AFC South

HOUSTON TEXANS

KEY ISSUES: The running game has been nonexistent. RB Domanick Davis rushed for 1,031 yards as a rookie, but he has yet to have a 100-yard game this season. It's not all Davis; the offensive line still is trying to master the zone-blocking scheme installed during the offseason. A dominant pass rusher still has not emerged, so defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has to rely on blitzes to pressure the quarterback. So far, the results have been good, but ultimately, the Texans would like to be able to generate more pressure with a four-man rush. Rookie OLB Jason Babin must pick up the pace over the second half. PROJECTION: This team has grown up fast. It can score points in bunches, and the defense is coming around after a shaky start. The Texans will be in the wild-card picture in the season's final month, which few could have envisioned when the season began. APPROVAL RATINGS: Offense: A-. Defense: B-. Special teams: A. Coaching: A-. Overall: B+.--Carlton Thompson

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

KEY ISSUES: Injuries and a lack of proven talent in the secondary have forced coordinator Ron Meeks to rely on rookie CBs Jason David and Von Hutchins. David has flashed playmaking ability but has allowed too many big completions. After seven games, the defense has yielded 26 completions of at least 20 yards. It allowed only 11 at the same point a year ago. The team must get WR Marvin Harrison more involved. He's on pace for a 90-catch season but is averaging an uncharacteristically low 12.4 yards per catch. PROJECTION: The team should contend for the AFC South title. Another trip to the conference championship game, though, depends on the defense. It has shown no signs of being reliable, ranking in the lower third in virtually every meaningful category. The offense will score points, but the team can't rely on winning shootouts every week. APPROVAL. RATINGS: Offense: A. Defense: D. Special team: C. Coaching: B. overall: B-.--Mike Chappell

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

KEY ISSUES: The offensive philosophy and the pass rush demand immediate attention. The team started 3-0 with a conservative, ground based scheme centered on RB Fred Taylor, then suddenly opened things up with QB Byron Leftwich working out of the shotgun. That switch did wonders for Leftwich's personal numbers, but the team lost three of its next five games. The defense continues to be undermined by its inability to put consistent pressure on quarterbacks. The team ranks near the bottom of the league in sacks, and that is making its secondary increasingly vulnerable. PROJECTION: An easier schedule in the second half of the season means the Jaguars are a serious playoff contender. The once-moribund offense also has shown signs of a revival in the past month. Coach Jack Del Rio's turnaround project is a year ahead of schedule. APPROVAL RATINGS: Offense: C. Defense: B. Special teams: A. Coaching: B+. Overall: B+.--Bart Hubbuch

TENNESSEE TITANS

KEY ISSUES: QB Steve McNair has been an underachiever, partly because of banged-up receivers. WR Derrick Mason has caught passes but none downfield. WR Drew Bennett has been inconsistent. The return of TE Erren Kinney (calf) will help, but McNair has to throw more consistently. The once proud run defense missed tackles and blew assignments. MLB Rocky Calmus' return from a back injury will help, but the team will have to find more ways to keep young, undersized DEs Travis LaBoy and Antwan Odom from getting exposed. Sturdy LE Kevin Carter will get as many snaps as he can handle, and the team will rely a good deal on DT Albert Haynesworth. PROJECTION: In 2002, the team started 1-4 but won I0 of its final 11 and reached the AFC championship game. Don't look for a similar run; there are too many glaring holes. The team will be fortunate to get to 8-8. APPROVAL RATINGS: Offense: C-. Defense: C+. Special team: C. Coaching: C-.Overall: D+.--Jim Wyatt

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