Reading the coverage ...
Houston Texans
Danieal Manning is set on a businesslike visit Sunday when the Texans play in Chicago against his old team, says Tania Ganguli of the Houston Chronicle.
Gary Kubiak has had a close-up look at just how dangerous Brandon Marshall is for the Bears, says John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.
Duane Brown and J.J. Watt are Pro Football Weekly Midseason All-Pros, says McClain.
The Bills threw at Johnathan Joseph nine times, and he allowed just five catches and registered a pass defense. “What was most impressive was the way he limited yardage even when he allowed the ball to be completed into his coverage. “ John Maney of Pro Football Focus re-examines the Bills-Texans game.
Indianapolis Colts
Among the players who shaved their heads to show support for Chuck Pagano: Punter Pat McAfee, defensive lineman Cory Redding, kicker Adam Vinatieri, safety Antoine Bethea, running back Donald Brown, wide receiver Nathan Palmer, cornerback Darius Butler, linebacker Kavell Conner, tackle Anthony Castonzo, guard Joe Reitz and long-snapper Matt Overton. Mike Chappell’s story from the Indianapolis Star.
Jerraud Powers (toe) is out for Thursday night’s game in Jacksonville along with the other starting cornerback, Vontae Davis (knee), says Chappell.
Vick Ballard is taking on more responsibility in the Indianapolis backfield, says Phil Richards of the Star.
While Andrew Luck threw for a rookie record 433 yards, he lost an additional 77 because of drops. Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus looks at Dolphins-Colts.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jaguars owner Shad Khan told Action News 47: “It’s embarrassing, but there are better days ahead. I’m deeply grateful to the fans for supporting us. They’ve done their part. Now we have to do our part. Whether it’s a football team or an auto parts company, you need three things: Right people in the right spots, processing and decision making that’s right and you need support from fans, sponsors or owners. We have to finish the season. You can’t be rushing to judgment. I wish life was that simple, that you could hire and fire people and things would change. I am committed to building a sustainable, winning organization.” Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union has more.
After concussion-related layoffs, receiver Laurent Robinson is shaking the rust off, says Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union.
The Jaguars and Colts are going in opposite directions, says Vito Stellino of the Times-Union.
“While the rest of the Jaguars offensive line did a relatively good job of holding their own in pass protection, it was Mike Brewster who really let them down. Beaten routinely by Sammie Lee Hill and Corey Williams, he finished the game having allowed two hits and four hurries from 42 snaps in pass protection.” Gordon McGuinness looks at Lions-Jaguars.
Tennessee Titans
Jake Locker got good news from his most recent MRI and could return to action Sunday in Miami, says Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean. Mike Munchak said on his weekly radio show that Locker and Matt Hasselbeck will split reps early in the week as they assess Locker’s progress.
A recent history of Bud Adams’ calling out the Titans and how the team has responded, from Wyatt.
Adams deserves his share of blame too, says David Clime of The Tennessean. “Bud says the Titans were outcoached. OK, who hired the coach? Bud says the Titans were outplayed. OK, who hired the front office personnel who acquired the players?”
In the past two weeks Akeem Ayers has recorded seven pressures (two sacks, two hits, three hurries) on only 13 pass rushes. “The Titans need to find ways to get Ayers more involved in the pass rush to give them an extra weapon attacking the QB, and remove a weakness from their pass coverage.” Ben Stockwell of Pro Football Focus looks at Dolphins-Colts.