AFC south.(NFL)(American Football Conference, National Fooball League)

HOUSTON TEXANS

E Jerry Deloach has been one of the defense's most important players. He has been called upon to split time at nose tackle while Seth Payne recovers from a knee injury. Deloach excels at run defense and does a good job of shedding blockers. Rushing the passer isn't Deloach's strength, but he continues to improve.... The team improved depth at offensive tackle by signing Marcus Spears. He can play both tackle positions, but he's probably better suited for the right side. OFFENSIVE SYSIEM CHECK: The Texans like to stretch the field with fast WRs Andre Johnson and Corey Bradford. Then Houston makes opponents pay for double-teaming the outside receivers with possession WRs Jabar Gaffney and Derick Armstrong and TE Billy Miller. The team also likes to bootleg and use misdirection to take advantage of QB David Carr's mobility. The staff installed a new zone ran-blocking scheme this year, but the results have been mixed. It hurts that RB Domanick Davis has battled injuries.--Carlton Thompson

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

The presence of rookie FS Bob Sanders should boost the defense. He's a big hitter who brings aggressiveness, intensity and play-making potential to the secondary. At some point, look for Sanders to supplant Idrees Bashir. Until then, he'll "work in the nickel package.... TE Dallas Clark is off to a slow start. More troubling than his modest numbers, though, are a few mistakes that are marring his play.... DT Montae Reagor is an ideal fit for this defense. He's lighter (285) than the prototypical interior lineman but is quick and an excellent penetrator. He worked in the offseason at improving his pass-rush technique.

OFFENSIVE SYSTEM CHECK: With teams focusing on WRs Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne, slot receiver Brandon Stokley has exploited one-on-one coverage. As a byproduct of the three-wide receiver sets, the team is manning the ball better. RB Edgerrin James has had success on stretch plays outside and draws.--Mike Chappell

JACKSONVILLE ...