Texans Were Smart to Let Mario Williams Walk and Other AFC South Must-Reads

Regardless of what Mario Williams thinks about it, the Houston Texans had no choice but to let him go.

Today's article of the day comes from John McClain of the Houston Chronicle who writes that Williams is still trying to explain to fans that the Texans didn't want him back.

There's a certain amount of jealousy involved whenever a player lands a huge free-agent score, but in this case, Williams is correct that fans should not hold it against him.

The Texans couldn't bring Williams back. The salary cap is too draconian to allow them to pay even a reasonable sum to keep him.

Just as fans shouldn't hold it against Williams, so Williams also needs to let go of his animosity toward the team.

Houston is overstocked with pass-rushers as it is (assuming such a thing is even possible). Williams was a luxury they could not afford.

I said it then, and it's just as true now. Houston did the right thing.

General Interest

Mike Tanier of Sports on Earth has his always-entertaining power rankings.

Brian Burke of Advanced NFL Stats discusses how teams don't give up soon enough on bad quarterbacks.

Greg Garber of ESPN.com posts a Super Bowl formula. First half of this article is solid. The second half is not.

Jack Moore of Advanced NFL Stats ponders Peyton Manning.

Andrew Mooney of Harvard Sports Analysis examines if teams should kneel or not on kickoffs.

Houston Texans

Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.com has a few words on Mario Williams.

Dale Robertson of the Houston Chronicle says Derek Newton will line up against Mario Williams.

Tania Ganguli of the Houston Chronicle thinks teams pay a price when a marquee player leaves.

Indianapolis Colts

Phil B. Wilson of the Indianapolis Star says the Colts will be missing a couple of key players this week.

Derek Schultz of WNDE.com posts his interview with Reggie Wayne.

Scott Kacsmar of Colts Authority follows a legend.

Tennessee Titans

Music City Miracles diagrams a play where checking down is the right option.

David Boclair of the City Paper says the fullback is helping with rushing touchdowns.

Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean says Matt Hasselbeck wants to keep Jared Cook around.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.com draws lessons from the trade of Mike Thomas.

Vito Stellino of the Florida Times-Union says the Jaguars need Cecil Shorts to step up.

Gene Frenette of the Florida Times-Union thinks Derek Cox needs to be healthy to get a big contract.