In what was supposed to be his breakout year, Schaub is off to a bad start.  The running game was what we thought it would be: terrible.  What was surprising was the Texans' defensive front, which was supposed to be their strong suit.  Mario Williams and the Texans allowed 138 yards and three TD's to Willie Parker, and couldn't get through a weak Steelers offensive line.

Houston has got to play better if they even want to have a shot at improving on the 8-8 record they held last year.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars

Last season, David Garrard threw three interceptions.  The entire season.  On Sunday against the Titans, he threw two! 

Yes, the injury to Jerry Porter had something to do with it, as Garrard was forced to work with Matt Jones and Dennis Northcutt.  But the running tandem of Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew was supposed to take the pressure off Garrard and open up the play action pass.  There goes that idea.

The Jags' running backs were held to 33 yards total (Taylor had 18 and Jones-Drew had 13).  The Titans' defense definitely came to play.  They shut down the running game and forced Garrard to beat them.  The Jags will be better, there's no doubt about that, but only if the running game gets back on track in the next few weeks.

4. Cincinnati Bengals

The Ravens came into the game without their top running back and with a rookie quarterback.  The Bengals came into the game with one of the best quarterbacks and two of the best receivers in the game.  On paper, the Bengals should've won this game.  Until we realize that these are the Bengals.

Carson Palmer had one of the worst games of his career, throwing for a measly 99 yards.  Yes, the Ravens defense has been great for years.  But 99 yards?  And what about that defense?  They couldn't tackle Mark Clayton on a WR reverse that went for a 42-yard score, not to mention Joe Flacco (yes, the quarterback) going for a 38-yard score...on the ground.

No one expects the Bengals to contend, much less be any good this year, but this game has to be a cause for concern for Marvin Lewis.

5. Colts' Defense

Year after year, the Colts' defense gets much better.  Dwight Freeney and Bob Sanders are healthy.  The Colts were opening up their season in the brand new Lucas Oil Stadium.

However, the defense faltered, allowing 123 yards rushing to rookie Matt Forte.  Freeney was held to only two tackles on the night.  The Colts are lucky that Peyton Manning's knee held up, but they have to get this defense on track if they want to hold off the Jags.  

Five Games to Watch Next Week

1. Dallas at Philadelphia

First real test for possible NFC champ.

2. San Diego at Denver

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