GNB Sports AFC South Halfway Review

Week 9 Division Rankings and Analysis

Welcome to the Week 9 coverage and analysis of the NFL. So far in the season, we’ve seen a bunch of surprises and storylines for the season (i.e. the cap dispute, Super Bowl candidates struggling and underdogs rising from the depths of the NFL). Of course, nothing is certain in this league, but here is some midseason analysis of all the teams broken up by division, starting with the AFC South.

AFC South

Tennessee Titans (5-2)

This ain’t last year’s Titans, that’s for sure.

Last year they had an 0-6 start to their season before winning eight of the last 10 to finish even. The near opposite is happening so far this year, as Tennessee has rocketed to the top of the division and is staving off Houston and Indy as it grasps for the lead. For the Titans, QB has been the big issue; with the inconsistent Vince Young going down recently, Kerry Collins hasn’t fared much better and would be the main reason for their 29th ranked pass offense.

The rushing attack isn’t like last year, but it's still solid, ranking a respectable 8th in the league. CJ2K (Chris Johnson) is on pace for a 1500-yard season, and RB Javon Ringer is an extremely capable backup who sometimes even looks like a starter. The big things about the Titans offensively are their developing stars and their uncanny ability to put points on the scoreboard (second in league).

Second-year WR Kenny Britt just had his breakout game and will look to be the primary target. Nate Washington has definitely had his bright moments over this half of the season and will hope to get some more. Defensively, they’re only faring averagely in total yards and have a decent rush defense, but they don’t allow points.

That’s huge for any team, and it’s a big part of why they’re 5-2 right now. Two rookies there stand out to me; CB Alterraun Verner and WR/KR Marc Mariani are lighting it up out there and expect it to continue.

Halftime Verdict: The Titans are poised to be a playoff-contender with bright futures ahead for their young guys. However, their lack of passing offense and defense makes them susceptible to bad things down the stretch. Judging by the rest of the schedule, the Titans will go 9-7 and either fall short of the playoffs or just make the wild card, but they are NOT a Super Bowl contender.

Houston Texans (4-2)

As the Cowboys undergo a magnificent self destruction, this is a team Texas can root for. One of the more well-rounded offenses in the league, the Texans’ 5th ranked rushing attack, led by Arian Foster, has drawn defensive attention to the Houston ground game, which has freed up room for QB Matt Schaub to lead their 11th ranked pass offense.

Star receiver Andre Johnson has played well, despite his myriad of injuries, and receivers Kevin Walter and TE Owen Daniels are solid players as well. At the same time, however, it’s amazing how one of the most well-rounded offenses is backed up by one of the league’s worst defenses. Horrible pass coverage, (the Texans are dead-last in that category), along with lots of points given up and just bad defense overall are the main reasons for Houston’s failures on the defensive side of the ball.

Halftime Verdict: The Texans’ offense has carried them here, but the defense has to help them. If they can even be a half-decent overall unit, the Texans have a green light to the playoffs, but in this state, there’s no way. I see the Texans getting 6-9 wins, with their defense keeping them out of the playoffs yet again.

Indianapolis Colts (4-2)

As always, Indy’s main strength is their passing attack (No. 2 in the league). Offensively, they put up points, and even though their rushing attack is ranked 25th, they have never really needed one with Peyton Manning under center. Defensively, the Colts are a solid unit, average overall. Bob Sanders is hurt, (no surprise) and rookie LB Pat Angerer is getting lots of playing time. Either way, the Colts should be able to ride Peyton’s arm to the playoffs.

Halftime Verdict: Despite their early struggles, the Colts should be able to once again enter January as AFC South champions. Look for them to notch up anywhere from 11-13 wins, and once again, threaten for a Super Bowl berth.

Jacksonville Jaguars (4-4)

The Jaguars…must we talk about the sheer luck they’ve had to achieve their record so far?

The only positive thing about their offense is their 10th ranked rushing attack, led by Maurice Jones-Drew, their prized perennial player.

The O-line took a hit when Eben Britton was placed on IR, but that won’t hinder Jones-Drew. The Jags biggest problem is at their most important position—QB. Can anything go right for them?

Starter David Garrard and recent acquisition Trent Edwards have both suffered injuries and missed time, as well as Luke McCown on IR, while WR Mike Sims-Walker has been quiet all season. Garrard was excellent in Jacksonville’s recent win against Dallas, but all their victories have come against poor opposition (besides the win against divisional foes Indy), while their four losses have all come by more than 20 points.

The D, however, is even worse than the offense; they rank near the bottom in nearly all defensive statistical categories, and their secondary, in particular, is proving easy pickings for opposing QBs.

Halftime Verdict: Only a miracle from above could see this team winning the division, or even making the playoffs. I’m seeing 5-8 wins for them, and another finish in the cellar.

END-OF-YEAR PREDICTIONS

Indianapolis Colts (13-3)

Tennessee Titans (8-8)

Houston Texans (8-8)

Jacksonville Jags (5-11)