Chat with Paul Kuharsky
Welcome to SportsNation! On Thursday, ESPN.com AFC South blogger Paul Kuharsky will drop in to chat about all the latest news from the NFL.
Kuharsky joined ESPN.com in 2008 after 12 years covering the Oilers/Titans and the NFL for The (Nashville) Tennessean. The New Jersey native and Columbia graduate lives in Nashville with his wife.
Send your questions now and join Kuharsky in chat Thursday at 3 p.m. ET!
More Kuharsky: AFC South blog | Chats | NFL index
Paul Kuharsky (2:56 PM)
We're short today, so let's go, go, go. Thanks for stopping by.
Rich (New Jersey)
With Jacksonville sitting at 3-8, does Mel Tucker retain the heading coaching job if he goes 3-2 or better and will Jack Del Rio be back somewhere as head coach down the line?
Paul Kuharsky (2:57 PM)
No matter what they do, I think Tucker is a tough sell going forward. I can see him staying as the new guy's defensive coordinator. But a new owner and the market should want fresh blood.
Mike (Philly)
Should the Texans resign Mario Williams in the offseason? Seems like the defense has run without missing a beat since his injury and his injurys are quite frequent. I fall on the side of resigning him, wondering what your perspective is? If they do resign him, how do they manage playing time with Mario, Conner Barwin and Brooks Reid all making hay at OLB?
Paul Kuharsky (2:58 PM)
Good question, tough call. It would be nice to franchise him and see where he is and how he plays. If they can do it at outside linebacker rate instead of defensive end rate that may be a good option.
Casey (Indy)
I really like Coach Caldwell, but it seems he is most successful as an assistant and/or position coach. I think the 2002-2008 stretch he had as Peyton's position coach speaks for itself. However, as much as I hate to say it, I'm convinced he's not the guy for the rebuild that's going to take place soon. You are the Polians. Where do you look if Caldwell isn't your guy?
Paul Kuharsky (2:59 PM)
You're really going to give Caldwell credit for Peyton Manning's stretch there? That's a stretch there. I don't know where they'd look. Bill Polian has a good relationship with Jeff Fisher. That's one place they could try. More likely a lesser name.
Michael Geismar (Charlottesville)
Are you excited for the Wahoos to come to Nashville?
Paul Kuharsky (3:00 PM)
Yes, I cannot wait. Fighting scissors get my blood flowing.
Ryan (Houston)
What do you think of this idea: Titans re-sign Finnegan and Griffin, pick up Asante Samuel in off-season and draft Coples from UNC to help that D-line? Mccarthy looks like a solid MLB for the future and Witherspoon and Ayers can hold down the OLD spots for now.
Paul Kuharsky (3:00 PM)
Why re-sign Michael Griffin?
matt (mn)
If cj has a really good rest of the year do people forget about his first half of the season?
Paul Kuharsky (3:00 PM)
They should not.
Zeke (Jax, Fl)
Do you think Jay Gruden would make a good HC for the Jags, and why?
Paul Kuharsky (3:01 PM)
If you're looking at promising assistants who can develop a quarterback, he'd be in the mix, sure.
Coach Kubs (Reliant Stadium)
How much patience should I allow my new rookie starting quarterback, especially considering my backup is 36, has been here four days and really hasn't been all that effective the past five years or so?
Paul Kuharsky (3:01 PM)
You will have a lot of patience.
Andy (Duval)
Because Khan will be away from Everbank pretty often, what are the chances of Khan hiring a guy to remain around the stadium like Wayne did, as a representative? I like the name Tony Boselli.
Paul Kuharsky (3:02 PM)
All his employees are his representatives. I'm lost on the logic there. You hire people and let them work. What was Wayne Weaver doing on a daily basis that was impacting the quality of play?
allie (jacksonville)
is blaine gabbert the franchise QB the jags have been looking for?
Paul Kuharsky (3:03 PM)
Not right now. But I think we won't know until at least the end of 2012 season.
Kyle (DC)
Which Non-Mike Thomas Jags WR (Robiske, West or Dillard) has the best chance of making the roster next season after likely additions in the off season?
Paul Kuharsky (3:03 PM)
Jarett Dillard.
Nate (Ohio)
Do you think T.J. Yates will perform well enough to keep defenses from stacking the box against Houston's running game and will Andre Johnson return back to his pre-injury form this year?
Paul Kuharsky (3:06 PM)
Please see in here: Can T.J. Yates be Vince Ferragamo 2.0?
Amy (Jagsonville)
Was waiving Jason Hill a good move by the Jags?
Paul Kuharsky (3:06 PM)
Don't see how it can make them worse.
Texans run game (Houston)
PK, we have a problem....
Paul Kuharsky (3:06 PM)
You'll be just fine.
Brian (Baltimore)
Is McNabb a better back-up fit for Texans than Delhomme or Clemmons? And is it a realistic claim?
Paul Kuharsky (3:07 PM)
I see no appeal. I think he's done. Expensive too, I believe.
Allie (Jacksonville)
Should the Jags go for an 8-8 record or go for having a high draft pick?
Paul Kuharsky (3:07 PM)
No one plays for a draft pick. They also don't choose their record. They won't win out.
TJ (NY)
Do you have any favorites on possible head coaches/assistants to take over for the Jags?
Paul Kuharsky (3:08 PM)
I'd swing at Jeff Fisher. But then go for an offensive mind like Jay Gruden. Wrote a few weeks ago about some possibilities. If the Jaguars change coach, who's next?
Jon (FL)
The jaguars will not draft a WR in the first round. the position will be addressed later in the draft and in free agency. Thoughts?
Paul Kuharsky (3:09 PM)
If they can get Justin Blackmon, they should.
Blake (Nashville)
I was perfectly fine with letting Coyer go, but I did find it interesting that he was the FIRST to go...The Colts defense has been subpar, but they have been on the field an awful lot due to the inept offense...Shouldn't they have let the OC or special teams coach go before the DC?
Paul Kuharsky (3:10 PM)
They aren't creating a pecking order and chopping it down. They thought he was struggling and they made a move.
Titans Playoff Chances (CHATROOM)
A win here would look good for us, a win next week would look like a guaranteed playoff spot....
Paul Kuharsky (3:10 PM)
A win next week sounds a bit like a fantasy.
Christian (Denmark)
McCarthy or back to Ruud when he's ready?
Paul Kuharsky (3:10 PM)
I think we're going to see Ruud land on IR and the Titans get an easy out on the decision.
David (Virginia)
Is DE a top need for the Titans this year? Jones has been ineffective at DE and Derrick Morgan is invisible.
Paul Kuharsky (3:11 PM)
A need, sure. Top need? Their top three safeties have expiring contracts, as does Finnegan.
Mike (Rochester)
Best guess on how much longer until we get Jake Locker as starter? End of Season? Next Year?
Paul Kuharsky (3:12 PM)
Certainly not as long as the Titans are still alive in the playoff hunt. I just can understand any demand for a change, if that's what you are wanting.
Titans win vs. Saints (Nashville)
You must not have seen the Saints play the Rams. Or the Titans play the Ravens...
Paul Kuharsky (3:12 PM)
I also saw the Saints play the Texans, and the Texans play the Titans.
Erick (Texas)
Any chance Houston sign McNabb?
Paul Kuharsky (3:13 PM)
Why?
Jeff (Houston)
Do you think Joanthon Joseph has a chance to be All-Pro this year opposite Reavis? He has been phenominal this year.
Paul Kuharsky (3:13 PM)
He should contend for it. But fans have a third of the Pro Bowl vote , we can't put a lot of trust in a popularity contest. All-Pro is a different deal, and even harder to earn.
Robert (Austin)
Texans taking a WR/QB in the 1st round next year?
Paul Kuharsky (3:15 PM)
I would hope for NT. Maybe WR. If Yates is OK, why would they be taking a first-round quarterback when they have a starter and backup?
Trish (Jacksonville, FL)
Who will be the Colts first win?
Paul Kuharsky (3:15 PM)
Do you already have next year's schedule? I can see 0-16.
Scott (Northglenn, CO)
Is Blaine Gabbert kind of David Carr-ish? Could being thrown to the wolves ruin his career in a similar fashion?
Paul Kuharsky (3:16 PM)
Gabbert's protection, while not great, is superior to what Carr had.
Scott (Northglenn, CO)
Could you see anyone in the division making a play for DJax next year? Certainly a need at the position for 3 if not all 4 teams...
Paul Kuharsky (3:17 PM)
These teams generally don't covet selfish guys, and he's shown some major selfishness lately.
Joe (St. Augustine, FL)
Where do you think Del Rio winds up, Defensive Coordinator, College head coach or Insurance Salesman?
Paul Kuharsky (3:18 PM)
Linebacker coach.
Tom (Houston)
What game will Mr. K be at this weekend?
Paul Kuharsky (3:18 PM)
Houston and Jacksonville. Old school Sunday-Monday double header.
Scott (CT)
Chris Johnson's as selfish as they come and the Titans had no problem re-signing him....
Paul Kuharsky (3:19 PM)
Actually, Chris Johnson did not spend last year, in season, grousing about his contract and not playing hard.
Steve (Houston)
Do you think the titans will have the same starting o-line next year?
Paul Kuharsky (3:20 PM)
Hope not. For starters Jake Scott will be unrestricted.
David (Virginia)
What would you say the Titans top 3 needs in the draft are?
Paul Kuharsky (3:20 PM)
Based on guys who aren't under contract and could go unsigned in Nashville: Safety, defensive end, receiver.
Robert (Austin)
Can you explain why ESPN is punishing America with a second MNF in Jacksonville?
Paul Kuharsky (3:21 PM)
The NFL makes the schedule, not ESPN. And that first one was a good game, FYI.
Titans win vs. Saints (Nashville)
Respect your opinion but that's not good logic PK
Paul Kuharsky (3:22 PM)
Here's the logic: Saints have a fantastic offense, Titans have an average-at-best defense.
Alsonsine (Jags Country)
Is Paul Posluszny a pro bowler?
Paul Kuharsky (3:22 PM)
Looks like one to me.
Jason (the boro)
Defensive ROY; P. Peterson (4 punt returns for TD) or V. Miller (10.5 sacks)?
Paul Kuharsky (3:23 PM)
Punt returns aren't defense. And even if they were, Miller's going to be close to unanimous.
Anthony (Cleveland)
First game in JAX was not good. Close does not = good. That was brutal to watch...
Paul Kuharsky (3:24 PM)
Close does equal good to me. Single biggest factor in a good game is that the result is in doubt late.
Gringo (Santiago, Chile)
You don't think the Titans will try to add in interior lineman in the draft, an area where they've seemed to struggle? Or an OT, if David Stewart leaves?
Paul Kuharsky (3:24 PM)
I do. Just not high. Remind me about all the OL they've drafted high. Roos in the second. Who else?
Dirk Koetter (Jacksonville)
Will I be employed by the Jags next season?
Paul Kuharsky (3:25 PM)
Doubt you'd want to stay, doubt you'll have the chance.
Delilah (Jacksonville)
Why is this chat so short? Give us the REAL reason.
Paul Kuharsky (3:25 PM)
Titans' open locker room.
Reg (Toronto, Ontario)
with the absence of a legitimate qb throwing to him, does reggie's sub-par statistical year limit the interest he'll get on the open market? does it improve the colts' chances at retaining him?
Paul Kuharsky (3:27 PM)
His age is the primary factor in all this. Colts' bad year probably helps their chances of retaining him if they want him.
Joe (St. Augustine, FL)
Would it be a fair assessment to say the Jags are not catching the lucky bounces this year like they did last? I mean last year a 59 yd FG, Hail Mary, 6 TOs and a win and this year, we're about 3 plays away in all but 1 game really.
Paul Kuharsky (3:28 PM)
The Jaguars are not bad this year because of bad bounces. They are bad. Mostly because their offense is completely unthreatening, even with MJD>
Rickey (Annapolis)
If Andy Reid is fired do you think the Jags will look at him as an option for head coach?
Paul Kuharsky (3:28 PM)
They wouldn't be alone. Firing Reid would be dumb.
Matt (Austin, Tx)
For the love of all that is holy, what is taking so long for Peyton to tell us about his Dr's appointment? I can't take it anymore! I have to know!! What does it mean that he's still mum??
Paul Kuharsky (3:29 PM)
That he will talk tomorrow?
Tubbs (here)
Ghingis, Shaka, or Wrath of?
Paul Kuharsky (3:29 PM)
1) Wrath of. 2) Shaka. 3) Ghingis. Ghingis probably displeased.
Erica (Jax, FL)
How will making Dirk Koetter also be the quarterbacks coach help Gabbert development?
Paul Kuharsky (3:30 PM)
He will work more directly with Gabbert on mechanics.
Jason (the boro)
Where does the head coach get his challenge flag from at the beginning of a game? Does he have to bring his own or do the refs give it to him?
Paul Kuharsky (3:30 PM)
I think the team's equipment people have it.
Robert (Austin)
JJ Watt deserves some love for DROY. he's also on a playoff team, which Miller and PP are not.
Paul Kuharsky (3:31 PM)
Watt's been great. Miller is better. By a good bit, even.
Scott (Northglenn, CO)
Who's in more trouble after losing their QBs - Foster or Forte?
Paul Kuharsky (3:31 PM)
Forte, by a ton.
Coach Kubiak (Houston, TX)
Will I be around next year if I at least get the Texans to the playoffs this year?
Paul Kuharsky (3:32 PM)
Yes. You're pretty much safe now, I think.
Mark (Nashville)
Do you think the Titans will re-sign Finnegan or will they let him go and play Verner more with Mccourty?
Paul Kuharsky (3:33 PM)
I think they will try to re-sign him. Could also franchise but that's a big number.
Andrew (Toledo, OH)
When you sign a player off a practice squad how do you know if he is any good? Do they cameras at every teams practice?
Paul Kuharsky (3:34 PM)
Based on your scouting of him from college, training camp and any time he's spent on NFL rosters.
Munchak (nashville)
Hey Paul- we're about to get started.....
Paul Kuharsky (3:34 PM)
Thanks Mike...
Chat Police (AFCS Chat)
Ok people clear out. We have to escort Kuharsky outta this place. We'll see you next week.
Paul Kuharsky (3:34 PM)
Cheers...
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