Paul Kuharsky

  (2:58 PM)

Hello AFC South people. Hope you're doing well...

Vic (Kailua, HI)

What's up with Joseph Addai? Can his struggles be blamed on the injuries sustained by the o-line? Or was is the mild concussion still lingering?

Paul Kuharsky

  (2:59 PM)

I'm not sure about the concussion. But certainly the line is making it very difficult on their run game. I did a large blog entry today on Colts and Jags struggling to run...

ben in houston

Paul, I am assuming that you have a HOF vote and would like to know why none of the writers that followed the Oilers are campaigning for Robert Brazile. His credentials are obvious... DROY, 7 Pro Bowls, 5 All Pro and on the 70's All Decade Team. He had 13 career INT's as a linebacker and was the first blitzing 3-4 LB. He is the only LB on the All Decade team not in the HOF. Your colleague here in Houston (John McClain) almost single-handidly got Elvin Bethea in but doesn't believe Dr. Doom deserves it. What gives with you guys?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:00 PM)

I do not have a vote. McClain has the Houston vote. David Climer has the Nashville vote. As I don't, I don't spend too much time on history, so I don't know as much as I should in terms of placing Brazile...

Joey (Rochester, New York)

Paul, need your help man! Adrian Peterson, Reggie Bush, Darren McFadden & Chris Johnson. Pick 3 to start in Fantasy this week please?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:02 PM)

With those back you either have no WRs or QB or you are plaing with some bad owners. I think Johnson will have a good day. And you play AP no matter what. I'd play Bush too...

Stephen (NJ)

Do you believe Cortland Finnegan can get selected to the Pro Bowl if he continues his strong play? Or will he continue to be someone most people still haven't heard of, and thus not get enough votes?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:03 PM)

I think he'll have a Pro Bowl year and make it. You can't say he's been under-recognized. He's played one year as a starter...

Steve (Memphis,TN)

The Texans have drafted some great defensive players the last few years but the results haven't shown up on the field. What are they missing?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:03 PM)

An identity. A good enough pass rush out of the front four. But most of all quality guys in the secondary...

Cosmo (Anytown, USA)

Can you please not answer fantasy football questions for this chat? No one cares about Joey's team from New York.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:04 PM)

I will avoid them as much as I can. Help me out with alternatives...

Vic (Kailua, HI)

Any updates on Dallas Clark? Is he gonna play? If not, how long will he be out?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:05 PM)

Colts seemed to indicate he will play yesterday. But I haven't covered them long enough to have a sense of how forthcoming they really are. I suspect not very. So we'll have to wait and see...

Hunter Mansfield, MA

The Titans havent had the greaest drafts over the last 5 years or so, especially with #1 picks (Jones, Woolfolk, Troupe and Young). What has been the key putting together this years team and ultimately the success that seems to be taking place?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:06 PM)

Fisher has a heck of a staff, and they had more input into this draft than they ever had under Reese. A guy like Washburn is working with two kids he wanted. They have bad misses, but have made up for some with picks like Finnegan, and did well to hit on Roos and Stewart...

Big Sam in Smallville

Paul, you need to fix your last entry. It was actually Antwaan Odom that caused Schaub's shoulder injury by driving it into the ground from behind. Fat Albert only gave him a concussion with a cheap shot to the head.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:06 PM)

Noted...

Cosmo (Anytown, USA)

McNabb seems to be getting blamed for 'choking' on Monday night. Shouldn't more of the attention be on the fact that he played as well as he did with the awful (and in one case, stupid) WR's that the Eagles are trotting out there?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:08 PM)

I thought he was fantastic. But those handoff issues need to be resolved in the preseason...

Vic (Kailua, HI)

With the apparent struggles of the teams within the AFC South, who do you think will come out on top? Where does this division stack up against others in the league, especially the NFC East?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:09 PM)

NFC East gets to beat up NFC West and AFC North. Looking good for Dallas, NY and Philly...

Hunter Mansfield, MA

As a Titans fan, I am having trouble deciding who I want to win the Jax-Indy game this weekend. Thoughts?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:09 PM)

If I am a Titans fan, I want the Colts to lose. I asked some guys about it. Look for a post tomorrow...

Sammy (Niagara Falls, Canada)

I saw a report by Adam Schefter on NFL Network that Vince Young tried to take himself out of the Chargers Playoff game last year. You covered the team then. Was there any truth to that? How does his teammates trust him in the future to lead this team when he wanted to bail on them in there biggest game?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:10 PM)

I do not believe that to be true. I certainly have no confirmation on it. But his eagerness to get out of bad situations is something that he has to resolve.

Brent (Nashville)

Do you think Vince Young's benching will create any friction in the Titan's locker room?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:11 PM)

I think it creates relief.

brad (houston)

Has the astrodome been mentioned for Texans games? I think this is a much more suitable location if Reliant is not ready to go.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:11 PM)

Not suited to host games, officials have said....

JL (Hoboken, NJ)

What are the odds we see Lavelle Hawkins this week for the Titans?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:12 PM)

I don't think he gets many snaps on offense so long as the three in front of him are healthy and not ticking Dinger off...

JL (Hoboken, NJ)

How come Jim Schwartz is still on the Titans? This guy does a great job year in and year out yet isn't a head coach yet. He should have a head coaching job somewhere by now given his track record

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:12 PM)

Soon, I suspect...

Derrick Shea (cleveland)

Can one year the texans come out of no where a la Devil Rays?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:13 PM)

No they can't, I don't think...

ky man paducah ky

The nfl has too many rules right now why keep adding them. All the game is producing is paid babies you pay them all this money but you dont want them to get a scratch on them or banged up go back to when Dick Butkus played for the bears or the great great pittsburg steelers played in the 70's they sign these contracts they know the consquences when they step on the field let the defenses hit somebody.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:14 PM)

I understand your point. But a league with Manning, Brady, Brees, LT, TO and Randy Moss all out hurt is not a good thing...

Hunter Mansfield, MA

Any chance the Titans will give Chris Johnson a shot at returning kicks to spark the return game, or is it not worth risking an injury?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:14 PM)

I say not worth risk. I like Chris Carr. They get a mulligan for last week because of the wind...

Joey (Rochester, New York)

If you're a Titans fan you want the Jags to lose. We match up better with the Colts than the Jags. The Colts are almost assured they will be in the playoffs at the end. But the Jags have split with us the last 3 years and give our offense fits. Colts can climb out of a 1-2 record better than the Jags at 0-3.

JB (TX)

Okay, yeah he freaked out, but why is everyone trying to bury VY? Last time I checked dude was 18-11 as a starter in the NFL. I'm as disappointed as anyone, but I think he has the opportunity to step back, learn, and hopefully come back stronger. Lets also remember he's only 25, when Kurt Warner was 25 he was bagging groceries in Iowa somewhere and ended up winning a Super Bowl and 2 MVPs...

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:16 PM)

People are worried because he's shown no understanding that anything is wrong at all. The step back and learn talk is Fisher and Collins, none of it's from Vince...

Chris (Ole' Miss)

Watched a great piece on HBO Real Sports on the PSL's and increased ticket prices. Do you personally see a backlash of fans staying away in the future cause they can't afford to go to games anymore?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:17 PM)

Nope. The market says there are people willing to pay the prices. Sad that it's not Regular Jack and Jill as often, but that's how it is right now...

JL (Hoboken, NJ)

With the way the events of the first 2 weeks have unfolded do you take back your column regarding the AFC South as the best conference in football?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:18 PM)

Not looking good for my argument at all right now. Right now it's clearly the NFC East. I called it the best division though, not the best conference...

Brent (Nashville)

What is the likelihood of Fisher giving up on Vince the way it appears Childress has on Tarvaris Jackson?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:19 PM)

Eventually maybe. But not yet. This is a very patient franchise. And Jackson was not the third overall pick...

BHB (Norman, OK)

What are your predictions for the Denver-Saints game on Sunday

Evan NYC

Paul- I don't hear much at all about the G-men with all of the attention payed to the Cowboys and the Eagles. I know it's tough to repeat but you think this Giants team has enough for another run?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:20 PM)

There was a ton of talk about the G-men after the Washington game. Dallas-Philly is most recent and on everyone's mind now. Giants are good...

Jeremy (Sault Ste. Marie, MI)

Paul, I'm studying sports and rec management here at Lake Superior State University and was wondering just how to get involved with the NFL somehow. I am a huge fan and would love to work with the NFL somehow some way. Any ideas of how i can make this happen?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:21 PM)

Drop a note in the mailbag -- link under my picture on AFC South blog page.

Tom (Chicagoland)

Is there any chance the Colts make a move with another team to bring in another DT the way they acquired McFarland from the Bucs the year they won the Super Bowl?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:21 PM)

Always a chance. But how did that last one or Simon work out? If a guy is available, he's got some sort of baggage....

Phillip (austin, tx)

"A league with Manning, Brady, Brees, LT, TO and Randy Moss all out hurting is not a good thing." Why is that? Why would you care? The NFL cares because they make money that way. But I dont understand why the fans would care if all those players get hurt. If Wally Pipp doesnt get hurt, then there is no Lou Gehrig. Sometimes injuries let other players step up into the spotlight, which by the way is GOOD FOR THE LEAGUE. Let it play out and if all those guys get hurt, so be it. Why must we try and dictate the outcomes of our sporting events.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:23 PM)

Somestimes you get Lou Gehrig. Most of the time you don't. People want to see stars play. I'm pretty sure of that. You think New Englanders are rushing out to buy Matt Cassel gear? Don't dictate the outcomes. But it's OK to call roughing the passer on nasty hits...

Myron G. (Cleveland, Ohio)

Have been hearing about Brady Quinn to Kansas City rumors recently. Any truth to them?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:23 PM)

I can't imagine why the Browns would consider trading Quinn with how Anderson has looked so far....

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:24 PM)

I'm generally not going to pick games, FYI. I'm not asked to by my bosses and it gives me a certain freedom I'm enjoying so far. Sorry...

JB (TX)

Speaking of HOF, what do you think McNair's chances are? He is probably my favorite all time player, but his stats don't match up well w/other QBs of his era (Brady, Manning, Favre, McNabb).

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:24 PM)

He's not a Hall of Famer.

Jeff (Houston)

Who will be the Texans leading rusher at the end of the year? Slaton or Taylor?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:24 PM)

Slaton...

Shane (indianola, IA)

why do you think it took the jags so long to resign Chris Naeole? i know it is only week three, but shouldn't this have been a common sense move seeing as how he knows our system and will make an immediate impact in our weak running game???

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:25 PM)

Maybe he wasn't ready and they didn't want to use up the roster spot while he completed rehab, especially since they already knew they needed a week or two wait for Wade? Why does it matter now?

Patrick dellapenna haskell NJ

paul could you see a situation in which the titans draft a QB in one of the early rounds this year as a safety blanket

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:26 PM)

Not in the early rounds, no. Third or later, perhaps....

JL (Hoboken, NJ)

Any updates on Richard Collier?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:26 PM)

Was told yesterday he remains critical but stable, improving...

Jonathan (Louisville, KY)

Lots of rumors floating around the forums (from Bongo) saying the Titans are trying to trade for a WR. Have you heard anything and if so, who do you see them going after?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:27 PM)

It would be very out of character for Titans to make a big move. It would be very out of character for someone to deal a premier receiver in-season. It would be very out of character for Bongo to be correct.

Matt (Houston)

Texans leading rusher follow-up...over under on Slaton's yds 700.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:28 PM)

Over. But that's partly wishful thinking as I drafted him. I think Green will fade out of the picture and Slaton will get enough carries...

Andy (albany)

How is Jeff Fisher not the best coach in the NFL? He doesn't have 5 players on that roster that the casual NFL fan could name in 30 seconds, yet he always fields a presentable, hungry, and passionate team. The guy wins. Who else is better than him given the talent he's had?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:29 PM)

Because he's not Bill Belichick? Because he has not won a Super Bowl? Doing well with bad talent is a good accomplishment. It doesn't make you the best.

James Jacksonville

The message Vince needs to learn is don't make the media mad or they will turn on you. How does he get back in your,and the Tennessean staff's good graces? 18 and 11 isn't enough, what is?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:30 PM)

It's not about being in our good graces. How do you think teammates feel when they have to account for their play and he doesn't? What's become of personal accountability?

Tyler (Murfreesboro, TN)

Paul - So with the whole Kerry Collins in for Vince Young deal, do you think this scenario will work out as well for the Titans as it did for the Chargers? I remember Drew Brees struggled a ton when he got thrust into the starting role, and the seasoned Doug Flutie was put in for him so Brees could sit back and learn. It worked for them, as Brees has obviously done well for himself and kept a top five pick on the bench for two years because of his outstanding play (which I think helped Rivers, too). Will this work for the Titans in the same way?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:31 PM)

It's a good comparison and certainly what they are hoping for here. A lot depends on Collins' health. Can he play 14 games?

JL (Hoboken, NJ)

Vince Young - more Bear Stearns/Lehman Brothers (down and done) or more Apple (intial success, brink of failure, massive resurgence)

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:32 PM)

A

JB (TX)

I think the Titans are fine as constructed (w/either QB) for a deep playoff run. Also, I don't think any premier WR would want to be in Tennessee as their stats would surely suffer. For all the Kerry Collins praise he still only threw for 128 yds.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:33 PM)

Gets a mulligan in the wind. But yeah, 150, 175 can be plenty as part of their plan...

Shane (indianola, IA)

why does it matter?? really?? lets see, the jags are 0-2. the run game ranks 28th. our backs are averaging less then 3 YPC. our QB went from a 6:1 TD to INT ratio to 1:3.....you tell me why it matters that we get players in that can come in and start right away, with little confusion seeing as he has started for us the last how many years....really, why does it matter....

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:33 PM)

Why does it matter that it took them an extra week to being in Naeole when he was probably not fit to play last week. That was my question...

Andy (albany, ny)

Give me a break. Belicheck was in the right place at the right time with GREAT talent. Fisher has never had a taste of the talent Belicheck has had. Give him the titans and we'll see how he does. It's easy to win when you have 10 pro bowlers

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:35 PM)

The guy who's won three Super Bowls is just lucky and the guy who's won none gets upgraded for having lack of talent? He helped pick some of these guys -- Pacman in particular...

Steve (Syracuse, NY)

Yeah- no one remembers the Browns days for mr. Belicheck. They only remember him after he had Tom Terrific with that fantastic defense....

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:36 PM)

If you win three Super Bowls, you wash away a bad stint. If Brad Childress won three Super Bowls in the next seven years, would we spend most of our time on his bad start?

JL (Hoboken, NJ)

With a new CBA coming in a few years do you think the trading landscape could be significantly changed in the NFL to become more like the NBA/MLB where big stars get traded all the time

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:37 PM)

No, I don't think they want that. Less player movement works well, and there is a premium on developing and holding onto draft picks...

JL (Hoboken, NJ)

Were the Texans able to game plan for the Titans a little more with their unexpected bye week or was the timing too late?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:38 PM)

Too late. They were off for four days spanning the time when the game was postponed and then cancelled...

Mark

One constant under the Fisher tenure for the Titans has been the physicality of the defense, and they always have that reputation around the league. I imagine every NFL coach wants his defense to be very physical, hard-hitting and just plain nasty, so how does a team like the Titans consistently have such a defense despite personnel turnover?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:39 PM)

It's attitude and it comes from coaching. Guys like Washburn and Munch instill that mentality in their guys and it works...

Adam (Washington, DC)

Huge fan of your reporter pieces - Can you tell me what it would take for the Titans to get Boldin next year, and whether the Titans have written off big trades for WRs as a result of mental scarring from the past?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:41 PM)

Thanks. I'd look more for a FA -- Evans, Housh, maybe Roy Williams, I'm not certain if he's up. Trades are expensive, and the Titans build through the draft and won't spend a first-round pick...

Steve (Syracuse, NY)

I just hope that Schaub doesnt get hurt against the titans again this year. Every time we play them, Schaub seems to go out with an injury and Rosenfelds comes in and tears us apart!

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:41 PM)

Have a post up on that today...

Steve Powers (Syracuse, NY)

Paul- by the way I sent you an email, as I am studying Sports Management at Syracuse University and would love to find a way to break into the business. Thanks a lot for taking the time to help me out.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:42 PM)

When did you send? I will try to respond...

Steve (Syracuse, NY)

Who do you have coming out of the south? Would you project the Titans to be the class of the division with Bob Sanders set to miss some significant time for Indy. I must say, I liked what I saw out of Collins in the 60 mph winds in Cincy this past weekend.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:43 PM)

Too early to say. If the Colts get healthy, they are still dangerous. Losing Sanders hurts, but they have won without him before so I am not going to dismiss their chances...

Jeff (Boston, MA)

Has anyone ever thought that maybe the defense is so good BECAUSE of Belicheck...I would love for people to tell me that the 2001 Pats had more talent than the rams at any position. And obtaining and coaching talent is also a part of the job, why do people penalize Belicheck because he drafts well and finds veterans that will work in his system?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:43 PM)

I don't get it either...

Matt

Here is Mort's response in his chat yesterday regarding Vince and the playoff game: "Chris Mortensen: Jeff Fisher and two players told me it wasn't at halftime, it was after he threw his second interception. That did not sit well with his teammates. He has the right coach in Jeff Fisher to manage this thing but Vince has a lot to overcome to be the guy owner Bud Adams thought he'd be."

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:44 PM)

I'm not sure what you are looking for me to say. Good job by Mort. The bigger issue here is that the guy has a tendency to give up...

JB (TX)

Is it just me or did the Titans D immediately improve a couple years ago when Lamont Thompson got cut? Man, I got sick of watching that guy chase people into the endzone...

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:45 PM)

He was less accountable than VY! Thompson ranks in my all time top three of guys who never said 'My bad.' It was sad...

Patrick dellapenna haskell NJ

do you think we will see vince again this year on the feild starting at qb

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:45 PM)

Don't know. Lot of variables at play. How are they playing? How is Kerry playing? Is he healthy? Does VY make progress with his issues?

JL (Hoboken, NJ)

Do you know how many more seasons Kerry Collins is planning to play? The Titans would be in a bind if he retires after the season...

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:46 PM)

He's a free agent after the season. Right now he's not going to share his plan, he just got a starting job.

Peter (DC)

Whats the word on maurice Jones Drew? Do you think he will play this weekend?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:49 PM)

I would be very surprised if he doesn't play. Talked to him after the Bills game and he scoffed at the idea it would be any sort of issue....

Steve (Memphis,TN)

Who has the better Wide Receivers? Jags or Titans?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:50 PM)

Jags I think. Reggie Williams had 10 TD catches last year. Titans had nine as a team. Matt Jones has looked good to me...

JTB (Virginia Beach)

Hey Paul. What's your take on the Texan/Titan game this weekend? I would expect the Texans offense to follow Cincy's suit and have more 3 step drops - especially since Schaub nearly got killed both times last year. It will be interesting to see Collins vs the Texans defense again too. Last year he moved the ball but red zone efficiency was bad - that was the Bironas 8 FG game.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:50 PM)

I think the Titans should manhandle them. Will make them dink and dunk and play some good third down D...

JB (TX)

Who are the other guys in that "no my bad" top 3?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:51 PM)

I was being polite. He holds all three spots. Well, two of the three. VY is in there now...

JB (TX)

Ref question: Jerry Jones basically said it was known that Hochuli is a bad ref after his call last week. I always thought he was a respected guy? Is there a book on certain refs? Usually you hear this stuff about NBA officials or baseball umps, but that's new to the NFL...

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:52 PM)

He is a respected guy. Yeah, Mangini's game plans include notes on the officials. Some teams really hit on that stuff hard, others don't....

Anthony, Nashville

What will the Titans do with Chris Henry & Paul Williams?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:52 PM)

Henry should be inactive this week behind Ganther. Williams has shown me nothing either...

Zach San Antonio TX

Hey Mr. Kuharsky, Im like the most die hard fan of the Titans here in San Antone, and i just wanted to ask, i know the team is really healthy right now and we're playing great. But what position do you think an injury would be the worst for the titans and how badly would it cripple them?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:53 PM)

Chris Hope is kind of a glue guy, and they are thin at safety. Hope or Griffin going down would hurt. They need KVB and Albert out there...

Matt (IN)

I asked you about Lucas Oil Stadium previously and you mentioned that it was a great place but that the food was pretty average. I just wanted to let you know that you were dead on. The place is amazing, fantastic view out of the window looking downtown. And the food was just as bad as it was at the RCA Dome.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:54 PM)

Glad to get a second opinion. Also they should have made the concourse in front of the window deeper. But heck of a place. Just don't go in hungry...

JTB (Virginia Beach)

Have you spoken to McNair (on or off the record) about the latest VY circus? When he came to TC in August, he made mention of VY needing to mature and handle adversity better and we all saw what VY did versus the Jags and afterwards. Just curious of his take given his relationship with Young and having the ability to put himself in exactly the same spot Young is in now.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:55 PM)

I talked to him then and I wrote what I am able to share. That VY needs to not take things personally, that the team is a family, to block out the media, etc. It's not about what Steve said, it's about what VY heard...

David (Amherst ,NH)

Do you think the divsion is still wide open?....I mean it's only been two games

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:56 PM)

Of course it is!

Steve (Syracuse, NY)

Do you think as the weather gets colder the Titans will integrate LenDale more into the offense? He has been pretty invisible the first couple weeks.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:56 PM)

If half the carries is invisible, then he's been invisible. I think he's going to get about half the carries...

Jeff (Los Angeles CA)

I question why any team bites on the play action in Indy right now. With Manning unable to run the stretch play due to his knee and the injuries to the O-line wouldn't it make more sense to just play pass unless you see a toss sweep that takes too long to develop anyways. I would much rather take my chances with Addai up the middle with back up O-lineman blocking than Reggie Wayne, Marvin Harrison and Anthony Gonzalez running by my safety's Also any updates on how long until Manning gets closer to 100%

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:57 PM)

You and me both. And I would expect, the Jags too...

Chris (glendale AZ)

hey paul with carolina 2-0 with their next 5 games going against the vikings, cheifs, falcons, saints and the bucs what are your thoughts of them possibly being 7-0

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:58 PM)

They could lose one or two in there -- MIN, NO, TB. But they are way better than I thought. I picked them to go to the Super Bowl a couple years, like a lot of folks, and they underperformed. Now they don't get picked and could breakout. Maybe better without expectations?

JL (Hoboken, NJ)

I'd like to throw DeRon Jenkins in the mix with Lamont Thompson, that guy had no business playing on the football field, much less starting

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:59 PM)

But he was capable of saying he made a mistake once in a while....

Paul Kuharsky

  (4:02 PM)

Well folks, that hour goes by quickly. I enjoyed talking with you. Please hit the mailbag anytime. I'll be here to chat at the same time every week....