Titans Clinch AFC South Title, 2022 NFL Playoff Berth After Colts' Loss to Raiders
Jan 2, 2022
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 12: Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates after the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Nissan Stadium on December 12, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
The Tennessee Titans clinched the AFC South title Sunday by virtue of the Indianapolis Colts' loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Titans have now reached the playoffs in three consecutive seasons, which is the longest streak in franchise history since it moved from Houston to Tennessee in 1997.
Tennessee has posted a winning record in each of Mike Vrabel's four seasons as head coach, and the team has not missed the postseason since going 9-7 in Vrabel's first campaign at the helm in 2016. The Titans are 11-5 in 2021.
It can be argued that Vrabel has done the most impressive work of his tenure this season because of injuries to key players.
Running back Derrick Henry, wide receivers A.J. Brown and Julio Jones, linebacker Bud Dupree and cornerback Caleb Farley are just a few of the players who have spent time on injured reserve.
That has forced the Titans to lean on unheralded players such as running backs D'Onta Foreman, Dontrell Hilliard and Jeremy McNichols, and wide receivers Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Chester Rogers.
The one true constant on offense has been veteran Ryan Tannehill, who entered Sunday with 3,327 yards, 15 touchdowns and 14 interceptions on the season.
Tennessee has also benefited from the play of three key defensive players in linebacker Harold Landry, lineman Jeffery Simmons and safety Kevin Byard.
Landry and Simmons came into Sunday with 11 and 7.5 sacks, respectively, while Byard has recorded five interceptions.
The Titans shocked the football world two years ago when they made it all the way to the AFC Championship Game, but the Baltimore Ravens knocked them out in the wild-card round last season.
While the AFC is tightly packed and highly competitive, the Titans may have a chance to get over the hump and reach the Super Bowl if they can get some of their key players—such as Henry, who could reportedly return as early as next week—healthy before the start of the postseason.
Report: Colts 'Optimistic' Carson Wentz Can Clear COVID Protocols Before Raiders Game
Dec 31, 2021
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz (2) reacts to a play during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
The Indianapolis Colts are hopeful of having Carson Wentz activated in time for Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
Fowler said on Get Up there are still hurdles for the 2017 Pro Bowler to clear:
“I’m hearing that the Colts are optimistic that Carson Wentz can get removed from the COVID protocol list by Saturday. But a lot has to happen. He has to remain asymptomatic, he has to be cleared by 4 p.m. on Saturday, then he has to be medically cleared on Sunday. So they’re hopeful, but it’s not a slam dunk.”
Indianapolis placed Wentz on the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday. At the time, it appeared the Colts were all but assured to start Sam Ehlinger on Sunday.
Head coach Frank Reich confirmed he called Philip Rivers "about our situation here," a sign of how the team was exhausting every option at its disposal. Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio ruled out a spectacular return of retired QB Andrew Luck.
But the Colts got some good news in the form of the NFL's new rules on the isolation period for players who test positive for COVID-19. Following a broad recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, players can leave isolation after as little as five days if they remain asymptomatic.
That opened the door for Wentz to rejoin the team as early as Saturday, which would be a big boost as Indianapolis looks to clinch a playoff berth.
At 9-6, the Colts are second in the AFC South, one game behind the Tennessee Titans. They're on track to least seal a wild-card place, though, and victory over the Raiders will be enough to put them through to the postseason.
HBO 'Hard Knocks' 2021: Best Colts Storylines, Moments, Reaction for Episode 7
Dec 30, 2021
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz (2) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
The goal was simple for the Indianapolis Colts: Have a merry Christmas by defeating the Arizona Cardinals.
The showdown against the NFC West playoff contender was the primary storyline of Wednesday's episode of Hard Knocks in Season: The Indianapolis Colts. A victory would mean three straight wins for the Colts and a step closer to a playoff berth, while a loss would have cemented their space in the middle of the pack in a crowded AFC wild-card race.
Quarterback Carson Wentz was under the spotlight after throwing for just 57 yards in the previous win over the New England Patriots, and much of the early portion of the episode focused on his preparation as he looked to bounce back against the Cardinals.
All the work eventually paid off during the 22-16 victory over the Cardinals. The Jonathan Taylor Show continued, as the running back went over the century mark on the ground for the ninth time in 12 games with 108 rushing yards to remain in the MVP discussion.
However, it wasn't just a one-man show this time around like it was against the Patriots. Wentz threw for 225 yards and two touchdowns that went to T.Y. Hilton and Dezmon Patmon without turning it over.
The defense also kept a star-studded Arizona squad led by Kyler Murray in relative check. While Murray made his plays, including with his legs on the way to 74 rushing yards, the defense held him to just one touchdown pass.
Indianapolis is now 9-6, which is a long way from its 1-4 start. Chances are, the Colts wouldn't be on a three-game winning streak if they were playing basketball:
An impressive turnaround has its rewards, as the team learned it features an NFL-best seven Pro Bowlers in Taylor, center Ryan Kelly, guard Quenton Nelson, defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, linebacker Darius Leonard, cornerback Kenny Moore II and long snapper Luke Rhodes.
The team was particularly fired up when head coach Frank Reich revealed Moore as a Pro Bowler:
Those Pro Bowlers have the Colts at the No. 5 seed in the AFC playoff picture and one game ahead of the Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders in the postseason race.
They finish with the Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars, which are two winnable games on paper. Still, they are facing a new challenge because Wentz was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list even though he is not yet ruled out for the Raiders game.
If he is sidelined, the team will turn toward its next-man-up attitude:
The reality of the omicron variant was apparent during Wednesday's episode with the offensive line in particular dealing with depth issues, but there were also some of the patented light-hearted moments that define Hard Knocks.
Whether it was director of football research John Park rapping, a rather chaotic secret Santa exchange involving Hilton or Buckner gifting his fellow defensive linemen with motorcycles, there was no shortage of positive energy in the building for the Colts.
As long as the wins keep coming, that energy figures to remain high right into the playoffs.
Carson Wentz Could Play vs. Raiders After Going on COVID List, per Colts HC Reich
Dec 29, 2021
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz (2) throws against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz will play in Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders if he is able to clear NFL protocols, coach Frank Reich told reporters Wednesday.
Under new NFL protocols, Wentz would be eligible to play five days after his positive test if he is asymptomatic. Players must be at least 24 hours removed from having a fever without the aid of medication and not exhibiting any symptoms; players will not be required to test negative and are to self-report symptoms.
Wentz, who is unvaccinated, would have been forced to sit out 10 days under the previous rules. The new NFL rules apply regardless of a player's vaccination status, though unvaccinated players remain under stricter day-to-day rules.
The alteration to NFL policy comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shortened the recommended isolation time for asymptomatic people from 10 days to five earlier this week. CDC director Rochelle Walensky said Wednesday the policy alteration came after an estimation of what the national public health agency "thought people would be able to tolerate."
The CDC says asymptomatic people are at their most contagious in the early stages of contracting the virus. However, there has been criticism of the policy change because some view it as being at the behest of business interests rather than public health.
Regardless of public sentiment, the NFL moved quickly and became the first professional sports league to adopt the shortened quarantine period. That will make several players who would have otherwise been ineligible for Week 17 games available to their team.
The Colts are winners of three straight games and six of their last seven, moving to 9-6 with an outside shot at winning the AFC South. They will need to win their last two games and have the Tennesse Titans lose out to win the division.
Having Wentz in the lineup this weekend will increase their odds, however slim, of getting the job done.
Jaguars Rumors: Former Eagles HC Doug Pederson to Interview with JAX on Thursday
Dec 29, 2021
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson watches play against the Dallas Cowboys in the second half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Dec. 27. 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
The Jacksonville Jaguars will begin their interview process for their next head coach with Doug Pederson, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
The team will reportedly meet with the former Philadelphia Eagles coach Thursday.
Jacksonville is seeking a replacement for Urban Meyer, who was fired just 13 games into his first season with the team.
Pederson spent five years with the Eagles, winning the Super Bowl after the 2017 season. He was fired after last year's 4-11-1 campaign.
The 53-year-old finished with a 42-37-1 regular-season record in Philadelphia, reaching the playoffs in three of five years. He also spent three years as an offensive coordinator with the Kansas City Chiefs under Andy Reid and has experience as a quarterbacks coach.
This resume could be valuable as the Jaguars look to get the most out of quarterback Trevor Lawrence, the 2021 No. 1 overall pick who has struggled in his first season.
Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports first reported the Jaguars' interest in both Pederson and Jim Caldwell, two coaches who are "heralded for their work with quarterbacks." Their past experience in the NFL and demeanor as players' coaches also differentiates them from Meyer.
The team is still casting a wide net of potential candidates, reportedly putting in interview requestsfor offensive coordinators Byron Leftwich, Kellen Moore and Nathaniel Hackett and defensive coordinators Todd Bowles, Matt Eberflus and Dan Quinn.
A new NFL rule allows teams with vacancies to begin interviewing candidates in the final two weeks of the regular season rather than wait until the season ends.
This could help the Jaguars get the best possible candidate as they try to turn things around after a fourth straight losing season. The franchise has one playoff appearance since 2007 and will take a lot of work to get back on the right track in 2022.
Andrew Luck Can't Return to Colts from Retired List This Season, NFL Confirms
Dec 29, 2021
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck #12 during an NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018 in Indianapolis. (Photo by Michael Zito/AP Images for Panini)
Indianapolis Colts fans might want an Andrew Luck cameo in Week 17, but it couldn't happen even if the quarterback wanted to return to the field.
According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the NFL confirmed players on the reserve/retired list cannot return after Week 13. Luck retired prior to the 2019 season and hasn't played an NFL game since January 2019.
Some hoped that he could return after starting quarterback Carson Wentz was placed on the COVID-19/reserve list on Tuesday. Wentz could miss Sunday's home game against the Las Vegas Raiders, putting an important matchup in the hands of the unproven Sam Ehlinger.
The 9-6 squad is still alive in the playoff hunt, but a loss would be damaging. The AFC has 10 teams with at least eight victories with two games remaining in the regular season.
Luck, who earned four Pro Bowl selections in six active seasons, would certainly give the Colts a better chance, but the plan was far-fetched. The only chance for Indianapolis would be to drop him from the reserve list and re-sign him as a free agent, but he would be open to a waiver claim for any other team.
Considering the 32-year-old has also shown no interest in making a return, fans should forget this scenario.
With Davis Mills Cruising, Texans Should Not Look for a QB in 2022 NFL Draft
Dec 29, 2021
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 19: Davis Mills #10 of the Houston Texans warms up prior to the game against the Jacksonville Jaguarsat TIAA Bank Field on December 19, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills isn't going to gain any traction for Offensive Rookie of the Year, though in recent weeks, he may have garnered some support to start under center in 2022.
In Week 14, Mills replaced journeyman signal-caller Tyrod Taylor for the second time this season. Over the past three weeks, he's performed at the level of a capable pro, throwing for 794 yards, five touchdowns and just one interception while the Texans went 2-1.
Last week, Mills engineered two scoring drives and completed a career-high 77.8 percent of his passes against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Though the Chargers didn't have All-Pro safety Derwin James (hamstring) or four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Joey Bosa (reserve/COVID-19 list), Mills' performance likely opened some eyes as he consistently stood in the pocket and delivered accurate strikes:
With nine starts in 11 appearances, Mills seems comfortable within the Texans offense, and wideout Chris Conley broke down a 41-yard touchdown play in which Mills read the defense perfectly and made a great decision: "In that instance, Davis was able to recognize the coverage and put it up. It's not a play that was scripted to go deep, but he took a chance right there, and I think that message was seen throughout the day—a lot of guys trusting each other to go out there and make plays—and it paid off."
When a young quarterback makes plays like that, he builds confidence and garners trust from his teammates along with the coaching staff.
In Week 2, Mills replaced Taylor, who suffered a hamstring injury, and went through some rocky outings. In starts against the Buffalo Bills, Indianapolis Colts and Arizona Cardinals, he threw six interceptions combined and zero touchdowns.
On the flip side, he had flashed some promise in a matchup with the New England Patriots, who rank third in yards allowed with the second-most interceptions. In that Week 5 contest, he threw for 312 yards and three touchdowns in a near upset over a squad that usually picks apart inexperienced passers.
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 19: Davis Mills #10 of the Houston Texans celebrates a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on December 19, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty I
After about six weeks in a backup role, Mills rejoined the starters with some poise and a stronger grip on the pro game. He went into detail about his growth during a learning period:
"When they called my number, I was ready. It felt like the game started to slow down more for me. I have a really good feel of what we're trying to do on offense, and the time just gave me more time to build chemistry week in and week out with my receivers so we're all on the same page. And I felt like it was good, and I feel like I'm playing some good football right now."
During Monday's press conference, head coach David Culley talked about Mills' development from the spring up until this point.
"I've seen Davis grow a lot since we stepped foot here in rookie minicamp, OTAs," Culley told reporters. "You can tell he's really stacking his days, really trying to work on the things he needs to improve on. You can tell he's getting comfortable. He's still growing."
Culley didn't provide meaningless quotes to pat Mills on the back. The Stanford product, who only made 11 starts on the collegiate level mostly because of injuries, stacks up well when compared to a couple of his peers who went Nos. 1 and 2 in this year's draft. He has a higher passer rating (86.2) and completion rate (66.6) than Trevor Lawrence (70.6 and 58.7 percent) and Zach Wilson (67.9 and 56.7 percent).
While Mills plays in a different situation than Lawrence and Wilson, which makes it difficult to compare all three quarterbacks fairly, we should acknowledge that the Texans didn't come into the season with a loaded roster.
Sure, Mills has wideout Brandin Cooks, but he's the only player on the team with more than 30 receptions. In Houston's previous outing, running back Rex Burkhead passed Mark Ingram II to lead the club in rushing yards (356), which says a lot when you consider the front office traded the latter to the New Orleans Saints after Week 7.
Mills has played well with upstart playmakers around him, and since his return to the starting lineup, fellow 2021 draftees Nico Collins and Brevin Jordan have made contributions in the passing game. With a viable aerial attack, the Texans offense has come alive.
If Mills continues to play well against two playoff-caliber opponents in the San Francisco 49ers and Tennessee Titans in the final two games, the Texans may overlook the 2022 quarterback class. Next year's group doesn't appear to feature a star prospect, and Houston may address other positions with its top selections.
With a full offseason of first-team reps, continuity with his top pass-catchers and the addition of a dynamic playmaker in the backfield, Mills may show significant progress through the 2022 campaign.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 12: General manager Nick Caserio of the Houston Texans looks on prior to the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
Assuming the Texans move on from Deshaun Watson, who requested a trade before he faced 22 accusations of sexual assault and misconduct, general manager Nick Caserio may already have his succession plan at quarterback in the rookie third-rounder.
If not and Mills falls apart, Houston can look toward the 2023 draft and target 2021 Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young, who can declare as an underclassman out of Alabama, or Heisman Trophy Finalist C.J. Stroud from Ohio State.
At the very least, Mills' recent performances should encourage the Texans to weigh their options and go with the best player available regardless of position. Caserio doesn't have to reach for a quarterback.
At the top of the 2022 draft, the Texans may want to consider edge-rusher Aidan Hutchinson, edge-rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, safety Kyle Hamilton or cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. to bolster their 29th-ranked scoring defense. Looking further ahead, they can monitor Mills' growth through the 2022 season.
Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter, @MoeMoton.
Philip Rivers Rumors: Colts Discussed QB After Carson Wentz Put on COVID-19 List
Dec 28, 2021
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) looks to pass against the Buffalo Bills during the fourth quarter of an NFL wild-card playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, in Orchard Park, N.Y. Buffalo won the game 27-24. (AP Photo/Brett Carlsen)
The Indianapolis Colts reportedly considered contacting Philip Rivers after placing Carson Wentz on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
Zak Keefer of The Athletic reported the team discussed bringing in Rivers, but that "it doesn't appear the path" the Colts are taking as they compete for a division championship over the last two weeks of the season.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Wentz is out for Week 17's matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Wentz previously disclosed he is not vaccinated against COVID-19, which means he will sit out a minimum of 10 days under NFL rules if he has tested positive. He would then be eligible to return for the team's Week 18 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Under the current protocols, Wentz would be out on Sunday vs. Raiders. If he's a high risk close contact, it's five days. If he's positive, he's out 10.
The timing could not be worse for the 9-6 Colts, who have won three straight games and six of their last seven to get themselves within an outside shot of winning the AFC South. Indianapolis has to win out and have the Tennessee Titans lose out to capture the division.
Rivers retired after the 2020 season following one season in Indianapolis. While he would have no issues with the playbook, the 40-year-old has not played competitive football in nearly a year and almost certainly wouldn't be ready to play in a high-stakes game in five days.
Wentz's decision to remain unvaccinated now puts his team in a horrible position when they are jockeying for position in the playoff hunt. Sam Ehlinger will likely get the start Sunday.
Carson Wentz Placed on COVID-19 List by Colts Ahead of Raiders Game
Dec 28, 2021
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 19: Carson Wentz #2 of the Indianapolis Colts runs the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
The Indianapolis Colts announced Tuesday that they have placed quarterback Carson Wentz on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
The 28-year-old has completed 62.8 percent of his passes for 25 touchdowns, six interceptions and seven yards per attempt. He's in his first season with the Colts after playing five years with the Philadelphia Eagles, who traded him to Indianapolis in March.
Wentz has started every game this season despite injuries. He had surgery Aug. 2 to repair an issue with his left foot. Colts head coach Frank Reich and the coaching staff gave some background on the ailment, per ESPN's Mike Wells:
Reich said it's an old injury, possibly from high school, and a broken bone came loose in Wentz's foot. Wentz felt a 'twinge in his foot' when he rolled out and planted to throw late in Thursday's practice, offensive coordinator Marcus Brady said Friday.
The Colts met with multiple doctors to see what the best recovery process was. All the parties involved agreed surgery was the way to go to remove the bone out of the fifth metatarsal of Wentz's foot and ensure the injury didn't return.
Wentz returned in time for the Colts' season opener against the Seattle Seahawks, which ended in a 28-16 defeat.
The signal-caller then suffered sprains in both ankles during his team's 27-24 loss to the Los Angeles Rams the following week.
Per Colts.com's JJ Stankevitz, Wentz first suffered the left ankle sprain before Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald rolled on his right ankle. The latter injury forced him from the game.
With his placement on the COVID list, Wentz may miss Sunday's matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders. The 9-6 Colts are fighting for an AFC South title and playoff berth, and a number of teams—including the 8-7 Raiders—are nipping at their heels.
Rookie Sam Ehlinger, who played collegiately at Texas, is behind Wentz on the depth chart.
Report: Trent Baalke to Be Retained as Jaguars GM; Will Be Involved in HC Search
Dec 28, 2021
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - JULY 29: General Manager Trent Baalke of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks on during Training Camp at TIAA Bank Field on July 29, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
Jacksonville Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke will be back with the team for the 2022 NFL season, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Rapoport reported Baalke "will continue to report to [team owner Shad] Khan and work in sync with the new head coach." He'll also offer his input in Jacksonville's coaching search.
Urban Meyer didn't make it a full season as the Jaguars' head coach, getting fired by the franchise on Dec. 16. Many wondered the extent to which Khan would want to wipe the slate clean heading into next year.
Jacksonville hired Baalke as its director of player personnel in February 2020 and replaced Dave Caldwell as GM that November.
Meyer deserves plenty of blame for Jacksonville's 2-13 record. He was ill equipped to coach in the NFL, and the Jags seemed to bounce from one source of drama to the next throughout his brief tenure.
Baalke has his fingerprints on the state of the organization as well, leaving some to wonder whether he should be charged with remaking the roster and helping to target the next head coach.
Jaguars keeping Trent Baalke is another awful decision by Shad Khan. He hasn’t made many good decisions and worked behind the scenes to get rid of Dave Caldwell, Doug Marrone and Urban Meyer (even though all three doomed themselves).
No one worth a damn should want the Jaguars HC job with GM Trent Baalke staying in place (of course someone will take it because it’s one of 32 and people are desperate).
Seriously, how hard is it to ask around and get the real story on a guy with a horrible NFL reputation?
The 57-year-old's reputation precedes him as well.
The San Francisco 49ers won the NFC crown in 2012 and reached the conference title game in 2011 and 2013 with Baalke as GM. By 2016, though, they became a two-win team moving on to a fourth head coach in as many years.
Baalke fell out with head coach Jim Harbaugh and provided steadily diminishing returns in terms of personnel moves.
The arrivals of Meyer and Trevor Lawrence were supposed to signal a new era for the Jaguars. Instead, Meyer is gone and Lawrence has thrown for 3,225 yards, nine touchdowns and a league-worst 14 interceptions.
The Jags can write off one bad season, but getting Lawrence's development back on track and strengthening his supporting cast are vital objectives.
By retaining Baalke, Jacksonville is at risk of repeating the same mistakes and having to once again hit the reset button in short order.
