NFL Preview - AFC South
AFC SOUTH
Indianapolis Colts - The 2nd most potent offense in the league is led buy Pro Bowl QB Peyton Manning, who, for the first time in his career, may miss a start due to injury. Peyton should be ready to go by the season opening game, so Reggie Wayne and company should not miss a beat. Expect big things from RB Addai also, if he can manage to play the full season. The defense has been much improved since Tony Dungy arrived in Indy. Expect more of the same this year with Pro Bowlers Bob Sanders roaming the middle of the field and Dwight Freeney terrorizing opposing QBs. I look for the Colts to be in the AFC championship game again.
Jacksonville Jaguars - It’s a toss up between the veteran Jaguar team and a young Titan team for who will finish 2nd in the division, but I got to go with J’ville. They get more consistent play from QB David Garrard, and they have a great 1-2 punch in the backfield with Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew. They also upgraded the recieving corps adding Jerry Porter and Dennis Northcutt to go along with Reggie Williams and Matt Jones. The Defense did lose Marcus Stroud on the D-line so they may not be as good at stopping the run, but the Secondary still has all of its weapons. Look for Reggie Nelson to have a big second year as a pro.
Tennessee Titans - Vince Young is Mr. everything for the Titans, but he needs to focus on just being a QB. His accuracy is shotty at times and he relies too much on his legs, aka Mike Vick syndrome. Lets hope he loves dogs. The Titans do have a stable of RBs to choose from, including the fastest runner in the draft in Chris Johnson, who will be a great change of pace back with Lendale White being the bruiser. The Defense is young and talented and will be lead by veteran LB Keith Bulluck. I still feel like the D will be trying to bail out Vince Young and his mistakes, but if Young makes the leaps he needs to, look for the Titans to surprise some people. I still them as a year or 2 away from being as good as they can be.
Houston Texans - The post David Carr era went better then was expected in Houston last year. Matt Schaub showed glimpses of what he could be, and Andre Johnson proved he will be a top tier WR in this league once he gets some consistent QB play. Mario Williams had a breakout year where he proved to everyone he was worthy of that #1 pick over so far bust Reggie Bush. The Defense and Offense need to both improve if the Texans want to have a shot in this tough Division. They are making strides in the right direction though.
