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AFC South

Sporting News, The, Dec 30, 2005

HOUSTON TEXANS

QB David Carr has had a solid year despite poor pass protection and learning a new scheme based on three-step drops. Carr showed his maturity in the offense in the victory over the Cardinals. He called his own plays in the first half, the first time he has been given that much control, and the offense scored 24 points in the second quarter. ... OLB Jason Babin is closing the season on a strong note after being slowed by a shoulder injury for much of the year. He has played more as his health has improved and has begun to show signs of living up to his potential as a pass rusher. He had the best game of his career against the Cardinals; he had two sacks, his first multisack game, and a forced fumble. 2006 BREAKOUT PLAYER: Rookie Jerome Mathis has been great as the kickoff returner, but he hasn't played receiver much because he missed a lot of early practice and playing time. His speed and hands make him a big-play threat, so expect him to play receiver more next season, when the coaches will be more comfortable with his knowledge of the offense.--Megan Manfull

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INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

The recent problems in pass protection don't bode well for the postseason. RT Ryan Diem has struggled with edge rushers, and he might miss time after suffering a sprained knee ligament last Sunday. RG Jake Scott would move to tackle, and rookie Dylan Gandy would play right guard. Gandy was beat by LB Shawne Merriman on a bull rush for one of the Chargers' four sacks.... The team likely will limit QB Peyton Manning's playing time in the final two games, so backup Jim Sorgi will have an opportunity to get experience. Sorgi knows the offense and has decent arm strength, but it's unknown how well he'll make in-game decisions. 2006 BREAKOUT PLAYER" CB Marlin Jackson has started one game as a rookie, and it took an injury to veteran Nick Harper for that to occur. The pecking order should change in 2006. Harper will be 32, and Jackson has gained experience covering the slot receiver in the nickel. Jackson is big (6-0, 196) and physical. He has excellent cover skills and has been a force in run support.--Mike Chappell

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

QB Byron Leftwich (ankle) appears to be out if the team makes the playoffs, which would hurt the offense. QB David Garrard's timing with receivers has been way off, and he is less of a running threat than he once was. He has overthrown several receivers.... CB Kenny Wright has been a revelation, providing steady and tenacious coverage despite playing in a division with some elite wideouts. He continues to impress the coaches with a physical style that allows him to be effective in the rare times when the team uses press coverage. He also is reliable against the run. 2006 BREAKOUT PLAYER:. LT Khalif Barnes, a rookie second-round pick, already is showing the ability to be one of the league's top left offensive tackles next season. He was considered a first-round talent but dropped to late in the second round because of questions about his toughness and work ethic. He has solidified the line since becoming a starter in Week 5; the line has allowed 13 sacks in that span after giving up 13 in the first four games.--Bart Hubbuch

TENNESSEE TITANS

Second-year DE Travis LaBoy, who is second on the team with six sacks, has improved dramatically as a pass rusher. But what has pleased coaches most is his improvement against the run, a problem area for him as a rookie. He is much more consistent, though he needs to fine-tune his technique.... The offense continues to struggle on third downs. In the past three games, the Titans are 9-of-37 in those situations-in large part because of costly drops and miscommunication. WR Tyrone Calico continues to have trouble holding on to the ball.... LE Kyle Vanden Bosch has 12 1/2 sacks but also has impressed the team with his work against the run. He rarely comes off the field, which isn't always true of top pass rushers. 2006 BREAKOUT PLAYER: Although rookie CB Pacman Jones has shown flashes on defense and has been electrifying at times in the return game, he has experienced growing pains. He doesn't have an interception, and he has let several catchable balls slip through his hands. He struggled early as kick and punt returner but has blossomed lately. He should be a more complete player and a difference-maker next year.--Jim Wyatt

AFC South

Sporting News, The, Dec 30, 2005

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