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AFC South

Sporting News, The, Oct 11, 2004

HOUSTON TEXANS

When he catches the ball consistently, WR Andre Johnson is pretty close to unstoppable. He's big (6-3, 219) and physical enough to compete for contested balls, and there will be plenty of those considering how much teams like to cheat a safety to his side. Johnson has Terrell Owens-type size and ability.... RB Jonathan Wells' strong showing in a spot start against the Raiders--Domanick Davis and backup Tony Hollings were hurt--should give the team confidence. Wells runs downhill and with determination. He does a fine job of picking up blitzes. FIRST QUARTER GRADES: Offense: B+. It has too many weapons to struggle for long. Defense: C. Because three rookies start, the lack of consistency is not surprising. The run defense is the biggest concern. Special teams: B. K Kris Brown and P Chad Stanley are solid. Kickoff coverage must improve. Coaching: B-. Dom Capers rallied his team to successive wins after disappointing losses in the first two games.--Carlton Thompson

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INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

The coaching staff is losing its patience with breakdowns on defense, especially in the secondary, Coach Tony Dungy's defense is designed to keep the action in front of it and limit big plays. But erratic play by CBs Nick Harper and Jason David has yielded several over-the-top receptions. In Sunday's win over Jacksonville, Harper was beaten for a 40-yard TD by Jimmy Smith. In the previous game against Green Bay, Harper gave up a 79-yard TD to Javon Walker.... TE Marcus Pollard's opportunities likely will be limited this season. Offensive coordinator Tom Moore still uses a two-tight end formation, but Pollard has been a blocker more often out of that set. The team also has used three receivers more. FIRST QUARTER GRADES: Offense: A. QB Peyton Manning might not share the MVP this year. Defense: D+. Breakdowns and a lack of playmakers are taking a toll. Special teams: C-. Leaks in coverage are a big concern. Coaching: B+. Defensive-minded Dungy has no problem adapting to a high-octane offense.--Mike Chappell

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

A once-dominant run defense has become a source of concern. Because of a poor pass rush, the team has had to drop its safeties in coverage; last year, the safeties played near the line and provided crucial run support. ... LT Mike Pearson (knee) likely is out for the season and will be replaced by Ephraim Salaam, an offseason pickup who has plenty of starting experience. Salaam (6-7, 295) is a savvy player who is considered a better run blocker than pass protector.... CB Dewayne Washington, who became a starter when Juran Bolden got off to a slow, injury-filled start, has been a liability. He is prone to blown coverages, mental mistakes and costly penalties. He also lacks speed and size. FIRST QUARTER GRADES: Offense: D+. Averaging just 13.0 points and has struggled converting third downs. Defense: A-. Went 10 quarters without allowing a touchdown. Special teams: B. New coach Pete Rodriguez has helped. Coaching: B-. Jack Del Rio belongs, despite some shaky game decisions.--Bart Hubbuch

TENNESSEE TITANS

FS Lamont Thompson has good instincts, but he's not as physical as Lance Schulters (foot), who is expected to miss about eight weeks.... The calf injury to TE Erron Kinney will put rookie Ben Troupe on the field. Troupe is a good athlete but continues to have problems with the offense. Fourth-year TE Shad Meier, who has been inconsistent, will have to step up, too.... WR Tyrone Calico's return should make a huge difference for the offense, but his knees still are hurting, and so is the deep passing game.... Kick returns have been added to rookie FB Troy Fleming's duties. The team thinks he will be decisive hitting holes and following his blockers. Fleming also is getting an increased role in the offense. FIRST QUARTER GRADES: Offense: C. RB Chris Brown has been solid, but the passing game has struggled. Defense: D. The pass rush has been nonexistent. Special teams: C. The return game is rough. Coaching: D. The team has struggled on both sides of the ball.--Jim Wyatt

AFC South

Sporting News, The, Oct 11, 2004

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