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Thoughts on the Texans’ 28-13 loss to the Panthers at Reliant Stadium:

What it means: The AFC South champs saw their winning streak end at seven and their record fall to 10-4. They await results from games involving New England, Baltimore and Pittsburgh to learn how it affects the seeds in the AFC. Houston was probably due for a letdown, and turnovers sparked this one, with Arian Foster losing an early fumble and T.J. Yates throwing two interceptions. The first two turnovers led to Carolina touchdowns and the third to the end of the game.

What I didn’t like: Third down went horribly on offense and defense. The Texans converted 2 of 9 chances while the Panthers converted nine times in 14 tries. The Panthers had too easy of a time jumping out to a 21-0 halftime lead as Carolina found the end zone three times in its first five possessions. Panthers linebacker Jordan Senn had a super-productive game with 14 tackles, an interception and a forced fumble. Matt Turk’s two punts had a net average of 29.5 yards.

What I liked: Connor Barwin's pass-rush production continued, as he recorded one of the Texans’ two sacks. He now has 10.5 on the year.

What I want to know: Was it Carolina offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski who drew up the fantastic trick play that produced Richie Brockel’s 7-yard touchdown run?

What’s next: The Texans will have to forget this one quickly as they head for Lucas Oil Stadium for "Thursday Night Football" against the Colts, who are coming off their first win of the season.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky

Exciting day ahead here at the AFC South Blog. We'll be installing a new hard drive, downloading a ton of stuff, and discovering all the things we're going to be missing after our crash. Yes, we back up. No, we didn't do it lately. Yes, we might take a look at carbonite.com or somesuch. Fun times.

Houston Texans

• Antonio Smith is feeling at home as he heads back to Arizona, says Dale Robertson.
• Swine flu has retreated from the Texans, writes Robertson.
• John McClain looks at the Texans-Cardinals matchup.
• Why Dunta Robinson isn’t going to be a safety and why there isn’t anything wrong with the offensive line’s run-blocking scheme, from Lance Zierlein.
• Five key matchups from Battle Red Blog.

Indianapolis Colts

• Phil Richards looks at Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie.
• No matter the records, this remains a heated division rivalry, says Phillip B. Wilson.
• Marlin Jackson and Kelvin Hayden don’t look like they will play, says Mike Chappell.
• If you read one thing, make it this thorough primer from John Oehser.
• Another weekly favorite: 18 things to watch for from 18to88.com.
• Oehser on Dwight Freeney, Bob Sanders, Tony Ugoh and more.
• The Colts will be ready for anything from the desperate Titans, writes Tom James.
• Chappell takes questions on Jordan Senn, Anthony Gonzalez and the Ring of Honor.

Jacksonville Jaguars

• Coach Jack Del Rio is wary of the wobbly Seahawks, says Michael C. Wright.
• Jags fans should remember the team has benefited from some calls in recent weeks, says Vic Ketchman.
• A demotion will drive Quentin Groves to work harder, says Vito Stellino.
• Fred Taylor had ankle surgery in New England and is out indefinitely, writes Wright.
• The Jaguars are the least popular team in the league, unsurprisingly. Matt Loede points us to it.
• First quarter grades and awards from Jonathan Loesche.
• Gene Frenette wants to see Josh Scobee throw it.

Tennessee Titans

• The 2001 Titans went through a similar downturn, writes Wyatt.
• Nick Harper won’t wear rib protection, write Gary Estwick and Jim Wyatt.
• The Titans could be forced to play Vince Young, says Charles Robinson.
• Officials called a Jaguars TD against the Titans incorrectly, says Chris Burke.
• Jeff Fisher didn’t like the call but admits it was hardly the difference in the game, says Wyatt.
• Kerry Collins keeps fighting, writes Phillip B. Wilson.
• McClain assesses the Titans’ struggles and the possibility of Young getting in the lineup.
• Nashville misses the old Jevon Kearse, says David Boclair.
• The Titans looked at four players before adding Lance Ball to the practice squad, says Wyatt.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky

Andy Benoit touches on the Jaguars, Titans and Peyton Manning in this blog post.

Houston Texans

• The Texans are aiming for consistency and continuity, says Dale Robertson.
• “With every starter and every coach returning, it's inexcusable that the offense hasn't been more consistent and more productive through four games,” writes John McClain.
• Running down the roster moves, with Alan Burge.
• A replay of McClain’s chat.

Indianapolis Colts

• Eric Foster is the latest defensive tackle to work as a fullback, says Phillip B. Wilson.
• John Oehser, premier Colts ranker, lists Manning’s top five seasons.
• The Colts cut Jordan Senn and re-signed Chad Simpson, says Aaron Wilson. Thanks to Oehser for the link.

Jacksonville Jaguars

• Mark Woods went to the Jaguars game as a fan.
• A get-to-know-you capsule on Uche Nwaneri.
• A Jags-at-Seahawks capsule preview and five questions with Rashean Mathis, from Michael C. Wright.
• A look at Gene Smith, Dirk Koetter and the Jaguars’ rookies, from Collin Streetman.

Tennessee Titans

• Five things Jim Wyatt knows about the Titans.
• A look at some numbers that explain the Titans' struggles, from Terry McCormick.
• The Tennessean’s stock report.
• Quarterbacks across Tennessee are struggling, writes David Climer.
• The Titans haven’t won since the towel stomp, and we’ve got a picture of a fan with a bag over his head.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky

Houston Texans

• The Texans are preparing for Arizona’s aerial challenge, writes John McClain.
• McClain expects another good run defense performance.
• A team doctor talked swine flu in Houston, writes McClain.
• Ryan Moats lit a fire under Steve Slaton, says Lance Zierlein.
• Breaking down the Oakland game with battleredblog.com.
• Former Titans running back Chris Henry is drawing interest from the Texans and Redskins, says Jim Wyatt.

Indianapolis Colts

• The perfect start is more of the same for the Colts, says Mike Chappell.
• Jordan Senn’s working well as next man up, writes Phil Richards.
• Charlie Johnson says his knee is OK, says Richards.
• John Oehser breaks down Bill Polian’s Monday radio show. Part I and Part II.
• Jim Caldwell is as happy with the early improvement as the early record, says Oehser.
• Wait until the Colts’ defense is healthy, says Tom James.
• The defense is enjoying the turnaround, writes Michael Marot.

Jacksonville Jaguars

• The Times-Union applauds Jack Del Rio’s charitable work.
• The passing attack took off against Tennessee. Could it be the beginning of a change, wonders Vito Stellino?
• Vic Ketchman says Dirk Koetter’s plan was masterful. I join in the applause.
• Which Jaguars are the real Jaguars, asks David Lamm.

Tennessee Titans

• The Titans remain firmly behind Kerry Collins, writes Jim Wyatt.
• Jeff Fisher isn’t blaming Chuck Cecil, say Wyatt and Gary Estwick.
• Nick Harper’s X-rays were negative, says Terry McCormick.
• A humorous take on what we’re going to hear from Fisher for the next several weeks, from musiccitymiracles.com.
• Audio from Titans Radio. Kevin Dyson and Blaine Bishop break down the Colts.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky

Greetings from Indianapolis, where I will head over to Lucas Oil Stadium shortly to get ready for Seahawks-Colts.

Here's your mandatory morning pregame reading:

Houston Texans

• Matt Schaub is compiling quality stats, writes John McClain.
• The Texans and Raiders are more alike than expected, says Dale Robertson.
• Four Texans will do their part for breast cancer awareness, says McClain.
• Anthony Hill is out of the hospital and talked to Mark Berman.

Indianapolis Colts

• Seattle will try to match the Colts’ tempo, says Mike Chappell.
• The running game is making strides, writes Phil Richards.
• It’s almost like Tony Dungy never left, says Alex Marvez.
• Former Colts coach Jim Mora’s grandsons lighten the mood regarding his famous “playoffs?” rant, says Phillip B. Wilson.
• The Colts will also wear a splash of pink, writes Chappell.
• Chappell doesn’t expect to see Marcus Howard back with the team during Dwight Freeney’s absence.
• John Oehser takes questions, several about Clint Session and Jordan Senn.

Jacksonville Jaguars

• Gene Frenette looks at Jeff Fisher’s staying power.
• Daryl Smith is low key but gets high marks, says Michael C Wright.
• Spillover from Wright’s interview with Smith landed in his blog.
• David Garrard and the fans lose out from Jack Del Rio’s radio decision, writes Frenette.
• End Julius Williams plays great in practice but hasn’t translated it into games yet, says Wright.
• Keys to the game from iJax.com.
• Shallow thoughts and aimless musings from bigcatcountry.com.

Tennessee Titans

• The Titans cut Patrick Ramsey and elevated cornerback Cary Williams from the practice squad, writes Wyatt.
• Some Titans are concerned by the results of a recent brain disease study, writes Jim Wyatt.
• Wyatt’s breakdown of the Titans’ matchup with the Jaguars.
• Ryan Mouton’s looking for redemption, says Wyatt.
• Eugene Amano is helping with typhoon relief.
• The AP got Steve McNair’s public service announcement urging young people contemplating suicide to live to see better days.
• Long passes are not a priority for Mike Heimerdinger, says Gary Estwick.

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

The Colts re-signed linebacker Jordan Senn as added insurance for injured starters Gary Brackett and Clint Session, according to Mike Chappell.

Brackett indicated he’s day to day with a knee injury and Session missed Wednesday’s practice with his left foot in a walking boot and was listed on the injury report with an ankle.

To make room for Senn, the team waived tight end Tom Santi. A sixth-round draft pick in 2008, Santi started two games and appeared in six last year before landing on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.

Signed as an undrafted free agent out of Portland State in 2008, Senn appeared in 15 games for the Colts as a rookie, totaling seven defensive tackles and 16 special-teams tackles. He had been waived on Sept. 7.

Others who were out of Colts practice: Cornerback Kelvin Hayden (hamstring), defensive end Dwight Freeney (rest) safety Bob Sanders (knee) and receiver Anthony Gonzalez (knee).

Posted by ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky

Houston Texans

• Another .500 season won’t get it done for the Texans, says Dale Robertson.
• The Texans get a two-week roster exemption for Dunta Robinson, says John McClain.
• Lance Zierlein has no problem with Robinson starting right away and neither do I.
• The Jets will be a major challenge for the Texans, writes Alan Burge.
• Eric Winston is the line AFC South player on Vinnie Iyer’s All-Breakout Team, and like a lot of the guys on here, I believe Winston has already broken out.
• Battleredblog.com thinks DeMeco Ryans needs to be paid.

Indianapolis Colts

• The Colts' most recent move -- it appears Tyjuan Hagler will start ahead of Phillip Wheeler at strongside linebacker -- is further evidence of this: “When the Colts make decisions on who starts -- and even who makes the team -- where or even if a player was drafted just doesn't matter,” writes John Oehser.
• Jerraud Powers could be in line to start the opener with injuries to Kelvin Hayden and Tim Jennings, says Mike Chappell.
• Jordan Senn was released to make room for special-teams ace Aaron Francisco. He and the other newcomer, Cody Glenn, are preparing for their first games, says Phil Richards.
• Oehser hits on some of what Jim Caldwell is saying as the Colts prepare for Jacksonville.
• Marlin Jackson will start out working only in the nickel to allow him to return to full speed at the proper pace, writes Oehser.
• The timetable for Bob Sanders is up in the air, says Tim James.
• Deshawn Zombie does nice work here explaining why he dislikes the offseason so much, and it’s an opinion I strongly agree with. “There is simply too much talk about players we know nothing about,” he says.
• A run through of whether the Colts are better or worse unit by unit, from Zombie.

Jacksonville Jaguars

• No news, no ruse on Maurice Jones-Drew’s bruise, says Vito Stellino.
• Jones-Drew didn’t like the hit by Fred Smoot that left him with a shin bruise.
• The Jags added Richard Bartell to their practice squad, giving them a third quarterback for practice.
• Pay the quarterback, the stars and the first-rounders, get everything else on the cheap says Vic Ketchman of jaguars.com.

Tennessee Titans

• LenDale White said his talk is for entertainment value and that he’s actually a soft guy, writes Gary Estwick.
• Nate Washington returned to practice, but his status for Thursday remains in doubt, says Jim Wyatt.
• Wyatt analyzes the decision to keep three quarterbacks. Jeff Fisher can say the decision to keep Patrick Ramsey has nothing to do with Vince Young, but how could it not?
• There is a chance Cortland Finnegan returns punts in Pittsburgh, says Wyatt.
• Links from Titans Radio to Chris Johnson and Kerry Collins talking about preparations for the Steelers.
• Mark Jones failed a physical in Carolina.

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

John P. Lopez says "the rest of the AFC South clearly has caught up to the Colts," and also touches on Vince Young and Albert Haynesworth.

The Sporting News ranks the league in order of interest in/fit with Michael Vick. I don't see Jacksonville, who it has ranked fourth, going in that direction at all.

Houston Texans

• Other signings suggest Connor Barwin's contract will come soon, says Alan Burge.

Indianapolis Colts

• Tony Dungy says Michael Vick would fit well in Indy, except for the part where they don't need a quarterback. Mike Chappell examines.
• The Colts are sold out, in part because of a 95 percent renewal rate among season-ticket holders, writes Chappell.
• How will the Colts do at linebacker, asks John Oehser.
• A look at Jordan Senn, from Oehser.
• Bill Polian's in line to be team MVP, writes Matt Sohn.
• Chappell takes a couple of questions.

Jacksonville Jaguars

• Vinnie Iyer looks at 2008 last-place teams and ranks the Jaguars second in worst-to-first possibilities.
• Rich Jones says the Jaguars are trying some social networking.
• Jimmy Smith is slated for court appearances this week.

Tennessee Titans

• The Titans are counting on big things from Rob Bironas, says Jim Wyatt.
• KC Joyner considers the impact of the loss of Haynesworth.
• A team preview from NFL.com.

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

FRANKLIN, Ind. -- Some observations and thoughts from Saturday afternoon's public minicamp practice at Franklin College's Faught Stadium:

Outreach: Bill Polian spoke to the crowd before things started and told those in attendance that owner Jim Irsay had charged the team to create more outreach and more interaction with fans, which was the impetus for a practice like this one.

Boomer: New special teams coach Ray Rychleski has a booming voice that carries. He's got some enthusiasm for sure and offered critiques and compliments with equal fervor. Rookie punter Pat McAfee bombed a couple, but was inconsistent.

Stumble: Tyjuan Hagler provided some comic relief, tripping over his own feet during a linebacker drill where players zigzagged in a back pedal before breaking on a ball.

Third wide: I tried to read into how the receivers deployed, but there is no telling at this stage how the candidates for the No. 3 job -- Pierre Garcon, Austin Collie and Roy Hall -- stack up. My eye -- which has no experience training receivers, just lots watching them -- puts them in that order right now.

It got even harder to gauge Garcon against Collie when Anthony Gonzalez dropped out, seemingly with a right thigh issue. Those two worked in three-wide with Reggie Wayne. That might tell us something about Hall, though.

Clyde Christensen is working as the offensive coordinator now, but is still with the receivers as their position coach. The Colts are creative in some of the drills they use when the wideouts work alone. I don't recall seeing other teams, for example, run short stuff where they cut behind a blocking bag that interrupts their view as they angle back to collect a pass. But it seems a smart way to recreate some real-world experience in this sort of mild setting. I saw Collie, Hall and Taj Smith drop short passes in that segment.

Details: While special teams work went on at one point, quarterbacks worked alone. Peyton Manning lined up in the spot where he imagined a defender would be on a specific play and looked to offer detailed commentary/advice/coaching to Curtis Painter before he took a few drops envisioning the full 11 that could be opposite him.

Protection: The first offensive line that worked in front of Manning in a team drill was, left to right: Tony Ugoh, Jamey Richard, Jeff Saturday, Dan Federkeil and Ryan Diem. (Charlie Johnson and Mike Pollak didn't work and Ryan Lilja didn't work that deep into the session.)

Scrambled backers: I tried to look at linebackers the same way, but it seemed like there was a lot of mix and match going on. One early group had Jordan Senn and Philip Wheeler bracketing Adam Seward. Of all the things not to read much into -- which is virtually everything here -- I'd rank this first.

Coming back: Watched Lilja, who's coming off a season lost to a knee injury, a little bit. He wore sleeves on both knees and seemed comfortable firing off the line and cutting down a blocking bag/tackling dummy as the O-line concentrated on some individual technique.

Off day: Among those who sat out at spots other than the O-line: Running backs Joseph Addai and Mike Hart, defensive end Dwight Freeney, cornerback Marlin Jackson, safety Bob Sanders and linebacker Gary Brackett.

Catches: In work with just quarterbacks and wide receivers, Gonzalez ran on to a nice line drive post from Manning, stopping it with one hand and then catching up to it as he accelerated. In the same period, Austin went to the ground to collect a pass from Chris Crane.

The break-up: Third-round cornerback Jerraud Powers made what I thought was the standout defensive play of the afternoon. In the team period, matched up with Wayne and with Manning, Powers broke well on mid-range pass to the left side, got a hand in front of Wayne and broke it up.