Paul Kuharsky

  (12:13 PM)

Apologies for delay. Writing reaction to Gary Kubiak and Rick Smith contract extensions. Will be back shortly as soon as that's posted. Thanks for your patience.

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:20 PM)

Hello, hello.

Jeff Fisher, St. Louis, MO [via mobile]

I don't think it's fair Munchak falls into a good QB situation when I was force-fed Vince Young and I had Kerry. Tell me, if I was in his shoes now, would the Titans be even bigger contenders for the division?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:21 PM)

Perhaps. But you would have made different moves on defense, for sure. (And Kerry Collins was very much your guy.)

JD (NY)

Keenum has been getting alot of attention by Kubiak in his pressers. Is it more likely they go with Keenum instead of Beck for the practice squad? He has more potential than Beck.

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:22 PM)

Beck's not practice squad eligible. And he's way, way better than Keenum. That's all hype, I think. Kid looks like first hit will break him in half.

Brian F. (Jacksonville, FL)

While you've been a top 5 blogger here at ESPN, this chat delay is not going to help your negotiations for a new contract.

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:22 PM)

Actually, I think they are pleased with a quick reaction to the Gary Kubiak-Rick Smith news.

Tim (Houston)

Sims-Walker got a call-back to work out with the Texans team. If he gets an offer, do you think he'll be a productive part of the offense?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:24 PM)

I'm not real high on him. As I've said, that he couldn't help WR-needy Rams or Jags last year is pretty telling.

Tom Petty (Gainesville, FL)

You know the waiting is the hardest part? (How's that for an obscure reference)

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:24 PM)

Not that obscure really.

Al (Wausau, WI)

Paul, do you think the punter for the Jaguars (Anger) will substantially help their punting (field position) situation compared to 2011?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:24 PM)

He better. Yes, I expect he will.

Evan (El Paso, TX)

If the rumors are true that Kubiak and Smith recieved extensions, do you believe the extensions were warranted this early? Or would it have been better to wait and see how this season played out?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:25 PM)

Can't wait. Can't have Kubiak work as a lame duck on a good team. League just doesn't work that way.

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:26 PM)

Smith, Kubiak should thank Phillips

Dan S (SoDak)

After getting some up close observations of Andrew Luck, do you think he is going to meet expectations, fall short of expectations or exceed his expectations? Or is it the sample size far to small ?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:26 PM)

Beyond far too small. Microscopic. But nothing off which greatness has been projected has changed.

Dan (Memphis)

Who do you believe will be 3rd on the CB depth chart after McCourty and Verner?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:27 PM)

Tommie Campbell.

Zach (Tallahasse)

IF MJD shows up and they get this dispute figured out, is there a chance they trade Rashad Jennings? Its obvious they are going to more of a passing offense, and could be great value being in my opinion one of the best back-ups in the game. A trade for maybe an offensive lineman or DE after the cut of Kampman

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:28 PM)

He doesn't have nearly the value you imagine. Good player, but teams can find one like him. And then what would the Jags do if MJD gets hurt? Bad plan, I think.

Shea (Salem, IN)

I read you article about how the jaguars have taken the right stance on Mojo, but isn't he the one player on the team you can make an exception for? Do you think Khan will step in and make them pay him?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:29 PM)

He got good money and they didn't force him to sign the deal. Now he says, hey, I made a mistake, let's rip that up? Not realistic.

Chief (Nashville)

What is your opinion on Taylor Thompson TE for the Titans?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:29 PM)

Giant hands, huge upside. Will be interesting to watch.

Shane (Houston)

Who do you see emerging as the #3 WR and what are your thoughts on the FB postion. I think Casey will be fine but not in the sense of a true FB, more of an H-back type that could line up anywhere. Your thought?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:30 PM)

Keshawn Martin is in line to be third. I prefer they use Casey as an H-back and scrap the fullback idea all together.

KING Kevin (Fandom)

Hod did the Texans who are so close to a Superbowl run not address their #2 WR need? You can't convince me Posey was their man all along or that they think Walters is.

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:31 PM)

If you're talking No. 2 receiver like the second guy to throw to after Andre Johnson, look to Owen Daniels and Arian Foster. They can be just fine with Walter, Posey, Martin and Jean provided they didn't completely botch evaluations.

Edward Marlowe (Murray, KY)

You talked recently of Marc Mariani's days in TN might be finished, based on the WR depth in Nashville. Should he lose the job, who is on the squad to assume the role?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:33 PM)

Tommie Campbell and Kendall Wright are among the options. Returners are a dime a dozen to me unless you've got the very best. Mariani's not the very best. He's just solid. If he can do enough on other special teams, maybe he sticks. But he's a big notch below the five receivers ahead of him.

Blueman (Indy)

I'm sure you heard David Stern meltdown with Rome,(I know it's not a football question) If a player said something like Stern did he would get killed by the press and probably fined by league.Should owners punish him?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:34 PM)

Only heard about it. Very un-Sternlike to lose his cool. I don't know about punish but he should take a lot of heat for it. [Later I learned it was an old-school lawyer question and Stern was illustrating how a loaded question can be impossible to answer. Few people recognized what he was doing there, I think.]

Shane (Houston)

Other than the Patriots, what teams do you believe could come out of the AFC this year?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:35 PM)

Like Broncos, like Texans. Probably Steelers. Down on Ravens minus Suggs.

Meatloaf (Nashville)

How dare you mention my name in the same breath as Mark Howard!

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:35 PM)

He will gobble you up.

Blueman (Indy)

You have said WR is the position that is easy for a guy to look really good in shorts,anyone look better than they probably are at Colts practice?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:36 PM)

I thought Donnie Avery looked OK, can stretch the field. But based on what I saw of him in Tennessee last year, I don't believe he can/will do much.

Shane (Houston)

Do you believe the rumor about Wade Phillips' defenses have been worse in the second year?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:37 PM)

How is it a rumor? Please read this and study the chart that's in it: Texans fired up for Year 2 with Phillips

Steven (Kingsport)

My take on Titans QB is "Coaches hope Jake Locker wins it but won't give it to him if they think Hasselbeck is better."

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:38 PM)

Why does everyone have to have some interpretation or conspiracy theory? Can't it just be two guys fighting for one job?

Shea (Salem, IN)

I think you need to be on PTI...forget Tony Kornheiser

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:38 PM)

I accept your offer, when do I start?

JD (NY)

Which team were you most impressed with in OTA's/ Colts mini camp?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:39 PM)

I cannot hammer home enough that everyone looks good everywhere and it's ridiculous for anyone to answer a question like that and fuel any ranking.

Derrin (Plano, TX)

Who's the next guy on the depth chart behind T.J. Yates? The Texans did start their 3rd string guy in the playoffs last year. And Schaub has never been a durable quarterback.

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:39 PM)

I think they'd love to have Beck around. But they'd have to keep three to hold on to him.

Jack (Jackson TN)

Mariani a big notch below the five receivers ahead of him -- result of talent, playing time, both, ___, ?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:40 PM)

Talent. Particularly speed.

Shane (Houston)

Do you think the Texans would ever put a package together with Foster and Tate on the field at the same time?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:40 PM)

Why? Don't be gimmicky and deceptive. Put the five guys on the field for each snap who give you the best options for the run game or the QB to throw to.

Tim (Houston)

What's going to be an appropriate metric to judge Fleener by? Given that he has history with Luck, is anything short of Gronkowski/Graham numbers going to be a let down?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:41 PM)

No way. That's an awfully high bar. You want Fleener to be a regular, reliable contributor who draws attention and blocks well when needed.

John (Indianapolis)

What did you think of the new offensive scheme/structure for the Colts? Do you think all of the shifting and the use of Fleener out wide will be an improvement over the old scheme?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:42 PM)

I'm not a big lover of major shifting and motion. I like teams to line up and beat you with what they've got, straight up. But if you are undermanned and seeing how a defense reacts to that stuff somehow helps you, go for it.

Not Shane (Audobon Hall)

can you answer other questions besides people names Shane,

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:43 PM)

I rarely look at the names. Just the questions, Chief. Ask a good one, I try to address it.

Andrew Aziz (Montreal)

What do you think of Allen getting first team snaps and Fleener getting second?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:44 PM)

Means very little to nothing at this point. And I bet they are a two-TE base in which case they'll both start. If they go with one tight end on first down, might make sense for it to be Allen if they intend to run it, no?

Steven (Kingsport)

I would also predict a slippage in defense numbers for entire AFC South for Texans: Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Matt Stafford, and Jay Cutler all showed up on the schedule. Slipping in overall defense doesn't have to mean defense got worse.

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:45 PM)

Do you give up more third-down conversions and points? Then you aren't as good. Simple formula to me.

Frank (New Orleans)

With Arian Foster and Ben Tate getting the nod, what impact will Justin Forsett have with the Texans?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:45 PM)

Third back providing good depth and quality special teams play.

Kyle (Wichita)

Hey PKizzle, with all the additions along the Colts O-line who do you think the starting 5 will be when the dust settles?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:47 PM)

L to R: Castonzo, Reitz, Satele, McGlynn, Justice.

Corey (D.C.)

Do you think the Texans would be comfortable having Casey as the TE1 in the event Daniels suffered an injury that kept him out for a long period of time?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:48 PM)

Yes, I do.

Kevin Cunningahm (Portland)

Why does everyone say the Steelers line with two new starters will not be a strength, but the Texans offense has to be really worried about two new starters (when there is a good chance one or both will even have NFL starting experience!) on it's offensive line?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:49 PM)

The Steelers are good virtually every year and have a history of plugging and playing guys. The Texans do not have such a history. The outgoing guys for the Steelers weren't real good, either, were they? That means they'd be easier to upgrade.

Andrew Aziz (Montreal)

Vick Ballard looking really solid at minicamp? Think he can start midseason (I think so)?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:49 PM)

I think Donald Brown will be better than most anticipate. But Ballard will get carries. They won't go with a workhorse, I don't expect.

Edward Marlowe (Murray, KY)

Have you seen the video boards at LP Field yet? Are they an awful addition, or just what the doctor ordered?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:50 PM)

How could bigger, HD boards be awful?

Mike H (Houston)

Did you get a chance to interview or observe Matt schaub while in Houston? Your thoughts. Thx

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:50 PM)

Said a brief hello. He looked just fine in the rehab work I saw him do.

Joe (Houston)

Referencing the offensive line,Is The Texans' zone blocking scheme easier to learn than others or comparable?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:51 PM)

I think it's probably harder. But it depends on what you did in college.

Center Console on Vehicle (Drive Way)

At least you making a mess on me this week was not your excuse for being tardy. What will be it next week, Finley chewed on IPad?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:52 PM)

I can't control the timing of news. Wish I could. This week it's on Bob McNair. By the way, you cleaned up pretty nice.

Kevin Cunningahm (Portland)

Looking into your crystal ball, what do the Texans do with Tate when his contract is up? SHould they trade him before that? Trade Foster? Tate has to have some value

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:54 PM)

Trading guys before their contracts up is generally a baseball thing. They sure as hell are not going to trade Foster. Don't overthink it. Depth is good.

Corey (D.C.)

Couldnt the Texans use James Casey in a way that allows them to walk up to the line in a 21 personnel, then based on the DEF either stay in 21 or switch to either an 11 or 12 personel by moving him to either TE or WR?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:54 PM)

Yes, but I wouldn't expect much if any WR.

Bryan (Dover)

Do you believe people might be sleeping on the Titans offense? Or do you believe they will be just average?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:55 PM)

Can be good. The defense is a bigger concern for me.

Brian F. (Jacksonville, FL)

How do you think Mularkey is doing with the challenges he has faced thus far (MJD and Blackmon specifically)? Or are these really experienced non-issues based on his experience.

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:56 PM)

I don't think it's affected the football, so he's controlled it. Got to have a mentally weak team for that stuff to affect the couple hours on the field.

Matt (Atlanta)

Looking ahead to the next draft, what would be ideal for the Colts in Year 2 of Luck.

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:56 PM)

Cornerback looks to be a glaring need.

Blueman (Indy)

Pacman Jones talking to rookies? How on Earth does this make any sense?Is he gonna tell them to act a fool,get arrested and you can still keep a job in the NFL?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:57 PM)

If he gets into trouble after that, the league will look like morons.

Ben (Indianapolis)

Do you see Dwight freeney and Robert Mathis beeing more of a threat at out side linebackers than at end, since they can come from more than just one area?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:58 PM)

Depends a lot on the other guys around them. I think the Colts will be a lot like the Texans were last year, but with way less talent. So third down will look like we're used to.

Mike H (Houston)

Last week it was your car. This week it was McNair. Being consistantly late for these chats makes us ponder whether you're positioning for a new contract. Have you seen how that's working out for MJD? LOL

Paul Kuharsky

  (1:00 PM)

I am very happy with my job and there is nothing to see here.

Edward Marlowe (Murray, KY)

Marcedes Lewis was THE guy everyone was talking about. Garrard and he just had this magic about them. Any chance he has an up year, now that he and Gabbert have felt each other out?

Paul Kuharsky

  (1:01 PM)

All about the system now. We'll have to wait and see.

bill (austin) [via mobile]

Not saying I think sims-walker will be a hugge impact in houston, but you have to remember that in jacksonville and st. Louis he played for bad offenses with bad quarterbacks

Paul Kuharsky

  (1:02 PM)

Good receivers make bad offenses and not-good quarterbacks better, no? It goes both ways.

Wayne (Tempe, AZ)

Football is rough, people get banged up. Texans seem to get bit more than most last year. Have the Texans made any adjustments/additions to their programs from last year that may help keep players healthy?

Paul Kuharsky

  (1:03 PM)

The idea that a specific training program makes a team healthier is silly to me. The vast majority of players are fit, flexible, etc. The vast majority of injuries are random and feature a huge element of bad luck.

Miles (Nashville)

What's your opinion on the young linebackers for the Titans? You think they will be good or just average because of inexperience?

Paul Kuharsky

  (1:04 PM)

Colin McCarthy is legit for sure, and Akeem Ayers should be good.

Matt (Nashville)

Just jumped in, if no one has asked yet, what's your take on the new center the Titans just signed?

Paul Kuharsky

  (1:04 PM)

Just a guy.

Paul Kuharsky

  (1:05 PM)

OK folks, thanks for coming. Good questions today. I appreciate your interest,