ESPN

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:02 PM)

Greetings people. Thanks for coming by. Looking forward to a good hour. Let's get to it.

Brice (Missouri)

I am Driving 8 hours to watch my Jets play the Titans, I think the Jets can surprise some people and get the job done against the Titans. Thoughts?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:03 PM)

Wouldn't be a giant surprise for the Jets to win.

Chris (Tenn)

how many more games does R turner have to keep stinking? it is starting to look like maybe velasco was better and the team was just cheap. do you think schwenke will be starting by the end of this season?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:04 PM)

They may have made a bad decision, but money didn't dictate it. And they were comparing Velasco's salary to Spencer's, not Turner's. I hope when Schwenke is deemed to have caught up, he will have a fair chance to takeover.

KC (Colorado)

So if you had to choose between the Titans or the jets this week you saying you would choose the jets?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:05 PM)

Where did I say that? My pick will be in tomorrow's Titans-Jets Double Coverage post. It's also meaningless. Picking amounts to guessing.

Chris (Tenn)

Verner continues to make plays....will he get an extension?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:07 PM)

I certainly think they want him around long-term. I don't know if they are talking contract with anyone at this point.

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)

When does the Tennessee Titans face the New England Patriots?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:07 PM)

Not this season.

Joe (SF)

Paul - the expanded coverage and new ideas you've been looking to incorporate with the new blog set-up have been great so far. Any way that going forward you can try to grab more video on gamedays for us who can't be there in person? Mainly wish I could've seen Frank Wyyyyyycheck's sword planting in all it's herculean glory.

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:08 PM)

Thanks. There are rights issues at play with such things, and I don't have a very close vantage point for such thing. I welcome suggestions on other stuff people would like to see.

Mark (TN)

Better fantasy play CJ2K or Powell?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:09 PM)

You think a defense fears Powell the way it fears CJ? I'm surprised it's a question.

Taylor (California)

Paul. Want to thank you for the excellent content on your periodic podcasts. Any chance of more frequent releases?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:09 PM)

Well thank you. I'd like to do two a month. I think weekly would be hard to find that many quality guests. I welcome suggestions.

Paul (Oklahoma)

Was the Chargers game an indication that Loggains may be gaining trust in Locker or should we expect another run-heavy offense against the Jets?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:10 PM)

Expect run-heavy all the time. Everything will be built off of that.

pj (midlo)

Hi Paul, now that we have a little history rank the WRs going forward for Titans

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:12 PM)

In terms of talent or in terms of getting thrown to? In terms of getting thrown to it should be Washington, Wright, Hunter, Williams, Britt, Preston to me. Wright is the most talented.

Jason (San Francisco)

Chances that the Titans will be 4-1 when they face the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers in back-to-back weeks?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:12 PM)

I'll be surprised if they win the next two.

Daniel (Tempe)

Has there been any change in lineup/snap counts in practice for the WRs, particularly Hunter and Britt? I'm wondering how many more games Britt can flop before the depth chart changes.

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:13 PM)

I don't see practice and if I did I wouldn't be at liberty to share such details.

Lincoln (Missouri)

I believe its arguable that the Titans have the best receiving corps in the NFL with Britt, Washington, Wright, and Hunter. Thoughts?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:14 PM)

Absolutely not. Very good depth. But the best receiving corps in the NFL include the best receivers. And the Titans don't have one of the top receivers in the league.

Scott (CT)

When will Loggains get the memo that you need to throw the ball to win and that Jake Locker is better the more he throws?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:15 PM)

They are 2-1. I think Loggains should be feeling pretty good. They are a run-first team. Don't be surprised by that, expect it.

Will (Knoxville)

Do you think the Titans will deal Kenny Britt for a late round pick to open the door for Justin Hunter to receive more snaps or do you think the Titans will simply bench Britt?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:16 PM)

I can only repeat it so many times. What is the attraction of Britt for another team? Is it the lack of production? The inability to focus? The bad knee? The expiring contract? The off-field headaches? Any team that would give up anything for Britt is dumb. Anquan Boldin is really, really good and he was worth a sixth-round pick.

Charles (NY)

Do you see more big runs from CJ2k coming with Locker's recent success throwing the ball around?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:20 PM)

"Recent success throwing the ball around" = one very solid game. I'm not backing off CJ just yet if I'm defending the Titans.

George (Illinois)

What do you think of this statement: The Titans have to win the next two to have a good shot at making the playoffs?By my estimates, they must win 10 games to make the playoffs, and anything short of a 4-1 record means they must win 7 or more of their final 11 games with contests against Houston, Denver, Seattle, San Francisco and Indy on the horizon.

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:21 PM)

They will be in a lot better shape if they win what look to be winnable games. Drop one and you have to make up for it somewhere else. Doubt it's happening in Seattle or against Denver. But maybe the 49ers are going to be struggling still.

Matthew (Martin, TN)

Paul, I know you don't like predicting scores, but since espn asks you to anyway, it made me wonder something. Have you had any close predictions as of late? Thought I'd lob the softball if you'd like to point it out again.

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:22 PM)

Well thank you. I nailed the score last week, calling Titans 20-17. It will be another 10 years before that happens.

Jimmy O (NC)

Why doesn't the Titans org try to progress their rookies like other teams?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:22 PM)

I get your point. But Zach Brown was "progressed" last year, wasn't he? Isn't that Chance Warmack at right guard this year?

Steve (Jacksonville, Fl)

I understand Jacksonville is building from the ground up but why did they feel they needed to purge their roster? They didn't have any salary issues. They could have signed a couple of average guards and a corner or two and still had plenty money left to make real upgrades next season.

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:24 PM)

If they didn't like a veteran or find him to be worth what he was due to be paid, why play him and pay it? They can use that money later on people they like.

Robert (Buffalo)

Do you think the titans pamper their rookies too much? It seems like sometimes they are reluctant to replace a vet with an equally talented rookie who has more potential and can gain experience.

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:25 PM)

Hunter doesn't have to start to contribute and he is pretty raw. Do you prefer him blocking for CJ or Britt? The answer is Britt. Schwenke's preseason hamstring injury set him back. I hope he's in the lineup relatively soon.

Rob (TN)

So just how well has Warmack played so far? Has he been what they hoped or has the learning curve been steeper than they figured it to be?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:26 PM)

He's been good, particularly when on the move. But he's faced tough people too, and slowing J.J. Watt isn't easy for a good veteran better yet a good rookie.

Caleb (TN)

Thoughts on why we have been holding Hunter off of the field? I mean, Kenny obviously does not want to be here. BENCH HIM. Let Hunter go up and get the ball.

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:26 PM)

The Titans run more than they pass. Hunter can pull a safety deep. But he's a rail. I don't think you want him blocking on 20 run plays at this point.

Jason (San Francisco)

Which one was more dramatic to you:The 94 yard drive and TD pass from Locker to Hunter with 15 seconds remainingorThe 99 yard drive and TD pass on 4th down and with 0 seconds remaining from Young to Britt in 2009 when Titans faced the Cardinals?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:27 PM)

Gut says Arizona. Last play of the game is more dramatic.

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

Best game plan for Titans defense? Stop the run game that was good last week for the Jets, and force Geno to stay in the pocket and beat them with his arm repetitively?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:28 PM)

That's always the plan. Stop the run, put it on the quarterback, making things one-dimensional and maximizing chances to rush.

Austin (Wichita)

Random question about player pay. I assume a players pay is broken down into 16 game checks. So what happens if the team makes the playoffs? Do the players not get paid? Do they make more? How does that work?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:29 PM)

Base salary is broken down into 17 checks to go with the 17-week regular season. Guys get playoff money based on how far their team goes in the playoffs. That's the same check for everybody. I don't have details handy.

brandon (milan tn)

i know you cover the titans but what team are you a fan of now and who did you grow up being a fan of?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:29 PM)

Swansea of the EPL. I am a fan of no team in the NFL. I root for -- and sometimes against -- guys and storylines.

kyle (cookeville)

I'm tired of reynauds dancing around when he is catching a punt. I'd rather take the 5 or 10 yards of the return consistently than him trying to break one off every time he gets a punt. agreed?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:30 PM)

I'm more tired of him bringing kickoffs out. Take the touchback more often.

Mike (TN)

Paul what are your thoughts on how the Titans handle their rookies?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:32 PM)

Case by case basis. They tend to be more conservative than a lot of teams. But we saw plenty of Zach Brown and Mike Martin last season. We're seeing plenty of Chance Warmack now. They have six veteran newcomers in the starting lineup. Would you rather have rookies?

Ricky, Jackson MS [via mobile]

Where have the other tight ends been? Neither gets thrown to. Is it because of the depth of our WR?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:33 PM)

They need to mix in Stevens. I don't want them throwing to Thompson. He's not very good.

Scott (CT)

Paul, do you think that the Titans are more likely to keep Munchak and Locker if it's a Packers 6-10 2008 type of season (meaning that Locker continues to show a lot like Rodgers did and they lose a ton of close ones in the end) or they get the 6th wild card with a 2011 type season, going 9-7 but are still clearly not playing up to the upper teams in the league?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:34 PM)

Munchak isn't getting fired and Locker isn't getting replaced if they make the playoffs.

Blueman (Indy)

What is the biggest thing the Jets do on defense that will give the Titans the biggest problem?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:34 PM)

Their front is rushing well without help.

Joseph (Houston)

What do you think of the Titans safties so far. I've been impressed by Griff, Pollard, and Wilson so far

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:34 PM)

Been a solid group.

JC (FRANCE)

Hello,Do you think that Zach Brown will always play around 50-60% of the defensive snaps or that the Chargers game was just an aberration?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:35 PM)

Aberration for sure. He should be on the field almost all the time.

Kraig (Ohio)

Do you think more read option with Locker would make us more of a threat on offense or have defenses figured it out?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:36 PM)

It's a good way to get him hurt.

George (Illinois)

Now that you focus on Tennessee, I take it you go to all Titans games both home and away. What's the game you're looking forward to most? Mine might be at home against Indy on Thursday night.

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:36 PM)

Seattle road trip is always tiring but fun. Great place to see a game. Good team to measure TEN against.

Scott (CT)

They may be a run first team, but they shouldn't be. The talent on that team screams pass. You can't win football games relying on running the ball more than you throw it unless you have a Ravens 2000 type defense, which the Titans don't.

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:37 PM)

They are contrarians on that. And I think it's a stretch to say a team with Locker at quarterback "screams" pass. Aaron Rodgers and Peyton Manning, their offenses scream pass.

Vince Young (Steakhouse)

Paul did you just compliment me? Can I use you now for a reference?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:38 PM)

I would love if your potential employers called me. But I will have to be completely honest with them.

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

Respectfully disagree PK. When the Titans and Broncos line up, stopping the run game is not a priority, or shouldn't be. Of course, game plan may not matter versus PM...

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:39 PM)

An exception. And it's difficult to play defense that invites the run. You can back people off but an all-time great QB can still throw it effectively.

Paul (Oklahoma)

The Seahawks are 14th in the league giving up 4 yards per carry and that number is surely fluffed up considering they've played Carolina and Jacksonville. Isn't it possible CJ has a monster day against Seattle?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:40 PM)

Teams playing from ahead are happy to give up clock-eating carries.

Rob (TN)

You say you root against story lines, least favorite Titans and league wide story line this year? Most underrated?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:41 PM)

I hate the Tebow story line. I meant, more, that as a game unfolds I root for something great to unfold so I can examine and write about it.

Jimmy O (NC)

Going to another team, Do you think the Carolina Panthers got any respect this weekend? it seems that everybody is just saying that the Giants Played bad.

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:42 PM)

I don't believe teams generally play for respect. They play for wins. Get wins. Respect follows.

Stef (Memphis)

Indy the Titans' main competition for South title?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:42 PM)

Did you not see Houston beat the Titans? The Texans and Colts are the favorites here. The Titans are trying to edge in.

George (Illinois)

In your opinion, what is the one position group or facet of the game (as in passing game, running game, run defense, etc) that has improved the most from last year?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:43 PM)

Scoring defense, plain and simple.

Joseph (Houston)

When does Sammie Hill return to the field?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:44 PM)

Did not practice yesterday.

Kraig (Ohio)

Do you agree that if the Titans are 5-2 at the bye, that they will make the playoffs due to a weak second half schedule?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:45 PM)

How are they getting to 5-2 at the bye?

jayme (pa)

What is your honest opinion of locker and do you think he can be the future. I know you cant base everything off his last game but he does seem to get better and better.

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:45 PM)

He's steadily improving. They have cause to be encouraged. He's never going to be Brady/Manning/Rodgers/Brees.

Dragon (Virginia)

who do you think is the team to beat in your divison. The colts or the texans?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:46 PM)

Still Texans to me.

Paul (Oklahoma)

Gray seems to be in a dubious position- he gets the blame for bad defensive calls and Williams gets credit for any improvements. What are the odds Williams is DC next year?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:47 PM)

Gray can't win. WIlliams won't be the coordinator in Tennessee next year, not in title anyway. Maybe somewhere else.

Jason (Tennessee)

Is this the last year the Coaching staff is under contract????? I seem to remember everyone being on the same contract length as Munchack

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:48 PM)

Munchak is under contract through 2014.

Ben (Louisa, Ky)

Shoudl we expect Wimbly to get cut this offseason with his diminished snap total?--he went down more than 50% of his snaps this week.

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:49 PM)

Things aren't based off one week. But he's way overpaid for what they want him to do. I wouldn't expect him back in 2014. Blame Bud for that bad contract. Wimbley was a reactionary signing after the Titans put everything on hold to chase Peyton Manning.

Daniel (Nashville)

Imagine things still frosty between Titans and media? Does the teams' performance affect that dynamic (as example, the team is emboldened to restrict access if they win whereas media with restricted access and possible less feel for team may not give benefit of doubt if they are losing)?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:50 PM)

Still frosty for me. If they think changes are part of why things have been good so far, they are suffering from a disconnect from reality.

kyle (cookeville)

the ravens proved you don't need a manning/brees/rodgers to win the superbowl. You need a quarterback who can make all the throws when needed and not turn the ball over. Jake locker needs to work on making all the throws.

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:51 PM)

I don't know that I've said anything different.

Joe (SF)

Are you a Homeland fan? Where would you rank it in the pantheon of quality TV? Breaking Bad is on its own level, but does it have a chance to be in the same group as The Wire, Sopranos, Mad Men, etc?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:52 PM)

Big fan. Didn't watch The Wire. Think Mad Men is incredibly slow and I have no interest in it. Homeland is not as good as Sopranos, but quite good. BrBad is atop the list for sure.

Shaun (TN)

Interested in your opinion. Fokou gets hurt. I see McCarthy go out and I think, alright now is his chance. But Fokou comes right back in a few plays later. Have they given up on McCarthy?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:53 PM)

Why would you keep out the starter if he left to deal with an injury and was fine?

Matt (TN)

I enjoy Gregg Williams being back in TN. You can tell his stamp his been put on this defense. With that said, do you think he returns next year if we have a 9-7, 10-6 year with a wild card spot?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:53 PM)

I could see him being content with this role and happy to be living here and staying. But he's always been ambitious, and if people come to him with DC offers, he could want one.

Jason (Tennessee)

Say Locker ends up being average at years end. Do you think the Titans would draft a QB? I know your not a mind reader and the year is still early but there are a ton of good QB's coming out.

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:54 PM)

If Locker's average and the coaching staff stays in place, they aren't looking to replace him.

Blueman (Indy)

I am sure you have sources with the Titans that give you information that you just can't give out for numerous reasons.In todays be first to announce everything world is it harder to get sources to give up information about the team?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:55 PM)

I'm not a news chaser as much as I am someone who can quickly tell you what the news means. Being first with news isn't my primary mission. And knowing stuff you can't report is part of the business and not hard to manage.

Ben (Louisa, Ky)

IF the Titans held on to "Pacman" Jones, do you think we would be seeing the problems in the slot that we have currently?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:56 PM)

How could they have held onto him? He was a destructive force. Sensabaugh and Verner are both good nickel guys.

Ben (Louisa, Ky)

If the titans were to ditch Munch, is there any chance Williams would be promoted or is still too soon post banning?

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:58 PM)

If things go badly and they make a change, I think it should be away from anything tied to Fisher. It would be time for completely new. Kevin Sumlin, perhaps? Just spitballing there.

Paul Kuharsky

  (12:58 PM)

OK kids, I must depart. Thanks for a fun hour. I appreciate your interest and participation.