2009 AFC South: Big Cats Lurking In a Two Team Division

(Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

This offseason, the Colts got a new head coach. So who’s the new quarterback you ask? Don’t worry, nobody replaced Peyton Manning, and it really doesn’t matter who replaced Tony Dungy as head coach.  

Manning runs every aspect of the offense and all Indy needs is a defensive coaching staff to be successful.

Best Free Agent Signing: Jeff Saturday, Indianapolis Colts

Yes, it was a re-signing and no one switched teams, but the retaining of Jeff Saturday as the Colts starting center ensures another playoff run and the protection of Peyton Manning.

The former All-Pro center, who went undrafted in 1998, has anchored an offensive line that has given up only 192 sacks in 160 games, which is the lowest of any team in the NFL.

Worst Free Agent Signing: Torry Holt, Jacksonville Jaguars

What were the Jaguars thinking? They had, (and still have a glaring hole at wide receiver), passed up Terrell Owens in free agency, and waited until the fourth round of the NFL draft to take a receiver.

In fact, they had every worthwhile receiver still left on the board during the NFL Draft when their pick came up at No. 8, and they still passed.

The Jaguars took offensive linemen with their first two picks in an effort to rebuild their power running game. So now, instead of Michael Crabtree or Jeremy Maclin to mentor, Torry Holt now gets Jarrett Dillard, Mike Thomas and Tiquan Underwood to take under his wing.

One problem in addition to the Jaguars’ late round draftees at receiver: Torry Holt isn’t getting any younger. Receivers at this stage of their careers either go one of two ways: the path of resurgence like Jerry Rice experienced in Oakland, or the path towards retirement like Tim Brown and Cris Carter experienced.

Every player feels that they have one good year left in them, but unfortunately that’s not always the case and some players tend to hang on longer than they should.

Just Keeping the Position Warm: Tra Thomas, Jacksonville Jaguars

Another one of the Jaguars’ head scratching offseason moves was the signing of veteran tackle Tra Thomas.  He is nothing more than an insurance policy until rookie Eugene Monroe can adapt to the NFL.

Not that I blame the Jaguars for wanting a veteran to protect David Garrard’s blindside, but Thomas is on the downside of an outstanding career and the Jaguars success lies up front with their offensive line.

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