AFC South

Sporting News, The, Dec 9, 2005

HOUSTON TEXANS

After missing three games because of a calf injury, WR Andre Johnson is regaining his strength and conditioning. In the overtime loss to the Rams, he had 159 receiving yards and a TD, displaying the form that made him a Pro Bowl player. Johnson is getting better separation than he did early in the season, and the improved play of the offensive line has given QB David Carr time to get Johnson the ball.... The linebackers finally are starting to get to the quarterback when they blitz. After recording seven sacks in the first 10 games, the linebackers had 5 1/2 against the Rams. OVERACHIEVING: ILB DaShon Polk had only five career starts before stepping in for Kailee Wong (knee) this season. Polk has been one of the few bright spots on defense, leading the team with 3 1/2 sacks and forcing two fumbles. UNDERACHIEVING: CB Phillip Buchanon (ankle) is on injured reserve, ending his first season with the Texans, but he probably won't be missed. Buchanon's inconsistent coverage cost him his starting job, and he didn't live up to his reputation as an explosive punt returner.--Megan Manfull

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

In most schemes, DE Robert Mathis would be an outside linebacker; with the Colts, he's an ideal situational pass rusher. His quickness and relentlessness make up for his lack of size (6-2,235). Mathis plays 20 to 25 snaps on defense because the coaches want to keep him fresh for special teams; he's a force on those units.... DT Josh Williams, who missed the first nine games because of a sports hernia and a shoulder injury, should bolster an already strong tackle rotation. At 6-3, 285, Williams is a perfect fit for coach Tony Dungy's attacking one-gap scheme. OVERACHIEVING: WLB Cato June, who played safety at Michigan, is making more of a difference in his second season as a pro starter. His college experience helps him in coverage. He has good athletic ability, mobility and ball instincts. UNDERACHIEVING: Rookie kickoff specialist Dave Rayner has been inconsistent. His kicks have decent hang time, but they reach just the 8 on average. Rayner says he isn't completely comfortable with the NFL's "K" balls--the ones used for kicking.--Mike Chappell

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

The team's playoff hopes dimmed when QB Byron Leftwich (ankle) was lost--likely for the rest of the regular season. His replacement, David Garrard, is a talented scrambler but leaves much to be desired as a pocket passer.... A holdover from the Tom Coughlln regime, OLB Akin Ayodele has not been a favorite of the current staff, but Ayodele continues to come up with big plays late in games. He gets criticized for being out of position too often when facing the run, but his speed and playmaking have been assets against the pass. OVERACHIEVING: WR Ernest Wilford is the club's slowest receiver, but when it needs a clutch target, Wilford often is the choice. The majority of his 27 catches have been for first downs or touchdowns. UNDERACHIEVING: LG Vince Manuwai, one of the team's most consistent interior Linemen the past two seasons, continues to stump the coaches with his inconsistent and sometimes uninspired play. He has been a liability, particularly in a Joss to the Colts in which Leftwich took several ferocious shots.--Bart Hubbuch

TENNESSEE TITANS

Drew Bennett has struggled at times as the No. 1 receiver. He has a good feel for the game, runs good routes and has reliable hands, but he also gets a lot of attention from defenses because the team lacks a consistent threat opposite him. In addition, Bennett has been hampered by a dislocated thumb.... Rookie CB Pacman Jones has been the main reason for the team's improvement on kick returns. He knows how to find a crease, and he has gotten more comfortable at fielding punts through game experience and extra reps in practice. OVERACHIEVING: TE Erren Klnnny has been asked to do more in coordinator Norm Chows offense, and he has responded with consistent effort each week. His receiving skills have helped him gain QB Steve McNair's trust. UNDERACHIEVING: WR Tyrone Calico, who was expected to be a big-play threat this year, is headed toward a second straight lost season. He has missed the past three games because of a calf injury; he played one game in 2004 because of a knee injury.--Jim Wyatt