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AFC south

Sporting News, The, Dec 2, 2005

HOUSTON TEXANS

Zach Wiegert returned to the starting lineup at a new position, right tackle, because Victor Riley played well after moving from right tackle to right guard, Wiegart's old position. Wiegert hasn't played tackle since 2002, but he has better quickness and mobility than Riley. ... CB Lewis Sanders has become the starting nickel back with Demarcus Faggins (hamstring) out. The team likes Sanders' size (6-1,210) and speed, and he forced a fumble in his first start, against the Colts. ... LT Chester Pitts, who held Colts RE Dwight Freeney without a sack in two games, has improved because he has learned to keep his hands inside the player he is blocking, which gives him better control. PROBLEM SPOT: The offense is moving the ball more efficiently in the running and passing games, but it still isn't creating big plays. The team needs to use speedy WRs Andre Johnson and Jerome Mathis to stretch the field, and they must hang on to the ball when they are open downfield. WR Derick Armstrong also could be an option; he is reliable and doesn't attract much attention from defenses because of Johnson and Mathis.--Meagan Manfull

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INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

WR Reggie Wayne continues to show why he's a premier player. He plays bigger than his size (6-0, 198), has perhaps the best hands on the team and is a big threat after the catch. He has improved his production every season. ... TE Dallas Clark is emerging as a big-play threat. He is dominating matchups against linebackers and is effective as the slot receiver in two-tight end sets. ... MLB Gary Brackett is undersized (5-11,235) but can hold his own in run support. His best assets are his speed and athleticism, which are ideal for his coverage responsibilities in coordinator Ron Meeks' zone schemes. PROBLEM SPOT:The pass defense surrendered the ninth-fewest passing yards in the league through the first nine games, but there are concerns about the health and consistency of the secondary--especially after the Bengals put up 328 passing yards. CB Jason David and SS Mike Doss have struggled in coverage. David's play has tapered off after a strong start, and he has given up too many plays over the top. Doss is a big hitter, but his aggressiveness works against him in coverage. FS Bob Sanders has battled a variety of injuries, and the team needs him to be at full efficiency heading into the playoffs.--Mike Chappell

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

RB Fred Taylor can't seem to escape his injury-prone reputation. He left Sunday's game against the Titans with a thigh bruise and already was nursing a bruised ankle. Taylor, 29, remains dangerous when healthy, but his constant breakdowns are speeding up the team's transition to second-year RB Grog Jones. Jones doesn't have Taylor's moves, but he's a lot more reliable. ... The Jaguars picked off another pass against the Titans, giving them 15 for the season and putting them on pace to smash the team record of 19 set in 1999. Much of the credit goes to improved coverage schemes designed by new secondary coach Dave Campo and the additions of CBs Kenny Wright and Terry Cousin. PROBLEM SPOT:The special teams coverage units continue to be a constant source of trouble. They have given up several returns of 70 or more yards. The Jaguars simply don't have enough experienced players on special teams. Things might get even worse now that S Nick Sorensen, the team's top special teams cover man, is out the rest of the season with a broken ankle.--Bart Hubbuch

TENNESSEE TITANS

OLB Keith Bulluck is on pace to lead the team in tackles for the fourth straight year, but he'd like to make more impact plays in games down the stretch. Bulluck is a great athlete whose best attribute is his range and solid tackling; he rarely misses a tackle. Although he isn't necessarily known for blowing guys up, he's great at wrapping up ballcarriers. He's also an effective blitzer and is solid in coverage. ... The Titans say they'd like to get RB Travis Henry involved down the stretch to help them make a decision on his long-term status (he's due a big bonus next spring), but in the last three weeks he has one carry for 2 yards. The Titans gave up a third-round pick for Henry in the offseason but don't seem to want to use him since his return from a four-game suspension. PROBLEM SPOT:The defense has been through so many players at the nickel spot it has caused communication problems in the secondary and resulted in big plays. Rookie S Vincent Fuller started the season as the nickel back but was lost to an ankle injury. Since then, CBs Andre Woolfolk, Michael Waddell and Rich Gardner have played the position. The team would like Woolfolk to finish the season as the nickel back, but he has been slowed by a hamstring injury.--Jim Wyatt

AFC south

Sporting News, The, Dec 2, 2005

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