AFC South 2011 season preview

Indianapolis Colts:

The Colts 2011 season hinges on if QB Peyton Manning’s neck issue doesn’t linger all season to the point where he may have to miss some games. Manning is doubtful to play in the Colts opener against the Texans. The Colts offense remains in tact. The Colts weakness is its offensive line. I never seen Manning dance so much last season in the pocket, he looked like he was practicing to be on “Dancing with the Stars”.

On defense the Colts should be solid as long as DE’s Dwight Freeny and Robert Mathis are healthy. I like the signing of veteran DE Tyler Brayton. Brayton plays hard and is strong against the run. I wouldn’t be shocked if the Colts lined him up at the DT posistion sometimes this season.

Prediction: If Manning is healthy the Colts should be ok, if not then this season will be a wrap. I predict Manning’s neck issues will plague him off-season and will cause him to miss some games. Colts will finish second in this division at 8-8

Houston Texans:

I know I know that every year analysts pick the Texans to be a sleeper. Last year this team was a disappointment. This season the team upgraded its weakness. We all know how the Texans secondary love to give up that @#$. Its true, I could have thrown for more than 300 yards against that pitiful secondary. I love the pickup of CB Jonathan Joseph who is a physical corner and has a knack for interceptions.

The Texans need a playmaking WR opposite of Pro Bowl WR Andre Johnson. I am not sold on Kevin Walter. He is solid but that’s it.

Prediction: 10-6,yes I said it and I believe this team will win the AFC South division. The Texans are so balance on offense. I love the way RB Arien Foster runs and we can’t forget about how well TE Owen Daniels. He knows how to get open and makes play.

Jacksonville Jaguars:

I never thought the Jaguars would release QB David Garrard a few days before the team plays its first game of the season. But the Jaguars organization felt that Garrard was struggling this preseason and that it was time to move on. The Jaguars decided to start Luke McCown and believe he has a better grasp of the offense. McCown is solid and can throw the football. He will put up fantasy like numbers. But he will also throw those interceptions as well.

Defensively this team made some good upgrades. I like the OLB Clint Session signing. Session is a rising player who can make plays. He is an upgrade over Justin Durant who just didn’t make enough plays. SS Dwan Landry was a great pickup. Landry has a great range and can tackle something Jaguars defenders struggled with for most of last season. 

Prediction: 7-9, this team was an 9-7 team before they released QB David Garrard. We all know this will eventually be QB Blaine Gabbert’s team soon, but from what I have seen in the preseason is that he is not ready for prime time just yet.

Tennessee Titans:

This is now QB Matt Hasselbeck’s team. Good move by the Titans to go get the solid veteran QB. RB Chris Johnson is back after his new contract. The Titans offense should be solid. But the defense still needs some tweaking. Second year DE Derrick Morgan needs to have a breakout year. Who’s gonna be the starting CB opposite Courtland Finnegan? This team has too many holes on defense to be a playoff team.

Prediction: 6-10, Johnson will put up crazy stats and Hasselbeck will be solid but the question will be can he stay healthy for a full season at the age of 36?