Paul Kuharsky

  (12:02 PM)

Hi everyone, thanks for coming. Tell a friend...

Shane (Houston)

Have you heard anything about contract talks with Brown, Barwin or Schaub?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:04 PM)

I don't expect they'll talk to Schaub before the season. I think they'd like to get something done with Brown or Barwin before opening day, because they won't negotiate once the season starts. Don't know that they are having talks now, though.

Josh (Nashville)

Bigger defensive tandem for Tennessee this year, Griffin-Babineaux or Wimbley-Morgan?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:05 PM)

Bigger as in more important or more productive? Answer to both is probably the DEs. But it's not like one set can be invisible and the team can be any good.

Luke (Nebraska)

Will Donald Brown make a pro bowl? Do you like him as a running back?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:05 PM)

I don't see him in a Pro Bowl. I think he may be able to be a serviceable back.

Jason (Cincinnati)

What do you see being the biggest concern for the Texans (besides staying healthy)? O-line or WR?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:06 PM)

O-line, by a lot.

Cole (S.E. TEXAS)

Most of these "Texans Homers" here( I'm guilty of being one) act like the division is in wrapped up before the season has even begun. Sure, I like their chances but to say, "It's in the bag" is ridiculous. Titans over under 10 wins?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:07 PM)

Titans? Under. In Houston, you're right: In the bag is dangerous thinking. Crazy stuff happens every year.

Josh (Nashville)

Do you see the Titans being mediocre for years or is the young core going to contend for an AFC championship or even a super bowl in the next 5 years.

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:08 PM)

I think it's a young core with promise, but your question is really all about Locker. And we don't know/ can't know yet.

Fail Whale (The Twitterz)

How bad did I hurt you during the Great Twitter Outage of June 2012?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:08 PM)

I survived.

Zoltan Paksa (Budapest, Hungary)

Can you name 1 player from each team of the division, who is kind of low profile, yet you expect big seasons from them?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:10 PM)

I can try.Colts: Dwyane Allen, TE. Jaguars: Derek Cox, CB.Texans: James Casey, FB.Titans: Tommie Campbell, CB.

Tyler (Houston)

Mario was "replaced" with Whitney Mercilus. Demeco Ryans was "replaced" with Bradie James. Who replaces Jason Allen? Roc Carmichael? Alan Ball? Brandon Harris? Or does Kareem play a larger role this year?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:14 PM)

Kareem should play a larger role. Leader for the Allen role is Ball from what I've seen and heard.

Adam (Cookeville)

The Titans over achieved to some extent last year. This year, they have the benefits of a full offseason, second year under coaching regime, and presumably a few upgrades in the roster. Can they exceed expectations again or does entire league having offseason and tough first five games negate my argument?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:15 PM)

What are the defensive playmakers? I don't care how much time they've had, etc. Who's proven on defense and will make plays on a weekly basis? When one of the first names that pops up is Colin McCarthy -- who's solid, but young and gets hurt -- I think that's trouble.

Zoltan Paksa (Budapest, Hungary)

Do you think the Jaguars will struggle in rushing the passer this year? Because I spoke a couple of football savy friends lately and they think the Jags might have the worst DE unit (again) in the entire NFL. How would you rand the pass rusher units in the division?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:17 PM)

They are counting on a big boost from Branh, and i know he's one of three guys they liked -- along with Mercilus and Chandler. Will he be enough? I'd prefer they had more. Pass rush ranks: 1) HOU; 2) IND; 3 tie) JAX and TEN. Indy gets second just because of Mathis and Freeney.

Josh (Nashville)

Do you think Matt Schaub stays healthy this year? If not, does that vault the Titans up to being division favorites?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:18 PM)

It's awfully difficult to predict injury. And anyone in that pile twisted by Haynesworth last year suffers that same injury.

Michael (Work)

How do you think that Peyton will transition to the Tim Tebow offense in Denver? I know he has the smarts to learn it, but not sure if he has the legs to pull it off......

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:20 PM)

Will be really hard for him to dumb things down, but I am sere he is working hard at it. (We are both joking, relax.)

lokey (tn)

there was a big debate yesterday, about who was the better qb jay culer or matt schaub, i belive cutler is the better overall qb, even though matt schuab has the better stats, who would you build a team around paul?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:22 PM)

I'd go Cutler. I know he hasn't put it all together yet and can be difficult. But oh, the arm. At this point you have to factor in age, too. Cutler's two seasons younger --though Schaub didn't really play in those two seasons.

Mike (Charleston, SC)

Ive seen some talk about Russell Allen, but do you think there is any way he can beat out Sessions? The only factor has to be his concussion issue

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:23 PM)

And his contract. If Allen beat out Session, you're indicting yourself for the signing.

Parker (Indy)

Who is one free agent still on the market that you would like to see each team of the division pick up?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:23 PM)

This fuels the misconception that there are impact guys out there now. There aren't. Some middling role players, mostly.

Shawn (Denton, TX)

Earlier this week, Climer wrote an article about how Hasselbeck seems to have the starting QB position wrapped up. Is this to say that Locker is just not ready or is Hasselbeck just looking very good?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:25 PM)

It's to say they can't pass up the experienced guy. I disagree with the column and wrote about it -- thanks for reading! Why lie and construct a competition that's not real? Munchak doesn't waste time with such things. Locker has a chance.

Derrin (Plano, TX)

How far can a healthy Matt Schaub lead the Texans this year? Can Houston secure home field in the playoffs?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:25 PM)

If things break right, Houston can win the Super Bowl.

Tom (Nashville)

What's holding up the Kendall Wright deal? I thought most rookie contracts were now supposed to be pretty straight forward

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:26 PM)

Please, on anyone unsigned, don't ask about holdups. They'll all get done. There is no contract intrigue any more with the new CBA pretty much setting the prices. Find something else to fret about. Some teams jumped right into negotiations, others have waited. There is no huge meaning to it.

Mike (Charleston, SC)

I thought Rashad's knee injury last season was pretty serious and he might have trouble coming back, has he seemed a step slower, or is he at full speed ready to handle some carries if needed?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:28 PM)

They definitely feel like he's ready to supplement MJD. And so long as MJD isn't around, he'll be at the front of the line.

Frank (New Orleans)

Will the youth at cornerback be a weakness for the Titans defense?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:28 PM)

Not necessarily.

Taylor (CA)

Seems like now that Griffin is re-signed that the Titans need to get McCourty a deal done soon. They can't lose another starting corner back-to-back years and they may need to keep their franchise tag around for Jared Cook.

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:29 PM)

If by soon you mean before he gets to free agency, then yes.

Chip (Syracuse)

Titans resigning M. Griffin long term: Wise move or desperate move?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:29 PM)

I wouldn't say desperate. But I question it. He's not that good. But there is a serious lack of safety talent around.

Brian F. (Jacksonville, FL)

Is Germany vs. Spain your Euro pick? I just can't see it ending any other way.

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:30 PM)

Which means someone will surprise and at least get tot he final.

John (Texas)

What are your plans for training camp? Will you be making stops in each city to check out the teams. If so, who from the Texans will you be most looking forward to checking out

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:31 PM)

Same as always, I'll visit each place. Always hope to find something beyond the obvious story lines.

Blueman (Indy)

Is the whole "we have a full offseason to put in our playbook so we should be better" a crock? Everyone else has the same offseason to put their playbooks in too.

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:32 PM)

They aren't saying no one else got better, they are saying they got better. Surely they did. Everyone does. Offseason accomplishment is generally oversold, I believe. It was 13 days of non-contact practice.

Bruce (The Bosses Office)

PK, what is with your fellow Nashvillians not digging my tunes? I thought they knew good music down there.

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:33 PM)

There seems to be some southern aversion. They prefer Skynard. Silly.

Donovan McNabb (Set of "First Take"/radio shows, etc)

Why is Matt Hasselbeck getting so much more respect than me at the end of our careers? Sounds like he could hold off a No.8 overall pick for a starting job, and nobody in the NFL (even desperate teams) won't sign me? Not fair!

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:34 PM)

Matt Hasselbeck didn't crumble in two stops after the place where he made his name.

Scott (Houston)

Speaking of Brandon Harris, have you heard anything on his progress? It wasn't concerning that he didn't play much as a rookie, but a second rounder not expected beat Alan Ball is alarming.

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:34 PM)

He's a slot guy. And they love Brice McCain in the slot. So Harris is McCain's backup, pretty much.

Nick (Bristol)

Say Schaub gets hurt (not wishing it) do the Texans put the reigns in T.J. Yates hands for years to come?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:35 PM)

Why do they have to make their decision for years to come at that point?

Adam (Cookeville)

Matt Shaub must have a special place in his heart for Haynesworth. He's put Shaub out of more than one game.

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:35 PM)

Albert always hated Schaub for some reason. Used to always pump up Sage Rosenfels before Titans-Texans games.

Tyler (Houston)

From what I have read, it seems like Mr. Niceguy, Gary Kubiak, is trying to push his players by being a little harder on them this year. Is that something you have gathered from your visit to Houston?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:36 PM)

Not really. He called them out for one practice he didn't like.

Wayne (Tempe, Az)

Why were many Texans fans down about adding Ball and gaining depth at CB? Kareem Jackson has been better each season and I think he'll earn his starting spot this year. Maybe that does happen, maybe it doesn't, but you still need depth and Ball is a solid addition.

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:36 PM)

Who was down on adding Ball?

Tim (Florida)

Can you rank the secondaries of the teams in the AFC South?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:37 PM)

Texans, Jaguars, Titans, Colts.

David (Nashville)

I disagree. I think that the defense has a lot of promise for the Titans. The LB core alone is something to be very optimistic about, not the mention how good Klug and hopefully Wimbley will be. They must know something about Griffin that we don't and McCourty should have a good year. I don't think the defensive holes are as glaring as you're making them out to be.

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:39 PM)

Yes, be excited about the linebackers. Ayers did little last year, except bite up and then turn to chase a play. Witherspoon has good games, then disappears. Brown is a track guy. McCarthy's the one thing to be excited about so far. They don't know anything about Griffin we don't. They're being hopeful. I didn't say they had glaring holes. I said they lack playmakers. Because they do.

Maurice Jones-Drew ((NOT mini-camp...))

I figure Freddy Jackson and McFadden would have beaten me in rushing yards had they not got injured... but I still deserve a pay raise right?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:40 PM)

It's not about what people would have done, it's about what they did do. But no, you need to honor your contract, which, when you signed it, you weren't complaining overpaid you.

Brian (Cville)

You mentioned you'd take Cutler over Schaub due to the arm. I've heard Gabbert has a cannon too. Where would you rank his arm strength of starting QBs in the league? Is that just Jags propoganda?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:40 PM)

Gabbert has a very good arm. I don't see it as much on deep stuff -- he hasn't had good deep targets. But he can drill it into a window.

Andrew (Indiana)

Do you believe that the colts other starting corner after Powers is currently on the roster? Or do you see them pulling off a trade for a guy like Mike Jenkins?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:41 PM)

I think they could be looking for and bringing in corners all season long.

Brian F. (Jacksonville, FL)

If RB is not the offensive strength position it once was, what would say is the correlated position on defense: LB? As TE get faster and continue to exploit the LB position, is it possible you might see more of a SS/LB hybrid? I can't help but think that Jacksonville just might have its best athletes at positions which matter the least on both sides of the ball.

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:42 PM)

That is an excellent observation. You don't need a third premium linebacker unless you are going 3-3 on the front in the nickel, which they should probably consider.

Chip (Syracuse)

I hear that Tim Hasselbeck is picking the Texans to win the AFC South over the Titans. How do you think prediction sits with his brother Matt?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:42 PM)

Just fine. His brother knows he has to be a professional analyst, not a family member, when he's talking football for his job.

TNTitans74 (Titans Town)

Last night there was a debate on the defination of elite. Would you say the Texans are an elite team or a team that finally has become a good one?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:43 PM)

They might become elite. One division title at 10-6 no matter the circumstances doesn't make a team elite.

James (Charlottesville, VA)

Best AFC South corner without the initials JJ: McCourty or Derek Cox?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:44 PM)

Yes. One of them. We will have to let it play out. I probably lean McCourty at this time, but he's moving up a notch while Cox is in the same secondary -- actually a better one with Aaron Ross added.

Zoltan Paksa (Budapest, Hungary)

Do you have any favorite team at the Euro 2012 who is still in the race?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:45 PM)

I have England in my pool. But my team is America! I just like good, tense games with lots of chances.

Jack (Nashville)

Paul, this Nashvillian prefers U2 and The Boss personally. You mentioned Tommie Campbell up above, are the coaches really that high on him? Physically he has everything you could ask for in a starting corner, but do they believe he has the entire makeup to start, or at least play a lot outside, allowing them to shift Verner inside when needed?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:46 PM)

Good taste, Chief. They don't want Campbell to start. They want him to be the third guy. Yes, they think he can be good coming in to replace Verner and kick him inside.

Blueman (Indy)

Paul for most Colts fan last year was denile because it was "we will be OK when Peyton comes back" Most don't remember the pre=Manning era so could you give a weekly tip on how to deal with having a bad team?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:46 PM)

Remember the last 12 years. Reminisce.

NFLPA (Everywhere)

Mr. Kuharsky - if you expect Mr. Jones-Drew to honor his contract, shouldn't teams be required to honor contracts as well and not get away with cutting players one year into a five year deal?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:49 PM)

No, because the contract isn't guaranteed and players know that. It's the way it works. Only the guaranteed money guaranteed. By paying the guarantee, the team has honored the contract.If you don't perform, you risk getting cut. That's great for the game. You don't see guys with monster deals that teams have to hold on to like in baseball or hoops.

Nathan [via mobile]

I agree with David. I think the defense for the Titans has the potential to be good. They had a lot of young guys contribute last year who should get better. Not saying they'll be top 5, but they did finish 8th in total points allowed last year with a vanilla scheme and a bunch of rookies.

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:50 PM)

It might be good. But let's not pretend Ayers or Brown/Spoon should rank ahead of Daryl Smith or Clint Session right now. No way.

Christian (Denmark)

Who makes the Titans final roster at DT? S. Marks or S. Smith? Both?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:51 PM)

Both if they are both good in the preseason. Smith in more danger than Marks, I think.

Bill L (Texas)

Barring injury or anything crazy, any chance Randy Bullock isn't the Texans kicker Week One

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:52 PM)

No. If he had a camp-long case of the yips -- which would be something crazy -- he could play his way out of it.

Brian (Charlottesville)

Think Alualu takes a step forward this year to merit the top 10 pick now that the knee excuse is gone? I still think he's the 2nd best DT in Jville.

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:53 PM)

He better.

Aaron (Tennessee)

Everybody is picking the Texans to win the division, which team has the best chance to surprise the league and dethrown them and why?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:53 PM)

Don't know yet. But it's not the Colts.

John (Nashville)

Which QB gives J. Cook a better chance at cracking 1,000 yds: Locker or Hasselbeck?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:54 PM)

Locker. Hasselbeck isn't really a tight end guy. But Cook's not getting 1,000 yards.

Brian F. (Jacksonville, FL)

Good flow to the chat today. Seems like we're better when we have to wait for it.

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:55 PM)

I give the questions a B-minus. And I am being kind because I appreciate everyone coming.

Tyler (Houston)

Will the Texans ever get a true NT?! I know Wade's 3-4 doesn't necessarily call for a space eater, but I could only imagine how much better the Texans defensive front would be with a nasty Haloti Ngata-type player taking double teams on every snap.

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:56 PM)

Yes, all one year he's coached the defense it's ridiculous that they've not gone out and addressed the position. How can they go this long? I get your point, and I believe they can upgrade there. But if no great option has been available, you address other stuff.

T.O. (Jacksonville, FL)

PK, what do you think my chances are at helping this team this year? I mean, I think I am worth taking a chance on. It will at least prevent blackouts, right? Plus, I want to bring my popcorn to the beach.

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:57 PM)

Zero. You don't understand how the Jaguars operate if you think they'd ever consider that move.

Awayne (Indy)

Paul a day or two in July in Anderson,IN not exactly pleasant.Are the other camps as bad?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:57 PM)

In terms of heat? Anderson isn't even top two. Houston and Jacksonville are typically worse.

johnny (toronto canada)

who do you think will be the better pro in 5 years, Blackmon or Branch?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:58 PM)

Blackmon.

Lawrence (Work)

The Texans finally started looking for potential WR to replace AJ when he retires. Should they also be looking for another potential QB since Schaub is getting up in age?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:58 PM)

Are you familiar with T.J. Yates?

Chip (Syracuse)

If Mariani gets cut by the Titans what's the chances he gets picked up by the Rams? I say pretty good, considering Fisher's the coach...

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:59 PM)

Very good, though I don't know who they have at returner.

Brian (Jackson)

Chat count ?

Paul Kuharsky

  (1:00 PM)

263

Bryan Anger (Jacksonville)

I have not heard my name in the press as much lately; however, I remember all the hate you had toward me after the Jaguars drafted me in the 3rd Round. What was your true opinion of me as a punter after visiting the Jaguars camp (being picked in the 3rd Round taken out of the equation).

Paul Kuharsky

  (1:01 PM)

You're very good at booming it. A great fourth-round find. Unfortunately, they drafted you too high (in the third) and you have to be other-wordly to quash that topic.

Awayne (Indy)

Was speaking more to lack of anything remotely good about being in Anderson.Are the other camps in less than vaction like venues?

Paul Kuharsky

  (1:03 PM)

They could camp in Barbados, a favorite spot of mine, and it would not matter. It's camp. I want easy in and out and decent food. Otherwise I'm pretty busy.

Bryan Anger (Jacksonville)

Will you take back all the hate you have toward me, if within 8 years I place a punt inside the 1 that leads the Jaguars to a Super Bowl Championship?

Paul Kuharsky

  (1:04 PM)

I wish you could differentiate hate for you and contempt for the stupid use of the pick. You could be the greatest punter ever, it doesn't mean you were worth that slot. One must factor in the way the position is valued around the league. Will you raise you hand and say you were drafted too high, when dozens behind you are effective starters in the league?

Bill Tiempo (Houston)

What were your thoughts on my restaurant?

Paul Kuharsky

  (1:05 PM)

Wasn't my first time. I am a regular. Love it. Love you.

Student (this chat)

PK, B- is too low for me. Is there any extra credit question we could ask to boost our grade?

Paul Kuharsky

  (1:06 PM)

Too late. We're all done. Thanks for coming.