As training camp has emerged creating a vast set of emotions of both hope for rookies and redundant routines for veterans, it is never to early to began the rampant speculations surrounding the issue of how the teams will look in the standings come season end. Through my knowledge of the sport and teams, as well as careful analysis of recent off-season acquisitions and losses, I have come up with a forecast of how I expect each team to finish in its respective division. With two more divisions to go, this update focuses in on the AFC South. With the incredible prospect of being the first team since the 1972 Miami Dolphins to go undefeated, the Indianapolis Colts were flying on glory road for most of the season. However, due to some unfortunate circumstances and an "idiot liquored up kicker," the Colt's season turned for the worst as one play may have prevented the team from a Super Bowl victory. This season the Colts are still highly favored to win the Lombardi Trophy as reported by some football experts, but in my opinion, while I still think the Colts will win the division, I do not think the team will have such a stellar year. It is true that the Colts did replace Mike Vanderjagt with the more clutch Mike Vinatieri, but the real problem that stands out for me is the loss of Edgerrin James. While Peyton Manning is an incredible quarterback, a lot of that success came from having such a potent running back. While Rhodes or Addai may turn out to be successful replacements, for the time being a lot of the weight will fall on Manning who has not preformed at exceptional levels during clutch situations. With the added onus of a tough schedule, a potential injury to star defensive end Dwight Freeney, and a loss of momentum from such a teary ending season last year, I do not believe the Colts will have all the weapons to hold on to the best team in the league status. The Jacksonville Jaguars seemed to have surreptitiously stepped into the playoffs last season. No one seemed to give much attention to the smaller market in north Florida which probably contributed as a positive to many Jaguar fans. Without the glaring media attention and insurmountable pressure other teams were facing, the Jaguars could play at a steady level without much complaint. However, when the playoffs came and there was ample pressure and attention received by all football fans, it seemed that Jack Del Rio and his club faded by a blowout to the New England Patriots. This season with more attention given to this team, I believe many of the players will succumb to the glamour and not play at their potential. In all honesty I think the Jaguars are an average team with an average quarterback, average running back, below average receiving crew, and maybe a slightly above average defense. This season the team will have a tougher schedule, and unless all the players can hold on to such relative endurance from the media, fans, and competitors, I do not see a playoff team for the fans of Jacksonville to cheer about. Surprising many last April during the 2006 NFL Draft, the Houston Texans, condemned as the worst team in the league, had the option to pick potential superstar Reggie Bush. The Texans declined and chose rookie defensive end Mario Williams in a questionable call. While the call was disputed by many, I really embraced such fortitude for an ownership committed to helping the team win games instead of bringing more fans to the game. With the addition of Williams and a boost to the previously pitiful offensive line, I look for good things this season from the Texans. I will go so far as to say that this team has the resources to compete with the Colts for the division title when all said and done. A lot of fans underestimate Dominick Davis' capabilities and what he has already done under a weak offensive line. With an upgraded line this season, both he and David Carr should flourish with the respectable receiving crew of Andre Johnson and Eric Moulds. While the defense is suspect to some criticism, the mangers in Houston made the right choice of brining in Williams as a leader to provide some assistance to a defense that was terrible last season. If the offense can play up it its potential and if the defense can remain solid, I look for a solid season for Texan fans to cheer about. After having an opportunity to play in the AFC Championship game a few years ago, the Tennessee Titans have fallen at a considerable rate. Plagued by off field problems such as the gymnasium controversy with Steve McNair and the spitting incident with LenDale White, the Titans do not seem like the glory team of a few years back. This season should prove to be no different, as the Titans have lost most all of its legitimate weapons. While Vince Young will turn this franchise around, he still is in training mode and will be in such a state for the next few years consequently commanding another two to three years of meritocracy in Nashville. Already playing in a tough division with no defined quarterback, running back, or receiving crew, I do not think the Titans will do too much damage this season and should be in the hunt for another top five pick. Final AFC South Season Standings (*demonstrates making the playoffs):
1.*Indianapolis Colts: 9-7
2. Houston Texans: 8-8
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: 6-10
4. Tennessee Titans: 6-10 |
