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AFC south

Sporting News, The, Sept 23, 2005

HOUSTON TEXANS

Improving how the team handled the opponent's pass rush was a major offseason focus, but QB David Carr was sacked five times in the loss to the Bills and says he rarely felt comfortable in the pocket. The Texans' linemen are struggling with their zone blocking assignments, technique and blitz pickups. ... The team is trying to move around WR Andre Johnson in an effort to throw off opponents, but until a dangerous No. 2 receiver emerges, Johnson will be blanketed wherever he goes. WR Jabar Gaffney emerged as a consistent third-down contributor last season, but injuries have hurt his development as an all-around threat. YOUTH MOVEMENT: After two years as a reserve and special teams standout, OLB Antwan Peek is starting and could develop into a star. He added 20 pounds but remains quick and has a knack for getting to the quarterback. Peek needs to avoid giving up big plays. He often leaves himself vulnerable after trying to make something happen. In addition, Peek missed a sure interception against the Bills.--Megan Manfull

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JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Rookie Matt Jones will be used in a variety of ways. Jones played wide receiver, his usual role, in the opener but also was used as an option quarterback on a handful of snaps and carried the ball twice. His 6-6 height and 4.3 speed will help offensive coordinator Carl Smith to be creative. ... The team used multiple sets against the Seahawks and rarely used the same formation for two straight plays. Despite the variety, the red zone offense remains a concern. The team scored one touchdown in three trips inside the 20. ... Doubts about Jimmy Smith's effectiveness surfaced in the preseason, when Smith, 36, dropped numerous passes. But Smith still can get past defenders and remains one of the best route runners in the league. Teams leave him in single coverage at their peril. YOUTH MOVEMENT: Second-year LB Daryl Smith switched from middle linebacker in college to outside linebacker last season. He is quick and stays on the field in passing situations, and he is arguably the surest tackler on the team. He also has a nose for the football and is considered the Jaguars' middle linebacker of the future.--Bart Hubbuch

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

WR Brandon Stokley is a perfect fit for coordinator Tom Moore's offense. He's a prototypical slot receiver with good speed, outstanding hands and no fear while working over the middle. The team is able to maximize Stokley's talents because of the outside presence of WRs Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne. Stokley gets one-on-one coverage over the middle, and he beats it most of the time. The only knock on him is his history of injuries. ... With Rocky Calmus (hamstring) on injured reserve, the team is perilously thin at linebacker. The Colts already were without LB Gilbert Gardner (ankle) and rookie LB Tyjuan Hagler, who will miss at least the first six weeks of the season while recovering from sports hernia surgery. YOUTH MOVEMENT: SS Bob Sanders has established himself as a player to watch entering his second season. It's uncertain whether Sanders (5-8, 206) will hold up in coverage against bigger receivers, but there's no doubt his aggressive, physical style will help upgrade the run defense.--Mike Chappell

TENNESSEE TITANS

TE Ben Troupe made a quick recovery from the broken left foot he suffered in May, catching a touchdown pass in the season opener. It might be a few more weeks before Troupe (6-4, 262) can run at full speed, but his presence alone creates matchup problems for defenses. ... Rookie WR Courtney Ruby, a third-round pick, is tremendously fast and catches the football well. Because of his speed, he could be used on reverses. He also is improving as a kick returner. ... LE Kyle Vanden Bosch should make a difference on the line. He plays hard and uses his energy to motivate those around him. He sometimes makes his pass rush moves too fast, which can affect his hand placement, but his footwork has improved since he arrived as a free agent in the offseason. YOUTH MOVEMENT: Rookie OT David Stewart, a fourth-round pick, fell behind in training camp because of a broken hand, but the Titans have fitted Stewart with a cast that allows him more movement, and he's beginning to catch up. Stewart is big (6-7, 318) and strong and has a mean streak. He still needs to improve his footwork.--Jim Wyatt

AFC south

Sporting News, The, Sept 23, 2005

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