AFC South Preview
Kristian Wiles
September 9, 2009
Posted under AFC South, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans
Houston Texans
Summary: For the past couple years I have read predictions about Houston being the surprise team of the season. Here we go again. Although this team has made improvements on both sides of the ball I will submit the bold prediction that this team will be located at or near the bottom of the division at season’s end. Sorry Houston fans, I play the odds.
Who to Watch: The Texans defense features a premier pass rusher in DE Mario Williams but struggled last year stopping the run and forcing turnovers. This has to get better if Houston wants to compete against the strong running teams in the AFC South. The additions of LBs Brian Cushing and Antonio Smith should help this cause but returning players must improve as well.
Fantasy: QB Matt Schabb should have his star receiver Andre Johnson for the whole season. This duo is a great pick for your fantasy team with the likelihood of playing from behind for much of the season. RB Steve Slaton should continue what he started last season putting up big yards and TD totals. He could be a bargain pick once the big names are taken.
Projected Finish: 6-10, 4th in the division
Indianapolis Colts
Summary: The Colts were unseated as the division powerhouse last season by a Titans team that surprised many. Indy finds themselves in an unfamiliar place this year with the departure of head coach Tony Dungy and with the Titans as a popular pick to finish ahead of them. This is a good place for the Colts to start, under the radar with something to prove. Improvements on defense and the return of the high powered offense should make this team fun to watch again.
Who to Watch: It isn’t often that players of Peyton Manning’s caliber have to prove themselves. I believe he is at another crossroads in his career with the departure of Dungy and his longtime WR Marvin Harrison. Manning has put up the numbers and won the big game to quiet his critics. Now we will see if he is able to set himself apart as one of the best to ever play by competing for multiple championships like Montana, Bradshaw, Elway, and Brady.
Fantasy: Manning should be in your top 5 QBs. RB Joseph Addai looks motivated and is poised to return to his 2007 season productivity. Much like all eligible receivers on this team, Addai is also a threat to catch some passes from Manning. With Harrison gone, expect WR Reggie Wayne and TE Dallas Clark to become bigger targets for Manning.
Projected Finish: 11-5, 1st in the division
Jacksonville Jaguars
Summary: The Jaguars had a disappointing season in 2008 but are hoping to re-establish themselves as a team that is balanced offensively and strong on the defensive side of the ball. A big key to this is QB David Garrard. He must get back to the kind of production that led head coach Jack Del Rio to choose him over Byron Leftwich. He has more weapons then last year but Jacksonville’s wide receiving core is still a bit suspect. Either way this will be a rebuilding year if he isn’t able to make big plays down the stretch.
Who to Watch: Maurice Jones-Drew will start the season as the featured back for the Jaguars with the departure of veteran Fred Taylor. Jones-Drew is quick, compact, and explosive but will have to also be durable for Jacksonville to be successful. If he is able to rise to the challenge the offense will end up looking like those featuring Forte, Turner, Peterson, and other runners in their prime. If not, the Jags will likely struggle through another tough season.
Fantasy: RB Jones-Drew has to be the best pickup on the team. After that it is less certain. Garrard could return to his 2007 form or continue to lose ground. The receiving core features Torry Holt, a great player leaving his prime production years in St. Louis. However, Holt could become a favorite target for Garrard much like Jerry Rice was for Gannon for the 2002 Oakland Raiders.
Projected Finish: 8-8, 3rd in the division
Tennessee Titans
Summary: The Titans turned heads last season featuring a suffocating defense and powerful running game. Unfortunately the team lost steam in the playoffs with a frustrating loss to Baltimore. Tennessee faced several distractions this offseason with the loss of Haynesworth to free agency, the public frustration of QB Vince Young about his position on the depth chart, and the death of longtime Titan Steve McNair. It is going to be tough for the Titans to repeat their success of a year ago, especially in the AFC South.
Who to Watch: The Titans lost a huge piece of their defensive line this offseason with the departure of DT Albert Haynesworth. It’s hard to imagine a replacement that will be able to stuff the run with the same consistency as Haynesworth. He is a player that has an impact unmatched by most stars in the NFL. Another concern about this defense is the age of its stars. Bullock, Kearse, Harper, and others are getting up there in age and could start to decline in 2009.
Fantasy: This is a running team with a game manager QB in Kerry Collins that seems to be a great leader but doesn’t put up the numbers that Brady, Manning, and other top guys do. Grab up running back Chris Johnson and even LenDale White (leaner & productive this preseason) along with a solid defense who can stuff the run and force teams to make costly mistakes.
Projected Finish: 9-7, 2nd in the division
