Paul Kuharsky

  (3:01 PM)

Hello everbody, thanks so much for stopping by... Let's hit it...

Rob (Fort Myers)

Are the Colts "back", or do you just think they caught NE and Pittsburgh at the right time?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:02 PM)

Back, with some context. Lots of mediocre teams in the AFC, an easy schedule for them the rest of the way. And they can win off formula more comfortably now -- they don't have to jump out to a lead and dictate the shape of a game, though they'd still like to...

Steve (Memphis,TN)

Jeff Fisher growing the beard again I see! I hope that's a sign of good things to come!

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:03 PM)

His daughter is a huge factor in it. I think she picks the time to green light it...

JL (Hoboken, NJ)

Who do ya got tonight Paul?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:03 PM)

Hard for me to see the Pats losing...

Josh (nashville)

Hey Paul, Do you get to choose what game you are going to each week or does the mothership(espn) direct you on which one to go and cover?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:04 PM)

I sort it out with my editors, who obviously make the final call. Most of the time it's been an obvious choice for all of us...

Sage Rosenfels

Outcome for me this weekend in Indy? I can't endure another game like last time.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:05 PM)

No you can't. I think your good chance to beat them has passed...

Joey (Rochester, New York)

Quick history lesson. Bud Adams wants to move the Oilers to Jacksonville. Then Jacksonville gets an expansion team. Oilers give Jags there 1st loss. Jags get there 1st win against Oilers. Titans beat Jags 3 straight times in route to Super Bowl in 1999. Each game, a total slugfest usually decided by 10 points or less and almost always split. Is this not one of the greatest rivalies in the NFL in the last decade or so? Clearly underrated!

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:06 PM)

I think the "in the last decade or so" part diminishes it. Good rivalry. Hardly Bears-Packers or Redskins-Cowboys, however...

JB (TX)

PK, thanks for the TV info on the blog. My eyes light up every time I find out Deirdorf is NOT doing a Titans game.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:07 PM)

That's been a big hit. And I added a link to the regional map this week which a lot of people seem to like as well. Appreciate the feedback...

Rob (Ohio)

Have any of the Titans DEs (other than KVB) really stood out to you this season?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:07 PM)

I think Ball has been great the last couple weeks as a fill-in. A great story...

Alan, Murfreesboro TN

Haynesworth keeps saying they haven't played their best game yet. I think once the Titans get Vanden Bosh back they'll win by larger margins. It all starts up front.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:08 PM)

I point out in a blog post today that they also haven't played their worst game yet...

Mortimer (Gallatin, TN)

A lot of fans are wondering what the deal is with Vince Young on the sidelines in recent games. Fisher has dismissed it all, but do you have any more insight? Keep up the good work

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:10 PM)

Is this THE Mort? This is purely my interpretation: They have no interest in expending energy on him right now. That means no hand holding and saying, "Vince, you should be over here, doing this." He needs to figure some of that out for himself, and they can wait him out under the current circumstances. Someone in his inner circle HAS GOT to coach him on basic stuff like that...

Robert Chapman (Seattle,WA)

Can the Cleveland Browns Finish above .500 this season?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:10 PM)

Magic 8 ball says: I don't see it...

Rob (Fort Myers)

PK...have you given any thought to setting up rules for people getting email responses? I, for one, vote for no more of this "my team doesn't get enough respect" crap!

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:12 PM)

I try to answer everyone, but when I can't, those are among the ones that don't make the cut. Please note the Hot Read package at our NFL front page right now: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/index

Rob (Ohio)

Is Jack Del Rio's job safe? He seems to be losing it a bit, if reports from the locker room are to be believed.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:12 PM)

His job is safe. He'll be their coach in 2009. Two bad seasons in a row could change things...

Josh (nashville)

Hey you should give the morning guys some props...they pumped this chat up on the radio... Can the jags protect the qb or will it get ugly for the jags off?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:13 PM)

I meant to use my parting shot time for it, then got distrated badmouthing NASCAR. So I left details with Kevin and he hooked me up...

Aaron (Nashville)

If Tennessee is able to lock up homefield advantage with a couple weeks to go, do you see guys like Lavelle Hawkins getting more time? Experience against solid teams like the Steelers and Colts would be great tune-up for anybody, especially a young unproven guy going into the playoffs.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:15 PM)

You need to know what you are doing to get on the field for Fisher. That will be his primary concern with Hawkins and any other kid. I don't see him resting a lot of people much. Couple guys like Mawae, maybe Kearse...

Mike (Ohio)

Did you see the last play of the Colts-Steelers game? No, I don't mean where the ball went...but on the line. Robert Mathis clearly takes a chop block right in front of the ref and no call. Have you heard anything about about Colon (I believe that's his name) from the Steelers being fined? He could've easily put Mathis out for the year.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:16 PM)

I did not see it. I will check in on a fine though, and if there is anything you'll hear Friday...

Matt (New York)

Who win Giants or Ravens and why? Trying to ask all the bloggers.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:16 PM)

Giants. I don't see a rookie QB beating that defense...

OILERMAN(Texas)

PK, Who would the Titans least like to play in the postseason in your opinion?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:18 PM)

My man. I say Patriots for sure. So much experience game planning playoff games. I'm sure Titans would like to take them on. But I also think they may wind up being the toughest out, even with the line storming the Cassel. If they've beaten the Colts twice, a third game against them could be tough too. Ideal set up, they wouldn't play both...

Spencer: (NJ)

Which team has the best coaching/GM staff in the NFL?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:21 PM)

Patriots, Colts, Giants, Titans, Panthers -- I think that would be my top five. Strictly on head coach and GM...

Chuck (Austin, Texas)

Why would the Texans "Rest" there starting running back Slaton in the middle of the season. That doesn't make sense to me and doesn't bode well for Slaton if he's already worn down.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:22 PM)

I didn't get it either. And all this rotating. Roate the Dline, then find some starters. Now Kubiak is saying Molden is going to get worked in. It's like a revolving door on the sideline there...

Robert (Deep South)

Fast Question Paul, KC vs NO. Who ya got? and can KC compete in a shootout with N.O ?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:22 PM)

NO. And no...

Steven (Hampton, VA)

Mr. Paul, I guess one of the experts will be seen as a genius when the Titans do lose b/c they seem to pick against them almost every week. Why not pick a them until they do lose a game?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:23 PM)

That's kind of been my strategy, though I didn't feel good about the Green Bay game and don't officially pick games anywhere...

Dan (Nutley, NJ)

Revisiting the Young on the sidelines situation: Could you see them going to Simms before Young if something unfortunate happened to Collins?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:23 PM)

They can't if Simms is designated No. 3, unless they are OK with having no other QB available...

JB (TX)

Line storming the Cassel? BOOOOO! Anyway, I think I agree on a 3rd Colts game being tough. I would say San Diego, but who knows if they'll even make the playoffs. I think the biggest fraud as an AFC contender right now is Pittsburgh. They turn the ball over so much, no way that holds up in the playoffs.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:24 PM)

Titans match up about as well as possible with Pittsburgh, I think. That said, I've seen Big Ben complete some passes with two guys hanging off of him...

JTB (Virginia Beach)

At this point, the Titans seem to be in great shape to be the #1 seed in the AFC. I am of the opinion that the two scariest teams for the Titans in January would be Indy and Baltimore. Your thoughts?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:25 PM)

See Oilerman answer. NE and Indy. Balktimore is dangerous, but Titans should be able to beat a rookie QB in a high-pressure game...

Aaron (Nashville)

If and when Jim Schwartz takes a head coaching gig somewhere, what are the odds that he could lure guys like Munchak and Washburn from the Titans with coordinator positions?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:26 PM)

Munch might want to coordinate. I think Washburn is and wants to be a line coach...

dave, indianapolis

pk, i am hearing so ,much about marvin harrison losing a step but as i watch the games, i see under/overthrown balls. a coupled dropped but he is getting open on very good corners

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:27 PM)

Seems more like the Manning-Harrison timing is off than anything. But in the midst of that, Harrison certainly doesn't look the same...

Mortimer (Gallatin, TN)

PK -- The Colts seem to be on a decline, the Titans have improved. Which way are the Jags and Texans headed over the next season or two?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:28 PM)

I think they both need a lot of work. But things can chage awfully fast. Look at three of the teams with new coaches -- Atlanta, Baltimore and Miami are all way better than they were a year ago...

Rob (Fort Myers)

PK...how dare you rip Neck-Car. You don't like turning left?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:29 PM)

I can drive. How about you? Just got a ticket the other day for driving fast even...

Frank (Pell Lake, WI)

I was at the Titans-Bears game and to me the field seemed to be a big issue with making cuts and starting and stopping. Will the fields later in the season be a reason why Chris Johnsons' production, excuse me, "slips" as the season continues?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:30 PM)

Other teams have fast guys that need to make sharp cuts too, right? I don't see it as a huge factor...

Jason Chicago

What do the Titans do in the offseason? Vince Trade? Draft young QB sign KC to Two year deal or let KC walk and roll the dice with Vince and a resigned Chris Simms?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:31 PM)

I don't know, they don't know. Vince gets one more chance to be the guy. What the contingency plans are, I don't think they know yet...

dave indianapolis

how are the colts on the decline? peyton had offseason surgery(not injury)and the offense thrown off sync but still have 2nd youngest team in the nfl with arguably the most talented in teh skilled positions and a very tough schedule?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:33 PM)

They haven't played as well, is the reason they appear to be on the decline. I agree with you for the most part that they aren't. But some of the young players I said before the season hadn't approached their peak have been unimpressive -- Addai and Ugoh come to mind. Being young by itself doesn't mean good...

Fausi, minnesota

theirs been rumors vikings arent gonna stick with gus freotte. who should they sign in the offseason. matt cassel maybe?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:34 PM)

Strikes me as just the kind of guy who's doing well because of the system he's in who can leave for good money and not be nearly as good elsewhere...

Josh (nashville)

I heard the Titans wanted to draft Matt Cassel the year he came out in the draft....is there anyway Titans take a run at him in the offseason if they lose collins to Free Agency?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:34 PM)

They wanted him as an undrafted. Norm liked him a great deal. I am sure he is less appealing to others...

Frank (Pell Lake, WI)

Other teams don't have guys playing on defense that are 4.24 fast. a sloppy field evens things out and should reduce Chris Johnson's running. So LenDale becomes a bigger asset as the season progresses, correct?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:35 PM)

You would have to think LenDale is better in the cold, sure...

JB (TX)

Conventional wisdom around here on the Texans is that Kubiak is safe, but DC Richard Smith is all but fired. I don't know much about Smith, but when you're picking guys up off the street and putting them in the starting lineup doesn't it say more about personnel than scheme?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:35 PM)

I think both are an issue. They probably need new leadership, and they need a major infusion of talent...

Josh (nashville)

out of these 3 which defense is better? Titans,Steelers, or Ravens?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:38 PM)

Tough call. Ravens are awfully good, but I don't love them at corner. I'm a big scoring defense guy, and Titans are best there. I'd say top between Ten and Pitt with Ravens right there. Baltimore gave up 31 to Indy, that was unimpressive...

Josh (nashville)

In your eyes...who is the most important Keeper for the titans? I would say Haynesworth, but the way that Def line keeps plugging guys in they keep making plays...is he still the most important guy to sign?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:39 PM)

Absolutely. No one else on that tier heading for free agency. I love Fuller and Scaife, but they are not anywhere close to Albert's level...

Fausi, minnesota

who has the best chance of winning the nfc north? bears packs or vikes

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:39 PM)

I still like the Packers...

Danny(LA BABY)

the game tonight do you think that it is gonna go overs or under?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:39 PM)

I don't even know the number, so I'm sorry I can't be much of a resource...

JB (TX)

How is Antonio Johnson fitting in so far in Indy?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:41 PM)

The game book didn't even give him a stat line. The Colts gave him eight tackles. Trying to find out if Sunday was an oversight or if that's a discrepancy. If he's a cure, why didn't they sign him weeks earlier, that's what I wonder...

Nashville - Matt

What is Chris Henry doing? Special team

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:42 PM)

Standing on the sideline inactive. Hasn't been active once...

Jonathan (Louisville, KY)

Just have to ask this one fantasy question...Brady Quinn v. the Bills or Jason Campbell v. Cowboys?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:42 PM)

Gut feeling -- Quinn. Disclaimer: I stink at fantasy...

Richard (Knoxville)

Will your blog and chat stick around all year long or will they go away after the draft?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:43 PM)

The blog is my fulltime job, year round. Going nowhere. I'll chat but I don't know if it'll be weekly...

Daniel (Detroit, MI)

I've got two questions for you, Paul. The first one is a follow-up from Josh from Nashville. 1. What do you think the Titans' chances are of being able to re-sign Big Al after this season and would we have the cap space to do so? 2. Are there any indications this week that Vanden Bosch will be ready to go? He's such a game changer and it would be great to see him back making quarterbacks' lives miserable. Thanks

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:45 PM)

I can't pretend to know about KVB. They've survived well without him, I think they can beat Jacksonville without him if that's what they have to try to do... They can afford AH cap wise. My question is about their willingness to approach the monster numbers he can find in free agency. They are fiscally conservative, and he is in line to be the highest paid defensive player in football...

Rob (Fort Myers)

Paul...I heard Pat Kirwan, a respected NFL writer, suggest that Kyle Vanden Bosch MAY be the most important cog in that D-Line. Kirwan suggested that KVB keeps Haynesworth in check, and the energy he plays with increases the level of all other players. Seeing as the Titans have been giving up some decent runs with KVB out, do you think there is any credence to that theory?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:47 PM)

Interesting. I think they rely on each other, certainly. We saw them play poorly without AH three games last year. KVB has hardly played the last four games and they haven't missed a beat. That's not to take anything away from Kyle, who's a tremendous player and tone setter...

Dan (Nutley, NJ)

If the Giants keep winning, do they jump over the Titans in your Power Rankings once the Titans lose their first game?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:48 PM)

Depends on circumstances of the Giants' win and the Titans' loss. But there would be a good chance...

JL (Hoboken, NJ)

Paul, I tried to explain to my boss that I couldn't go to a meeting because I was in a chat room but for some reason that didn't sit too well with them...should I have him talk to you next time?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:48 PM)

Yes, I can write you a note... Who does he root for?

Steven (Hampton, VA)

Mr. Paul, I enjoy your articles very much. I have been a fan since you were with the Tennessean. Keep up the good work. Go Titans!

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:49 PM)

Thanks Steve...

Hermitage

What do you see the Titans doing in the draft this year?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:52 PM)

A lot of best player available. Have to hit WR. The tell me who's gone as a free agent?

Josh (nashville)

Is Wycheck really that big of a homer or is it hes scared to go against them because he calls their games and is an employee?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:53 PM)

He said today he thought they'd put up a stinker at some point...

Matt

RE: Antonio Johnson, I never checked a stat line but I know that Bob Lamey was raving about him on the radio broadcast on several occasions. I know this much, he didn't get shut out stats-wise. Just FYI.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:53 PM)

I just looked. No stat line. Clearly a mistake...

Jay(Brentwood,Tn)

Paul, can Chris Johnson pass a ball?With teams with eight men in the box,seems like we could option to Scaiffe over the middle.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:54 PM)

I didn't see him throwing anything in camp. Don't see practices now...

The Tyrant (nashville)

If the Titans make it to the Superbowl, do you think that pretty much guarantees that Albert is gone or do you think he would want to try to stick around to be on the best team in the afc? I was thinking they would have less time to get a deal in place if there was an extended run in the postseason. Or do you think he is gone no matter what happens. Do you think this is the year for the Titans to win it all or do you think they can actually improve next season enough to compete on the level of the patriots and colts when they are healthy? Your thoughts?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:55 PM)

I think the need to win it this year because things could change. He could be back, who knows. But the timetable is cut if they make a long run. Who knows about the Colts, Pats, and Chargers beyond this year? Titans will still be good, but they have a golden opportunity here...

Chris (Ole' Miss)

Alot of people & experts picked the Texans to overtake the Titans in the division. The Texans are or can be a good team. But they only beat the Colts once (2006). They only swept the Titans once (2004). The rest of there wins have come against the Jags. Until they have a winning record within there own division, this team will never be good. Agree?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:56 PM)

Agree. Disagree that " a lot of people and experts" picked them ahead of Titans...

Danny NJ

Paul I disagree in your saying the defense hasn't lost a beat w Vanden Bosch out. I think the run defense has suffered.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:56 PM)

Clarification: Hasn't dropped of to a point where they have been at risk of losing...

Hermitage

Would you trade up for Michael Crabtree if you Titans and he came out early

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:57 PM)

I would. They never will...

Dan (Detroit, MI)

Do you think the Jacksonville win against the Lions last Sunday was more a product of Del Rio's "shakeup" or a demonstration of just how terrible Detroit is these days? Do you think that win translates to some undue confidence in Jacksonville this week (see the "Accuscore" Prediction in the ESPN intel report as an example)

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:58 PM)

B. Nicely timed shakeup. Maybe it should have come before the Cleveland game, then we would have really seen if it hit home. Titans can lose this one, for sure, but the way the Jags have played the last three weeks gives me little reason to expect a great performance...

JL (Hoboken, NJ)

True/False: Cortland Finnegan & Nnamdi Awesom-O are All Pros this year

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:59 PM)

For Finnegan, I'd say the Pro Bowl is a big step. Woodson has to factor in and All Pro is another huge step...

The Tyrant (nashville)

Do you think it is possible for the Titans to go another offseason without adressing the Wide Receiver position?

Paul Kuharsky

  (4:00 PM)

For as many years as we've seen them be pretty passive there, sure. I would hope Dinger would say, I thought I had enough and i didn't. I need this guy and that guy...

Nick (Wisconsin)

Does any team want the NFC North? I predict the winner will be determined by some bizarre three team tie rule. Your thoughts on who might win the division?

Paul Kuharsky

  (4:01 PM)

I think the Packers are the best team and have the most talent. Of course I haven't seen Detroit yet!

Danny NJ

how outlandish would be to dream the Titans would give up a first and third to Oakland for Asamwa (spelling)?????.

Paul Kuharsky

  (4:01 PM)

Why? Because they've been getting picked apart on Harper's side?

Chad (Manassas, Va)

Who would be a better start this week Quinn or Romo.

Paul Kuharsky

  (4:02 PM)

Already said Quinn and that I stink at fantasy...

Marvin Harrison (Indy)

I usually have no comment for reporters but I like you Pauly. I understand I'm getting a little older, maybe I have lost a step, but what is up with questioning my effort. Too many people are saying I don't give 100% all the time. What do you think? Also, is it really all my fault? Sometimes, when I have beaten my defender, the ball is not delivered there accurately. Is that timing/accuracy in issue with the offensive line not allowing my boy (Peyton) to step into his throws?

Paul Kuharsky

  (4:03 PM)

Fair points. This is why you should speak up sometimes. All we have to interpret is body language and inconsistent reports on you having a concussion...

JL (Hoboken, NJ)

Paul, I think it'd be interesting to look at Fisher's November/December record compared to other head coaches. Common wisdom is that the run game and defense is better suited for the cold, and the Titans seem to be a second half team (eg making the AFC Champ game after starting 1-4...getting to 8-8 after 0-5 start) Any chance you can get your stat junkies at ESPN to look into this?

Paul Kuharsky

  (4:04 PM)

I am on it...

Paul Kuharsky

  (4:05 PM)

Fast hour! Thanks for coming. Same time, same place next week. I hope you will return and spread the word. Cheers...

Danny NJ

No, because Harper is getting up there and the Oakland CB would be an awesome addition as well as a younger option. They will need to add depth in the offseason at CB either way. No?

Paul Kuharsky

  (4:05 PM)

They will draft one. try to re-sign King and look at Cary Williams...

Brian (Indianapolis)

Want to shake up the Titans/Colts rivalry a bit?....Indy signs Albert Haynesworth..!!...right?

Paul Kuharsky

  (4:06 PM)

That would be something. I think Atlanta and Carolina are places he'd like to go. Indy doesn't chase big FAs...