AFC South Preview

The AFC South figures to be one of the NFL's best divisions again in 2008, and I foresee a different champion than the one we have seen for the past five seasons.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (projected record: 11-5)

Jacksonville Municipal Stadium (Jacksonville, FL)

Head coach: Jack Del Rio (Sixth year)

Projected skill starters: QB David Garrard, RB Fred Taylor, FB Greg Jones, WR Jerry Porter, WR Troy Williamson, TE Marcedes Lewis, K Josh Scobee, P Adam Podlesh

For the first time since the inaugural season of the AFC South in 2002, the division champion will not hail from the Hoosier State. With Peyton Manning hobbled, now is the time for Jacksonville to seize control of the division and make a run at the big prize.

Offensively, Garrard was outstanding a season ago, with the third-highest QB rating in the league. That allowed the Jaguars to possess one of the greatest two-dimensional attacks of one season ago, and assuming Garrard continues to build on last year, the offense will be dangerous in the air and on the ground.

Defense has always been a staple of Del Rio's teams, and with all of the major pieces returning, minus coordinator Mike Smith, that should continue to be the case in 2008. This is a great team folks. 

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (10-6)

Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, IN)

Head coach: Tony Dungy (Seventh year)

Projected skill starters: QB Peyton Manning, RB Joseph Addai, FB Jacob Tamme, WR Marvin Harrison, WR Reggie Wayne, TE Dallas Clark, K Adam Vinatieri, P Hunter Smith

 
For the first time, we are going to get to see how Manning responds to a major injury.  His knee likely won't be 100 percent for a few weeks early in the season, meaning Addai and the defense will be expected to carry the team.

They are certainly capable, although the usually-healthy QB will be a frequent target of the opposition. Even with the face of the franchise hobbled, the Colts are still one of the model teams in the league and will remain a contender for the next several years.

All facets of the game—offense, defense, special teams, and coaching—rank amongst the best in the entire NFL. I think the fact that Jacksonville continues to improve, and the Colts have become the Atlanta Braves of football, will prevent a division title or serious run at Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa.
      

HOUSTON TEXANS (10-6)

Reliant Stadium (Houston, TX)

Head coach: Gary Kubiak (Third year)

Projected skill starters: QB Matt Schaub, RB Ahman Green, FB Vonta Leach, WR Andre Johnson, WR Kevin Walter, TE Owen Daniels, K Kris Brown, P Matt Turk

It has taken longer than owner Bob McNair originally planned, but the Texans appear ready for a playoff run in this their seventh season.

Entering the new campaign, Houston's two biggest concerns have to be the play of the defense (especially against the pass) and health. Schaub, Green, and Johnson all missed time last year, and are essential to this team's success.

I think all three will be able to avoid injuries and put up strong numbers during the new campaign. They may have taken flak for it at the time, but drafting Mario Williams over Reggie Bush is starting to pay huge dividends. Williams, and the young defense assembled around him, should continue to improve in 2008, especially with newcomer/veteran Roosevelt Colvin to serve as a leader.

Fans in Houston have reason to be excited. 

TENNESSEE TITANS (7-9)

LP Field (Nashville, TN)

Head coach: Jeff Fisher (15th year)

Projected skill starters: QB Vince Young, RB LenDale White, FB Ahmard Hall, WR Justin Gage, WR Roydell Williams, TE Alge Crumpler, K Rod Bironas, P Craig Hentrich

Yes, Vince Young led the Titans to a playoff berth in 2007. No, he has not progressed at an acceptable level for a young passer. Part of his problem is a lack of targets, and even though Crumpler was brought into the fold at TE, he still lacks a major threat outside the hashes.

I don't know how a QB can succeed without a playmaking receiver. VY finds a way to use his legs to make plays, but sometimes his improvisation leads to trouble.

While the defense is amongst the league's best, they cannot be counted on to bail out the offense after Young throws multiple interceptions a game. With the talent assembled on the other three teams, this division is no cakewalk.

If Young performs to the level he is capable of, Tennessee may return to the playoffs. If not, they'll finish in last and below .500.