|
The AFC South ended last season with all four of its teams at .500 or better and qualified three of those teams for the playoffs. It was a good division then, and it should be a good division again in 2008.
The Indianapolis Colts were the class of the tough division last year, just like they have been each season since 2003. They are lead once again by their high powered offense with QB Peyton Manning, WR Reggie Wayne, WR Marvin Harrison and RB Joseph Addai. If there are any concerns on the offensive side of the ball they probably start with Harrison’s off the field problems earlier this year, although it seems as if he will be playing in 2008.
Defensively, the Colts return 2007’s Defensive Player of the Year in S Bob Sanders. He anchors a hard hitting and fast moving unit that has become one of the best in the NFL. The Colts roster is practically unchanged, but one guy to watch will be RB Dominic Rhodes. He comes back to Indianapolis from Oakland after only one season with the Raiders.
For Jacksonville Jaguars fans last year was a bad year to be in the AFC with the likes of the Patriots, Colts and Chargers. An 11-5 record when playing in this division should get you more than a #5 seed in the playoffs. But, that was life in the AFC last year, now the Jags turn their attention toward 2008 where they have locked up QB David Garrard to a long-term contract. He will team with Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor in the potent Jacksonville backfield to try and lead the team to another playoff berth. Also helping out on offense will be WR Jerry Porter, a talented receiver who never realized his full potential in Oakland.
The Jaguars stamp in the past has been their dominant defensive line, however former Pro-Bowler Marcus Stroud is now with the Buffalo Bills. But, the Jags added some youth up front with a pair of first round selections in this year’s draft. DE Derrick Harvey and DE Quentin Groves were selected to help Jacksonville keep the heat on opposing quarterbacks and will be expected to contribute immediately.
The Tennessee Titans had some ups and downs in 2007 that eventually ended with a playoff appearance. But, the off-season featured several moves that could impact the 2008 version of the squad. The addition of TE Alge Crumpler has many in Nashville thinking that QB Vince Young may now have his safety blanket to help sustain drives. However, a consistent running game will always be what helps a Jeff Fisher coached team the most. Last year, RB LenDale White had a solid year with more than 1100 yards, but finding a solid second option has been high on the list for the team. 2007 draft pick Chris Henry has had ups and downs on and off the field, leading to the drafting of RB Chris Johnson in the first round of this year’s draft. If White has another 1000 yard season and one of the two Chris’ can prove to be a viable #2, the Titans should produce a more solid offensive attack.
They will likely need a little more offensive firepower after three defensive linemen left via free agency. DE Travis LaBoy, DE Antwan Odom and DT Randy Starks all left. That did open the door for a return of “The Freak” Jevon Kearse, one of the most beloved Titans of all-time from his previous stint with the team. If Kearse could find his old form, and the linebackers and secondary avoid injury, Tennessee could be a solid defense yet again.
For the Houston Texans, QB Matt Schaub came in and helped guide the team to an 8-8 record in 2007. Now, they have to find a way to get over the hump in this tough division. Keeping Schaub and WR Andre Johnson on the field will be the best way to finding more W’s, both battled through injuries last season. Finding a consistent presence in the backfield will also help, although it seems as if the committee of Ahman Green, Chris Brown and rookie Steve Slaton will have to shoulder equal parts of the load.
LB Demeco Ryans has put up huge numbers in his first two seasons in the league and is one of the best linebackers in the NFL. DE Mario Williams was a force last season and should continue to improve as an every down threat on defense. They also added LB/DE Roosevelt Colvin, a pass rushing specialist with a winning pedigree to give some experience to the unit. The Texans have built their team very well lately, drafting well and acquiring solid free agents that fill needs. But, it is hard to see them getting many more wins playing in the AFC, and specifically the AFC South.
Predictions
Indianapolis 13-3
Jacksonville 10-6
Tennessee 8-8
Houston 7-9
Division MVP
QB Peyton Manning
Rookie to Watch
RB Steve Slaton |
