Hochuli's AFC South Preview

I have been taking WAY too much time off. I bet Mel is crying somewhere ( Flight of the Conchords anyone?). But anyway, it is time for another mother-father preview!

The AFC South.

In Alphabetical Order

Houston Texans

This team is MUCH better then they were last year. They have a premier running back in Ahman Green (he is getting old but he is still serviceable), actual options at WR and a QB who can throw the ball. I am interested to see how he deals with the sieve that is the Houston Offensive line, though. They gave up a total of 43 sacks last year, and if they want the option to show what Shaub is able to do, then they need to keep him on his feet. My favorite person in the entire draft was DT Amobi Okoye and the Texans were the lucky ones to get him. They have a franchise pass rusher for the next 10 years (possibly more since he is NINETEEN).

They still are not playoff material, though. Especially playing in the same division as the Colts, Jags and even the Titans. I think that they are on the right path, but this is not the year for them. One big part of that will be Mario Williams. He needs to show that he was worth not taking Reggie Bush. I think that having him and Amobi rushing from the same side is going to cause some problems for opposing O-lines.

Watch this team over the next 2-3 seasons. I GUARANTEE they will be something. But having the schedule that they have this year...(Whistle)...they are going to have a tough season.

2006 Record: 6-10

2007 Prediction: 7-6

4th in the AFC South

[1] Indianapolis Colts

They lost more then they gained. They have a rookie starting on Peyton's blindside. Half of their defense no one (with the exception of "Moose Johnston" who , as we all know, is a tool) has ever heard of. This is when we get to see Tony Dungy at his best. The man knows what he is doing, but can he take a bunch of nobodies and turn them into pro-bowlers?

Their run defense is porous and how do they try and fix it? Three rookies on the D Line. We'll see if it works, but I am inclined to believe that this experiment is not going to turn out so well.

They still have the major players and Joseph Addai will step into the full time back role. This is enough for 7 wins in itself. But they will not be part of low scoring games. These will be shoot outs.

They will make the playoffs but a repeat is out of the question.

2006 Record: 12-4

2007 Prediction: 11-5

1st in the AFC South

[2] Jacksonville Jaguars

What a great offense. If Leftwich can live up to his potential, then heck, they might win the division.

Jones-Drew...amazing...Fred Taylor is Fred Taylor. Their WRs are serviceable. Their line is solid (not amazing, but they know how to block). This team might surprise a lot of people.

This defense can be frightening as well. The two giants upfront (Stroud and Henderson) close running lanes creating a lot of potential 3 and outs.

I know that Indy is going to win this Division, but Jax is RIGHT on their heels. They will benefit from a weaker schedule.

2006 Record: 8-8

2007 Prediction: 10-6

2nd in the AFC South

[3] Tennessee Titans

This team is tough. They won 8 games last year...did you know that? EIGHT GAMES!!!!

Their defense is better then you think (as long as Haynesworth doesn't step on a face) with Vanden Bosch rushing and the addition of Nick Harper in the off season. They will not be a shut down defense, but they will keep the offense in the game.

Vince Young should be better then he was last year. He can lead this team. The Madden Curse is crap. Yes stuff happens, but the reason people get on the cover of the game is because they had some sort of great season, wearing themselves down. Young will be fine. It would be nice to see a back OTHER then Chris Brown, but since Len Dale White is FAT Brown will have to do...maybe they should have brought in Trent Green...get it...(*sigh*)

This team is a sleeper to step up and get a Wild Card berth, but they have a TOUGH schedule with 4 games against Indy and Jax, and road trips to NO and Cinci.

2006 Record: 8-8

2007 Prediction: 8-8

3rd in the AFC South

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Afraid of Ed Hochuli: Matt's Season Preview - NFC South [4]

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