DLils' AFC South Predictions

1. Texans   2. Colts    3. Jaguars   4. Titans

Houston Texans (12-4)

Despite the dominate headlines of Andrew Luck and the AFC South, the Texans have all tools and personnel to be successful and finally take over this division. Lets start on the dominant side of the ball which is their defense. A vicious pass rush led by Watt and Clowney will guarantee this defense an average of 3 sacks, 10 hurries, 6 knock downs, and 4 pass deflections (at the line). If you think about how most teams have an average of 40 drop backs a game, more than half of those will be disrupted by this defense. If the the back 4 or 5 guys in the secondary can manage to stay close to the receiver they should be in a great position to succeed. Offensively, analysts and fans alike are concerned with the absence of Arian Foster for the 1st half of the season, but that is why Alfred Blue was drafted to eventually succeed him. LSU running backs have had success in the NFL as of late, just ask Jeremy Hill. The Texans have always been a run first ball club, and they have a plethora of weapons on the outside. Despite the QB controversy in camp ask the 2000 Baltimore Ravens and while your at it, ask the 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers who their starting QB's were and you will be surprised. A hungry and thorough defense, a tough running game, and possession receivers can have success in this league. In my opinion whoever Bill O'Brien chooses as the starting QB will be just enough to carry the Texans deep into the playoffs.

Indianapolis Colts (10-6)

The Indianapolis Colts are the favorite to not only win this division but possibly this year's Superbowl as Vegas has given them the best odds. There is no doubt that Luck is a top 5 quarterback even at his young age. However he has yet to have even the slightest blemish in his career so far and I am anticipating that to happen this year. Yes, I am aware that Andrew Luck spent the offseason on focusing on limiting his turnovers but he has not proven this. I also am so high on the Texans and so low on the “upgrades” that the Colts have made defensively that I am not sold on their continued progression. Vontae Davis will continue to be an elite corner, but Mike Adams is getting up there in age which makes the deep middle third a vulnerable area in the secondary. Their front seven has a bunch of holes that still have not been filled. This team once again will look to its young quarterback to carry them back to the post season for the 4th year in a row. This will be considered a “down” year for Luck but they will still manage to make the playoffs as a wildcard team.

Jacksonville Jaguars (7-9)

Believe it or not the Jaguars are returning the majority of their interior lineman on both sides of the football. Adding Julias Thomas gives them a more than formidable front line protecting Blake Bortles as well as his first legitimate veteran receiving threat. Speaking of Blake this is an essential year in his development, as the Jaguars will need to find out if this is going to be their franchise quarterback or will need to move on. There are reasons to shout and reasons to be excited in Jacksonville. They have an explosive young core of receivers in Robinson, Hurns, and Lee. All three who bring speed, yards after catch ability, and big play potential. Continuity is the name of the game, and although I’m not sold on Bortles, they should be closer to a .500 team rather than a lottery team by year’s end. The secondary is mediocre at best and unless TJ Yeldon becomes unstoppable at runningback don't expect too much from Jacksonville.

Tennessee Titans  (4-12) [1-5]

Marcus Mariota is coming in as a promising rookie who is expected to make life better in Tennessee. We have seen enough in the pre-season to know that he will eventually be a solidified starter in the NFL--but not this year. Zach Mettenberger has looked like the better more polished quarterback so far. The weapons surrounding him are about as just as raw as he is with Justin Hunter, and Kendall Wright. They bring in Harry Douglas and Hakeem Nicks both who are marginal 3rd tier receivers on any given team in the league, but not your go to guy. There is little to have confidence in when it comes to the weapons on offense. It is hard to see this team winning more than 5 games. Defensively, Orakpo brings all-pro talent but an injury-marred past. Devin McCourty has been getting beat often in preseason and don’t get me started about Wreh-Wilson’s performance from last year. Hopefully the lackluster roster does not have a negative impact on Mariota’s development.

Breakout Player

Jadeveon Clowney

Regardless of how many snaps he played, when healthy he is still a top 10 defensive end. Now with a full NFL off season under his belt, and a full year in the presence of JJ Watt, I expect Jadeveon to be a quiet terror for the Houston Texans. Although this is both an easy and safe prediction in terms of a break out player, you never know how someone will come back from injury. I’m not too concerned when it comes to this freakish athlete. 

Rookie to watch

Phillip Dorsett

Dorsett has off the way measurables, and you are throwing him to an offense that already has T.Y. Hilton and Moncreif. At best Philip will line up against the other teams 3rd, and 4th corners and safeties and he will feast upon them. He can ultimately stretch the field on any type of vertical route and he is a danger in the return game. Given he remains healthy, expect a few offensive rookie of the week and month awards for this receiver in Indianapolis. 

 

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