AFC South

by:  Adam Fathelbab
 In 2007, the AFC South claimed 3 of the 6 teams to advance to the playoffs, all of which had 10 or more wins, including the Super bowl champion Indianapolis Colts. Over the next 2 years, the division had only receded. In 2008 the Titans and Colts advanced to the playoffs, but both were beaten before the Super bowl game. This brings us to 2009, which maybe the most disappointing season for half of the teams in the division. As always the Colts advanced to the playoffs, while the division underdog, the Houston Texans posted a very respectable 9-7 record, the first time the Texans posted a season of above .500 in the short life of the team. While these 2 teams faired okay in the division, the Tennessee Titans took a big step back with the loss of DT Albert Haynesworth. In 2008 the Titans were 13-3 while without Haynesworth in 2009 were only 8-8. While the pattern for the 2010 season does not look good, we will see if the division can turn itself around, and become the dominating division they once were in 2007.


Looking into the upcoming season, each team has new faces around the locker room, they will encounter new obstacles and each has a new question to answer. For the team who finished under .500, the Jacksonville Jaguars, the biggest question is definitely; can the offensive line of the Jaguars keep Gerrard standing? The Jaguars gave up 44 sacks in 2009, which was 7th worst in the NFL. The Jags took a step forward in the off-season with acquiring Free Agent OG Justin Smiley. The other problem with the Jaguars is that as of Week 1 in the Preseason, there are 2 positions yet to have starters, the problem is they are both Safety positions. For this upcoming season’s prediction, the Jaguars will go a dismal 5-11 and finish 4th in the AFC South,

In 2008, the Titans won the division with hard nosed defense and a methodical offense that did not turn the ball over often. The reason I bring this up is that listening to sportscenter this morning I heard the phrase, “The high-powered offense of the titans”, which seems almost ironic based on the last few years. However this made me think back to when scrambler Steve McNair, Scrappy Eddie George and TE Frank Wycheck took the Titans to 1 yard away from a Super Bowl championship. This makes us think, if Pro Bowl QB Vince Young can play the role of Steve McNair, and Chris Johnson the same for Eddie George, who will step up and play the big target for Young. Kenny Britt had a very respectable rookie season, but will it flow into 2010, and Nate Washington became the speedster of the team, while Justin Gage needs a bounce back season. While these problems themselves are more than some teams the Titans have 1 big question. Will Safety’s Michael Griffin and Chris Hope show up this year. After a great 2008 season, both Griffin and Hope fell off the map in the first half of 2009. If the Titans have any shot of winning in 2010, they need these 2 safety’s to return to their 2008 form, especially after the loss of Pro Bowler LB Keith Bullock. Taking into account the loss of Bullock, and the absence of a strong passing attack, the Titans will be following they’re pattern and go 7-9 in 2010.

The Houston Texans have been the underdog team in the AFC South since their arrival in 2002. Since the infamous passing up on a “sure bet” in Reggie Bush, the Texans and pick Mario Williams have slowly built a very dangerous team. The Texans have arguably the best WR in the NFL in Andre Johnson, a Pro Bowl CB Dunta Robinson, and Pro Bowl QB Matt Schaub. This team looks ready to pounce on the first playoff appearance in team history, and the Texans have upgraded in 1 huge, and very underrated position; Kicker. Last season the Texans had Kris Brown who was a dismal 21-32 (66%) on FG Attempts in 2009. This year, the Texans signed K Neil Rackers while on the Cardinals in 2009, was 16-17(94%). In 2009, he Texans were 1st in team passing yards but 30th in team rushing yards. If the Texans can balance this out they will be a lethal team. For the 2010 season, the Texans will post a 11-5 record and make the playoffs.

What is there to say about the AFC Champion Indianapolis Colts? The Colts have won the AFC two of the last three years under superstar Peyton Manning. With the second best passing attack in the NFL, and a hard nosed defense led by S Bob Sanders, the Colts have a chance to win the Super Bowl. The Colts added star CB Deshea Townsend in the off-season to bolster and already formidable defense. The only knock on the Colts is that they were last in rushing yards in the NFL. Also the Colts, were ranked 9th in total rushing defense in 2009. With the acquisition of Townsend and the return of Sanders, the Colts will explode out of the starting gate and cost into the playoffs with a 13-3 record, easily winning the AFC South. Next Division on the Stoop will be the AFC West.