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Sporting News, The, Nov 29, 2004

HOUSTON TEXANS

WR Andre Johnson is seeing more coverage rolled to his side, and that cut into his production before he broke out with 107 yards--including a 49-yard gain--against the Packers last Sunday. Unless Corey Bradford starts attracting downfield attention and the running game can force opponents to put an eighth man in the box, Johnson will get a steady close of double-teams. ... Chester Pitts has been moved from left tackle to left guard, and the line has adopted more zone-blocking schemes. The hope is these changes will take better advantage of the unit's athleticism, but so far, the results have been a step backward. Both the run and pass blocking have dipped from last season. YOUTH MOVEMENT." Second-year OLB Antwan Peek rarely figures in the Texans' defensive game plan but is quick off the ball, relentless and makes plays, both on defense and special teams. Though Kailee Weng and first-round pick Jason Babin remain ahead of Peek on the depth chart, the coaches must involve Peek more.--Carlton Thompson

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

LT Ephraim Salaam, who has started six games since Mike Pearson (knee) was lost for the year, is having problems in pass protection because he lacks the quick feet to handle speed rushers. In the loss to the Titans, he was called for two holding penalties and yielded a sack. Salaam is a decent run blocker, but the team needs more than that from him because the offense is based on the passing game. If he doesn't improve, the team could turn to Bob Whitfield. ... The run defense was gauged up the middle by Titans backup Antowain Smith. Tackles Marcus Stroud and John Henderson need to get back to the physical play that got them attention earlier this season. ... The offense is having problems on third-and-short. C Brad Meester isn't winning battles, and FB Marc Edwards isn't as physical as he was in 2003. YOUTH MOVEMENT: WR Reggie Williams has started all 10 games, but his starting status seems related more to his salary than merit (19 catches, 163 yards, 0 TDs). He's slow and lacks the ability to get separation, and the quarterbacks lack confidence in him. So far, he's a major bust.--Bart Hubbuch

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

WLB Cato June has eased concerns about his ability to change positions and be a full-time starter. A strong safety in college, June has been at linebacker since he was drafted in 2003. He seems to have found his comfort zone the past month. Instead of thinking about his responsibilities, he's reacting. ... Offensive line coach Howard Mudd's ability to prepare young players continues to pay dividends. Rookies LG Ryan Lilja and RG Jake Scott replaced injured starters LG Rick DeMulling (chest) and RG Tupe Peko (ankle) against the Bears, and the offense didn't miss a beat. Scott, a tackle in college, has made a seamless transition to guard. With the exception of LT Tarik Glenn, every offensive lineman can play multiple positions. YOUTH MOVEMENT: After a slow start, second-year TE Dallas Clark is becoming a force in the league's highest-scoring offense. His speed and athleticism present coverage problems for defenses. Clark routinely beats linebackers one-on-one. He has exceptional hands and is outstanding after the catch.--Mike Chappell

TENNESSEE TITANS

The team hopes LT Brad Hopkins (hand) is back before the end of the season, but Jason Mathews is a reliable replacement. He doesn't have Hopkins' athleticism or RT Fred Miller's strength, but Mathews, an 11-year veteran, is smart enough to anticipate what the defender is trying to do. And he has enough ability to usually make the block. ... Rookie DT Randy Starks is gaining a greater role in the line rotation. He uses his great strength to explode off the ball. Starks excels against the run and also is a factor as a pass rusher. ... Rookie LG Jacob Bell, who was forced into the lineup in Week 2, is more athletic than advertised and has adjusted well after playing on the right side in college. If he loses on the first move, Bell's nimble feet allow him to recover. He eventually could play right tackle. YOUTH MOVEMENT: Rookie DT Jared Clauss has shown good intensity and nice hands when he has gotten a chance to play. Because Clauss (6-4, 294) is not especially big, he needs to use good technique to hold up against the run. So far, he has held his own despite nagging injuries.--Jim Wyatt