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AFC south

Sporting News, The, Dec 27, 2004

HOUSTON TEXANS

A more aggressive approach has paid off for the defense, which hasn't allowed a touchdown for seven straight quarters. The team is using more blitzes, and rookie CB Dunta Robinson has been effective in blitz situations. He is the fastest player on defense, takes good angles and is a reliable tackler. Robinson also has a knack for stripping the ball. ... The team's confidence in LT Seth Wand might be waning. He was replaced last Sunday on passing downs by Marcus Spears. Wand (6-7, 327) is big and physical, but he has had trouble with speed rushers. He might be a better fit at right tackle, but that spot is occupied by Todd Wade. YOUTH MOVEMENT: The team realizes the need to develop linebackers in its 3-4 scheme, so it will closely evaluate rookie OLB Charlie Anderson the rest of the season. He has been getting time as a pass-rush specialist, and opponents must account for him because of his speed. Anderson was a defensive end in college, so to play a larger role, he must learn when to drop into coverage and when to push upfield.--Carlton Thompson

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INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

With WRs Marvin Harrison and Brandon Stokley having signed five-year contracts recently, the team can turn its negotiating attention to RB Edgerrin James, who becomes a free agent after the season. The Colts might be reluctant to invest a big signing bonus in a back who will be in his seventh season in 2005, but James has regained tap form this year and has had a major impact with his all-around game. If the team can't sign James, it could designate him its franchise player. ... Starting LE Raheem Brock is moving inside in the nickel package and making an impact. He's undersized (6-4, 274) but more than compensates with quickness and athleticism. In his first five games in the combo role, Brock posted 4 1/2 sacks. YOUTH MOVEMENT: After having numerous breakdowns early in the year, rookie CB Jason David has settled in as a reliable starter. David (5-8, 168) always finds himself at a size disadvantage, but he's tenacious and has good ball skills. He has a team-high four interceptions.--Mike Chappell

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

The team needs to be concerned about keeping QB Byron Leftwich healthy; it's doubtful he'll still be standing for a potential playoff run if he continues to take the abuse he endured in a win against the Packers. Leftwich doesn't help himself with his lack of mobility, but the team might want to consider using maximum-protection schemes. ... The key to DT John Henderson's improved play this year is his improved focus and technique. Henderson is playing lower to the ground and winning the leverage battle against blockers, two skills he had trouble with earlier in his pro career. YOUTH MOVEMENT: OLB Daryl Smith has rebounded from a midseason knee injury with a vengeance recently, recording two sacks, a safety and a recovered fumble in the past two weeks. Smith is an excellent athlete with very good speed. His play has alleviated concerns he had hit the rookie wall. Coaches think he's improving at such a pace because the game is slowing down for him. Smith had been sharing snaps with veteran Tommy Hendricks but now is the every-down player the team envisioned him to be.--Bart Hubbuch

TENNESSEE TITANS

WR Drew Bennett has exploded in the second half of the season after a shaky first half. His eight touchdowns in three games tied Jerry Rice's NFL record. Bennett is a very instinctive player who runs good routes. He is deceptively fast, which allows him to get open for deep balls. ... QB Billy Volek doesn't have Steve McNair's experience, but Volek throws a better deep ball and is more accurate in the passing game. Volek is not as elusive as McNair, but he can escape in the pocket and doesn't get rattled when opponents blitz. But Volek sometimes holds the ball too long waiting for a play to develop, which has led to more sacks in recent weeks. YOUTH MOVEMENT: Eugene Amano has had to play because of injuries. Amano has good hands and can play guard and center, though the team prefers to use him at center. Amano is strong and is a good athlete, and the coaches like his laid-back demeanor. But they wouldn't mind if he showed more of a mean streak, and he needs to be a little more vocal. Amano doesn't seem to have enough confidence, but that should come with playing time.--Jim Wyatt

AFC south

Sporting News, The, Dec 27, 2004

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