.
Team MVP: Running back Maurice Jones-Drew fared very well in his first season as the team’s feature back and is the franchise’s lone Pro Bowler. He ran for 1,391 yards and 15 touchdowns behind an inconsistent line.
Mighty have fallen: Free safety Reggie Nelson, the team’s top pick in 2007, could be on his way out. He was consistently burned in coverage and failed to finish tackles. The team tried him at cornerback when injuries thinned out that position and he fared no better. By season’s end, he earned himself a spot on the bench.
Tennessee Titans
Final Power Ranking: 16
Biggest surprise: Chris Johnson showed himself to be an electrifying playmaker in his first season. But when he said in training camp before his rookie campaign he would run for 2,000 yards, people scoffed. Improbably, on a non-winning team, Johnson ran for a league-leading 2,006 yards, becoming just the sixth member of the 2,000-yard club. He topped 100 yards rushing in each of his final 11 games and scored on seven rushing plays of 20 yards or more.
Biggest disappointment: After a 13-3 regular season that was the NFL’s best in 2008, the 2009 team played terribly early and dug itself an 0-6 hole. While it did well climbing out and finishing 8-8, that miserable start cost the Titans a chance at a return to the playoffs. The slow start featured a slew of drops by the receivers, horrific pass coverage, and return game nightmares. The turnaround began after team owner Bud Adams called for Jeff Fisher to replace Kerry Collins with Vince Young at quarterback.
Biggest need: Defensive playmakers. The Titans got old and less effective at several spots. Defensive end Jevon Kearse and cornerback Nick Harper won’t be back. The team is likely ready to move on from veteran linebackers Keith Bulluck and David Thornton as well. Free safety Michael Griffin took a huge step backwards and defensive tackle Jason Jones couldn’t fight through a shoulder injury. The Titans will look to add veterans and draft picks to rebuild.
Team MVP: Johnson should be the NFL’s offensive player of the year. Without him, who knows what the Titans would have done down the stretch. Getting him to 2,000 yards was a unifying team goal. Johnson even impressed his teammates by backing up the bold 2,000-yard prediction.
Back from the dead: While he didn’t finish especially strong, Young did a lot of good work in 10 games after he was reinserted as the starter. He deserves credit for maturing. His decision making has improved. He's set himself up to be the Titans starter in 2010 after changing the opinion of many of his critics, some of whom reside inside team headquarters.
» Clayton: Video | AFC grades ... NFC » More: Fantasy MVPs | FB Outsiders
| Awards A team-by-team analysis of the division. The arrow indicates which direction each team is trending.
Houston Texans
Final Power Ranking: 14
Biggest surprise: Despite losing tight end Owen Daniels to injury along the way, quarterback Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson connected consistently, even as defenses keyed on minimizing the receiver. Johnson led the league in receiving with 1,569 yards -- 221 yards more than No. 2 Wes Welker. Schaub answered questions about his durability by starting all 16 games, earning a $10 million option bonus to trigger the remainder of his contract in the process.
Biggest disappointment: The inability of Kris Brown to hit clutch kicks and running back Chris Brown to convert clutch chances. In back-to-back November losses to Indianapolis and Tennessee, the kicker had chances to force overtime and missed on each occasion. The running back was miscast as a short-yardage answer, and his ineffectiveness hurt the Texans at the end of losses to Jacksonville and Arizona.
Biggest need: The Texans have issues in the secondary, where free safety and cornerback need to be upgraded. But this is an offensive team and, even when running back Steve Slaton was healthy and running behind a healthy starting line, it didn’t run well enough to complement the pass attack. The Texans need a big back who can gain a tough yard.
Team MVP: Johnson. He consistently produced despite extra defensive attention, putting his combination of size and speed to the best use yet.
Contract issues pending: Three key members of the Texans -- Daniels, middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans and strong safety Bernard Pollard -- will lose chances at unrestricted free agency if there is no new CBA. In that case, they would be restricted free agents. They won’t be happy playing for one-year tenders and the Texans need to find a way to smooth things out with them.
Indianapolis Colts
Final Power Ranking: 1
Biggest surprise: Rookie cornerbacks Jerraud Powers and Jacob Lacey were supposed to be role players. But injuries in the secondary meant they were each starters for the majority of the season. Both did very well doing what the Colts asked of them. Overall, the secondary got little from three of four projected starters, with only free safety Antoine Bethea a consistent presence. But the Colts defense played very well anyway, giving up few big plays when Randy Moss wasn’t involved.
Biggest disappointment: Passing on a chance to try to carry a perfect regular season into the playoffs was a biggie. Team brass was clearly put off, and surprised, by the volume and depth of the media and fan backlash after the Colts pulled starters and handed the Jets a game that dropped the Colts to 14-1. To suggest records for wins in a decade and consecutive regular season wins were more historic than a perfect 19-0 season sure seemed silly during the spin control period.
Biggest need: Offensive linemen. Charlie Johnson did admirable work after he was promoted to replace the disappointing Tony Ugoh at left tackle and Kyle DeVan was a more physical right guard after replacing another underachiever, Mike Pollak. With legendary line coach Howard Mudd set to retire, the Colts need to restock and provide more options for his successor, Pete Metzlaars.
Team MVP: Peyton Manning is expected to win NFL MVP, so it would be hard to look anywhere else. He was exceptionally accurate and was a big reason young receivers developed and old targets produced. And it seemed like he led his team to a fourth-quarter comeback weekly.
Next men up: Anthony Gonzalez was expected to be the team’s No. 2 receiver behind Reggie Wayne. But he went down with a serious knee injury in the season opener and never made it back. Rookie Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon were effective targets for Manning when opponents worked hard to blanket Wayne and forced the Colts to go elsewhere.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Final Power Ranking: 23
Biggest surprise: They called it a retooling instead of a rebuilding, but after major roster turnover the Jaguars were 6-4 and 7-5 and very much in the thick of a hunt for an AFC playoff berth. They got quality experience for four high draft picks who started a lot of games -- offensive tackles Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton, cornerback Derek Cox and defensive tackle Terrance Knighton.
Biggest disappointment: David Garrard was sacked 42 times and hit way too much. The Jaguars failed badly in two West Coast trips, losing in Seattle and San Francisco, and closed with a four-game losing streak. Losses to Indianapolis and at New England were understandable, but defeats at home to Miami and at Cleveland in the season finale with an 8-8 record on the line were a lot harder to accept.
Biggest need: Though the team traded up for Derrick Harvey and took a second defensive end, Quentin Groves, with their first two picks just two years ago, it’s in desperate need of pass rush help. The team had just 14 sacks. Quarterbacks often had all day to throw and managed a 96.0 passer rating, 28 touchdowns and just 15 interceptions against Jacksonville.
Team MVP: Running back Maurice Jones-Drew fared very well in his first season as the team’s feature back and is the franchise’s lone Pro Bowler. He ran for 1,391 yards and 15 touchdowns behind an inconsistent line.
Mighty have fallen: Free safety Reggie Nelson, the team’s top pick in 2007, could be on his way out. He was consistently burned in coverage and failed to finish tackles. The team tried him at cornerback when injuries thinned out that position and he fared no better. By season’s end, he earned himself a spot on the bench.
Tennessee Titans
Final Power Ranking: 16
Biggest surprise: Chris Johnson showed himself to be an electrifying playmaker in his first season. But when he said in training camp before his rookie campaign he would run for 2,000 yards, people scoffed. Improbably, on a non-winning team, Johnson ran for a league-leading 2,006 yards, becoming just the sixth member of the 2,000-yard club. He topped 100 yards rushing in each of his final 11 games and scored on seven rushing plays of 20 yards or more.
Biggest disappointment: After a 13-3 regular season that was the NFL’s best in 2008, the 2009 team played terribly early and dug itself an 0-6 hole. While it did well climbing out and finishing 8-8, that miserable start cost the Titans a chance at a return to the playoffs. The slow start featured a slew of drops by the receivers, horrific pass coverage, and return game nightmares. The turnaround began after team owner Bud Adams called for Jeff Fisher to replace Kerry Collins with Vince Young at quarterback.
Biggest need: Defensive playmakers. The Titans got old and less effective at several spots. Defensive end Jevon Kearse and cornerback Nick Harper won’t be back. The team is likely ready to move on from veteran linebackers Keith Bulluck and David Thornton as well. Free safety Michael Griffin took a huge step backwards and defensive tackle Jason Jones couldn’t fight through a shoulder injury. The Titans will look to add veterans and draft picks to rebuild.
Team MVP: Johnson should be the NFL’s offensive player of the year. Without him, who knows what the Titans would have done down the stretch. Getting him to 2,000 yards was a unifying team goal. Johnson even impressed his teammates by backing up the bold 2,000-yard prediction.
Back from the dead: While he didn’t finish especially strong, Young did a lot of good work in 10 games after he was reinserted as the starter. He deserves credit for maturing. His decision making has improved. He's set himself up to be the Titans starter in 2010 after changing the opinion of many of his critics, some of whom reside inside team headquarters.
Titans can't leave Harper on Jackson
December, 25, 2009
12/25/09
8:27
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Jeff Fisher has not even considered replacing Nick Harper when he’s been healthy this season, despite the success Roderick Hood had working as his replacement.
Hood’s three picks in three games was great work, but it didn’t make him Darrelle Revis.
There is no denying the 35-year old Harper is slipping. He’s an accountable veteran, solid in run support and effective in some coverages.
Put him alone on Vincent Jackson and you’re begging for trouble.
The Titans allowed it in a couple spots on the drive that put San Diego up 7-3. Only an under-thrown pass from Philip Rivers -- and the pass could have been knocked down by the wind -- prevented a 54-yard touchdown connection.
Jackson merely slowed early in the route, then ran past Harper and had a five-yards lead on him. If the pass had enough legs, he would have waltzed into the end zone.
The Chargers would be wise to continue to attack him. The Titans would be wise to get Cortland Finnegan as the primary man in coverage on Jackson, San Diego’s most dangerous receiver.
Hood’s three picks in three games was great work, but it didn’t make him Darrelle Revis.
There is no denying the 35-year old Harper is slipping. He’s an accountable veteran, solid in run support and effective in some coverages.
Put him alone on Vincent Jackson and you’re begging for trouble.
The Titans allowed it in a couple spots on the drive that put San Diego up 7-3. Only an under-thrown pass from Philip Rivers -- and the pass could have been knocked down by the wind -- prevented a 54-yard touchdown connection.
Jackson merely slowed early in the route, then ran past Harper and had a five-yards lead on him. If the pass had enough legs, he would have waltzed into the end zone.
The Chargers would be wise to continue to attack him. The Titans would be wise to get Cortland Finnegan as the primary man in coverage on Jackson, San Diego’s most dangerous receiver.
Fate of Bears' Smith could impact Titans
December, 23, 2009
12/23/09
4:40
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Titans faithful have quite a bit to root for if their team is going to sneak into the No. 6 seed spot in the AFC.
They’d be wise to add this to that list: a big finish for Chicago.
If the Bears can manage a win Monday night over Minnesota at Soldier Field and a win at Detroit to finish the season, it can only help head coach Lovie Smith’s job security.
And that would be a good thing for Tennessee.
If the Bears are in the market for a head coach to come in, fix Jay Cutler and get the Bears moving in the right direction, you’d have to expect Titans offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger would be on their list.
Heimerdinger has not only helped resurrect Vince Young, a quarterback who many thought was incapable of playing effectively in the league, but he also has a good history with Cutler and ties to the area.
As a high-ranking offensive assistant for Mike Shanahan in Denver in 2006 and 2007, Heimerdinger helped make Cutler the hot commodity the Bears were willing to give up so much to get.
As a 57-year old coach in line for his first NFL head coaching job, you’d figure his price tag would be reasonable. Money would be a factor for Chicago, which couldn’t have afforded to court Shanahan even if he wasn’t in line to take over in Washington.
To top it off, Heimerdinger grew up a Bears fan in Dekalb, Ill., west of Chicago.
Chicago’s gain would be a big setback for the Titans, who are already facing an offseason that’s expected to include a lot of roster turnover with veterans including Keith Bulluck, Kevin Mawae, Alge Crumpler, Kyle Vanden Bosch and Nick Harper due to become free agents.
The offense doesn’t face a lot of change, except perhaps a bit of offensive line shuffling.
But if Heimerdinger were to leave?
The defense’s adjustment to Chuck Cecil as its new coordinator after Jim Schwartz was hired in Detroit was part of the Titans’ 0-6 start this season. The offense has settled into Heimerdinger’s scheme, reinstalled when he returned to the team in 2008. It would hate to face a similar circumstance to the Schwartz-Cecil transition next year and it could really stall Young.
I asked three key Titans on offense what they thought.
“We have adjusted to every situation or circumstance that you could possibly have, we keep finding ways to get better and not give up and he’s a huge part of it,” Crumpler said. “I think it would be a serious blow.”
“That definitely would be a good fit,” tight end Bo Scaife said. “But every offense needs players to make things work. Dinger’s done a good job with V so far. I think this is just the start of something that could be special here for our organization and out offense. That would be a blow.”
Said Justin Gage: “For him personally I think it would be good. It’d be a chance for him to move up to a head coaching spot, be in a city he’s familiar with and loves and a quarterback he’s familiar with. For me? I think it would set us back. …If I was going to be selfish, I’d make him stay here.”
They’d be wise to add this to that list: a big finish for Chicago.
George Gojkovich/Getty ImagesLosing coordinator Mike Heimerdinger to another team in the offseason would be greatly detrimental to the Titans continued progress on offense.
And that would be a good thing for Tennessee.
If the Bears are in the market for a head coach to come in, fix Jay Cutler and get the Bears moving in the right direction, you’d have to expect Titans offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger would be on their list.
Heimerdinger has not only helped resurrect Vince Young, a quarterback who many thought was incapable of playing effectively in the league, but he also has a good history with Cutler and ties to the area.
As a high-ranking offensive assistant for Mike Shanahan in Denver in 2006 and 2007, Heimerdinger helped make Cutler the hot commodity the Bears were willing to give up so much to get.
As a 57-year old coach in line for his first NFL head coaching job, you’d figure his price tag would be reasonable. Money would be a factor for Chicago, which couldn’t have afforded to court Shanahan even if he wasn’t in line to take over in Washington.
To top it off, Heimerdinger grew up a Bears fan in Dekalb, Ill., west of Chicago.
Chicago’s gain would be a big setback for the Titans, who are already facing an offseason that’s expected to include a lot of roster turnover with veterans including Keith Bulluck, Kevin Mawae, Alge Crumpler, Kyle Vanden Bosch and Nick Harper due to become free agents.
The offense doesn’t face a lot of change, except perhaps a bit of offensive line shuffling.
But if Heimerdinger were to leave?
The defense’s adjustment to Chuck Cecil as its new coordinator after Jim Schwartz was hired in Detroit was part of the Titans’ 0-6 start this season. The offense has settled into Heimerdinger’s scheme, reinstalled when he returned to the team in 2008. It would hate to face a similar circumstance to the Schwartz-Cecil transition next year and it could really stall Young.
I asked three key Titans on offense what they thought.
“We have adjusted to every situation or circumstance that you could possibly have, we keep finding ways to get better and not give up and he’s a huge part of it,” Crumpler said. “I think it would be a serious blow.”
“That definitely would be a good fit,” tight end Bo Scaife said. “But every offense needs players to make things work. Dinger’s done a good job with V so far. I think this is just the start of something that could be special here for our organization and out offense. That would be a blow.”
Said Justin Gage: “For him personally I think it would be good. It’d be a chance for him to move up to a head coaching spot, be in a city he’s familiar with and loves and a quarterback he’s familiar with. For me? I think it would set us back. …If I was going to be selfish, I’d make him stay here.”
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Halftime thoughts from Tennessee, where the Titans are up 17-6 over Miami.
- On Chris Johnson’s 41-yard gain on a well drawn-up screen pass, he slowed to allow blocks by Eugene Amano and Kevin Mawae to develop in front of him and Gibril Wilson made a great play to tackle him and save a touchdown. Easy for me to say, but Johnson shouldn’t be waiting on any offensive linemen. Just say, "Thanks for the effort boys," as you run by them and the defenders, Chris. Miami's done very well tackling him, but he has 14 carries for 71 yards plus the 41-yard catch.
- Nick Harper’s been picked on by Chad Henne, who’s got an impressive arm. But Harper rebounded for a pick near the end of the first half that cost the Dolphins at least a field goal. Henne was harassed by Stephen Tulloch and made the ill-advised throw for Greg Camarillo.
- Defensive havoc up front is coming from Jacob Ford. If he can stay healthy next year, I would think he’s in line to be on the field for the bulk of the team’s pass rush plays and could be a 10-sack guy.
- Justin Gage’s two touchdown catches came on very well thrown balls by Vince Young, whose touch is vastly improved from the preseason. The Dolphins played good coverage on the first and very good coverage on the second. He’s seen the light on something.
- Tony Brown is starting to come across as a hot head. He’s a very good player and doesn’t need to be grabbing facemasks or fighting after the whistle no matter what the other guys are doing that we may not see or hear.
How I See It: AFC South Stock Watch
December, 8, 2009
12/08/09
11:03
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
» NFC Stock Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
Falling:
1) Nate Washington, Titans WR: It was the injured Justin Gage, not Washington, who was the Titan in the bottom 10 of the league in catch percentage (44.9) heading into the weekend. But Washington’s hands-to-helmet reaction showed he knew full well how much of a killer his dropped 65-yard touchdown pass from Young was in Indianapolis.
Washington was targeted a team-high 10 times, but had only four catches for 44 yards. He was signed as a free agent from Pittsburgh to be the team’s deep threat, and while he leads the team with five touchdown receptions, his average is just 10.9 yards.
2) Gary Kubiak, Texans coach: On Nov. 1 after a win at Buffalo, his team was 5-3. It has flat-lined since, dropping four in a row, all in the division. His job security is the chief topic of conversation in Houston.
And the halfback option pass called for Chris Brown at a crucial spot late in the loss in Jacksonville was a desperate attempt by a team with plenty of firepower when the quarterback has the ball in his hands.
3) Titans’ fourth-down and short-yardage offense: Young threw fourth-down incompletions aimed for Kenny Britt (an ill-advised fade from the 2) and Lavelle Hawkins in the red zone in the second half against the Colts.
The throw for Britt concluded a disastrous stretch that started as a first-and-goal from the 1 with a chance to pull within 24-17. Young fumbled a snap on a sneak but recovered, saw LenDale White’s run for no gain turn into a 10-yard loss thanks to a hold by guard Eugene Amano and got only two yards on a pass to Bo Scaife before the failed fade.
Rising:
1) Pierre Garcon, Colts WR: As the Titans worked hard, and effectively, to limit Reggie Wayne, it was Garcon who took advantage of a matchup with Nick Harper. Garcon had 99 yards receiving in the first quarter.
He finished with six catches for a game- and career-high 136 yards. That was half of the Colts' receiving yardage in the win over the Titans.
2) Adam Podlesh, Jaguars P: He dropped two of three punts inside the Texans’ 20 yard line, averaging a 45-yard net on three punts and playing a big part in a very good field position day for the Jaguars.
His coverage team chipped in too, limiting Houston’s Glenn Martinez to 13 return yards on three chances.
3) Colts' run defense: They gave up 113 yards to Chris Johnson, so what is it doing here? Well, Johnson entered the game averaging 6.4 yards a carry and got only 4.2 a carry in this game.
And he had one run of at least 30 yards in all but two games. The Colts, who didn’t let him break off anything longer than eight yards on Oct. 11, kept him at 11 yards or fewer on every carry this time around with linebacker Clint Session leading the charge.
Falling:
1) Nate Washington, Titans WR: It was the injured Justin Gage, not Washington, who was the Titan in the bottom 10 of the league in catch percentage (44.9) heading into the weekend. But Washington’s hands-to-helmet reaction showed he knew full well how much of a killer his dropped 65-yard touchdown pass from Young was in Indianapolis.
Washington was targeted a team-high 10 times, but had only four catches for 44 yards. He was signed as a free agent from Pittsburgh to be the team’s deep threat, and while he leads the team with five touchdown receptions, his average is just 10.9 yards.
2) Gary Kubiak, Texans coach: On Nov. 1 after a win at Buffalo, his team was 5-3. It has flat-lined since, dropping four in a row, all in the division. His job security is the chief topic of conversation in Houston.
And the halfback option pass called for Chris Brown at a crucial spot late in the loss in Jacksonville was a desperate attempt by a team with plenty of firepower when the quarterback has the ball in his hands.
3) Titans’ fourth-down and short-yardage offense: Young threw fourth-down incompletions aimed for Kenny Britt (an ill-advised fade from the 2) and Lavelle Hawkins in the red zone in the second half against the Colts.
The throw for Britt concluded a disastrous stretch that started as a first-and-goal from the 1 with a chance to pull within 24-17. Young fumbled a snap on a sneak but recovered, saw LenDale White’s run for no gain turn into a 10-yard loss thanks to a hold by guard Eugene Amano and got only two yards on a pass to Bo Scaife before the failed fade.
Rising:
[+] Enlarge
Andy Lyons/Getty ImagesPierre Garcon had a career day against the Titans.
Andy Lyons/Getty ImagesPierre Garcon had a career day against the Titans.He finished with six catches for a game- and career-high 136 yards. That was half of the Colts' receiving yardage in the win over the Titans.
2) Adam Podlesh, Jaguars P: He dropped two of three punts inside the Texans’ 20 yard line, averaging a 45-yard net on three punts and playing a big part in a very good field position day for the Jaguars.
His coverage team chipped in too, limiting Houston’s Glenn Martinez to 13 return yards on three chances.
3) Colts' run defense: They gave up 113 yards to Chris Johnson, so what is it doing here? Well, Johnson entered the game averaging 6.4 yards a carry and got only 4.2 a carry in this game.
And he had one run of at least 30 yards in all but two games. The Colts, who didn’t let him break off anything longer than eight yards on Oct. 11, kept him at 11 yards or fewer on every carry this time around with linebacker Clint Session leading the charge.
In streak, Colts living up to high standards
December, 6, 2009
12/06/09
8:21
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Scott Boehm/Getty ImagesThe Indianapolis Colts won their 21st regular-season game in a row on Sunday.INDIANAPOLIS -- Be honest. You expect it.
The Indianapolis Colts' 27-17 victory over the Tennessee Titans Sunday is the Colts' 21st straight regular-season triumph. Now that's impressive. But there aren’t streamers floating over Indy. There is no parade scheduled or dancing in the streets.
The Lucas Oil Stadium press box was hardly jammed for the game that saw the franchise match the 2006-08 New England Patriots’ record winning streak. It won’t be stuffed next week either, when the Colts -- now 12-0 this season -- have a chance to own the consecutive victories record outright when the Denver Broncos visit.
Despite the urgings I get in my e-mail, I don’t invest any time, energy or belief in a good team being under-the-radar or forgotten -- certainly not one quarterbacked by the league’s most recognizable and marketed star.
Where national media are concerned, everybody’s taken a turn checking in on Peyton Manning. They've noted that the Colts defense can be overshadowed by him. They've marveled at how the team overcomes injuries. They've discussed how the team has succeeded during the coaching transition from Tony Dungy to Jim Caldwell. They've reported that the Colts always seem prepared, under the direction of executive Bill Polian, for every contingency.
But let’s be honest.
When there also is a 12-0 team in the Superdome in the New Orleans Saints, that’s big. Their venture into uncharted territory is exciting, especially since their fans used to wear paper bags over their heads.
That seems understandable to me. It's also reasonable -- if a touch unfair -- that the Colts are expected to win games and match their standards and be steady and uncontroversial and consistently good, leaving us to debate their regular-season success against the penchant for postseason underachievement.
Teenagers in Indianapolis think of the Colts’ .733 regular-season winning percentage since 1999 as part of the city’s fabric, just like open-wheel racing, conventions and high school basketball.
And any ho-hum feeling for it extends across the country.
“We’re probably not the darling,” center Jeff Saturday said. “It’s one of those things that we’ve won a lot of games over the years and I think there are certain expectations that we are going to win.”
“I think we’ve won the most games in the decade or something like that,” said Dwight Freeney, whose sack of Titans' quarterback Vince Young put him in double digits for a sixth time in his career. “It hasn’t always translated into championship wins at the end of the year. But we have a good system around here.
“And I think people get used to that -- ‘Oh yeah, the Colts are 9-0, 10-0’ and it’s always, ‘What are we going to see in the playoffs and what’s going to happen?’ We understand that and hopefully we can keep this momentum going.”
Hallmarks that have come with it all are a humility in line with Dungy and Caldwell and a respect from opponents for the way the Colts piece it all together.
The Titans were playing as well as anyone in the league, including the Colts. They’d won five in a row in exhausting, draining work. The Titans said a streak over four times as long as theirs was something that deserves a great deal of credit.
“It’s hard to win week-in and week-out in this league and that’s an incredible accomplishment to win 21 regular-season games in a row,” said Titans fullback Ahmard Hall.
Against the Titans (5-7), a fast start was a big theme.
With cornerback Cortland Finnegan blanketing Reggie Wayne with help from a safety, Tennessee was determined to force Manning to look elsewhere. He had no problem doing so, hitting Pierre Garcon with three passes for 99 yards in the first quarter alone. Manning often took advantage of the coverage of a former teammate, Titans defensive back Nick Harper.
Finnegan was distraught after the loss. The Titans had an effective game plan on Wayne -- he finished with four catches for 48 yards -- but that didn’t translate to a win.
He was the first to greet Manning as the two teams exchanged pleasantries on the field in the final seconds.
For Indianapolis, the victory was a return to the form of their early-season success. In recent weeks they were forced to come from behind. And while doing so forged a certain toughness, confidence and resiliency that may be big resources in the playoffs, it’s not the preferred formula.
“We did talk about, ‘Hey, these comebacks are nice, but we don’t have to,’” said Manning, whose Colts led 21-3 at one point. “I’ve always thought comeback wins, they’re good, but it means you screwed up in the first three quarters to put yourself in that position.”
A victory over the Broncos will bring the Colts closer to their goals of a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs as well. When they have those, odds are they will let up, and when they let up, odds are they will lose and the streak will crack.
Saturday didn’t indicate Manning will be accepting of that.
But he’s not so sure about the streak as it stands anyway.
“For me the playoff loss breaks it up,” he said pointing back to the San Diego Chargers' elimination of the Colts in January. “I don’t know. However the statisticians do it. You lose in San Diego and that’s really why you play the game, right? To win in the playoffs? So I don’t look at it really like that . . .
“It’s great when you hear it. It’s really not a goal that we set.”
Caldwell said his Colts probably will make mention of it when they gather on Wednesday, and maybe take a minute to appreciate it before they go quietly back to work.
“I think I’ve used this before, I think I stole it from somebody, but it’s without unmitigated pleasure,” he said. “The guys enjoy it, they like it, but it’s not something that goes to their head. I think they are starting to believe a bit like I do in the sense that we’ll tally them up when the season’s over. We’ve still got a lot of work to do.”
» NFC Final Word: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
Five nuggets of knowledge about Week 13:
Dallas Clark had nine catches for 77 yards when the Colts dismantled the Titans on Oct. 11. He told Nashville media this week that Tennessee doesn’t generally lock in one guy to matchup with him, but that he expects nickelback Vincent Fuller most of the time with a splash of Keith Bulluck. With Clark, Reggie Wayne and Austin Collie playing well and Pierre Garcon rebounding from a tough stretch, will the Colts have more targets than the Titans are able to defend with Cortland Finnegan, Nick Harper and Fuller as the primary defensive backs?
Minus cornerback Rashean Mathis (groin), the Jaguars have given up significant passing yardage the last two weeks -- 297 to the Bills 26th-rated pass offense, 232 to the 23rd-rated Niners. What’s that mean as they head into a game against Houston, which is ranked third? Pass pressure’s been an issue for the Jaguars. Matt Schaub is much less effective against the blitz, but can the Jaguars afford to send extra rushers when their coverage is already more susceptible without Mathis?
If Chris Johnson runs for 104 yards in Indianapolis, he’ll become just the fifth player ever to reach 1,500 in the first 12 games of the season. Walter Payton did it in 11 games in 1977, Jim Brown did it in a dozen games in 1958 and 1963, O.J. Simpson did it in 1973 and 1975 and Terrell Davis did it in 1998. Only two of those six seasons wound up over 2,000 yards. Johnson’s 1,396 yards this season put him on pace for 2,031 and is currently ahead of where Eric Dickerson and Jamal Lewis were through 11 games when they had the top two rushing seasons in NFL history. If CJ tops 125 rush yards, he’ll be the first player ever to do it in seven consecutive games.
Brian Cushing against Maurice Jones-Drew should a very compelling matchup. Cushing been resting a foot injury during the week but playing fantastic on Sundays, making a case for defensive rookie of the year. The Jaguars will doubtlessly look to establish MJD and feed him the ball early and often. Three of the four times MJD has had fewer than 10 touches in the first half, they’ve lost and the one they won they jumped up to a big lead early and basically rested him.
The Titans five-game winning streak isn’t in the ballpark of the Colts’ 20-game string (11 this year), but add this year’s stretches together and you’ve got something. Tennessee and Indy square off tied for the longest combined winning streak -- 16 games -- in an NFL Week 13 game since the AFL-NFL merger. In 1984 Denver (10) and Seattle (six) played in similar circumstances, with the Seahawks winning by three.
Five nuggets of knowledge about Week 13:
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Michael ConroyThe Titans may not have enough people to keep Colts tight end Dallas Clark in check.
AP Photo/Michael ConroyThe Titans may not have enough people to keep Colts tight end Dallas Clark in check.Minus cornerback Rashean Mathis (groin), the Jaguars have given up significant passing yardage the last two weeks -- 297 to the Bills 26th-rated pass offense, 232 to the 23rd-rated Niners. What’s that mean as they head into a game against Houston, which is ranked third? Pass pressure’s been an issue for the Jaguars. Matt Schaub is much less effective against the blitz, but can the Jaguars afford to send extra rushers when their coverage is already more susceptible without Mathis?
If Chris Johnson runs for 104 yards in Indianapolis, he’ll become just the fifth player ever to reach 1,500 in the first 12 games of the season. Walter Payton did it in 11 games in 1977, Jim Brown did it in a dozen games in 1958 and 1963, O.J. Simpson did it in 1973 and 1975 and Terrell Davis did it in 1998. Only two of those six seasons wound up over 2,000 yards. Johnson’s 1,396 yards this season put him on pace for 2,031 and is currently ahead of where Eric Dickerson and Jamal Lewis were through 11 games when they had the top two rushing seasons in NFL history. If CJ tops 125 rush yards, he’ll be the first player ever to do it in seven consecutive games.
Brian Cushing against Maurice Jones-Drew should a very compelling matchup. Cushing been resting a foot injury during the week but playing fantastic on Sundays, making a case for defensive rookie of the year. The Jaguars will doubtlessly look to establish MJD and feed him the ball early and often. Three of the four times MJD has had fewer than 10 touches in the first half, they’ve lost and the one they won they jumped up to a big lead early and basically rested him.
The Titans five-game winning streak isn’t in the ballpark of the Colts’ 20-game string (11 this year), but add this year’s stretches together and you’ve got something. Tennessee and Indy square off tied for the longest combined winning streak -- 16 games -- in an NFL Week 13 game since the AFL-NFL merger. In 1984 Denver (10) and Seattle (six) played in similar circumstances, with the Seahawks winning by three.
How I See It: AFC South Stock Watch
November, 24, 2009
11/24/09
11:01
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
» NFC Stock Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
Falling:
Brown1. Kris Brown, Texans kicker: For the second time in the Texans’ last two games, Brown had a chance to force overtime with a field goal within his range and failed.
Monday night at the end of the Titans-Texans game his 49-yarder was wide left from the start. Earlier he missed a 49-yarder wide right. Houston’s counts on Brown to make those. Does Gary Kubiak lose some faith and play differently in the build up to late-game chances?
2. Houston’s rushing offense: For some reason, the Texans thought a power back would have a better chance against the Titans than the shiftier Steve Slaton. Perhaps the fumble concerns linger.
But Brown only got 3.3 yards per carry on 11 touches, while Slaton was nearly a yard better on only five carries. In all, 17 carries and 57 yards are not enough to balance out the offense.
3. Nick Harper, Titans cornerback: Jeff Fisher won’t allow a veteran starter to lose his job as the result of an injury. But Rod Hood had played awfully well after settling in as Harper’s fill-in.
Despite interceptions in three consecutive games for Hood, Fisher went back to Harper Monday night. Andre Johnson promptly ran by him and beat him for a 12-yard touchdown on a fade route.
Rising:
Brackett1. Gary Brackett, Colts linebacker: He’s been blitzing more this season, but his big play in Baltimore came when he faked as if he’d pursue Joe Flacco, then dropped into coverage.
Flacco didn’t see him as he aimed a short pass over the middle for Ray Rice, and Brackett hauled in a clutch interception.
2. Rob Bironas, Titans kicker: While Brown missed two great opportunities in a tight game, Bironas scored big at Reliant Stadium.
He nailed a 50-yard field goal in the third quarter and with 47 seconds left in the game his 53-yarder provided the Titans with the winning margin.
3. Mike Sims-Walker, Jaguars wide receiver: He’s stayed healthy and established himself as the reliable No.1 receiver Jacksonville expected he could be.
While Terrell Owens had the flashier performance in the Bills-Jaguars game, it was Sims-Walker who caught the winning touchdown.
Falling:
Monday night at the end of the Titans-Texans game his 49-yarder was wide left from the start. Earlier he missed a 49-yarder wide right. Houston’s counts on Brown to make those. Does Gary Kubiak lose some faith and play differently in the build up to late-game chances?
2. Houston’s rushing offense: For some reason, the Texans thought a power back would have a better chance against the Titans than the shiftier Steve Slaton. Perhaps the fumble concerns linger.
But Brown only got 3.3 yards per carry on 11 touches, while Slaton was nearly a yard better on only five carries. In all, 17 carries and 57 yards are not enough to balance out the offense.
3. Nick Harper, Titans cornerback: Jeff Fisher won’t allow a veteran starter to lose his job as the result of an injury. But Rod Hood had played awfully well after settling in as Harper’s fill-in.
Despite interceptions in three consecutive games for Hood, Fisher went back to Harper Monday night. Andre Johnson promptly ran by him and beat him for a 12-yard touchdown on a fade route.
Rising:
Flacco didn’t see him as he aimed a short pass over the middle for Ray Rice, and Brackett hauled in a clutch interception.
2. Rob Bironas, Titans kicker: While Brown missed two great opportunities in a tight game, Bironas scored big at Reliant Stadium.
He nailed a 50-yard field goal in the third quarter and with 47 seconds left in the game his 53-yarder provided the Titans with the winning margin.
3. Mike Sims-Walker, Jaguars wide receiver: He’s stayed healthy and established himself as the reliable No.1 receiver Jacksonville expected he could be.
While Terrell Owens had the flashier performance in the Bills-Jaguars game, it was Sims-Walker who caught the winning touchdown.
Halftime thoughts from Reliant Stadium
November, 23, 2009
11/23/09
10:22
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
HOUSTON -- Some halftime thoughts from Texans-Titans, which is tied 14-14.
- Boy, the Titans' option plays with Vince Young and Chris Johnson running together are electric. Does it lose some of that juice if they run it much more? Has to be tempting for Mike Heimerdinger to call more. The play calling has been a nice and effective mix, I think.
- Loyalty is nice, but should have some limits, too. Rod Hood was playing great in place of Nick Harper. Harper was ready to return from a broken forearm, and coach Jeff Fisher gave him his job back. As a reward, he got to see Andre Johnson run right past Harper for a 12-yard touchdown on a fade. I suspect the Texans are big fans of Fisher’s loyalty.
- At the end of the first quarter and going into the two-minute warning, Young and Jeff Fisher both seemed unaware of where the clock stood. The Titans burned a timeout in the first situation. Young walked to the sideline with palms up in the second, then put his arm around Fisher when he arrived for their talk. Houston could have managed the clock better just before the half when more aggressive play calling might have given them a chance at a long field goal attempt for Kris Brown.
- Houston had done largely good work containing Johnson up until a 36-yard run on Tennessee’s second scoring drive. On that run, he bounced off Brian Cushing and skipped to allow Zac Diles to fly by. I’d bet outside of that Houston was pretty happy with their defensive effort against him, and that’s saying something when the guy is averaging 6.6 yards a carry and not hurting you too badly.
- James Casey isn’t going to replace Owen Daniels, but he offers an intriguing and flexible piece for Matt Schaub. I’d like to see the Texans try to get him increasingly involved in what they are doing.
- Fullback Vonta Leach is a valued blocker and special-teamer and the Texans were surely relieved his injury was merely a knee bruise and he was back in short order.
- Too much Chris Brown. He's got twice as many carries as Steve Slaton, six to three, and is half as dynamic, at best.
Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky
Power Rankings: Preseason: 7. This week: 23.
2009 Schedule/Results
Where they stand: They’ve been as surprising as any team in the league, and not in a good way. Before these Titans, no team in history had ever followed up a season where it started 10-0 with an 0-6 start in the next one. Things have gotten better in the last two weeks. Even if the turnaround continues, it’s going to wind up being too little too late for a team that came into the season with what seemed like reasonable Super Bowl expectations.
A 59-0 loss at New England qualifies as rock bottom and prompted owner Bud Adams to call for, and get, a change at quarterback from Kerry Collins to Vince Young.
Disappointments: The Titans and Jeff Fisher completely overestimated what they had at the season’s start in terms of the return game and in depth at cornerback. Ryan Mouton’s trouble fielding punts killed them. When a struggling veteran secondary was hit by injuries, rookies Jason McCourty and Mouton were not close to ready to substitute.
A receiving corps including Justin Gage and upgraded with a free agent (Nate Washington) and a first-rounder (Kenny Britt) dropped way too many passes. A Pro Bowl selection in 2008, safety Michael Griffin’s play dropped off substantially.
Surprises: Young had lost the faith of the coaching staff and Fisher fought to keep Collins in the lineup. Still, Young’s been efficient and effective in two games as the starter.
Young’s work, and everybody’s, has been made easier by Chris Johnson. The second-year running back’s been remarkable. Through eight games he is the NFL’s leading rusher, on pace for a 2,000-yard season. And if he maintains it, his 6.7 yards per carry would be the highest by the league’s rushing leader since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970.
Outlook: A 6-10 record now seems possible, and that would be more than enough to ensure Fisher’s job safety as well as a high draft pick. The remainder of the season amounts to an audition for Young, who’s got a $4.25 million roster bonus and a 2010 cap number of more than $14 million pending. They need to decide where they are heading at quarterback.
The team is loaded with free agents to-be like Kyle Vanden Bosch, Keith Bulluck, Nick Harper and Kevin Mawae. Odds are major roster turnover and a big youth movement are on the horizon.
 |
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| Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE | |
| Tennessee Coach Jeff Fisher stayed with Kerry Collins at quarterback until owner Bud Adams put in a call to switch to Vince Young. |
2009 Schedule/Results
Where they stand: They’ve been as surprising as any team in the league, and not in a good way. Before these Titans, no team in history had ever followed up a season where it started 10-0 with an 0-6 start in the next one. Things have gotten better in the last two weeks. Even if the turnaround continues, it’s going to wind up being too little too late for a team that came into the season with what seemed like reasonable Super Bowl expectations.
A 59-0 loss at New England qualifies as rock bottom and prompted owner Bud Adams to call for, and get, a change at quarterback from Kerry Collins to Vince Young.
Disappointments: The Titans and Jeff Fisher completely overestimated what they had at the season’s start in terms of the return game and in depth at cornerback. Ryan Mouton’s trouble fielding punts killed them. When a struggling veteran secondary was hit by injuries, rookies Jason McCourty and Mouton were not close to ready to substitute.
A receiving corps including Justin Gage and upgraded with a free agent (Nate Washington) and a first-rounder (Kenny Britt) dropped way too many passes. A Pro Bowl selection in 2008, safety Michael Griffin’s play dropped off substantially.
Surprises: Young had lost the faith of the coaching staff and Fisher fought to keep Collins in the lineup. Still, Young’s been efficient and effective in two games as the starter.
Young’s work, and everybody’s, has been made easier by Chris Johnson. The second-year running back’s been remarkable. Through eight games he is the NFL’s leading rusher, on pace for a 2,000-yard season. And if he maintains it, his 6.7 yards per carry would be the highest by the league’s rushing leader since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970.
Outlook: A 6-10 record now seems possible, and that would be more than enough to ensure Fisher’s job safety as well as a high draft pick. The remainder of the season amounts to an audition for Young, who’s got a $4.25 million roster bonus and a 2010 cap number of more than $14 million pending. They need to decide where they are heading at quarterback.
The team is loaded with free agents to-be like Kyle Vanden Bosch, Keith Bulluck, Nick Harper and Kevin Mawae. Odds are major roster turnover and a big youth movement are on the horizon.
» Unbeatens: Colts | Saints | Broncos » Winless: Rams | Titans | Bucs
Posted by ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky
Analysis: Assessing the Titans' final 10 games, I see at least three winnable games (Jacksonville, Buffalo, St. Louis) and still believe they are capable of pulling a surprise in a game where most people wouldn’t give them a chance. It’s highly improbable that they go without a win all season.
For all their issues they have some reasons to expect better results. Explosive running back Chris Johnson remains capable of a home run at any time. A healthy pass defense struggled early, but once both starting cornerbacks, Cortland Finnegan (hamstring) and Nick Harper (broken arm), and nickel back Vincent Fuller (broken arm) are back in place, things have to get better against the pass. Young players with upside such as receiver Kenny Britt, linebacker Stephen Tulloch and defensive linemen Jason Jones and William Hayes are due for growth spurts even in the miserable context.
Best chance for a win: Versus St. Louis in Nashville on Dec. 13. The Titans have better personnel and seem more likely to be held together by a struggling Jeff Fisher than the Rams do under a first-year coach in Steve Spagnuolo.
Repercussions: After the 59-0 loss at New England, owner Bud Adams told The Tennessean he’d have to consider ending Jeff Fisher's tenure if things don’t improve.
"If we end up losing every game or don't look better, I'd have to look at that pretty hard, you know what I mean?'' Adams said. "The way it is going, I don't know if we'll win any games, and that is unheard of in the National Football League."
Even if the Titans win a handful of games, it’s likely a youth movement is coming. The futures of veterans at the end of their contracts are very much in doubt. That includes stalwart linebacker Keith Bulluck, center Kevin Mawae, defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch and Harper.
And of course quarterback will remain a huge issue. Vince Young is due a roster bonus of $4.25 million and carries a salary-cap number of $14.21 million in 2010. For all the money the Titans have already given him, it’s impossible to see them writing another big check considering his failures. And while Kerry Collins is under contract, it will be difficult for the Titans to go forward without finding a quarterback of the future.
Posted by ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky
Analysis: Assessing the Titans' final 10 games, I see at least three winnable games (Jacksonville, Buffalo, St. Louis) and still believe they are capable of pulling a surprise in a game where most people wouldn’t give them a chance. It’s highly improbable that they go without a win all season.
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| Andy Lyons/Getty Images | |
| Titans running back Chris Johnson always gives his team a chance to win. |
For all their issues they have some reasons to expect better results. Explosive running back Chris Johnson remains capable of a home run at any time. A healthy pass defense struggled early, but once both starting cornerbacks, Cortland Finnegan (hamstring) and Nick Harper (broken arm), and nickel back Vincent Fuller (broken arm) are back in place, things have to get better against the pass. Young players with upside such as receiver Kenny Britt, linebacker Stephen Tulloch and defensive linemen Jason Jones and William Hayes are due for growth spurts even in the miserable context.
Best chance for a win: Versus St. Louis in Nashville on Dec. 13. The Titans have better personnel and seem more likely to be held together by a struggling Jeff Fisher than the Rams do under a first-year coach in Steve Spagnuolo.
Repercussions: After the 59-0 loss at New England, owner Bud Adams told The Tennessean he’d have to consider ending Jeff Fisher's tenure if things don’t improve.
"If we end up losing every game or don't look better, I'd have to look at that pretty hard, you know what I mean?'' Adams said. "The way it is going, I don't know if we'll win any games, and that is unheard of in the National Football League."
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Nov. 1: Jacksonville
Even if the Titans win a handful of games, it’s likely a youth movement is coming. The futures of veterans at the end of their contracts are very much in doubt. That includes stalwart linebacker Keith Bulluck, center Kevin Mawae, defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch and Harper.
And of course quarterback will remain a huge issue. Vince Young is due a roster bonus of $4.25 million and carries a salary-cap number of $14.21 million in 2010. For all the money the Titans have already given him, it’s impossible to see them writing another big check considering his failures. And while Kerry Collins is under contract, it will be difficult for the Titans to go forward without finding a quarterback of the future.
Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Graham
Before everybody proclaims Tom Brady officially back to his 2007 form, let's remember the New England Patriots were playing the winless Tennessee Titans, who didn't have either of their starting cornerbacks.
With that properly stated for the record, whoa, what an afternoon Brady had in a 59-0 obliteration of the Titans in a snowglobe called Gillette Stadium.
No, Brady didn't dial back the time machine a couple years because then the Titans would have been good, but he looked substantially more like Tom Terrific than he did Average Joe, a comparison I made Friday because Brady's stats had been so pedestrian through five games. It also was a topic on ESPN's "Sunday NFL Countdown" show.
Brady doubled his season output in touchdowns. He went into Sunday with six touchdowns and will wake up Monday morning with 12.
Brady completed 29 of 34 attempts for 380 yards and six touchdowns with no interceptions against a Titans secondary that missed starting cornerbacks Cortland Finnegan and Nick Harper.
He'll have a fabulous chance of putting two great games together. The Patriots will play the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers next week in London. The Patriots then should enjoy their bye week.
As you would expect, Randy Moss and Wes Welker were the chief benefactors of Brady's big day.
After a one-catch performance in last week's overtime loss to the Denver Broncos, Moss had eight receptions for 129 yards and three touchdowns. Welker had 10 catches for 150 yards and two touchdowns.
Before everybody proclaims Tom Brady officially back to his 2007 form, let's remember the New England Patriots were playing the winless Tennessee Titans, who didn't have either of their starting cornerbacks.
With that properly stated for the record, whoa, what an afternoon Brady had in a 59-0 obliteration of the Titans in a snowglobe called Gillette Stadium.
No, Brady didn't dial back the time machine a couple years because then the Titans would have been good, but he looked substantially more like Tom Terrific than he did Average Joe, a comparison I made Friday because Brady's stats had been so pedestrian through five games. It also was a topic on ESPN's "Sunday NFL Countdown" show.
Brady doubled his season output in touchdowns. He went into Sunday with six touchdowns and will wake up Monday morning with 12.
Brady completed 29 of 34 attempts for 380 yards and six touchdowns with no interceptions against a Titans secondary that missed starting cornerbacks Cortland Finnegan and Nick Harper.
He'll have a fabulous chance of putting two great games together. The Patriots will play the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers next week in London. The Patriots then should enjoy their bye week.
As you would expect, Randy Moss and Wes Welker were the chief benefactors of Brady's big day.
After a one-catch performance in last week's overtime loss to the Denver Broncos, Moss had eight receptions for 129 yards and three touchdowns. Welker had 10 catches for 150 yards and two touchdowns.
