The Shark's Divisional Review (6)
We plough on relentlessly as we go into the murky world of the AFC South
AFC SOUTH DIVISION - Teams : Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Houston Texans
Last Season :
1. Indianapolis Colts 13-3 - Lost to San Diego in Divisional Playoffs
2. Jacksonville Jaguars 11-5 - Lost to New England in Divisional Playoffs
3. Tennessee Titans 10-6 - Lost to San Diego in Wildcard Game
4. Houston Texans 8-8 - DNQ
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
The Colts can count themselves pretty unlucky they have had the New England Patriots to deal with, as well as being in the AFC, as in pretty much any other era they would have more than the one Superbowl to their name in recent years and would have been the dominant force. They are still very strong, but the first signs of cracks have appeared on both sides of the ball. Peyton Manning is struggling to be fit for the start of the season, and long time stud WR Marvin Harrison is now getting on abit and coming off an injury riddled season. Indy still boast Reggie Wayne (WR), Joseph Addai (RB) and Dallas Clark at TE though as big go to guys - but as with New England, it is all dependant on Manning. The defense isnt what it was, and the Colts are in a very rough, tough division. You wouldnt back against them at this point, but you wouldnt back them with much confidence either.
Offensive Rating : 9.5/10
Defensive Rating : 8/10
My Prediction : First four or five games will be crucial for the Colts. They normally get off to a hot start...i just wonder if they can do it again. Will make the postseason....as divisional champs though?
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Could they be ready to displace the Colts atop the AFC South? They were close last season, and have lost nothing this season it seems. David Garrard at QB is one of the most consistent, dependable and durable QB's around, they have about the best RB committee, with Fred Taylor working so well in tandem with Maurice Jones-Drew...the WR corps isnt the best - no real deep threat here though plenty of short yardage gains to be had...but the Jags defense are where they really hurt teams - very physical, in your face and can stuff the run as well as nullify the pass. Head Coach Jack Del Rio has been very bullish about his teams chances this season and alot is expected of them - especially in piling on the pressure on a possibly creaking Colts. Definitely a team to watch.
Offensive Rating : 8.5/10
Defensive Rating : 9/10
My Prediction : Hard to predict they will topple the Colts, but if they get their noses in front they will be hard to displace. Again, first 4/5 games crucial, and the 2 games against the Colts will be huge.
TENNESSEE TITANS
You will watch the Titans one week and think "how do they ever lose"...then watch them another week and think "how do they ever win". Head Coach Jeff Fisher has built very much a team rather than a squad of individuals, although QB Vince Young has the potential to become of the NFL's premier QB's. Main RB for the Titans LenDale White is solid rather than spectacular, and again they have a Defense that gets the job done rather than wins games - they are especially good against the run though. Hard to quantify exactly where the Titans are at in their division...not as potent as the Colts or as powerful as the Jags....but not that far away either.
Offensive Rating : 7/10
Defensive Rating : 8/10
My Prediction : I think the Titans will fall short in the playoff race this year but will not be far away at all.
HOUSTON TEXANS
This relatively new franchise has done remarkably well to compete in this mother of all divisions...QB Matt Schaub is a highly talented player who has one of the leagues best WR's to pass to in Andre Johnson - though again Johnson is coming off an injury riddled season and needs to be back to full fitness to give the teams the yards and points they will expect from him. If, and it is a big if, the Texans can win a decent percentage of their divisional games, they could spring a surprise here, with a decent looking schedule. But with 3 such tough divisional opponents to contend with, it will probably be another creditable failure of a season.
Offensive Rating : 7/10
Defensive Rating : 7/10
My Prediction : Competative as always, but just not good enough. Yet.
AFC SOUTH OVERALL
Along with the NFC East the hardest division to predict. I may go out on a limb here and tip the Jags to pip the Colts to the division, with both the Titans and the Texans running them close - but this really could be perm any 2 of 4 for the playoffs...and even possibly like last season any 3 of 4.
1. Jaguars
2. Colts
3. Titans
4. Texans
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