Houston Texans

AFC South: End of September Report

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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As the first month of the season draws to a close, we take a look at the Texans and the rest of the competition in the AFC South and assign grades to each team (note: all statistics are based on numbers before Monday Night Football was completed):

Houston Texans (2-1): B

So far Brock Osweiler has been inconsistent, but still a step above what the Texans had at quarterback last season. His four interceptions are concerning, but he has shown that he can hit the big plays to DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller. The offense looks much better than it did last season.

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The defense is the bright spot of the team again. Even without a fully healthy J.J. Watt so far, they kept the Chiefs out of the end zone and allowed just 14 points against the Bears. As far as what happened in New England on Thursday, let’s hope it was just the team was not ready to play. However, it does make you wonder what is going on the with the run defense.

The Patriots had absolutely no running game last season, but they ran for 185 yards on the Texans last week (average of 4.7 per carry). This looked like the potential achilles heel for the Texans coming into the season and without Brian Cushing for an extended length of time, things could get dicey. They already are not looking good because through three games the Texans are giving up over 125 yards per game on the ground and are third last in the league in yards per carry allowed at 4.8.

I can’t say that it’s been all bad so far, but there are still areas of concern going forward.

Tennessee Titans (1-2): C+

Sep 18, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Tennessee Titans running back DeMarco Murray (29) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Titans win 16-15. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

There is a definite upside and a definite downside to how they have performed this season. The good has come in the form of DeMarco Murray reviving the running game and a defense that has kept opposing offenses off the scoreboard. They held the Lions to 15 points and the potent Raiders offense to just 17. While the Vikings scored 25 points, they did not allow the Vikings an offensive touchdown in that game.

The downside is the turnovers by Marcus Mariota, which could have prevented a 3-0 start. In week one against the Vikings, the Titans led handily until a pick-six and a scoop and score by the Vikings gave them a lead that they would not relinquish. Against the Raiders on Sunday, Mariota threw two interceptions and lost a fumble. Still, he led them down the field and had a chance to win it at the end.

With the defense that they have, if they can take care of the ball they could surprise some people. Their biggest issue is their lack of talent at receiver. Tajae Sharpe, a fifth round rookie out of UMass, is their leading receiver right now and Murray is second.

Indianapolis Colts (1-2): C

Sep 25, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) throws a pass against the San Diego Chargers at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Losing week one at home against the Detroit Lions was inexcusable for them. After scoring a late touchdown to go up 35-34, they allowed Matthew Stafford to go down the field and set up the go ahead field goal (then the Lions added a safety on the kickoff lateralpalooza).

On the positive side, Andrew Luck has thrown six touchdowns to just two interceptions so far. So reports of his death seem to be greatly exaggerated, as I suspected. Frank Gore is still their lead back and he is just average at best–averaging just 3.9 yards per carry so far this season. But T.Y. Hilton seems to be back in top form, averaging 98 receiving yards per game.

Their defense still has not improved at all (just like the last ten years or so), allowing 95 points over the first three games. They are 24th in total yards allowed and second to last in points. This team will be involved in a ton of shootouts…again.

Jacksonville Jaguars (0-3): D-

There was a lot of hype surrounding this team coming into this season. Many had them getting to .500 or better and some even had them winning the AFC South. They had two close calls at home so far, but were absolutely mauled by the Chargers on the road.

Their offense looks just about like it did last year, with Blake Bortles having to throw all the time and throwing a lot of interceptions. They still don’t have any run game, as they rank 31st in rushing yards and yards per carry. Their offensive line is still not good, allowing nine sacks so far. Until they shore up that area, they are going to continue to struggle.

The defense has improved, as Dante Fowler has made an impact with two sacks in his first three games. The pass defense has looked better as they limited Aaron Rodgers to 199 yards in the opener, and is currently seventh in passing yards against.

Gus Bradley’s seat is going to get awfully hot very quickly if he does not start getting wins. This team has the talent to win, they just aren’t getting it done.

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