OK spots fans. It's time to begin my division by division NFL previews and we're starting with the AFC South. Here's how these are going to work. I'm going to give a bit of a take on each of the four teams in the divisions, some players to watch and then cap it off by predicting the standings with an explanation. I'm sure you'll disagree, so be sure to comment and bookmark this so you can come back to it during the season to tell me how far off I was. Haha.
AFC South
Houston Texans
The Texans have gotten stronger and stronger in the last few years and this could be a good year for them. Only problem is, I'm not sold on the durability of Matt Schaub at quarterback. Andre Johnson (and my fantasy team) rely on him being around for the majority of the season. Steve Slaton should avoid the sophomore slump and be a solid piece as the feature back.
The only problem is, I'm not sold on the defense being able to stop the other teams in the division (namely Indy and Jax). Couple that with a Shaub injury and Houston could have problems (I avoided the obvious pun on purpose).
Most important player: If Matt Schaub can go at least 14 games these team can be a player and try to unseat Indianapolis.
Indianapolis Colts
Tony Dungy is gone. So is Marvin Harrison. But Peyton Manning is still around. That's the common theme in everything I've read on this team. It won't be the same Colts team of old, but with Peyton and Reggie Wayne still around, the Colts will still be a force offensively. If the defense partially shows up, they will be a force within the divison. Joseph Adai staying healthy will be key in that, too. As Peyton will probably be asked to hand off more than usual so long as the Colts have the lead.
Most important player: Peyton is the obvious choice, but I'm going to go with the entire defense here. With a schedule that plays the AFC East and NFC West this year, they are going to be key in stopping some potent passing games and maybe even help in winning some low scoring games.
Jacksonville Jaguars
David Garrard got a big-time passing threat in Tory Holt to go along with Maurice Jones-Drew in the backfield. That could mean big things for Garrard who could make his first Pro Bowl if things go his way.
If things go south, Jack Del Rio might join his fellow suit toting coach in Mike Nolan and going home. The offense definitely has some power to compete with the rest of the division and will make things interesting.
Most important player: He's not even a player, but a coach. This is a must-win year for JDR. He must make the playoffs to keep his job. With Peyton and Shaub and the power running game in Tennessee, it comes down to how well the defense he's known for performs.
Tennessee Titans
Jeff Fischer is the Jerry Sloan of the NFL. Yes that's a compliment, believe it or not. He just finds ways to win. This year is going to be a trying one for the Titans as the loss of Albert Haynesworth might prove too much for their defense to overcome. I love Kyle VanDenBosch, but dude is getting old and not sure they still got what it takes to be the last team without a loss again.
Plus, LenDale White dropped 30 pounds this offsseason by not drinking Patron. Not sure that was the best idea for him. Yeah, the same people that were busting on him for being chubby are going to say that was a bad idea.
Most important player: With Kerry Collins leading the offense and LenDale's weight setting him back, Chris Johnson will carry the load. He's lighting fast with the rock and will be a force. Plus, he's a viable option out of the backfield to turn his speed on. Could be interesting.
Standings time:
Indianapolis 12-4 --Earns bye week in AFC playoffs
Jacksonville 10-6 -- Wild Card winner saves JDR's job
Tennessee 8-8 -- Loss of Haynesworth too much for the D
Houston 7-9 -- Shaub's durability puts Rex Grossman under center (Predictable outcome follows)
There it is. Let the comments and E-mails begin!
Here's the schedule for the rest of the division previews. I'll update with links as time follows.
Sept. 1: AFC South (Today)
Wednesday, Sept 2: AFC West
Thursday, Sept. 3: AFC East
Friday, Sept. 4: AFC North
Monday, Sept. 7: NFC South
Tuesday, Sept. 8: NFC West
Wednesday, Sept. 9: NFC East
Thursday, Sept. 10: NFC North
Friday, Sept. 11: Playoffs and Super Bowl XLIV picks
While we're on the topic of NFL, came across this in my daily reading today. The Vikings No. 4 is the top selling jersy in the NFL. Jay Cutler remains in the No. 2 spot. Take a look for yourself. Even Mike Vick is on the list.
Random bits....
Found this today in my Twitter combings... Thank me later! ... She made the CNBC Twitter sports list for the month.
Found this next bit while combing around on Twitter. This video has over 2.7 million views and might be one of the greatest things I've seen. Took 1,500 hours to take all the pics of those Legos. That makes it worth a look.
Now for today's Nussie Hunter. The U.S. Open started this week in New York. Roger Federer is set to steamroll through the men's bracket. And the women's bracket is dominated by the sisters Williams. That leaves it up to the eye candy for fun on the girls side. That's where Russian Maria Kirilenko comes in. She's certainly worth a couple of looks. These from CoEd Magazine aren't bad, either.
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