AFC South Preview

Probably the toughest overall division in the AFC, featuring the Colts, Jaguars, Texans, and Titans. The gap between worst to first gets smaller every season and this year will be no exception.

1) Indianapolis Colts

Record last year: 13-3 / Projected: 12-4

The Colts have a tougher schedule this season on top of the fact that they play in one of the toughest divisions in the AFC. Despite that, the Colts should not suffer that greatly. They were 13-3 a season ago without the services of all-pro receiver Marvin Harrison for most of the year. Even with Marvin’s age and off field issues the Colts should still maintain division supremecy. They have the deepest running back group in the league now with the addition of Mike Hart from the draft who will be teamed with fellow running backs Joseph Addai, Dominic Rhodes, & Kenton Keith. Their offense won’t miss a beat and their defense should remain solid especially with Bob Sanders in the mix and healthy. Indy is expected to remain a dominant team, but they will have some company from a rising powerhouse in Jacksonville.

2) Jacksonville Jaguars

Record last year: 11-5 / Projected: 12-4

Jacksonville will be a very dangerous team this year, capable of beating anybody in any given game. With their first two picks of this year’s draft they selected Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves, two solid defensive ends. Making it apparent the type of team they wish to build. Their defense first mentally and clear team objective will have them primed for defensive dominance. They seem to understand how important a superior defensive line will be as evidenced by the outcome of the Superbowl this past February. The loss of Marcus Stroud will be noticed surely but the addition of Joey Porter will serve as a much needed addition to a less than stellar receiving core. With the experience Garrard gained last year and his ability to keep turnovers to a minimum they will make every single game close. This will certainly be a team that nobody will want to face.

3) Houston Texans

Record last year: 8-8 / Projected: 9-7

Due to an injury plagued season in 2007, the Houston Texans had trouble getting anything going. This team is going to be under the radar. A little known fact about Houston is that they only lost one game when Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson played a full game together. It is evident that they are trying to improve their run game by drafting Duane Brown (LT, 1st Round) and 3rd round pick Steve Slaton, the electric running back from West Virginia. Also the addition of Chris Brown from the Titans well help out an aging Ahman Green in the backfield. On the defensive side of the ball the Texans drafted Antwaun Molden (CB, 3rd Round) and Xavier Adibi (OLB, 4th Round) to accompany newly signed Rosevelt Colvin and an already impressive young defense. Their schedule is pretty rough but they should still produce a winning season.

4) Tennessee Titans

Record last year: 10-6 / Projected: 8-8

Losing Antwan Odom, Travis LaBoy, Ben Troupe, and Chris Brown to free agency will have an impact on the success of the Titans this season. Not to mention losing cornerback and playmaker Mr. Adam Jones to the Cowboys. They selected speedy Chris Johnson (RB, 1st Round) to help stretch the field and keep defenses honest. Tennessee re-signed 31 year old  Jevon Kearse (DE) to add some veteran leadership to the defensive front four. He may have lost a step or two but if he stays out of trouble he should be an effective addition to the D. With Vince Young at quarterback they can win any game at any time, but with no significant improvement to the wide receiver position it will be an uphill battle for VY and the offense. The Titans will have some close contests but it looks like a .500 season is in store for Tennessee.

Feel free to share your AFC South forecast.  

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