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FALLING

1. Peyton Manning, Colts quarterback: Virtually everyone’s expecting a bounce-back Thursday night. But his three-game stretch with 11 interceptions, including four returned for touchdowns, has been horrid. Despite what he’s saying, he’s clearly pressing with no run game and so many inexperienced targets. He and the Colts should be a little more willing to just punt.

2. The Titans’ run game: Tennessee’s not pushing anyone around anymore and while Chris Johnson hasn’t gotten sufficient carries, he looks tentative. Success usually comes before swagger develops -- and the Titans have lost both in a department in which they were dominant a year ago. Interior line play by Leroy Harris, Eugene Amano and Jake Scott has been a particular concern.

3. Houston’s chances to improve on last year: They aren’t just falling, they’re gone. It’ll take a four-game winning streak just to match last season’s disappointing 9-7 and that would have to include wins over Baltimore and Jacksonville. Changes are ahead. The next month will probably determine just how big they are.

RISING

1. Rashad Jennings, Jaguars running back: Maurice Jones-Drew is on fire, but the supplementary work from Jennings has been quite good as well. He’s got 17 carries for 97 yards and two touchdowns in Jacksonville’s last two games. He qualifies as a player who's helped turn the Jaguars into a first-place team.

2. Amobi Okoye, Texans defensive tackle: In his last two games, a guy who’s often gone too long without making noise has emerged. Against the Titans and Eagles, Okoye has been more disruptive, barging into the backfield and influencing quarterbacks. He also has 26 tackles this season, the most for a Houston defensive lineman.

3. Greg Jones, Jaguars fullback: Not to harp on the Jaguars’ run game, but as lead blocker for Jones-Drew and Jennings he’s been helping set the physical tone that’s given Jacksonville the most substantial identity of any team in the AFC South. He also took a short pass against Tennessee 11 yards up the right sideline, bowling over and embarrassing multiple defenders.

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FALLING

Odds of Titans getting a third-down stop: The Texans converted half of their 18 third downs, which led to nearly 40 minutes of possession against Tennessee on Sunday. In their last five games, the Titans have allowed conversions 55 percent of the time, an enormous number. Jeff Fisher’s teams are usually able to respond to a point of emphasis. The Titans are failing at that here in a big way.

The Jaguars’ ability to handle blitzes in big situations: Playing with two backup tackles in a tough road game against a quality front, the Jaguars fared pretty well. But as I documented here, in their last chance to beat the Giants they fell apart and got burned badly by a pass rush that included one or two defensive backs.

The Colts' offensive line shuffling: There is a long list of elements to what’s been wrong with the Colts’ offense in recent weeks. But there was no time for anything deep to develop for Peyton Manning who appears to be getting rid of the ball in record time and no matter who’s taking the carries they can’t run effectively. Kyle DeVan displaced Jamey Richard a while back and Jeff Linkenbach’s been ahead of Mike Pollak at right guard for three weeks. Those changes don’t seem to have improved things up front in the run or pass game.

RISING

Jason Allen, Texans cornerback: We won’t pretend that he was a magic solution for the secondary. But the Titans hardly went after the recent waiver claim, who played ahead of Kareem Jackson and lined up across from an underutilized and ineffective Randy Moss. That Allen played a lot in a shutout can give the secondary a feeling that things have changed.

The Jaguars' offense on third down: The Jaguars were 10 for 16 on third down against the Giants, a remarkable feat that could and probably should mean you win a game. They’ll look to build on that Sunday in Nashville against a defense that’s struggling terribly to get off the field on third down. (See the falling entry on the Titans’ above.)

The Titans' intention to get the ball to Moss: Why bring him in if you have no intention to use him at what he does best? Sure he’s going to draw double-teams. But if Minnesota and New England looked away from him based on the coverage, he wouldn’t have the best reception-per-touchdown number (6.2) in league history among players with at least 500 catches. If you throw a deep pick on third-and-long, it’s the same as a punt.

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FALLING

1. Bruce Arians, Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator: Arians did a commendable job of managing the offense during the suspension of franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Pittsburgh wasn't putting up gaudy numbers but played efficient to start the year 3-1. But the Steelers are at full strength and expected to score a lot more than the 10 points they registered Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. Arians struggled with his play calling and lack of adjustments against the Saints' various blitzes.

2. Chad Ochocinco, Cincinnati Bengals receiver: The Pro Bowl receiver seems confused and frustrated with his slow start this season. Ochocinco has five games this year where he's recorded four or fewer receptions. Ochocinco believes he's not getting enough opportunities but was targeted eight times in Sunday's loss to the Miami Dolphins. He recorded three receptions for 34 yards. Although Cincinnati's playoff hopes are all but done, Ochocinco has to produce if this team has any chance of turning it around.

3. Troy Polamalu, Steelers safety: Polamalu had a rare off game against New Orleans, and this is the first time I can recall Polamalu in the "Falling" category of our Stock Watch. He had six tackles but was a step late in coverage as Saints Pro Bowl quarterback Drew Brees carved up the Steelers for 305 yards and two touchdowns. Polamalu will look to bounce back Monday against the Bengals.

RISING

1. Baltimore Ravens: Despite the bye week, the Ravens moved into first place in the AFC North as the rest of the division went winless in Week 8. Baltimore (5-2) has the same record as Pittsburgh (5-2) but owns the head-to-head advantage after the Ravens' road win on Oct. 3. Baltimore isn’t playing its best football, but the team has quietly won four of its last five games. The Ravens are well-rested and in solid position to make a playoff push in the second half of the season.

2. Emmanuel Sanders, Steelers receiver: It looks like the Steelers found their kick returner. Sanders proved his performance against Miami wasn't a fluke, as he had two more solid returns of 41 and 38 yards against New Orleans. Sanders fumbled twice (losing one) in the past two games, so ball security is an area he needs to improve. But the rookie receiver has added a spark to Pittsburgh's special teams.

3. James Harrison, Steelers linebacker: Harrison bounced back from his least productive game of the season against Miami and recorded five tackles, a sack and three additional hits on the quarterback against New Orleans. Harrison gave the Saints problems with his relentlessness, and he was one of only two Steelers to record a sack. Pittsburgh cornerback Bryant McFadden also got a sack and forced a fumble by Brees.

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FALLING

Chris Johnson and the Titans’ run blocking: All sort of explanations are rolling in, and some in Nashville are even asking for more Javon Ringer carries. That’s craziness. But Fisher had said the run game isn’t operating as it should be and with that being the case the Titans really have issues. The line needs to block better and Johnson needs to be decisive. He tweeted a pledge for a big October.

1. 
   
   
   ChrisJohnson28 I wnt 2 let all my fantasy ppl & myfans kno not 2 worry ima have a gr8 oct its tkng a little time 2 adjust 2 the 8 n 9 inthe box #NOPRESSURE 05 Oct 2010 from ÜberTwitter

Colts safeties: Antoine Bethea is an excellent player. But he’s like to be stretched thin with the team’s three best options aside from him -- Bob Sanders, Melvin Bullitt and Jamie Silva -- all out now. The Colts are hoping for a late-season return from Sanders. In the meantime, their options on the roster are inexperienced DaJuan Morgan and rookie Brandon King, a converted corner who’s had a hamstring issue. Matt Cassel may not be able to take advantage of that, but I suspect Donovan McNabb and Matt Schaub will.

Jamie Winborn, Titans linebacker: He’s been workmanlike and serviceable as a fill-in, but the dynamic Gerald McRath returns from his four-game suspension this week. The Titans should plug him directly back into the lineup and hash out what they will do when they decide to use nickel personnel. But Jeff Fisher’s already spoken of the expectation of rust on McRath, which might mean Winborn retains a part time role for a bit.

RISING

Mike Thomas, Jaguars receiver: As I mentioned in Tuesday’s High Energy Player of the Week post on Tiquan Underwood, I think the Colts’ game was indicative of where the Jaguars are heading -- to a shorter passing game that won’t ask David Garrard to make the sort of throws that failed him in the losses to San Diego and Philadelphia. Thomas had a solid game against Indianapolis and will be a big beneficiary of this alteration.

Troy Nolan, Texans safety: The second-year safety had two picks in Oakland in his first action on defense, which prompted Gary Kubiak to pledge more playing time for him. I think Eugene Wilson qualifies as a weak spot for the defense and even if healthy, the team should stick with Nolan and give him a chance to be part of this young defensive backfield that’s trying to grow up quickly together.

Josh Scobee, Jaguars kicker: He doesn’t rank high on the scoring list, but he’s extended a great preseason into the regular season and four games in he hasn’t even attempted a FG from under 44 yards. He’s connected from 45, 44, 48, 51 and 59 for the Jaguars so far this season.

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Falling

Ravens OT Jared Gaither: Whether it’s an injury or unhappiness with his contract, Gaither’s stock took a hit during Baltimore's recent minicamp. First, he was replaced at left tackle (we will get to that later). Then, Gaither stayed away from practices last weekend with what is said to be a foot injury. Entering the final year of his deal, Gaither prefers to get a large contract extension before the start of the 2010 season. But it doesn’t appear the Ravens are interested in giving it to him. There are also plenty of trade rumors surrounding the young offensive tackle.

Rising

Ravens OT Michael Oher: The player who replaced Gaither at left tackle in minicamp was Oher, the team’s 2009 first-round draft pick. Although it’s not 100 percent certain this move is permanent, the Ravens seem comfortable with it in the early stages. Even if Gaither is not traded, it wouldn’t be surprising if Oher remained on the left side, improving his stock. This experiment has been in the making since last season, when Oher held his own in place of Gaither, who was injured. The bigger question is who would play right tackle if Gaither is traded?

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Falling

Brian Cushing, LB, Texans: A four-game suspension made for an awful week for the Houston linebacker.

For the first four games of 2010 -- vs. Indianapolis, at Washington, vs. Dallas and at Oakland -- he won’t be with the team. His absence will put a big damper on the hopes for a hot start against the team that owns the AFC South and the team that has such a large following in Texas and well beyond.

Here are the likely candidates to fill in for Cushing while he is out: Xavier Adibi, Kevin Bentley and newly signed Danny Clark.

In a season when the Texans face what rates as the toughest schedule in the league based on last year’s records, they’ve got a giant challenge. And how will Cushing be when he gets back for a game against the Giants Oct. 10?

Rising

Titans helping Nashville recover: In the wake of the serious flooding in Nashville, the Titans proved themselves central characters in the drama. Waters in LP Field helped draw some national attention to an under-covered natural disaster.

At a Saturday blood drive hosted by Elise Reinfeldt, daughter of the Titans' GM, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano stopped by with Tennessee governor Phil Bredesen and Nashville mayor Karl Dean.

Players, coaches and employees have been among the countless volunteers helping out those in need. And Wednesday, the team had an organized get-together working on four houses on a West Nashville street.

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Falling

Adalius Thomas, free-agent outside linebacker: Almost three weeks after the Patriots released him, Thomas remains unemployed.

It seemed certain Thomas would reunite with Rex Ryan and join the New York Jets. The last time Thomas was effective was with Baltimore in 2006, when Ryan was defensive coordinator. But the Patriots held onto Thomas long enough that the Jets signed former Dolphins star Jason Taylor. As a result, there also was speculation the Dolphins would pursue Thomas to fortify the edge in their 3-4 defense.

"With him we'll end up first in the league in defense, and without him we'll end up first in the league in defense," Ryan recently said. "If we get him, great. I'm not worried about him."

Nobody seems to be. Thomas will turn 33 in training camp. He had 20 sacks in his final two seasons with Baltimore. He had 14.5 in his three seasons in New England and just three last year. Bill Belichick benched him for a pair of games.

Rising

Brandon Tate, Patriots receiver: Tate's name hadn't been mentioned much this offseason. The third-round pick from North Carolina appeared in two games and had zero receptions as a rookie last year and plays on a team that features Randy Moss, added Torry Holt and is more concerned with how Julian Edelman will fill in while Wes Welker recovers from knee and shoulder surgery.

But Patriots quarterback Tom Brady thrust Tate's name into the conversation this week, making a point to rave about Tate's offseason in a pair of interviews.

"I like Brandon Tate a lot," Brady told Sports Illustrated. Brady later told Boston sports-radio station WEEI that Tate "has had a great offseason."

That's quite a blessing for a player otherwise known as a project. The Patriots were criticized for drafting Tate so early because he was rehabbing a knee injury that was expected to limit him for much of 2009. They activated him in Week 7, and he suffered another season-ending knee injury in Week 9.

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Falling:

Ronald Fields, defensive lineman, Denver:

Fields was arrested in Houston last weekend for carrying a gun. He faces misdemeanor charges. It has not been a great offseason for Fields. First, defensive coordinator Mike Nolan (the man responsible for bringing Fields to Denver last year) surprisingly left Denver. Then, the Broncos brought in a new starting defensive line and now this. Fields is expected to be a rotational player this season. Still, this development doesn’t help his already falling star in Denver.

Rising:

Ryan Mathews, running back, San Diego:

The Chargers were very pleased what they saw of Mathews in their rookie minicamp. It reinforced the team’s decision to trade several picks to move from No. 28 to No. 12 to get Mathews last month. San Diego loves the way Mathews moved around the field. They think he will be an instant factor in both the running and receiving games.

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Falling

Pittsburgh Steelers' WR depth: Just weeks after trading former starter Santonio Holmes, the Steelers suffered another blow to their depth at receiver when Limas Sweed tore his Achilles last weekend at veteran minicamp. Sweed, a backup who was due to compete for the third or fourth spot at receiver, had surgery as soon as possible. The team hasn't said for sure whether the former second-round pick will miss the entire 2010 season. But at the very least, Sweed will be absent for a significant portion of the year at a time when it seems the Steelers cannot catch a break. Without Holmes and Sweed, Pittsburgh cannot afford to suffer any additional injuries at wide receiver.

Rising

Adam "Pacman" Jones: Out of work in 2009, Jones has suddenly gained a buzz this offseason to where it appears the controversial free-agent cornerback is very close to making his return to the NFL. The Cincinnati Bengals are the favorites to sign Jones. Reportedly they are in contract negotiations with his representation this week. Cincinnati was the first team to invite Jones to a tryout in February and worked him out again Tuesday. The Bengals are searching for cornerback depth and, because of his off-field track record, Jones would be a cheap option. The Detroit Lions are also interested.

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Falling

Alvin Pearman, RB, Titans and Mark Jones, WR, Titans: Pearman didn’t have much standing heading into the offseason. The backup running back, who ended the season as the Titans' kick and punt returner, lost major standing with the draft and undrafted rookie signings.

Third-round pick Damian Williams is expected to be the leader in the return games, which need a reliable player with some big-play potential after a miserable year where successful fair catches were often an accomplishment.

And while LenDale White was dealt away, Pearman ranks fifth at the position behind Chris Johnson, Javon Ringer, LeGarrette Blount and Stafon Johnson.

Jones ranks even further down the receivers list. He can make the team only if he absolutely lights it up as a returner while others underachieve. It’s a scenario I don’t see panning out.

Rising

Antoine Bethea, S, Colts: It’s not a big deal yet or a big surprise. But Bill Polian told the Indianapolis Star's Mike Chappell that the Colts have talked to Bethea, a restricted free agent, about a long-term deal.

The steady, poised Bethea probably doesn’t get enough credit for being the settling force in the secondary, but he’s a key cog in the Colts' defense. That they’re acknowledging interest in locking him up long term seems like a good sign to me, as I think he’s a guy they’ve got to hold onto.

He had a team-high four picks and beat out middle linebacker Gary Brackett for the team’s tackle lead with 120.

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Falling

Joe McKnight, Jets running back: The fourth-round draft pick out of USC had a rough start at rookie minicamp. McKnight wasn't sure if it was his nerves, the heat or the aggressive pace compared to what he went through with the Trojans, but he struggled to hold onto the ball and his stomach contents. He repeatedly dropped passes in drills, needed extra medical attention, suffered from cramps and generally looked exhausted.

Rising

Logan Mankins, Patriots guard: Mankins had to like what he learned Wednesday, when New Orleans Saints guard Jahri Evans signed a seven-year contract worth $56.7 million. That sets the bar for the game's elite guards and Mankins qualifies. He's an unsigned restricted free agent. He would've been an unrestricted free agent this year if not for special rules for the uncapped season. Mankins was New England's first-round pick in 2005 and has been to a pair of Pro Bowls. Evans, a fourth-round draft choice, is entering his fifth season. He's coming of his first Pro Bowl campaign and was first-team All-Pro, too.

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Falling

Darrius Heyward-Bey, receiver, Oakland: Prior to the draft, Oakland coach Tom Cable -- who is known for his unbridled enthusiasm -- told reporters that they’d be amazed to see the progress made by Heyward-Bey, the surprise No. 7 overall pick in the 2009 draft. He said Heyward-Bey had made great strides from a disappointing rookie season. However, Heyward-Bey didn’t appear to make huge strides in Oakland’s minicamp. He was improved, but he still had several drops. His hands are his biggest issue and it seems he has not fixed that problem. It’s obviously early and Heyward-Bey has plenty of time to make strides in 2010. But it doesn’t seem like he's quite ready to take the next step.

Rising

Tony Moeaki, tight end, Kansas City: The rookie tight end stood out at the team’s rookie minicamp over the weekend. The third-round pick from Iowa has strong pass-catching ability. He reportedly stretched the field well during the camp. That is an aspect of the offense that was missing last season. Kansas City coach Todd Haley has a history of not using the tight end much. However, the fact that Moeaki was taken fairly high in the draft may mean the Chiefs are open to using the tight end more in the passing game. Again it’s early, but it appears Moeaki has a chance to add a dimension to Kansas City’s offense.

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Falling

Gijon Robinson, Colts tight end: Short yardage rushing has been an issue for the Colts, and while they didn’t spend a lot on the offensive line -- just fourth-rounder on Tennessee guard Jacques McClendon -- they did look to upgrade their blocking tight end.

Fifth-rounder Brody Eldridge out of Oklahoma is a stronger point-of-attack blocker than Robinson and could make a big difference for Joseph Addai or Donald Brown on plays aimed to get around the corner. Robinson's blown block that resulted in a Peyton Manning sack late in a 2008 season playoff loss at San Diego still stings.

Eldridge could prove a big help to incumbent tackles Charlie Johnson and Ryan Diem or whoever replaces them, and his ability to help against pass rushers won’t make things any harder on Manning either.

Rising

Eugene Wilson, Texans free safety: The Texans feel better about Wilson, who was on IR with a foot injury for the last six games last year, than I do. Paired with the physical Bernard Pollard, Wilson needs to prove he can be a consistent and rangy free safety, and show better ball skills as he looks to set a tone for a group of young corners.

With nine draft picks, the Texans steered clear of selecting a safety, hitting cornerback in the first and fifth rounds. The Texans apparently are content with what they’ve got to cover the deep middle of the field against the likes of Peyton Manning (twice), Donovan McNabb, Tony Romo, Eli Manning and Philip Rivers.

The alternative at this point is Dominique Barber and perhaps Troy Nolan, who missed his rookie year with hand injury.

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Falling

Baltimore Ravens' cornerback depth: Baltimore did not address its cornerback situation last week in the draft. The position remains one of the team's biggest question marks. The Ravens have cornerbacks. The problem is two of their top three players at the position, Lardarius Webb and Fabian Washington, are coming off major knee surgeries. Will either cornerback be ready for training camp? Will both be healthy enough to play in Week 1? Could they struggle with the injuries throughout the season? It's a process Baltimore has to continue to monitor and eventually decide if it's a worthy investment to sign a veteran. The draft was very deep at cornerback, particularly in the first three rounds. But the Ravens addressed other needs like defensive line, outside linebacker and tight end. According to most draft experts, Baltimore had one of the league's better drafts. But pass defense remains one of the few questions for this otherwise stacked team across the board.

Rising

Cincinnati Bengals' passing game: Conscious of its struggles throwing the football at the end of last season, Cincinnati put on the full-court press to improve in that area this offseason. It started with the acquisition of free-agent receiver Antonio Bryant to replace Laveranues Coles. Then the Bengals capped it off with drafting two highly-touted prospects in tight end Jermaine Gresham and receiver Jordan Shipley. Cincinnati quarterback Carson Palmer should be very happy. He has struggled getting production in the middle of the field since the loss of receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Gresham and Shipley specialize in wreaking havoc over the middle and should open up the entire field for Palmer and No. 1 receiver Chad Ochocinco. In seven years, Palmer has never had a legitimate threat at tight end. But he does now.

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Falling

Paul Soliai, Dolphins nose tackle: Next on the depth chart at nose tackle, Soliai was in position to be the starter until Jason Ferguson returned from his eight-game suspension. But the Dolphins made moves that will make it much more difficult for Soliai, a fourth-year pro, to assume the gig. The Dolphins drafted defensive lineman Jared Odrick with the 28th pick and announced afterward they would move defensive end Randy Starks to the nose. In fact, Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland didn't even mention Soliai's name when breaking down what their plans were at nose tackle after drafting Odrick.

Rising

Trent Edwards, Bills quarterback: Edwards enters his fourth pro season on shaky ground. He was Buffalo's opening-day starter the past two seasons but lost his job last year to Ryan Fitzpatrick. Now Edwards is in an open competition, but at least he knows the Bills haven't added an immediate threat. Edwards over the weekend learned a lot about what lies ahead when the Bills declined to draft Jimmy Clausen or Colt McCoy but selected Levi Brown in the seventh round. Bills GM Buddy Nix called Brown a "developmental" quarterback, and head coach Chan Gailey all but confirmed the Bills wouldn't sign a veteran free agent. That gives Edwards the greatest odds possible of winning his job back.