Chris Johnson: 3 Ways His Contract Will Impact the AFC South

The Tennessee Titans are a team to be reckoned with again. With Chris Johnson back in the fold, the most dynamic running back in the AFC will be ready to rip through defenses when the season starts.

The other denizens of the AFC South can't be pleased with the news of Johnson's new contract. Each team will need to game-plan for his impeccable acceleration, vision and cutting ability.

How will Johnson's newly minted four-year $53.5 million dollar deal impact the division this year? While the Colts have consistently been division champions since Manning's ascendance (with the exception of 2008), the other three teams match up extremely well against them.

The Jaguars, Titans and Texans have built themselves over the past few years to defeat the Colts. With Johnson now firmly entrenched in the Titans backfield, the Colts grip on the division is even more tenuous.

Let's see how the AFC South may shake out in light of Johnson's contract.

The Titans Will Be Second Best Offense in the AFC South

Just a few short weeks ago it looked like the Houston Texans were primed to be the offensive juggernaut of the AFC South. Chris Johnson was still deep in contract negotiations with the Titans. Uncertainly shrouded Peyton Manning's neck injury and the Colts backup QB situation looked dire. The young, undistinguished receiving corps of the Jacksonville Jaguars didn't scare anyone. Arian Foster looked ready to lead the league in rushing.

The tides of fortune move swiftly, however. Now the Colts have a proven backup at QB in veteran Kerry Collins. Johnson is happy with his four-year, $53.5 million deal and is ready to run. Arian Foster is injured. The only constant is that most of the Jaguars receivers are still no-names and also-rans.

The Colts will continue to be a potent offense and will set the pace in the AFC South. Manning should return soon and will resume his deadly hook-ups with Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, Austin Collie, Joe Addai and Pierre Garcon. Those five make up the most talented bunch of pass-catchers in the division, and even though their running game is anemic, they more than make up for it with their prolific passing attack.

The Texans have a mighty fine offense of their own. Andre Johnson is the best receiver in football, Derrick Ward, Steve Slaton and Ben Tate are all capable running backs and Owen Daniels is an excellent pass-catching tight end.

But Foster's running is what separates the Texans on offense. If his hamstring injury causes him to miss any time, the Texans offensive will suffer. His explosiveness and play-making ability just can't be equaled by the other running backs on the roster.

Foster thinks he'll be back to full strength in short order. Even if he is, the injury still means that the Texans prospects on offense will be tempered for 2011.

With Chris Johnson leading the Titans running game, Matt Hasselbeck will have a much easier time of it. He can rely on Johnson to have great yards-per-carry and to set up the passing game. Hasselbeck will then be able to target Nate Washington, Kenny Britt, Justin Gage and others as a change-of-pace from Johnson's punishing runs.

In addition to what Johnson brings to the table, rookie Jake Locker looks like an excellent draft pick so far. He lit up the Saints in the last preseason game by going 15 of 17 for 132 yards and one TD. He also scampered for 22 yards. It seems likely that Locker will take over for Hasselbeck at some point this year. He looks good enough to improve the Titans offense once he gains control from the inconsistent Hasselbeck.

Johnson Will Continue to Punish AFC South Teams

While he didn't dominate both games against divisional foes last year, Johnson did make each team in the AFC South hurt at least once in 2010. He gashed Jacksonville for 111 yards in week six. Indy took it on the chin from him in week 13 for 111 yards. Houston got punked in week 14 for 130 yards.

Johnson often steps up against division rivals, and his break-away speed gives each of those teams fits. Indianapolis' defense has been wretched against the run, and Johnson has been able to out-race their fast and undersized D.

Houston's secondary has been putrid for the last couple years, but their defensive line and linebackers are respectable. Even so, Johnson has put the hurt on those guys time and time again.

Jacksonville has had mixed success in stopping Johnson, but like most teams, once CJ2K gets some room, he often turns on the jets and leaves Jaguar defenders grasping for air. 

Indy, Jacksonville and Houston will all have better defense this year. That won't matter too much, however, now that Johnson has a contract in his back pocket. He'll resume his mastery of those teams.

AFC South's Balance of Power Is Now in Limbo

Many prognosticators have tapped the Houston Texans as the new power in rising in the AFC South. They have predicted the demise of the aging Colts due to Manning's health concerns and a porous defense. I'd be hesitant to write off the Colts just yet, however.

The interior of their defense is much improved, with former All Pro Tommie Harris expected to be a good rotational guy, rookie Drake Nevis looking like the real deal and the continued improvement of Fili Moala. The Colts receiving corps is unlikely to be ravaged by injuries like it was last year and Manning should be back to leading the offense with his smarts and laser, rocket arm very soon.

I'm also not buying the hype about the Texans. They've been projected to make the playoffs by lots of people each of the last three years. Yet they continue to shrink under pressure. Their defense has not improved enough to warrant the high hopes invested in them. In addition, their offensive play-makers are spectacular when the stakes aren't high, but are mistake-prone when they need to step up.

Regarding the other teams in the division, no one thinks that the Jaguars are going to do much this year. David Garrard is a mediocre quarterback and rookie Blaine Gabbert isn't ready to take over quite yet. The Jags defense is young and hungry, but they are still a year or two away from becoming a true force. Maurice Jones-Drew is an incredible talent, but teams know to stack the box to force the Jags to pass. Garrard just hasn't proven that he can get it done in the clutch with even a modicum of consistency.

That leaves the Titans as a team that should surprise some folks in 2011. They'll be better than last year. New head coach Mike Munchak will get the most out of a re-tooled defense. Look for Chris Johnson to approach his 2009 level of excellence; 1,800 yards or more would not be surprising this season.

I project the final records for the AFC South to be:

Colts, 10-6

Titans, 9-7

Texans, 9-7

Jaguars, 4-12

How do you see the division shaking out in 2011 in light of Johnson's return to the Titans?