Paul Kuharsky

  (2:42 PM)

Apologies, but the start of our chat will be delayed just a bit. We'll be going by 3:15 at the latest and we'll get the full hour in. Thanks for your patience.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:13 PM)

OK Folks, sorry for the delay. Hope you stuck with me...

Sean ( South River NJ)

Hi Paul thanks for the time. I am not a Texan fan by any means but I have seen the steps they are making the past few seasons and I have to say i am impressed. However, no serious playoff contention yet for them. Can you tell me why? Is it Shaub?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:14 PM)

Are you really from South River? That's my hometown! It's been more the defense and the turnovers, which are certainly partly on Schaub, than Schaub alone. Improve in both and they can get in the mix.

Dave (Canada)

Hi Paul, I read your piece on Micheal Vick a few minutes ago. It seems that every sports writer is obligated to write at least one story about him. A lot of the other stories about his return to the NFL that i've read have focused on him being a wildcat player instead of a full time starting quarterback. If the Titans release Vince Young at the end of this season will people be saying the same things about him or is Vince still viewed by most as a starting QB?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:16 PM)

I wasn't obligated and had no intention of writing anything on Vick. Then I talked to Alge Crumpler. It would be a disservice to people who read my blog to not share that stuff -- he said Vick is better than a third of the starting QBs in the league. That's a newsworthy quote. I think if/when the Titans give up on VY, it's a signal to a lot of teams that he can't cut it. Someone will give him a look as a QB. I don't see a huge trend coming with failed QBs being converted to different positions.

Harry (Nashville)

In your Titans OTA article you said you saw Jared Cook working with TE and WR. Are there any inklings that he could line up at WR instead of TE? I went to USC and saw him play all 3 years, and he rarely lined up to block, so if he is going to be a true TE what is the usual development period to learn a NFL TE blocking scheme?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:18 PM)

I talked to John Zerhhelt, the TE coach, and Jeff Fisher afterward. Both said the routes he went to run with WRs were stuff they do regularly with the tight end. He's not going to be a WR, but he has a ton to learn about the blocking end of things.

Drew (Buffalo)

Paul, be honest. Was there a race between you and Graham? He claims there was, you claim there wasn't. No shame in admitting defeat. Tim is pretty quick.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:19 PM)

No race. No Zima either. We were pretty busy while in Bristol. Was nice to get some time with all the other bloggers, our editors and bosses and to get a little time on campus. We know where we can race next year. Let the training begin.

Sean (South River NJ)

Yes I am I will mention a main road in town but its not to close to where I work and live Whitehead Ave small world huh

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:20 PM)

Kamm Ave. for me, right next to the seven acres.

Daniel (Jacksonville)

Do you think that the departure of Greg Williams is significant to the Jags defense this year? I know its plsyers, not plays, but his schemes really seemed to clash with the ability of our players.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:21 PM)

It wasn't a good match. I think he will do well in NO. I think JDR will be very hands on this year with Mel Tucker in place.

Clay (Charlotte)

Do you think Slaton can be an every down back for the Texans for 16 games? Or is his size a factor?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:22 PM)

I think every down backs are heading for extinction. I think he can be the primary back, yes. They need to pair him with a bigger guy and try a 60-40 or 65-35 split, I think.

Bob, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Paul, Any extra pressure for Fisher to at least win one playoff game this year. One & done again is he in trouble?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:23 PM)

No. He needs to get better results with his best teams. But you don't fire the longest tenured coach in the league for taking you to the playoffs twice in a row.

Brett (Queen Creek, AZ):

Hi Paul, big Colts fan here! How do you see the AFC South shaking out this year? Can the Colts get it done with the WR core they have in place? How big of a role do you think Donald Brown will have?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:25 PM)

I'm a long way from a final prediction. But right now I see last year's order happening again. The Colts can be very good and it would be a huge story if they aren't in the playoffs. I think Brown will be good and will earn a pretty significant role. I know Addai missed four games last year, but he and Rhodes ended up with about a 50-50 split. I could see it being close to that.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:25 PM)

Awfully big jump from 22 to top 10. I think getting to 15 or 12 would be big.

Javon Ringer (Baptist Sports Park)

Do you think that I will make an impact this year in the Titans running game?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:27 PM)

Not much of one if Johnson and White are healthy. Late game carries in blowouts and a lot of special teams work.

Jordan Small (Huntington Beach, CA)

Big Titans fan, one question. I really have no problem with N.Harper as a starter but his time is up either during or after the season. Who do you see stepping in? I'd like to see something out of Cary Williams, and C.Finn said to look out for him. Thoughts?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:28 PM)

They just drafted Mouton and McCourty. Those two and Williams are candidates. If they don't pan out or earn faith this year, they can use a higher pick or look at free agents.

Josh (Houston)

If the recent news of Moore and Mudd returning to the Colts as consultants comes true, how would that actually work day to day? Would they still run practices for their guys or be on the field on game day? Or would they just be there to advise their replacements in times of crisis?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:29 PM)

A lot of those questions have yet to be answered.

Adam (Orange Park FL)

Do you think MJD can carry the ball 20-25 times a game for the whole season?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:30 PM)

Provided he's healthy, I think he gets that many touches, yes. Some as receptions.

Sean (South River NJ)

Paul Is Marvin Harrison done or will the colts take him back? I have not heard much interest from other teams in him but could he possibly be that bad tha no one wants him and essentially retired himself by not staying with the Colts?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:30 PM)

I don't see the Colts going back to him unless they lose someone early to injury. They gave him a chance to stay, he declined. Maybe he's OK with being done.

Xander (Philly)

Which do you least like reporting on? Brett Favre or Michael Vick?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:31 PM)

Tie.

Kyle (Santa Barbara)

When Peyton couldn't make it to the hashmarks to run the stretch play, and the pitch proved ineffective without the threat of play action, the Colts started using the trap as their primary run play. Do you see them going back to the stretch this year?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:32 PM)

I would think they would like to get back to that bread and butter that worked so well for them for so long.

Andrew from, NY

With the Jaquars additions at the O-Line position. What do you think they will do with a starter Like Tony Pashos, is it worth it for them to keep the depth or try to get something in exchange for him?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:33 PM)

I don't know that he would have much trade value. I think they will spend a good amount of time sorting through and stacking the depth. Maybe he comes back fired up and plays great?

Knuckles (Nashville)

Hey Chief. We are hearing some good things about Britt so far. Are you seeing or hearing much about Rafael Little or Javon Ringer? I suspect they wont get the reps Johnson & White will get but wondered if they were showing any flashes - Thanks.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:34 PM)

Don't know what you're hearing about Britt, he did very little today with a tight hammy. Ringer got some touches and looks like he knows what he is doing. Have not seen much of Little.

Xander (Philly)

Do you like the idea of extending the season a few games or is it just another money-grubbing move by owners?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:34 PM)

Love it. Anything to trim the preseason.

Vince Y. (somewhere in TN)

Hey I thought I was your least favorite topic?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:34 PM)

Three way tie? I have to write about you, though.

Harry (Nashville)

Is this the last hoorah for Lendale or if he has another 15-16 td season will the Titans keep him around?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:35 PM)

They'll have a value on him. If he would stay for that, he could be back. If not, I suspect they'll think him easily replaceable, perhaps with Ringer.

Tom Moore (Indy)

Do you think the league will notice if I dress in Jim Sorgi's uniform and resume my OC duties?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:35 PM)

You do look quite a bit older than Sorgi.

Sean (South River NJ)

Paul, when it is all said and done at the end of the season do you see a reall potential superbowl threat out of this bunch? I see very good teams and a couple being playoff bound, but forgive me for saying this none scare me? Yes I have heard of Manning before by the way just not complete enough of a team in my opinion.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:37 PM)

I'd put Titans and Colts as part of a a second group in the AFC behind Steelers and Pats. Either of them could make a Super Bowl run if things fall right.

Pacman (Jail)

You forgot about me!!!!

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:37 PM)

You get first place, all those others move into tie for second.

Kevin (Kinder,La)

I believe one of the Titan myths was Jim Schwatz was a great coordinator.. I think he absence will only help. What do you make of it?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:38 PM)

i think it's silly to say his absence will help, especially since his successor says he will abide by much of the same thinking.

Alex

who do you think will be the titans number 1 and number 2 wide receivers this year?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:38 PM)

There isn't really any doubt that Gage is one and Washington is two.

Kevin (Kinder,La)

That's coachspeak from Cecil... I would be surprised to see little change. Bank on it.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:41 PM)

I know him, I've watched him work, I've sat down with him for 35 minutes and I have a coach speak filter.

Chief (Nashville)

How do you think Titans tight-end Jared Cook will perform wearing number 89?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:42 PM)

I think he's bigger, faster and more athletic than the old 89. Boy that Cooper Wallace was a good player, though.

Andrew from, NY

With the Jaquars additions at the O-Line position. What do you think they will do with a starter Like Tony Pashos, is it worth it for them to keep the depth or try to get something in exchange for him?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:43 PM)

Scroll down pal. Asked and answered.

Algae Crumpler

With this speed demon Cook here, do I have any chance to be back at LP field next year?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:44 PM)

Yes. When we spoke a couple hours ago, you told me you expect to have the same role you did last year, as the primary blocking TE. I'm surprised you've forgotten already!

PJ (Houston, TX)

Do you see the 9 lbs. that Slaton added slowing him down any? Thanks!

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:44 PM)

I'll let you know when I see him in person in mid-June.

Seth (Denver, CO)

I totally disagree with you on the Pats being in the top tier of teams in the AFC. I think both the Titans and Colts are ahead of them. First of all, they didn't even win their division last year. They might be better, but you could say the same for the Bills and Miami, who won the division last year. Secondly, no one knows how Brady is going to play in his first year back. Look at Palmer. He's not been the same since his knee injury. I think it's unrealistic to say he's going to be the same ol'Brady immediately.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:46 PM)

Yes, it's reasonable to judge the Pats not winning their division last year without their best player. Take Manning out for the year for the Colts, you think they come close to winning 11 games? They don't. I think the Patriots will head right back to the top of the pack. He's not all they've added, either.

Tony Brown (Baptist Sports Park)

Was most of my success last year because of fat Al? Or am I actually a star DT?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:46 PM)

No, you're not a star. You're a good player who works hard and relishes the opportunity you've earned.

Jason (Chicago)

Paul spend some time with real scouts id love your insight if you new more about what went into making a real football player

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:47 PM)

Yes. Only scouts know anything. That's why so many writers are employed to cover the NFL.

Greg Jacksonville, FL

Paul, do you see Garrard improving any this year with reading his progressions? It seemed as though last year he was a typical "Larry lock-on" type quarterback.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:48 PM)

He should have more time, and it's certainly something he needs to get better at. I think he's aware of that.

Jeff Fisher, (Baptist Sports Park)

Paul, You coming to my softball tournament this year?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:48 PM)

Awaiting my first invitation. Was actually in the crowd last year. Nice fireworks!

Ed Hochuli (chat ref)

We have a personal foul on Jason, taking an unwarranted run at the chat host. 15 yard penalty, it is now 3rd down.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:48 PM)

Thank God you're here. Where have you been?

Pat Ramsey

Do I have any actual shot of making the team or will the Titans just have me on speed dial during the season while I'm fishing?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:49 PM)

All depends on how VY does in preseason.

Randy (Memphis)

I don't see any comment in your Titans' OTA article on how the QBs looked. How did Collins look. How did Ramsey look compared to Young?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:50 PM)

I'm not going to be able to comment on every position at every OTA, which really don't mean a whole lot. Collins looked like himself. Ramsey hasn't done much to impress me in what I have seen so far.

Tim Graham (AFC East)

What does a guy gotta do to get a question answered around here? You posted questions from Vince Young, Jeff Fisher, etc. I thought we were friends!

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:50 PM)

I'm awaiting your 'A' material...

Dave (canada)

Which current AFC South coach is most likely to deliver a press conference rant that ends up in Coors commercial?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:51 PM)

Has to be JDR, no? Caldwell said when he was introduced his goal was to avoid being in one. Fisher never loses his cool and Kubiak is pretty mellow in front of cameras.

Texans Fan (Houston)

Paul why did you blame Schaub for the turnovers in Houston last year? Sage had 200 fewer passing attempts and threw the same number of interceptions

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:51 PM)

Don't blame him exclusively, but protecting the ball is not his forte. Didn't say Sage didn't deserve some blame too.

NFL Season Ticket Holders

Paul - we should be encouraged by the fact that we'll be getting more value for our tickets (since preseason games cost the same as regular season) but what about the product on the field? First games could be pretty ugly with less prep time.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:53 PM)

Two bye weeks will help teams with injury recovery. Expanded rosters and/or some sort of IR that isn't season ending. They can make it work. Players have long said they don't need a month and four games to be ready.

Corland Finnegan (Nashville)

Im seriously scared of the Colts this season. Everyone talks about them losing their coach but if you lose a teacher in school does that mean you forget everything? Peyton is healthy and going to pick on me. Should I jump ship now or after I get embarrased?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:54 PM)

We both know that you will be just fine. That All-Pro season was no fluke, and you're determined to make sure no one can think it was.

Mad Mike (Houston)

Paul: I saw you write-up on our back end, nice work. What is your initial impression on our new DC? Have you been to any of the OTA's? If so, what are your first impressions? Thanks.....MM

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:55 PM)

I will be at Texans minicamp in mid-June. Only know Bush from our phone chat this week and from what some players have told me. Seems very cool and sharp to me.

Michael (Houston)

For Rice alums James Casey and Jarrett Dillard, what do you see them doing in their rookie years and what do you see as their ceilings?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:56 PM)

I think they can both be contributors this year and I think they can have solid careers that should help the Owls program.

Redundant Police

Alright Mad Mike, this is your official warning. No need to post your name, then sign your posts at the end. Next time, expect a ticket.

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:57 PM)

Are you available for ride-alongs? I love Mad Mike. But your efficiency can really help streamline my life.

Aaron (Nashville)

What are the odds that the fad for the 2009 season is the "Wildcat Defense"? Maybe lining up 9 guys off the RT or something crazy. You'd love it right?

Paul Kuharsky

  (3:57 PM)

As long as the Titans used VY as part of it, you bet i would!

Dave (Canada)

The Super Bowl is the NFL's biggest show. Its ratings are roughly double that of the next highest rated NFL game. It's the NFL's only real opportunity to show its product to non-football fans. Don't you think that adding 2 more games would have a negative effect on the quality of football played in the Super Bowl?

Paul Kuharsky

  (4:00 PM)

The preseason is the NFL's worst and smallest show. Reducing it by half will benefit the league tremendously. I seriously doubt that two more games hurt the Super Bowl. And in the context of this argument, I don't think appealing to non-football fans is a primary goal of the league, which has no lack of die-hards.

Kubiak

Tell Jeff Fisher thanks for going for it on 4th down last season instead of the FG. Might have helped save my job!

Paul Kuharsky

  (4:01 PM)

You're actually fortunate the roof was open. And no, your job was safe no matter the result of that game.

Kevin (Kinder,La)

How much is Collins a part of the low sack total... most of the time by the time his backfoot plants the ball is coming out

Paul Kuharsky

  (4:02 PM)

He's a big part of it. Also very willing to throw it away and live on for the next play.

Kenny Britt (Baptist Sports Park)

I am going on record and stating that,\ I will be starting by wk 10, Oh, by the way my Hammy was acting up today because I didn't drink my vitamin water.

Paul Kuharsky

  (4:02 PM)

If they are all good enough, the top three guys should all get roughly the same snaps. So if it's Gage, Washington and Britt, who starts isn't really that important.

Mad Mike (Houston)

Paul: I don't think you really need an officer in this chat as you police it well enough on your own........MM

Paul Kuharsky

  (4:04 PM)

And you know I take that as a compliment!

Aaron (Nashville)

Do you see any Titans rookies making a significant impact this season or is this going to be a sit and wait/redshirt year? I know Britt is going to be forced in, but if the hammy is acting up already..

Paul Kuharsky

  (4:06 PM)

If it's acting up "already," then surely it will be a lingering problem? C'mon. He was backed down as he was tight. It's a little quick to turn it into a season-long issue or a trend. Beside receiver, where they needed to upgrade, and DT, where they had replacements in place and added a veteran, they don't have a lot of holes. So yeah, a lot of rookies will sit and watch and try to line up for bigger jobs next year.

Harry (Nashville)

Whats the most interesting position battle I should watch at Titans training camp this year?

Paul Kuharsky

  (4:07 PM)

Return jobs, would be my No. 1 Fourth and fifth receiver. There really are no fights for starting jobs on the horizon. Most will be over roster spots and backup roles.

Ulises (San Antonio TX)

While visiting the Texans during OTA's, what is one thing that will convince you that they may have turned the corner for the year...what will you be looking forward to seeing?

Paul Kuharsky

  (4:08 PM)

Ball security on offense. Play-making by the defense. Two things that kind of run counter to each other when the ones go against the ones. I want to see how the more aggressive defensive mindset translates, even in a practice.

Kevin NY

My friends are all on this chat and they dont realize what you feel about VY. Please in a word or 2 or 3 express your feelings about him.

Paul Kuharsky

  (4:09 PM)

Can't understand why people remain fascinated, and wish he could be viewed like every other second-string QB.

Dana Jacobson (Bristol)

Paul, you still owe me 5 bucks from lunch the other day, and Graham owes me 6!

Paul Kuharsky

  (4:10 PM)

Now that gets a flag. I paid. I don't put it past Graham to have pretended to have misplaced his wallet or something like that, though.

Kevin (NYC)

My buddy is a huge Jaguars fan and he's probably peppering your with questions right now...if you post this before his gets up he's gotta clean the whole apartment. do what you think is right.

Paul Kuharsky

  (4:11 PM)

For a New Yorker, it just felt right. Oh for the days of a life filled with such bets.

Jason(Chicago)

Because we view him as exciting and a playmaker. the titans in 2006 were much more exciting then the 2007 & 2008 teams even though those two won more then the other two

Paul Kuharsky

  (4:12 PM)

See, to me, 13-3 and the No. 1 seed is exciting. The playoff failure was terrible, of course.

The real Dana Jacobson

Kuharsky and Graham paid for themselves, but funny thing is neither paid for me. Hmmmm....

Paul Kuharsky

  (4:13 PM)

That was an unfortunate oversight. I was distracted trying to say hello to Herm. Apologies. (I would have paid the speeding ticket...)

Seth (Denver, CO)

I'll try to say it a bit more nicely this time.... Yes, we all know the Pats are better with Brady and the Colts are better with Manning. The point I am trying to make is it's unreasonable to assume Brady performs at the same level he was before he was hurt. There have been more cases of a player suffering some drop off in play than there have immediately returning to playing at their peak.

Paul Kuharsky

  (4:14 PM)

Maybe it is. Maybe for the best player in the league, it's different. I think they're going to be great. We can disagree.

Jason (chicago)

thats just it 2007 with chris browns fumble and the drayton florence int was the same as 2008 with the ravens Int & Alge Crumpler/Lendale White fumbles. you have got to realize that Paul

Paul Kuharsky

  (4:15 PM)

The Titans weren't that good in 2007, a playoff appearance was gravy. Last year was a totally different story. That the games both unraveled because of dumb mistakes is similar, sure.

rick, st louis

paul why do the Titans close some practice sessions to the media? Are there any additional sources for rabid fans like me to get additional inside info.

Paul Kuharsky

  (4:17 PM)

Teams are not obligated to open all OTAs, though I don't know why they wouldn't. It's free pub and it's not like they are installing top secret stuff in such a setting. Two of three this week, I'm not complaining.

Sean (South River NJ)

Any feelings either way about my comment on the Super Bowl Sites. Best record gets home field even if it means rain and snow etc... Other sports do and I think they are right on gives fans a chance to see the game in person not just tv.

Paul Kuharsky

  (4:17 PM)

No thanks. It's a destination game and a week long event. Players and coaches wouldn't even want that.

Reggie Williams

What did JDR mean when he said, "at least they are clear eyed," when refering to his new batch of recievers? I always supplied the other recievers with eye drops during team meetings. I wonder who is doing it now.

Paul Kuharsky

  (4:18 PM)

He knows you know what that means. And certainly the rest of us do. How is the next stage of your career coming along?

Daniel (Jacksonville)

Can you tell Kevin from NYC's friend to move down to Jacksonville and buy a ticket?

Paul Kuharsky

  (4:19 PM)

Kevin in NYC's friend. See above.

Sean (South River NJ)

I go to Hockey games because I can afford to any chance of football becoming more attainable in the future or do i need not a second job but second carrer to afford tickets (Keep in mind I'm from Jersey where we both know everything is expensive)

Paul Kuharsky

  (4:20 PM)

It's often better on TV.

Jason (Chicago)

Paul you have got to be kidding me. CJ is the only difference between 2007 & 2008. Everyone raves about KC int total but in reality he accounted for 12 TD's just like VY did in 2007(9pass 3 rush) If you take CJ out of the equation the titans are ordinary they were ordinary both years with both QB's. This is not so much a reflection of the QB play but of the marginal WR's. If KC had come out thrown for 3500Yards and 25TD's ie Mc Nair 2003 or 2001 i would say VY sucks cut him whatever. But what we all saw last year was that Marginal WR play and only one playmaker doomed the team no matter who was at QB. Again this is an example of you sounding like a reporter and not someone who can breakdown game tape

Paul Kuharsky

  (4:21 PM)

It's funny that you keep 'insulting' me for sounding like a reporter. I write for ESPN.com, what sort of background do you think they were looking for when they hired me? Here's the difference in KC and VY that mattered most in the locker room: one acted like a pro and led, the other did not. I watched how it unfolded, and I am reporting that back to you.

Sean (South River NJ)

Since I never get to these places your at which stadium in person is the most impressive to you? If I were to go to a game a place I should not miss stadium wise?

Paul Kuharsky

  (4:22 PM)

Lambeau in November or December is a hard-to-beat experience.

Seth (Denver, CO)

Do you perceive these chats to be the equivalent of verbal stonings?

Paul Kuharsky

  (4:23 PM)

Sometimes!

Chris Johnson (Nashville, TN)

Do you see us passing the ball alot more this year? Or will it be another 2008 where I have to carry the team again?

Paul Kuharsky

  (4:24 PM)

More, yes. A lot more? Not so sure.

tom nj [via mobile]

South River? Joe Theismann, Drew Pearson, Paul Kuharsky.3 legends.

Paul Kuharsky

  (4:26 PM)

Two out of three ain't bad... Thanks for coming folks, I enjoyed it as always. Please come again next week. Hit the mailbag anytime, I try to answer everyone. Enjoy the holiday weekend.