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AFC South Notebook: Fitzpatrick inspires Texans, Bortles shines in debut

Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

Every Monday and Friday, theScore's NFL editors will bring you a roundup of everything you need to know from around the division with the AFC South Notebook.

Houston Texans

Texans rebound and move to 3-1. With the defense taking over in a way they have become accustomed to in recent seasons, the Texans rebounded from a tough disappointing Week 3 loss and move to 3-1 with a 23-17 victory over the Buffalo Bills.

Johnson avoids injury scare. Wide receiver Andre Johnson left Sunday's game with an ankle injury after feeling "a pop" but was able to return to the game shortly after having it checked on the sidelines.

Watt continues to shine. J.J. Watt is undoubtedly one of the NFL's best defensive lineman, but this 80-yard interception return for a touchdown demonstrated the kind of impact he can have in other phases of the game that many others at his position simply can't.

Fitzpatrick inspires the Texans. Ahead of his first game against his former Buffalo Buffalo Bills team, quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick took control of the pregame huddle with a passionate speech to motivate his teammates.

Indianapolis Colts

Colts back on track with blowout. Bouncing back from a disappointing 0-2 start, the Colts won their second consecutive game with a dominant 41-17 win over the Titans on Sunday.

Luck continues to lead the way. Quarterback Andrew Luck continues to grow into one of the league's best quarterbacks and, with 393 yards and four touchdowns Sunday, few players in the history of the league have been able to match his productive start to the season.

Wayne still making his impact felt. Just one year removed from a torn ACL, at 35 years old, wide receiver Reggie Wayne is still producing at a high level in the Colts' offense. With seven catches for 119 yards and one touchdown Sunday, the veteran wideout remains one of the team's most reliable players.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Jaguars continue losing ways. After showing some promise early in the game, the Jaguars weren't able to keep up with the San Diego Chargers for all four quarters Sunday, losing by a final score of 33-14.

Shorts dealing with hamstring injury. Another hamstring injury forced Cecil Shorts to leave Sunday's game. The receiver is scheduled to undergo further testing Monday.

Bortles shines in debut. Despite the loss, the debut of rookie quarterback Blake Bortles is certainly a positive for the Jaguars. The third overall pick in this year's draft, Bortles completed 29 of 37 passes for 253 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

Red Bryant seeing progress in defense. While the final score may not show it, the Jaguars' defense was able to slow the Chargers' offensive attack at times throughout, and defensive end Red Bryant sees the effort as progress for the unit.

Tennessee Titans

Titans lose third-straight game. Losing another game in convincing fashion, the Titans drop to 1-3 on the season and continue to show their deficiencies on both sides of the ball.

Titans receivers continue to struggle. Thought to have been a strength of this team heading into 2014, receivers Kendall Wright and Justin Hunter continued their early-season struggles Sunday, and head coach Whisenhunt wasn't shy about expecting more from the group.

Sankey slowly gaining role. Leading the Titans with 34 rushing yards Sunday, rookie running back Bishop Sankey continues to show his ability when given the opportunity, and should see more carries if his footwork can come around as the coaching staff has been looking for.

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