AFC south.(NFL)

HOUSTON TEXANS

Chester Pitts has moved from left guard to left tackle in an effort to improve the pass protection. Pitts is a more athletic pass blocker than Victor Riley, who thrived as a run blocker on the left side but struggled against speed rushers. Riley has returned to right tackle and shared the position with Todd Wade on Sunday. Pitts played left tackle the past two seasons, so he should be comfortable. ... The defense took a big hit when it lost ILB Kailee Wong, the team's leading tackler, for the season with a torn patellar tendon. Replacement DaShon Polk, a special teams standout, has good size (6-2, 240) and range but doesn't have Wong's read-and-react ability. DEFENSIVE SYSTEM CHECK: The extreme struggles of the offense have put a lot of pressure on the defense, forcing it to scrap a lot of its aggressive schemes and focus more on preventing big plays. Until Sunday's blowout loss at Seattle, the defense had responded well, usually forcing opponents to settle for field-goal attempts. That style of play, however, has prevented the defense from producing many big plays and often has left the offense in poor field position.--Megan Manfull

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

RE Dwight Freeney has established himself as the NFL's most disruptive defensive player. Freeney's value to the defense transcends stats. His presence forces offenses to focus their protection schemes on him, which results in one-on-one blocking against the other down linemen. Offenses often aren't able to run their normal schemes when facing Freeney. They often must keep a tight end or running back in for protection rather than include that player in the passing game. ... MLB Rob Morals has settled into a new role in his sixth season: special teams contributor and backup linebacker. He lost his starting job to Gary Brackett in the offseason. Morris believes he still can be a starter, but he has accepted his role and played well on special teams. DEFENSIVE SYSTEM CHECK: The pass defense finally is executing the way coach Tony Dungy's scheme requires it to. In contrast to previous years, the secondary is allowing few long completions. Starting CBs Nick Harper and Jason David are contributing to the noticeable improvement. Harper has been solid in ...