AFC South Notebook: Grupe Embraces the Moment, Thomas Jr. Returns with Impact, and the Texans Keep Climbing
Colts: Grupe Ready for the Spotlight
Blake Grupe’s journey to Indianapolis comes with more than just a change of scenery - it comes with a sense of purpose. The Colts’ new kicker isn’t just happy to have a roster spot; he’s energized by the opportunity to contribute to a team in the thick of a playoff push.
“To now be a part of it and feel like I’m playing meaningful football… we’re all working towards something here together,” Grupe said.
That phrase - meaningful football - says a lot. Grupe steps into a situation where every kick matters, every point counts, and the margin for error is razor-thin.
He knows the stakes, and he’s embracing them. For a Colts team that’s clawed its way into postseason contention, having a kicker who thrives under pressure could be a difference-maker down the stretch.
Jaguars: Thomas Jr. Returns, Brings More Than Stats
Brian Thomas Jr. didn’t light up the stat sheet in Week 13 - two catches for 28 yards - but don’t let the numbers fool you. His return from injury gave the Jaguars offense a boost in ways that don’t always show up in the box score.
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence made it clear: Thomas Jr.’s presence opened things up.
“When he did get his opportunities, he made the most of them,” Lawrence said. “Every week’s going to be a little bit different, but I expect him to get more and more opportunities - the type of player he is, it’s going to happen.”
What stood out even more than the receptions? The blocking. Lawrence highlighted a key downfield block Thomas Jr. made for Jakobi Meyers, a play that showcased the rookie’s physicality and team-first mindset.
“He blocked really well - run game, pass game - had the huge block for Jakobi down the field,” Lawrence said. “That just says a lot about our team, our offense, guys fighting for each other, and just the unselfishness is really cool.”
For a young receiver coming off injury, that kind of all-around effort speaks volumes. The Jaguars aren’t just easing Thomas Jr. back in - they’re counting on him to be a key piece in their offensive puzzle moving forward.
Texans: From 0-3 to Contenders, Houston Finds Its Identity
The Texans’ season didn’t start the way they wanted. An 0-3 hole can bury a lot of teams. But Houston didn’t flinch - and now, at 7-5, they’re right in the heart of the AFC South race.
Their Week 13 win over the Colts was another step forward, and 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,” Anderson said. “They make a big play.
How are we going to respond? We really pride ourselves on that.
When we go on the field, something great is going to happen because we caused it.”
That mentality has fueled a remarkable turnaround. Head coach DeMeco Ryans praised his team’s resilience, pointing to their ability to stay locked in for the full 60 minutes.
“We have that true resolve,” Ryans said. “No one play is going to get us in a tank and nobody’s going down. Everybody understands it’s a 60-minute battle each and every time we step out there.”
It’s not just talk - the Texans are backing it up on the field. In Week 12, they racked up eight sacks against the Bills, a performance that showcased just how dangerous this defense can be when it’s clicking.
Veteran pass rusher Danielle Hunter pointed to one key factor: discipline.
“At the beginning of the season, there was one play where one guy would be out of position,” Hunter said. “Football is a game of inches.
It’s a game of whoever makes the least amount of mistakes. The team that’s more disciplined - that’s the team that comes out on top.”
Right now, that team is starting to look a lot like Houston. They’re not just winning games - they’re defining who they are. And if they keep playing with this kind of edge, the rest of the AFC South better take notice.