Reading the coverage…
Houston Texans
Shayne Graham and Donnie Jones have kicked and punted well, “[b]ut kickoff returns and coverage need a major overhaul by the time the Texans return from their open date and play the Buffalo Bills in Mario Williams’ homecoming at Reliant Stadium,” writes John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.
To which I say: Bryan Braman is an excellent special-teamer, but beyond him the team is lacking in top guys. It’s hard to overhaul the units when you don’t have new people.
Indianapolis Colts
As passing games get better and better, cornerbacks need to be bulletproof with amnesia more than ever, says Mike Chappell of The Indianapolis Star. Jerraud Powers and Vontae Davis talk about their mindsets.
To which I say: In a scheme with more man coverage, these guys are being asked to do even more. Powers has been up and down, but he’s being asked to do much more than in the past.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Backup running back Rashad Jennings and backup quarterback Chad Henne vow to be ready to contribute for the Jaguars in Green Bay, says Ryan O’Halloran. Jennings will start for Maurice Jones-Drew, but Henne will back up the banged up Blaine Gabbert.
To which I say: Jennings went through camp as the starter during Jones-Drew’s holdout. The time has come for him to show why the team has such faith in him.
Tennessee Titans
Recent Pac-12 alumni including defensive tackles Jurrell Casey and DaJohn Harris (USC), linebacker Akeem Ayers (UCLA) and cornerback Alterraun Verner (UCLA) all have recent hands-on experience against Andrew Luck, says John Glennon of The Tennessean.
To which I say: Any familiarity helps, but Luck has graduated into a different guy playing with different people in a different system at a different level, so those college experiences only mean so much.
