June AFC Team Dispatches

(Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

AFC SOUTH

TEXANS

Here's a projection: Despite being in a contract year, tackle Travis Johnson will lose his starting job to Deljuan Robinson.

Not much of a limb to go out on, considering Johnson has two sacks in his four season after being a No. 1 pick out of Florida State (where he also underachieved after being a super-recruit). Mini camp injuries aren't helping, either.

It also wouldn't be shocking to see weakside linebacker Xavier Adibi and rookie strongside starter Brian Cushing flip sides during the season. Cushing possesses more playmaking ability at the weakside spot.

FANTASY NOTE: When the top running back is mentioned in your league, please don't forget Steve Slaton. He's added bulk in the offseason and won't have to wait for injuries to Ahman Green to start, unlike in 2008. He's also a handy target out of the backfield.

Plus, Duane Brown should progress at left tackle, and rookie Antoine Caldwell will wind up starting at right guard, or perhaps center (center Chris Myers could move to guard).

COLTS

The Colts look deeper than they have in a while at nearly every spot—with the exception of wideout.

The Colts have had the likes of Brandon Stokely and Anthony Gonzalez as their third wideouts. But, in 2009, the fight will be between Roy Hall (one catch in two season), fourth-rounder Austin Collie, and front-runner Pierre Garcon (four catches as a rookie).

With the return to health of O-lineman like 2007 starter Ryan Lilja and center Jeff Saturday, hopefully an enhanced run game can compensate.  That, combined with the experience gained by 2008 rookies Steve Justice, Jamey Richard, and Mike Pollak should benefit the line play.

Perhaps Joseph Addai and rookie Donald Brown will have more room to wiggle to open things up.



JAGUARS

The Jags' run game will be much more effective in 2009. For no other reason, the Jags could not have worse luck along the line than last season.

You have to feel a little bad for the Jags' line of 2008. They lost both guards (Mo Williams and Vince Manuwai) for the season after one game, plus center Brad Meester for six games. That left returnees Uche Nawaneri and Dennis Norman, as well as the likes of since-departed Milford Brown and Tutan Reyes, to start. The entire offense suffered.

Combine healthy returns with the addition of tackles Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton from the draft and the signing of former Eagles left tackle Tra Thomas, and the Jags appear to have learned from 2008. They're preparing for the worst.

Returning right tackle Tony Pashos might get a look inside (ala Williams) if Britton takes his job.

Troy Williamson is impressing in mini camp. Ever notice how disappointing players have nothing but good comments about them in camp? It's called a confidence booster. Don't believe the hype.

Bringing back Marlon McCree was a good idea. There was zero depth at safety.

TITANS

The Titans lost a lot when solid reserve corners Chris Carr and Eric King fled as free agents. After failing to sign Packer Jarrett Bush (the Pack matched his offer sheet), the Titans will rely on greybeard DeMarcus Faggins and rookie Ryan Mouton in 2009. The pressure is on them after the solid play King and Carr contributed in 2008.

Dave Ball

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