AFC South Roundup: Grupe Embraces the Moment, Thomas Jr. Returns, and the Texans Keep Climbing
As the playoff race heats up, the AFC South is turning into one of the more intriguing divisions in football. With young talent stepping up and teams finding their identity, Week 13 offered a glimpse into how things are shaping up down the stretch. Let’s take a closer look at where things stand for the Colts, Jaguars, and Texans after another pivotal weekend of action.
Colts: Grupe Ready for the Moment in Indy
Blake Grupe has landed in Indianapolis, and he’s not just here to kick field goals-he’s here to make them count.
The rookie kicker, who previously spent time with the Saints, spoke about the significance of joining a team in the thick of a playoff push. “To now be a part of it and feel like I’m playing meaningful football, and that we’re all working towards something here together,” Grupe said.
That word-meaningful-says a lot. For specialists like Grupe, the difference between kicking in early-season obscurity and late-season pressure cookers is massive.
Every point matters. Every kick can swing a game, and Grupe seems energized by that challenge.
For a young Colts team still finding its rhythm, having a kicker who embraces the moment could prove critical in the weeks ahead.
Jaguars: Brian Thomas Jr. Returns and Makes His Presence Felt
Brian Thomas Jr. didn’t light up the stat sheet in his return from injury-just two catches for 28 yards-but his impact went far beyond the box score.
According to quarterback Trevor Lawrence, Thomas’ presence helped open things up for the entire offense. “When he did get his opportunities, he made the most of them,” Lawrence said.
“Every week’s going to be a little bit different. I expect him to get more and more opportunities - the type of player he is, it’s going to happen.”
Thomas is a big-bodied, athletic target who stretches the field and commands attention, even when he’s not the primary read. But what stood out most to Lawrence? The rookie wideout’s willingness to do the dirty work.
“He blocked really well - run game, pass game - had the huge block for Jakobi down the field,” Lawrence added. “Just seeing stuff like that, especially a guy that’s been out the last few weeks with an injury, then coming back and he’s still physical, wanting to go block for his teammates. That just says a lot about our team, our offense.”
It’s that kind of selfless play that builds trust in a locker room. Thomas is still finding his footing in the offense, but the effort and physicality are already there. The Jaguars are counting on him to be more than just a deep threat-and he’s showing he’s up for the task.
Texans: From 0-3 to Contenders, Houston Finds Its Identity
After starting the season 0-3, the Texans have clawed their way back into the thick of the AFC South race with a 7-5 record. Their latest win over the Colts wasn’t just a statement-it was a confirmation that this team has turned a corner.
Defensive end Will Anderson Jr. summed up the team’s mindset perfectly: “We get on the field, it’s time to close out the game. They make a big play.
How are we going to respond? I think we really pride ourselves on that.”
That response mentality has become a calling card for DeMeco Ryans’ squad. The first-year head coach has instilled a toughness and resilience that’s showing up in crunch time.
“We have that true resolve,” Ryans said. “No one play is going to get us in a tank.
Everybody understands it’s a 60-minute battle each and every time we step out there.”
This isn’t just coach-speak-it’s showing up on the field. The Texans are playing full games, not just flashes. And when you look at their Week 12 performance against the Bills-where they racked up eight sacks-it’s clear this defense is starting to click.
Veteran pass rusher Danielle Hunter pointed to discipline as the key difference. “That’s the biggest thing,” he said.
“At the beginning of the season, there was one play where one guy would be out of position… Football is a game of inches. It’s a game of whoever makes the least amount of mistakes.”
And right now, Houston is cleaning up the little things. That’s what separates playoff teams from the rest of the pack.
Looking Ahead
With four weeks to go, the AFC South is shaping up to be a dogfight. The Colts are scrapping for every win, the Jaguars are getting healthier and more balanced, and the Texans are playing with the kind of confidence that makes them dangerous.
Every game from here on out carries weight. And if Week 13 was any indication, these teams are ready for the challenge.