AFC South Preview

Houston Texans: Offensive production, or lack there of, for all teams begins with the offensive line. A team can have marquee names at the skill positions, but the O-line is what makes it all click. Bringing in Matt Schaub and Ahman Green means nothing if the Texan line does not improve from a sub-par 2006. The Texans did little to upgrade the line in hopes that the players from last year gel and grow from being together last year. They signed Jordan Black away from KC and drafted Brandon Frye in the 5th round. Frye will probably start the year as a reserve while Black could push for a spot. Ahman Green had a decent year for a bad Green Bay team last year, getting 1400 total yards from scrimmage. He brings a sense of leadership and competitiveness that has been lacking in Houston and in the games I have seen so far, seems to be running very well. Of course, there is always Ron Dayne as back up. Matt Schaub hopes to be a better leader than David Carr. Although you can not put all the blame on David Carr for his lack of better production in Houston, it was time to move on. Schaub has a true #1 receiver in Andre Johnson. If I was asked to name the 5 receivers I want on my team, it would be hard pressed for me not to put Andre Johnson on that list. 3rd round pick Jacoby Jones has dazzled in the pre-season as a return man and could also find some time as the Texan’s #2 receiver, offering some downfield help and big play capability. Defensively, the Texans are going to surprise a lot of people. 1st round pick Amobi Okoye is extremely quick at the point of attack , has a relentless motor and will be able to help Mario Williams have a season worthy of his #1 overall selection by the Texans last year. Jason Babin is having a tremendous pre season and will certainly see a lot of playing time. The LBs are led by last year’s defensive rookie of the year DeMeco Ryans. Marlon Greenwood looks to build on an excellent 2nd half of 2006 while Shawn Barber and Danny Clark were brought in to add depth at LB. The Texans secondary has not changed from last year except for the addition of Jamar Fletcher, who will fight for the second corner spot opposite Dunta Robinson, but will most likely start the season as a nickel back. I expect a much better Texan team this year and will not be surprised with a 9 win season.

Indianapolis Colts: Pro Bowl LT Tarik Glenn has retired and finding an equal replacement is not going to happen. Second round pick Tony Ugoh will start at Lt and will learn on the job as the season progresses. The rest of a top tier O-LINE stays the same, led by TMQ MVP, C Jeff Saturday. We all know about the Manning to Harrison/Wayne and new guy Anthony Gonzalez air attack, so I will delve a bit into Joseph Addai. The big question with any newly minted full time back is endurance over the 16 to 21 game schedule. Addai is very gifted runner and pass catcher, but without a proven backup, the Colts absolutely need Addai to stay healthy and be effective the whole season. The Colts will win the division with or without Addai, but come playoff time, a running game is crucial to winning. No way do the Colts win the Super Bowl last year without the ground game provided by Addai and the departed Rhodes. There is concern on the defensive side of the ball. The losses of CBs Jason David and Nick Harper, S Mike Doss, along with nagging injuries to S Bob Sanders, will have the Colts thin in the secondary. Underappreciated LB Cato June walked to Tampa Bay and DT Monte Reagor left for Philly. Dungy is going to have a tough time finding adequate replacements for all the lost personal. If the defense can gel and form a cohesive unit like the past few years, of course the Colts have a shot at the Super Bowl given their ability to score. However, a divisional round playoff loss to a more balanced team looms if the D can not compliment a standout offense.

Jacksonville Jaguars: I have rooted for the Jags a while now and have year after year tried convincing my friends of their impending Super Bowl entry. However, I just get the feeling it will never happen. My thoughts drift to the Seahawks of the 80’s when I would hear the hype as to why this would be their year, look at them, and then just think, naaa. Well, that is how I feel about this team. Great defense, sure, especially against the run. An offense that can run the ball, but there is something missing. Is it the coach, the QB, I really do not know. I’m just not feeling them this year.

Tennessee Titans: LenDale White should be given the starting job ahead of Chris Brown and rookie Chris Henry. The bigger concern is who will catch Vince Young passes this year. Brandon Jones was the penciled in #1 pre-season, has some chemistry with Young, but is unproven and injuries have hampered him during his short career. Eric Moulds may be the #2 receiver opening weekend, but his best years are way behind him. The O-line returns all five starters. They look to build on an excellent 2nd half last year and should be the strength of the offense this year. Kieth Bullock leads an improving defensive unit that can keep the Titans in a playoff push this year. DE Kyle Vanden Bosch, a relentless pass rusher and DT Albert Haynesworth set the tone on the D-Line. The loss of their best cover corner, Pacman Jones, to suspension was off set nicely by the addition of Nick Harper. Harper will be asked to switch from a Cover 2 defense to more traditional man to man sets. The other CB spot will be contested between Reynaldo Hill and rookie 1st round pick Michael Griffin. Grtiffen was a FS at Texas but the Texans may move him to corner. Jeff Fisher is an excellent head coach and will get the most from his team.


Predictions: Barring injury to multiple players, the Colts will win the division. The fight for second will be an eye-opener because I do not think Jacksonville will be in the mix. Houston and Tennessee are ready to make strides this year.

1) Colts 2) Texans 3) Titans 4) Jaguars