The AFC South had an average Week 3 of the preseason, finishing 2-2 as a division. However, the Houston Texans highlighted the group with a one-point victory over the Denver Broncos, a win that means little but looks great.
The biggest question mark this preseason has been the Indianapolis Colts, who are 0-3 so far, going into the last week of preseason action. The Colts are not looking like a team that can win a second consecutive division title.
With one week left, many questions have been answered, but here are some that could use some work.
Atlanta Falcons vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 8/28, 6 p.m.
The Falcons have been picked on by the AFC South so far this preseason, losing by a combined total of 56-24 to the Texans and Titans. For the Jaguars, a team that hasn’t scored more than 20 points yet this preseason, the Falcons could be exactly what they need.
The Jaguars struggled to get any running game going against the Detroit Lions in Week 3, as Toby Gerhart finished with 32 yards and the team didn’t break 100 yards. The Falcons allowed 133 yards last week to a Titans run game that isn’t the strongest.
Another huge storyline for the Jaguars is the play of Blake Bortles, who ranks fourth in the league in passing yards this preseason. He hasn’t thrown any interception and is making a case that the team should reconsider making Chad Henne starter.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Cincinnati Bengals, 8/28. 7 p.m.
The Colts have been extremely disappointing thus far, but the backups have a chance to redeem the entire team against another under-performing team in the Bengals. Andrew Luck and the first team won’t see much of the field, but if they do, they’ll come out looking to prove to fans that they are as strong as last season.
An aspect of the game to watch is whether the Colts can protect the ball. They threw two interceptions and had a fumble in last week’s loss to the New Orleans Saints, so putting a zero in that category on Thursday will be a goal.
Allowing nine sacks in three games is not the best number, either. This points to an offensive line that was weak last season.
Houston Texans vs. San Francisco 49ers, 8/28, 8 p.m.
The Texans are coming off a strong showing against the defending AFC Champion Denver Broncos. However, not all aspects of the game were perfect. Including quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who went 10-for-17 overall.
The run game was also suspect against a vaunted Broncos defense, combining for just 79 yards total. With Arian Foster struggling with a hamstring injury, it’s not a good sign for a Texans team that already struggles through the air.
It will be up to Jonathan Grimes and Alfred Blue to carry the load on Thursday, and they will be looking to improve greatly on last week.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Tennessee Titans, 8/28, 8 p.m.
The great news for the Titans is that Jake Locker is looking more comfortable at the helm after going 12-for-17 with 188 yards and a touchdown last week. Against an average Vikings pass defense, Locker should be able repeat this performance.
However, he could use a consistent run game, with the rookie Bishop Sankey and Shonn Greene is the backfield. The Titans rank 17th in the league in rushing this preseason; a stat that won’t help Locker.
Another area of concern for the Titans is the pass defense that allowed 224 yards and two touchdowns to Matt Ryan. Without Alterraun Verner in the secondary, questions will arise if it can’t get the job done.