AFC South Looks Strong In 09

Defending division champion Tennessee comes into 2009 as the most likely to reign again as AFC South champs. Offensively, everyone knows about the strong running duo of Chris Johnson and Len Dale White. The combo combined to rush for more than 2,000 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2008.

The Titans addressed their receiving core by adding Nate Washington from the Pittsburgh Steelers and using their first-round draft pick on Kenny Britt from Rutgers. Justin Gage returns after leading the Titans in receiving yards and touchdowns a year ago. Bo Scaife is a solid option at tight end.

Maybe the biggest question for the Titans offense is whether 37-year-old quarterback Kerry Collins can be as efficient as he was a year ago. Although the savvy veteran produced very few big plays down field, Collins took care of the football and proved to be the leader they were missing while Vince Young was under center.

Defensively, the Titans were one of the NFL’s best in 2008. Tennessee finished second behind only the Super Bowl Champion Steelers in points allowed, giving up only a shade more than 14 points a game. One major hit to the Titans defense is the departure of defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. One of the best run-stoppers in the league, Haynesworth will be tough to replace on the inside of the Titans defense.

Running the football on offense and stopping the run on defense will continue to be the trademark of the Tennessee Titans, one of the league’s best in both categories a year ago.

Possibly no team in the NFL has more upside than the Houston Texans. Finishing 8-8 a year ago, the Texans are now ready for playoff consideration. The Texans' offense is one of the youngest yet most explosive in the league. Steve Slaton, the AFC Offensive Rookie of the Year, is ready to shoulder even more of a workload in 2009.

Slaton produced more than 1,600 yards of offense last year, finding the endzone 10 times. Andre Johnson could be the most talented receiver in the NFL. Kevin Walter is a great possession receiver and compliments Johnson well. Owen Daniels had a breakout year at tight end, finishing with nearly 1,000 yards receiving.

The key to the Texans being more consistent will be the health of quarterback Matt Schaub. The Texans were 6-5 in the games that Schaub played in, while going 2-3 without him in the lineup.

Defensively, the Texans will have to be much better if they expect to make a playoff run in 2009. Houston was one of the league’s worst defensive teams last year, giving up nearly 25 points a game. Houston spent its first two picks in the Draft adding defensive talent. Brian Cushing, an outside linebacker out of USC, looks to be able to make an impact right away.

After making a strong playoff run in 2007, Jacksonville followed up by going just 5-11 in 2008.  The Jaguars used their first three picks in the Draft to focus on their offensive and defensive lines, most notably OT Eugene Monroe.

David Garrard uncharacteristically threw 13 interceptions a year ago, but normally is very efficient in the pocket. Maurice Jones-Drew is a dynamic force in the backfield. The Jaguars bolstered their passing attack by adding longtime receiving great Torry Holt.

Head Coach Jack Del Rio will look to get the usually dominant Jaguar defense back on track in 2009. Jacksonville gave up 23 points a game in 2008, nearly a touchdown more than they gave up in 2007.