It’s that time of year again. Between classes, activities, and responsibilities, it’s time for me to crank out my NFL Preview series before the season starts. If you’re new to this, it takes a different format as my MLB Preview series. A blurb, a projected record, and a playoff spot should they receive one. Now, let’s take a look at the AFC South.
1) Titans: Leap of faith here, but I think Tennessee can do it. They brought in the best “jack-of-all-trades” player on the market in McCluster, added Olsen and Oher for their strong offensive line, and brought in two strong linebackers in Woodyard and Phillips. If Locker stays healthy, he has some offensive weapons that he can impress with. And don’t sleep on their running backs, Greene wasn’t bad last season and the drafting of Sankey could be a huge second round addition. What also helps is the easier schedule. Facing the Jets and KC along with the AFC North is a huge difference than facing the Patriots and Broncos and the AFC North. Record: 11-5 Playoffs: 4th Seed
2) Colts: I am weary of this team this season. The return of Wayne from ACL surgery, the addition of Nicks, and the fact that Richardson should improve at least a little off of last year does make their offense strong. And they were able to add some strong players to their defense in Jackson and Jones. However, this team has had a poor looking offensive line throughout the entire pre-season, something that is a warning sign as it’s more than just once or twice. Also, their defense isn’t scary. Having Mathis is still excellent, but they were unable to recoup the loss of Bethea and the line isn’t intimidating. The RB depth is also gone so if Richardson is just as bad, or worse (due to himself or the poor offensive line) Also, having to face off against the Patriots, Broncos, and the whole AFC North is more daunting than anything else the rest of the AFC South has. Record: 10-6 Playoffs: Wild Card 6th seed
3) Texans: I like Houston’s chances to climb back into relevancy this season. The biggest issue with the team right now is the QB slot. I’m not a Fitzpatrick guy, I’ve never been a Fitzpatrick guy, I probably won’t ever be a Fitzpatrick guy, he loves the 4th quarter INT to help blow a win (ask TEN and BUF) but he’s a manageable guy. Johnson and Hopkins will continue to be a strong WR duo and Foster, if healthy, is due for a bounce-back season. The best part of this team will be, once again, the defense. The trio of Watt, Clowney, and Cushing could be unstoppable, the secondary looks to be good enough to win a handful of games with the additions of Lewis and Clemons, and still having Swearinger, Jackson, and Joseph, gives them a respectable secondary. Let me put it this way, I’ve see worse in their own division. The offense will struggle, but the defense should be enough this season. Record: 6-10 Playoffs: Miss
4) Jaguars: Adding Gerhart will be a boom-or-bust move. He was solid behind AP, but never really had a chance to show what he can do in a full starting position. Henne might put up decent numbers which could delay the call of Bortles to start, and I’m not too sold on the break-out of the WR core that Jacksonville had last season because the Jags had to throw a lot last season due to the ineffectiveness of the running game. Could be the same story, this team is just too full of offensive question marks. The defense isn’t terrible, but it’s also full of question marks. Clemons could be out of gas at this point in his career, the secondary isn’t impressive, but the LB core is strong, highlighted by Posluszny. Record: 5-11 Playoffs: Miss
Cats In The Bleachers 