rick, st louis

I don't get it. Why are people so down on Vince Young (media and fans). Yeah he had a breakdown but don't people remember his first year when he played carefree? I think just maybe Titans fans have too high of expectations for a developing QB and I think the media is piling on Vince because he has 'clammed' up. After the 60 minutes spin; wouldnt you? What do you think Paul? I hope you answer me this time! I like your blog and scan it daily.

Paul Kuharsky

  (2:56 PM)

Once people figured him out and things got hard, he didn't show the necessary fortitude. You say media and fans are down on him, but it's his coaches who decided he needed to sit, it's his teammates who rallied around the alternative and it's management that resigned Collins to continue as the starter...

Paul Kuharsky

  (2:57 PM)

Good afternoon everybody, nice to be with you. Thanks for coming.

Corey (Washington DC)

Paul, I am a huge fan of WR Anthony Gonzalez. With Marvin Harrison and his 60 rec, 600+ yds, and 5 TD no longer in Indy, what kind of a season do you expect from Gonzo in his 3rd season this year?

Paul Kuharsky

  (2:57 PM)

I expect him to be a consistent target for Manning and make a lot of big catches.

Cory, Lakewood CO (from Houston)

I know it will never happen, and there's no need to draft a QB, but if Sanchez fell to the Texans at 15, could you risk passing up the marketability of a hispanic quarterback in a market like Houston? Imagine ticket sales/jersey sales...just a thought. And is Cushing/Matthews a better option for the Texans if Malcolm Jenkins is available (to play safety and/or CB in the nickel/dime)?

Paul Kuharsky

  (2:58 PM)

The Texans don't struggle to market or to sell tickets or merchandise. If your personnel people are making draft decisions based on such things, you're franchise is in trouble.

Tom: (Southampton, England)

Duane Brown was fairly high up the table last year in terms of sacks allowed. whilst being a great run blocker can you really see him becoming a decent pass blocker. I love the guys attitude and work ethic and really want to see him succeed and realise he was thrown in at the deep end last year but i was wandering if you have read or heard anything which suggests he will be able to iron out the problems he experienced last year.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:00 PM)

They like him and with a full year working under Gibbs and Benton he should improve. The QB can help by throwing it away more often and choosing to live for another day.

David ( Jacksonville, Florida )

What are the chances the Jags trade out of the 8th slot and move back in the draft ? If not,do they take Crabtree if he is available or a defensive player. Thanks Paul.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:01 PM)

I think you have to take Crabtree if he is there and checks out medically. I think Raji has to be tempting. Otherwise you'd like to back out. But it takes a willing partner.

JP (LR, ARK)

Seems like a decent draft at center, do you see the Titans drafting a center in the late rounds (J. Luigs) in case Mawae doesn't hold ut?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:02 PM)

I think they like Leroy Harris a lot as the next center.

Maurice Jones-Drew (Jacksonville, FL)

Paul, you must agree I deserve a better contract. I should've gone first round and I should've gotten the OROY. Am I asking for too much?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:04 PM)

I think you'll get a contract. I think a guy is drafted where he is drafted. And I had no dispute with VY as offensive rookie of the year.

Justin (Sacramento,Ca.)

What are your thoughts on the titans being able to sign Torry Holt? If signed do the Titans draft a WR 1st to be groomed by Holt? Or do the Titans look for a soild CB/DT/or LB?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:06 PM)

I think people are bordering with being obsessed with the guy, Fans like him more than the Titans do. He's unlikely to sign anywhere before the draft. You don't sign a guy to be a groomer, you sign him to be a player. Grooming is bonus. They could go any direction at 30.

Ronak (Boston)

You and other Nashville media people have made it pretty clear that VY does not seem to be the long term solution. If that is clear, wouldn't it make more sense to bring in a young QB prospect this year and give him some time to progress before throwing him into the wolves (Rhett Bomar perhaps) Or do you see Pat Ramsey as a possible long term solution

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:07 PM)

If they are planning on having VY on the roster this year, you're clogging the roster with QBs if you draft the future guy. I think they can wait another year unless some great value falls in their lap.

Mad Mike (Houston)

Paul: Have heard a few things that are likely rumors. Curious what you have heard on them. First, that both Matthew and Cushing flunked steroids testing at the combine. Second, the Texans sending their first pick (15 = 1050pts) and their second (46 = 440 pts) to Phily and Phily sends their number ones, 21 = 800 pts and 28 = 660 pts. I hope number two is true. Your thoughts, Thanks...MM

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:09 PM)

The only people who would know for sure about tests at this point are the administrators and the players and their representation. I believe April 20 is the date teams get official notification about test results. What we hear then will be far more reliable. That sounds like an interesting trade. Who do we think Philly is targeting there?

Guy (Round Rock, TX)

Texans signed a couple of LB's in the past week. What will their roles be if the Texans draft a LB w/ pick 15?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:10 PM)

I think Cato June and Buster Davis are depth guys.

Clint (Indiana)

Why has Holt received so much more interest from teams than Harrison? Who do you think would be more beneficial to a team?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:12 PM)

People in the know clearly think Holt has more left than Harrison. Now his asking price needs to become more realistic. Also Harrison is four years older.

rick, st louis

Paul, I gotta doubledip now that I know this works. What is your honest assessment of our offense in Tennessee? Do you think we are way too conservative and that this approach leads to close games? Yes its effective most of the time; but in the playoffs don't you think we need a more dynamic offense (ie; passing game) to win?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:17 PM)

Generally and historically too conservative, but last year's team scored plenty. The 08 Titans averaged 23.4 points and average score was 23.4-14.6. Is that not a good cushion? They are never going to be Greatest Show on Turf.

JB (TX)

PK, are we going 2 hrs again today? If so, what kind of performance enhancers are you taking to get thru the chat? There's no way you're doing this naturally...

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:17 PM)

One hour, enhanced only by Diet Coke.

David (Nashville, TN)

The players love Holt, why doesn't the front office? Holt was on an awful team last year and still almost broke 1,000 yards! He has great hands and is a great guy as far as off the field. Is 10 consecutive seasons with 1,000 yards receiving not enough anymore? I mean T.O. is a couple years older and he got scooped up.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:19 PM)

We're going to let the players make roster decisions now? Do you think the Titans would throw to him as often as the Rams did?

John (Indianapolis)

I understand that the Colts do not typically go after big name free agents, but why can they never consider a guy like Houshmandzadeh when they are available? We need a big guy like him to throw to, but insist on never changing our ways.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:20 PM)

Who would you like them to cut to create the cap room to sign Housh?

Logan (Indianapolis)

Paul, I love the blog. Keep up the good work! In 02 and 04 Polian went against what everyone thought the Colts needed (DT and CB respectively). What player or position do you think Polian surprises everyone with assuming he dosen't go DT or WR

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:21 PM)

It's hard to say because you don't know what will be there. What would be a surprise? Big: QB, DB. Medium: RB, OT.

Allen (houston)

Paul, Can the Texans afford to keep owen daniels, dunta, and demecco ryans? dunta turned down chris gamble money and demecco was offered top 5 MLB money "supposedly", and the keelen winslow signing makes owen daniels bargaining power stronger. if they cant keep all three, i say dunta would be the one to go. any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:22 PM)

I think they can afford them, and it's important to note that Robinson will sign the franchise and be under contract and the other two are under contract. So there is time and the team has the hand right now.

Nate (Indy)

All I hear from the talking heads about the Colts (including local media, who apparently read Kiper as well) is Peria Jerry, Peria Jerry, Peria Jerry. If he's really the #2 DT in the draft, regardless of the dearth of talent in the DT position overall, don't you think someone will draft him before the Colts' #27 spot? Even if he's available, I don't see Polian taking a chance on a 25 year-old rookie with durability questions, regardless of talent. I say it will be Hakeem Nicks or Darrius Heyward-Bay.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:23 PM)

I don't think Jerry will be there, and I think Polian is wary of DTs early. I'm expecting WR or a surprise.

Matt (NY, NY)

Ok Paul, all the uproar about using "..." has been traumatic to me. So I did some research (if Wikipedia counts as research) and was pretty excited to find that my favorite narrative device has a long and distinguished history, as well as a fancy name. An ellipsis at the end of a sentence is called an aposiopesis, which is a construct used by Virgil in Aeneid, by King David in Psalms, as well as by Paul Kuharsky in the AFC South chats. Perhaps an entire 2 hour chat dedicated to the "..." would make everyone learn to love it...

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:25 PM)

You lost me at Wikipedia. Come on. Seriously? You know I can go on there and write an entry about you and say anything I like, right? I appreciate your support -- as you can tell I have tried to abandon "..." to be responsive to my audience complaints. Please file me a two page memo citing legit sources.

Nate (Indy)

I know that this is a chat with Paul K, not Mel K, but apparently Kiper slipped Nate Davis off of his Big Board when only the Colts showed up for his pro day. Do teams pay attention to talking heads like Mel when coming up with draft-day strategies? Could there be teams out there that really like Davis, didn't tip their hat by showing up for the pro day, and are hoping to draft him in a late round because he's fallen out of Big Mel's graces?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:26 PM)

Outside of having low level people put out misdirection info, teams could not care less what draftniks are saying.

Robert (Latrobe, PA)

Why are there so many VY apologists? His benching had nothing to do with the media. Do you think the Titans liked that they had to start a 36-year-old QB over a third year, high pick projected franchise QB? There were very, very good reasons for his demotion, and media coverage had absolutely nothing to do with it.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:27 PM)

You sir, contend for question of the day.

David (Nashville, TN)

I think the Titans would throw to him as often because Mike H. would have a superb passing offense and a great running game. If we had Holt, don't you think it would enhance all aspects of our team and we could be an offense that can run and pass with great efficiency? Think 13-3, but with more points.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:28 PM)

You're overrating Holt and overestimating the Titans' desire to change. They were 13-3, won by an average of about 10 points and have upgrade their weakest spot on offense with Washington in and McCareins out. Then they blew it in the playoffs because they coughed it up.

Ronak (Boston)

You've been pretty outspoken in your belief that the Titans won't buck the trend and take a first round WR. I also agree with you that Torry Holt is not the solution many fans think he is. How do you think the Titans address the need for a much needed playmaker on offense? How do you personally think they should address it?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:30 PM)

I think they should draft one in round one or two and i think they should work to get him and Hawkins involved. I think Washington may be a playmaker and he looks like a good signing considering what was out there.

Juan Houston

Do you think the Texans should consider a hard hitting safety like Mike Brown of Chicago. I think he is still available.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:31 PM)

I think if there was a big time first-round safety, they'd be set up perfectly for him at 15. "Hard hitting" also often means "can't cover" and what they need is "well-rounded."

rick, st louis

"Generally and historically too conservative, but last year's team scored plenty. The 08 Titans averaged 23.4 points and average score was 23.4-14.6. Is that not a good cushion? They are never going to be Greatest Show on Turf. " It was a good cushion; however that point differential was predicated on a rock solid defense. A defense that lost a certain Albert Haynesworth this year. If PA goes up because we lost Haynesworth; the pressure on the offense will increase. I don't expect you to respond to this, just my two cents. You made my day and are now my favorite sportswriter! I'm going to buy a lottery ticket tonight too.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:34 PM)

I think they're going to survive fine without Haynesworth. It's not as if they didn't know this could happen. They have a great DL coach and Jason Jones is already a good player. I don't think teams are automatically going to be scoring a TD more a game against them.

JL (Hoboken, NJ)

Paul, Paul, Paul...very poor straw-man argument against Wikipedia, I would expect better from a Columbia grad. Wikipedia is a very valuable resource. Most rational people take information from there with a grain of salt, rightfully so, but independent research has yielded interesting results with regards to the accuracy of Wikipedia. The content on Wikipedia articles has been shown to be pretty accurate, about on par with other major encyclopedias - the main criticism of Wikipedia is that its articles are poorly written/structured, and at times it omits knowledge. Sure, it's an imperfect tool, but it still has tremendous value and you are far too harsh on it. You sound like an old man decrying this fancy new internet stuff (which is quite shocking, considering you're a blogger)

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:38 PM)

Paul Kuharsky: Yeah, I'm behind the times, that's why I work as a blogger. A fine, fine man who was an important journalist and editor in Nashville had his reputation and personal history stained because someone said he was involved in something horrible -- not true -- in a Wikipedia entry. That's one of many instances, and one too many for me, sorry. What's wrong with wanting researchers to write research material? Are we denying Jim Bob in his basement his legal write to behave as an authority when he isn't one? Who is he accountable to?

mikey

Your dumb. VY is a franchise QB. Can you imagine if the titans would to get Percy Harvin? Wow vy, johnson, and harvin. That can be the most explosive combination in the leage if they play vy.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:42 PM)

That's "you're dumb." A combination of "you" and "are." Explosive doesn't mean much if you don't know what to do with it, and Young hasn't proven he does. Harvin may be very good ultimately, but he wouldn't play early for Tennessee, he'd have to learn routes.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:43 PM)

Not defending his picks. But you know teams don't draft players in order of the positions they need help at, right?

O.G. (Houston)

Besides a big back to compliment slaton, what is Houston's biggest need on the offensive side of the ball?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:45 PM)

Maybe some OL and WR depth? They are pretty good on that side of the ball.

JB (TX)

I think mikey mean "you're dumb" not "your dumb." Anyway, one of the quiet Titans signings was the KR Mark Jones. Any insight on him? Does he add value anywhere but returns? Doesn't seem Carolina used him at all on offense...

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:46 PM)

Hasn't gotten good reviews as potential receiving depth and does not come in with same return potential as Carr had. So we'll have to wait and see how they develop him.

Jeff, Mpls

Are the Texans content with Orlovsky as their backup, or will they look for a QB at some point in the draft?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:47 PM)

I think they are content. Need camp arm(s) of course...

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:48 PM)

Nope.

David - Houston

With their recent LB acquisitions, could the Texans surprise everyone and go in a direction no one expects in the first round (i.e. RB, CB, OL, etc)?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:49 PM)

They could, but I don't think it would mean that plan on Cato June or Buster Davis being in the starting lineup. a LB challenger would arrive somewhere later in this draft.

JL (Hoboken, NJ)

Are the Titans happy with their 3 QBs or would they be willing to find another in a trade? I personally would love to see the Titans ship a draft pick or two to Seattle for Seneca Wallace, but I guess that's unlikely this season

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:49 PM)

Already have one more than they are likely to carry into the season.

JB (TX)

If (fingers crossed) Harvin falls to the Titans couldn't he bring immediate dividends in the return game if not at WR?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:50 PM)

Yes. But how long are you willing to wait for him to learn to run a route tree, and how confident are you he will be good at it?

Joe (Boston)

Steiny: Is he a great chatter or just sends in so many questions that he has to get something posted?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:52 PM)

Ask good questions but certainly helps his chances with volume too.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

You want to talk QB issues? We should devote an entire chat to the Minnesota Vikings!

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:52 PM)

Have you met Kevin Seifert?

JL (Hoboken, NJ)

Not sure if this was addressed at some point earlier in the offseason, but what ever became of Brian Pyle, or whatever the giant ball of tape's name was?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:54 PM)

Hey, respect Bryan Pride by remembering his name and his memory. He went home with David Stewart. One reader suggested -- too late -- that they float him out on the lake surrounding the practice fields and set him aflame.

Johnstone (Wicker Park)

Do you think the Bears will make any moves for a free agent receiver or do you think they will address it in the 2nd round of the draft?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:54 PM)

Who's out there that you want them to get? Maybe Holt. Beyond that, there are no good resumes out there.

JB (TX)

Well the Titans seem to have their 22 starters locked in, if Harvin is the best player available and brings Pacman-like return ability isn't he the obvious pick. Here's hoping if this happens the return ability is the only thing that is Pacman-like.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:55 PM)

No such thing as an obvious pick for a team with no glaring needs made by people not sitting in their meetings.

Matt (NY, NY)

According to Wikipedia DeMarcus Faggins now plays for the Titans (like that segue back to football?)... from a fans perspective it looks like the Titans replaced Reynaldo Hill with the Reynaldo Hill of the Texans. Was that a strange signing or is he worthy as a backup just not as a starter?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:57 PM)

The thinking is he can play better in the Titans more frequent zone. My thinking is they hope to find one or two in the draft and see Cary Williams develop. Then Faggins could be like Bryan Scott a few years ago, and not be around when the season starts because others answered questions.

rick, st louis

I feel compelled to respond to Robert in Latrobe, PA and you regarding my status as a Vince Young apologist. I've followed this franchise from Houston to Tennessee and they always let the fans down. Vince Young gives fans hope and plays an exciting brand of football. I'm guessing that is why there are still fans who are not ready to quit on him.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:58 PM)

By asking out of a game -- a cardinal sin from which we've seen it's nearly impossible to recover -- he provided hope? I think with him completely uninvolved, a 13-3 year provided plenty of hope.

Mike (Ohio)

Ok, so what IF Perry was around at 27, but also someone like Nicks or Bey...would you expect the WR still or do you think BP would snatch up Perry in a second?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:59 PM)

I don't think Harvin is a fit for Indy at all. He needs time to develop, and BP needs a player who's a resource for Manning asap.

Robert (Latrobe, PA)

Will the Texan with the second highest number of sacks next year have more than 5? Williams would be a monster with some help.

Paul Kuharsky

  (4:01 PM)

Between change in coaching and personnel, I expect sack production elsewhere to increase, yes.

Drew (Buffalo)

Hey Kuharsky, I just checked your Wiki page. Didn't know you try out for American Idol every year and finished the 40 yard dash in 9.54 seconds at the blogger combine. Who knew?

Paul Kuharsky

  (4:01 PM)

Do I have any sponsors?

Guy (Round Rock, TX)

What's with all this information leaking from the Combine? Isn't this a job interview? Isn't that information protected (like HR data)? Can someone get spanked for leaking it (esp. false claims about drug test failures)?

Paul Kuharsky

  (4:03 PM)

The league can do a horrible job keeping confidential information confidential. But it's hard for a reporter to complain about information. Seems, however, some people missed in this latest round, and that's never good.

Ronak (Boston)

Wow you posted on your blog at 2:46pm in the middle of your chat Are you sure it's not diet pepsi max?

Paul Kuharsky

  (4:04 PM)

It can be done. But you may be crossing Eastern and Central time.

Paul Kuharsky

  (4:05 PM)

Well folks, I always appreciate your attendance and participation. Hope to see you again next week. Take care.