AFC south.(NFL)(American Football Conference)

HOUSTON TEXANS

DE Robaire Smith does a good job of using his height (6-4) at the line. Even when he doesn't get to the quarterback, he can disrupt a play with his wingspan. He has deflected seven passes, and quarterbacks must account for him when scanning their passing lanes. ... With starting SS Eric Brown (knee) out and Glenn Earl nursing a sore hamstring, the team has turned to Jason Simmons, a cornerback by trade. Simmons is a student of the game who can play every position in the secondary and knows the responsibilities of every position on defense. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: The Texans don't have a bona fide pass rusher, so they seldom get to the quarterback with a four-man rush. They have to blitz to disrupt quarterbacks, but coordinator Vic Fangio was reluctant to call many blitzes early in the season because three rookies start on defense. Now that the rookies are more comfortable in the system, more blitzes are being called--resulting in more pressure.--Carlton Thompson

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

The defense suffered a major blow when CB Donald Strickland (hamstring) was placed on injured reserve. Nick Harper has three interceptions and is rounding into shape after giving up too many big plays early, but Jason David and Von Hotchins are rookies--though David returned an interception 34 yards for a touchdown in his first NFL start last Sunday. ... Backup DE Robert Mathis has been a difference-maker as a pass rusher--he has four sacks, including two last Sunday. Mathis (6-2, 235) might not be able to handle 50 plays a game, but he needs more than the 20 to 25 snaps he has been getting. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: Offensive coordinator Tom Moore is using a three-wide receiver set more often. That allows him to get the most from the talents of Brandon Stokley, an ideal slot receiver and complement to Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne. Stokley draws single coverage and wins most one-on-one battles with big catches down the middle.--Mike Chappell

TENNESSEE TITANS

Third-year man Justin Hartwig, who learned to play center at training camp a year ago, ...