ESPN AFC South Blog

Posted by ESPN.com staff

Houston Texans

• HoustonTexans.com ranks the top 5 gutsiest plays in team history.

Indianapolis Colts

• John Oehser of examiner.com details how spending wisely has translated into success on the field for the Colts.

Jacksonville Jaguars

• Jaguars.com's Vic Ketchman fielded questions from fans, highlighted by the Dennis Northcutt trade.
• Seventh-round pick Rashad Jennings discussed his trip to the rookie symposium.
  

Tennessee Titans

• Linebacker David Thornton has added swimming to his offseason training regime.
• The Titans and tight end Jared Cook agreed to terms on a four-year deal, according to Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean.
  

ESPN's Mark Schlereth talks about potential destinations for Marvin Harrison, Edgerrin James and Warrick Dunn.

ESPN's Mike Golic discusses some of the new coaches heading into the 2009 season.

Posted by ESPN.com staff

Houston Texans

Matt Bowen of the National Football Post takes a look at five questions facing the Texans.

The Sporting News is counting down to the start of Texans training camp. 

Richard Connelly of the Houston Press breaks down Houston's poor ranking in ESPN's "Fan Experience" list.

Indianapolis Colts

Second-year defensive tackle Eric Foster is focused on one thing, in three parts: sacking the quarterback. Says Foster: "I'm looking at every sack reel of inside guys around the whole league. I just want to see what moves are more beneficial to the inside guys. I just really broke down film a lot."

Jacksonville Jaguars

Jags running back Maurice Jones-Drew sat down to chat on NFL.com on Wednesday.

The Jacksonville Observer's Richard Miller is resting easy with Torry Holt at wide receiver.

Tennessee Titans

Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean writes about LenDale White's offseason commitment to his diet. 

	Getty Images
	Who is the better back: Chris Johnson or Maurice Jones-Drew? We debate the topic.

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky and Scouts Inc.'s Matt Williamson

It came up so often in the weekly AFC South chats that Kuharsky told his editor it should be a Double Coverage topic.

So Williamson of Scouts Inc. and Kuharsky recently got on the phone and argued it out: Who's the better back, Jacksonville's Maurice Jones-Drew or Tennessee's Chris Johnson?

Podcast: Football Today Matt Williamson and Paul Kuharsky debate which player is the better running back: Chris Johnson of the Titans or the Jaguars' Maurice Jones-Drew. Football Today

We already can picture Houston fans running to send e-mails protesting that Steve Slaton was not included. (Sorry folks. He's a wonderful player, but both of us have him third in this conversation right now. We touch on that in here.)

We cover everything we could think of: durability, reliability, speed, versatility, leadership, blocking, complimentary pieces and the context of their teams.

Here's a summary from each of us on why we took the position we did:

Kuharsky: I'm repetitive in this debate because I keep circling back to the one thing that I think sets Johnson apart -- his blazing speed. When defensive coordinators are planning for the Titans, they're up late, worried about all sorts of scenarios that might put Johnson in position to outrun their entire defense. That world-class speed might make Johnson as feared an offensive weapon as anyone in the league. And as much as I like MJD and as well-rounded as his game is, the danger factor Johnson brings with every touch makes him my choice.

Williamson: While I am a big believer in Chris Johnson and do concede that he is a nightmare to prepare for, I like Maurice Jones Drew better because I simply think that he brings more to the table. Not only can Jones-Drew catch the ball and create big plays in space, but he is far more powerful than Johnson and is a fantastic short yardage runner. Jones-Drew scores touchdowns in bunches and is the more well rounded --and proven -- player of the two.

While body blows are landed on both sides, don't expect a knockout.

Jason Soderberg mediates the debate. He might even declare a winner.

Hit it here to listen, and then feel free to chime in with your review of our review.

Posted by ESPN.com staff

Houston Texans

An updated list of the remaining 2009 restricted free agents. The AFC South has 11, including seven from Houston. 

This past weekend, Titans fullback Boomer Grigsby went back to his hometown of Canton, Ohio to hold his annual fundraiser to benefit local charities. 

Indianapolis Colts

Second-year defensive end Marcus Howard expects to make an impact in his sophomore season, writes John Oehser on Colts.com.

Also from Colts.com, Jeffrey Gorman has a video interview with Colts defensive tackle Eric Foster.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jags have finalized the deal that sent receiver Dennis Northcutt to the Lions for safety Gerard Alexander.

Tennessee Titans

The Titans have signed two more members of their 2009 draft class: cornerback Ryan Mouton and linebacker Gerald McRath. Here's the updated list of AFC South signees.

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

Stay tuned Wednesday afternoon for a Double Coverage debate where two of us argue Maurice Jones-Drew against Chris Johnson.

After that, I'll disappear for a brief mind-clearing getaway that means there will be no chat on Thursday. I know it's a tough change to your week, but I trust you can forge through.

I'll be back on July 6, and do my best to guide you throw the rough month of little news and lots of anticipation, while planning my training camp schedule and getting ready to sweat on sidelines in Houston, Jacksonville. Terre Haute, Ind. and Nashville.

Our super blog editing crew is expected to provide you with a daily roundup of what's being written elsewhere.

And feel free to fill up the mailbag while I am away.

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

If things pan out the way the Colts would like, Philip Wheeler will win the strongside linebacker spot.

Wheeler got a good share of the work with the first team in minicamp back at the start of the month.

Clint Session had a 99-tackle season in 2008 on the strongside and will now move to the weakside. Will Wheeler be the next guy to make a strong showing in the Colts' never-ending cavalcade of linebackers?

"Last year I was good at certain things," Wheeler said earlier this month. "I'm trying be more well-rounded and more polished... I haven't worked on one thing more than any other. It's just trying to be well-rounded."

The move of Session and the insertion of Wheeler make sense -- Session (6-0, 235) is faster while Wheeler (6-2, 240) is a bit bigger.

Wheeler played in all 16 games last year, starting none. But now he's favored to hold off Freddy Keiaho, who started 14 games at weakside last season and 11 in 2007 but doesn't exactly qualify as rugged at 5-11, 226.

I think Wheeler could follow the path Session did. Late in the 2008 season, I talked with Session about how he went from running around and being nervous to playing within the scheme. (He was also dealing with some personal stuff early on.)

The Colts don't merely ask their defensive tackles to take up blockers, they want them to penetrate and force the action. If the middle of the line is more effective than it was last year, the jobs of Session, Wheeler, incumbent middle linebacker Gary Brackett or whoever is playing at linebacker should become easier as they gain more room to run.

The effect of the upgrades on the interior defensive line on the linebackers is something we will explore further in July.

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

Several people who are friends of mine on Facebook wondered why former Jaguars running back Fred Taylor failed to make Football Outsiders' list of the most underrated players of the decade.

Taylor

I took the question directly to the source, and our friend Aaron Schatz wrote me back with this, the conclusion of which is going to please a lot of Jaguars fans.

"Taylor has been a good running back for an extended period of time, but based on FO stats, he's certainly not been a GREAT running back for an extended period of time. On a per-play basis, his best seasons were probably 1998-2000, which is before this decade (and the very beginning of this decade). Since 2001, he has only been in the top ten for running back value (based on Football Outsiders rushing DYAR) twice, eighth in both 2002 and 2007. His 2003 season (1574 yards) was not as good as it looks at first because of an easy schedule, and it was his last year with a Success Rate above 45 percent (i.e. league average). He was below-average by our numbers in 2004, 2005, and 2008. So I think that the conventional wisdom on Taylor is about right -- he's been a good, not great, running back with good career longevity, neither overrated nor underrated.

"The Jacksonville fans are going to like me a lot more than they hate me in a couple weeks, because Football Outsiders Almanac projects the Jaguars to return to the playoffs."

He said he's got the Colts as the team most likely to win the division and the Titans and Jags in as wild cards.

Good June fodder. But I'm sure he'd be fine with me referring to this entry from last year, when he had the Texans going to the playoffs.

Thanks Aaron for the quick response.

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

An overdue check-in on AFC South draft pick contract status. Overall eight of 36 picks are signed. There is plenty of time for each team to get everyone done.

The parenthetical numbers are draft round and overall pick.

Houston Texans (three of eight)

LB Brian Cushing (1-15) -
DE Connor Barwin (2-46) -
C Antoine Caldwell (3-77) -
S Glover Quin (4-112) -
TE Anthony Hill (4-122) - Signed
TE James Casey (5-152) -
CB Brice McCain (6-188) - Signed
S Troy Nolan (7-223) - Signed

Indianapolis Colts (zero of eight signed)

RB Donald Brown (1-27) -
DT Fili Moala (2-56) -
CB Jerraud Powers (3-92) -
WR Austin Collie (4-127) -
DT Terrance Taylor (4-136) -
QB Curtis Painter (6-201) -
P Pat McAfee (7-222) -
G Jaimie Thomas (7-236) -

Jacksonville Jaguars (one of nine signed)

OT Eugene Monroe (1-8) -
OT Eben Britton (2-39) -
DT Terrance Knighton (3-72) -
CB Derek Cox (3-73) -
WR Mike Thomas (4-107) -
WR Jarret Dillard (5-144) -
TE Zach Miller (6-180) - Signed
RB Rashad Jennings (7-250) -
WR Tiquan Underwood (7-253) -

Tennessee Titans (four of 11 signed)

WR Kenny Britt (1-30) -
DT Sen'Derrick Marks (2-62) -
TE Jared Cook (3-89) -
CB Ryan Mouton (3-94) - Signed
LB Gerald McRath (4-130) - Signed
OT Troy Kropog (4-135) -
RB Javon Ringer (5-173) -
CB Jason McCourty (6-203) - Signed
WR Dominique Edison (6-206) - Signed
G Ryan Durand (7-239) - Signed
S Nick Schommer (7-242) -- Signed

Since I put together this list, Alan Burge pointed out Mac's Football Blog, which does an excellent job tracking this. 

Update: The Tennessee Titans have agreed to terms on a multi-year contract with linebacker Gerald McRath, the team announced today.

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

An interesting overtime proposal, discussed by Toni Monkovic. I think it's too outside the box to ever be implemented.

Bill Barnwell looks at how it's harder to connect on a throw at the first-down marker than it is to complete a pass a yard or two beyond it. All four AFC South teams make an appearance here.

Houston Texans

Connor Barwin needed surgeries as a youngster to regain his hearing, writes Megan Manfull.

Bart Enis talks to Antonio Smith in a video posted by the team Web site.

Chester Pitts is coming back from surgery on both elbows, writes Brooke Bentley of the team's Web site.

Alan Burge tracks rookie signings just in time to make it look like he inspired the update I've got coming in a bit.

Indianapolis Colts

Curtis Painter hopes he can stick with the Colts, writes Mike Carmin.

A look at the Colts at center, from John Oehser.

And Oehser's more specific look at Steve Justice.

Stampede Blue runs through the big battles coming up in camp.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jags signed sixth-rounder Zach Miller, says Michel C. Wright.

Tennessee Titans

Jeff Fisher's getting ready to head overseas to visit the troops, writes Jim Wyatt.

Chris Johnson's included in some running back projections from footballoutsiders.com. Even in the minimum scenario, they have him averaging 5.23 yards per carry.

Kerry Collins says he's more in tune with his role now, says Terry McCormick.

Wyatt reminds us that a good offseason might translate into nothing for a guy come camp.

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

Some good stuff here from Jason La Canfora.

He got a list of each team's actually salary and bonus expenditures over the last five years, then divided those numbers by wins in that time period to measure bang for buck. It's a somewhat random sampling period, but we work with what we've got here.

Here's how things stacked up in the AFC South:

2. Colts, 63 wins, $532.77M, $8.44M per win
7. Jaguars, 45 wins, $480.06M, $10.66M per win
13. Titans, 40 wins, $465.28M, $11.63M per win
27. Texans, 31 wins, $522.28M, $16.84M per win

I'm surprised by the Jaguars' high ranking and a bit surprised by the Titans' low one.

Jacksonville's failures with high-priced free agents and No. 1 draft picks cost Shack Harris his post in the front office and prompted a new fiscal strategy by his replacement, more powerful general manager Gene Smith. Clearly, a good share of that has been offset by production from players working at a far more reasonable rate. The Jags are sandwiched between the Giants and Eagles here, and it's more important to Jacksonville to maximize value -- New York and Philly can better endure costly errors. Props to the Jags for this ranking, which has to please owner Wayne Weaver.

Tennessee has been hurt by big contracts for minimal production from Vince Young, Pacman Jones and free-agent receiver David Givens, who quickly suffered a knee injury that ended his career with the Titans. Still, virtually everyone had high draft misses and bad injuries. I would have guessed Tennessee would be in the top 10. But this isn't bad considering it includes a five-win season and a four-win season as they endured a down cycle and rebuilt. (Still typical, isn't it, that they are looking up at the Ravens?)

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

The Titans will release their full training camp schedule next week, but in the meantime those of you who can't wait to stand out in the scalding heat of Nashville's MetroCenter can begin to plan around the first week.

Here are the open practices over the first seven days. The schedule is always subject to change dictated by weather and/or Jeff Fisher:

Friday, July 31, 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 1, 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 2, 3:30 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 3, 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 4, 8:30 a.m.

Thursday, Aug. 6, 3:30 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 7, 4:00 p.m.

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

For those of you who like to say I never admit I was wrong... Here's a special post for you.

Two readers sent notes to the mailbag that got me thinking:

Lyndon in Houston writes: Paul, I have been following you from the beginning at ESPN and I love what you do. I think this may be my 2nd or third comment/question I have ever had for you but this is the 2nd chat that I have seen you mention that Larry Fitzgerald is faster than Andre Johnson and it is just not accurate. I have absolutely no problem with anyone saying Fitzgerald is a better WR than Andre, what Larry did in the playoffs this past season was unbelievable. He also makes some of the most ridiculous catches I have ever seen. I am a Texan fan so I love Andre but Fitz is a monster. Having said that, if you follow the draft as closely as I have over the years you tend to know 40 numbers that these top prospects run and Andre was a high 4.3 guy (4.39) while Fitz was a high 4.4 guy (4.48). I would liken this argument to all the Texan fans who say Steve Slaton "plays" as fast as Chris Johnson who we all know ran that incredible sub 4.24 time. I love Steve as well but CJ is absolutely faster. Jerry Rice proved you could be an elite WR without elite speed and Fitz has very good speed and is arguably the best WR in the NFL but Andre Johnson is faster than him, no question. Anyway, keep up the good work, cannot wait until training camp arrives.

Ben in Houston writes: Did you really post in your last chat that Larry Fitzgerald is faster than Andre Johnson? Look, I understand that you hate to post anything about the Texans, especially anything positive. However, you should at the very least, educate yourself about players in the division that you cover. Andre Johnson was one of the fastest college track athletes in the country winning several championships in the 60 and 100 meters. He also recorded a full tenth better 40 time for the NFL compared to Fitzgerald. But whatever, you probably think that Kenny Britt and Courtney Roby are better receivers than him also so there's not a lot of legitimacy when it comes to your coverage of the Texans.

In last week's chat, I was wrong in an answer to a question about Andre Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald. I have the speed advantage to Fitzgerald there, and it should have gone to Johnson.

Forty times from five or six years ago don't seal the argument but are of interest. NFLDraftScout.com indicated neither player ran at the combine. My Mel Kiper and PFW draft book libraries don't go back that far.

A scout told me Fitzgerald ran a 4.64 on turf at his pro day and Johnson ran a 4.43 on grass.

There are a lot of different stopwatches at these things, and reports I found had Fitzgerald running a 4.47 and a 4.50 at his pro day and said Johnson had consistently broken 4.4.

I asked Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. to compare their speed, and then to compare and contrast the two.

"Pure speed? I think I would give that to Andre J. Fitz is faster than many realize, but speed is not his game. However, both can eat up a lot of yardage once they get to full speed and they play the game fast from a processing and competitiveness standpoint.

"No one in recent memory has the ball skills of Fitzgerald. Simply put, he catches everything. He contorts his body and times his jumps better than anyone in the league by a wide margin. His hands are big and soft and he obviously does not need to be in perfect position to come down with the ball. He is also very strong all throughout his body. He fights off and walls off defenders very well without ever losing concentration. I would also give Fitz the edge as a route runner, but Andre J is an incredible slant option.

"Johnson is more of a physical freak than Fitzgerald, but obviously both players are very fortunate with the abilities they were given. Their body control is amazing. Johnson is also extremely powerful, but is also more sudden and explosive in all his movements than Fitzgerald. His consistency catching the football isn't on par with Fitzgerald, but that is also really nit picking, as Johnson's highlight reel abilities are off the chart as well and you rarely see him drop passes he should reel in. I like Johnson's ability to simply blow by a defender better than Fitzgerald's though. Both are great after the catch, but I also slightly favor Andre J here as well. Both want to score and are unafraid of initiating contact every time they get the ball in their hands, but Johnson is able to pull away easier and gets to top speed quicker.

"I may be a smidge biased, as I was fortunate enough to spend a lot of time with Larry, but I think Fitz is the slightly superior player right now -- just so dependable and while both WRs make everyone around them much better, no one makes his QB look better than Fitzgerald. Watching him catch a fade route is just a thing of beauty.

"By the way, Calvin Johnson will be in this conversation real soon as well.

"One other thing about these two that you can't overlook is that Fitz has simply proven to be the better TD-producer. The guy is amazing near the goal line-and obviously shows that he raises his game when it matters most.

"Also, Larry is awesome downfield although he isn't as fast because of his ability to just go up and take the ball away from the defense.

"Fitz has been more durable. But, you could also argue that Fitz benefits more from Boldin more so than anyone that Andre J has around him. But still-Boldin is hurt a lot and it never slows Fitz down."

The primary reason Fitzgerald gets a slight nod over Johnson for most people is because he played a huge role in getting his team to the Super Bowl while Johnson hasn't yet sniffed the playoffs.

Back to Ben in Houston. You presented a crack in my argument that I have addressed and corrected here. As for your argument that I am reluctant to write anything positive about the Texans, I offer these links:

Red zone, turnovers may key Texans' fate

The Replacements: AFC South

Texans' new DC promises no excuses

Checking the polls: Texans

Your views on Texans myths

Titans, Texans fortunate to land speedy RBs in '08

Quantifying Texans' better play in Houston

Texans offense prolific in last five games

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

Nothing beats a list, especially an NFL list in June or July.

Aaron Schatz of Football Outsiders hooked recently with the 25 most overrated and the 25 most underrated players of the decade.

He gives a taste of the list here.

I'm allowed to look specifically at AFC South issues from the two ESPN.com posts, which are available to Insiders only. Unsurprisingly, the division had a bigger contingent of underrated than overrated.

Overrated:

5. Adam Vinatieri: Yes, he hit two Super Bowl-winning field goals, but the main reason Vinatieri has the most clutch field goals of any kicker in recent history is that nobody else comes close in clutch field goal attempts. Since 1995, he's had 30 chances to tie or win a game in the final two minutes or overtime. Jason Elam is the only other kicker with more than 22 chances, and by the way, Elam hit a higher percentage (89 percent vs. Vinatieri's 80 percent) from a longer average distance (38.7 yards vs. Vinatieri's 34.3). Vinatieri is perfect on clutch kicks in the playoffs, but so is the only other kicker with at least three playoff attempts (David Akers). Research has shown that the field goal percentages of kickers are virtually random from year to year, and Vinatieri is no different, going from 74 percent to 94 percent to 80 percent to 89 percent to 79 percent in five seasons (2003-2007). Kickoff ability is markedly consistent, though, and Vinatieri has never been impressive there.

Underrated:

8. Keith Bulluck: Bulluck is one stable anchor in a Tennessee defense that has had up and down performances because of salary cap constraints. Year after year, Bulluck has led his team among outside linebackers in highest percentage of defensive plays, with numbers similar to inside linebackers on other teams. He might be underrated because he rarely rushes the passer. Aaron Curry, this is your future.

14. Torry Holt: Everybody knows he's good, and he has made seven Pro Bowls. But at no time this decade did conventional wisdom hold that Holt was the best wide receiver in football, and for some reason nobody includes him in the conversation, even though he leads all receivers in catches and yards this decade and is fourth in total receiving value (by DYAR).

19. Brad Meester: This second-round draft pick went straight into the starting lineup in 2000, and has been a consistent lineman for some excellent Jacksonville running games. He has never made the Pro Bowl.

21. Gary Brackett: This undrafted free agent from Rutgers turned out to be the perfect middle linebacker for the Tampa-2 defense. Indianapolis finished 13th or lower in defensive DVOA every single season from 1994 through 2004, but has been in the top 10 three times since Brackett entered the starting lineup in 2005. He's still waiting to make his first trip to Hawaii.

23. Tarik Glenn: Glenn held down left tackle for the best offense of the decade, but didn't make the Pro Bowl until 2004. Even though he made three Pro Bowls, nobody ever included him in the discussion of "best left tackle in football."