AFC south

HOUSTON TEXANS

NT Seth Payne is playing like he did before an ACL injury shortened his 2003 season. Payne, a big and powerful player who is difficult to move, is exploding off the ball and creating havoc in the middle. The Texans will continue to work Jerry Deloach at the position to keep Payne flesh, but the run defense appears to be on the rise, and Payne is a big reason.... The team still is trying to figure out its best option at strong safety. Eric Brown is the starter, but his strength is in run support, and the Texans would like to get better coverage at the position. Other options are rookie Glenn Fail, who is prone to mistakes, and Jason Simmons. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: QB David Carr has been nearly flawless in his decision-making, and when his ankles haven't bothered him he has caused problems for defenses because of his mobility. He has great arm strength and can throw accurately on the run. The team likes to get him on the move, which helps a line that has been inconsistent in pass protection.--Carlton Thompson

INDIANAPOLIS COGS

WR Reggie Wayne, who has evolved into a complementary player for WR Marvin Harrison, could be a No. 1 wide receiver for many teams. Wayne has good size (6-0, 198), strength, speed and perhaps the best hands in a deep receiving corps. He is effective whether he's working in the slot or split out wide, and he's a solid after-the-catch receiver.... The use, or non-use, of DL Brad Scioli is perplexing. Although Scioli is playing with a chronic shoulder problem, he is versatile enough to play end on running downs and tackle in nickel situations. But he was inactive in three of the first seven games. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: What often is overlooked about RB Edgerrin James is his ability to pass-protect for QB Peyton Manning. The Colts often flood the secondary with four receivers, leaving protection up to the line and James. Defenses frequently counter by blitzing a linebacker or defensive back. James has exceptional strength and balance and a knack for knowing where the blitz is coming from.--Mike Chappell

TENNESSEE TITANS

DT Albert Haynesworth is overpowering offensive linemen because of his size (6-5, 320) and strength and is drawing more double-teams as a result. When Haynesworth plays at a good pad level, he is nearly impossible to block. Haynesworth also has been effective at batting down balls.... In the past four games, RB Chris Brown and FB Troy Fleming have caught 16 passes for 170 yards. Both players are athletic and have nice hands. They've become more of an option because the team is limited in what it can do downfield with its wideouts. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: The team isn't blitzing nearly as much as it did last season, in part because of the absence of FS Lance Schulters (foot). Schulters usually timed his blitzes well, arriving at the line of scrimmage about the time the ball was snapped--a skill SS Tank Williams still is honing. Another reason the team is blitzing less is because some young players have been burned after being caught out of position.--Jim Wyatt

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

QB David Garrard will be auditioning for other teams if he has to take over for starter Byron Leftwich (knee), Garrard has thrown 60 passes in his career but is coveted for his size (6-2, 244), mobility and arm. He can become an unrestricted free agent after 2005, so look for the team to trade him this offseason.... RB Fred Taylor is on pace for his third straight 1,000-yard rushing season after being injury-prone earlier in his career, but he needed the open week because he was banged up the past two games. Taylor will start his 41st straight game this week against the Lions, but the Jaguars aren't sure how long they can count on him. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: WR Troy Edwards lost his starting job to first-round pick Reggie Williams but hasn't let the demotion bother him. Edwards has emerged as the team's best third-down option. He isn't a huge target but has great hands, is physical and isn't afraid to go over the middle.--Bart Hubbuch

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