AFC South Preview

Houston Texans

Last Season : 6 - 10



Drafted Players

1st Round - J.J Watt DE
2nd Round - Brooks Reed DL
2nd Round - Brandon Harris DB
4th Round - Rashard Carmicheal DB
5th Round - Shiloh Keo DB
5th Round - Taylor Yates QB
7th Round - Derek Newton OL
7th Round - Cheta Ozougwu DL

Players in

Lawrence Vickers FB
Bryant Johnson WR
Brad Maynard P
Andrew Gardner OT
Tim Dobbins LB
Johnathan Joseph CB
Danieal Manning S

Players out

Vonta Leach FB
Matt Turk P
Mark Anderson DL
Amobbi Okoye DL
Mitch Unrein DL
Xavier Adibi LB
Kevin Bentley LB
Antwaun Mouldon CB
Bernard Pollard S

The Houston Texans are coming off a very disappointing year, but are once again seen as the major challengers to the Colts.  The Texans don't have any problems on offense.  They scored a bucket load of points last year, and are fully expected to do the same again.  One minor concern for the offense is the health of RB Arian Foster.  Foster has been struggling with a hamstring injury recently, but expects to be at full fitness for their week 1 clash with the Colts.

The big problem for the Texans last year was their very poor defence, especially the secondary.  They have reacted this season by bringing in former Cowboys HC Wade Phillips, as their DC.  Phillips has a great track record as a DC.  They also bought in very talented players CB Johnathan Joseph (from Bengals) and S Danieal Manning (from Bears).  These 2 should make that secondary alot better.  The Texans also drafted 6 defensive players, out of their total of 8.  Their first round pick DE J.J Watt has been looking really good in the preseason.  I think that this division is between the Texans and the Colts, with the week 1 clash in Houston, a very big factor.

Indianapolis Colts

Last Season : 10 - 6



Drafted Players

1st Round - Anthony Castonzo OL
2nd Round - Ben Ijalana OL
3rd Round - Drake Nevis DL
4th Round - Delone Carter RB
6th Round - Chris Rucker DB

Players in

Kerry Collins QB
Chris Gronkowski FB
Tyson DeVree TE
Jamaal Anderson DL
Tyler Brayton DL
Ernie Sims LB
Vuna Tuihalamaka LB
Micheal Hamlin FS

Players out

Charlie Johnson OT
Kyle DeVan OG
Jacques McClendon OG
Keyunta Dawson DL
Daniel Muir DL
Clint Session LB
Kelvin Hayden CB
Aaron Francisco S
Bob Sanders S

The Colts again won this division last year, even with half the team injured.  The Colts had so many players injured last year, but their inspirational QB Peyton Manning still managed to get the job done.  The major concern this year is though the neck injury to Manning.  The Colts expect that Manning won't miss to many games, but may well be missing for week 1 in Houston.  If this is the case, I give the Texans a big advantage, not only in that game, but for taking the division title.

The Colts defence will have a new look to it this year.  Players such as LB Clint Session, CB Kelvin Hayden and S Bob Sanders have all left their starting positions vacant.  They have bought in DL Jamaal Anderson, DL Tyler Brayton, LB Ernie Sims and S Micheal Hamlin to try and fill these holes.  The Colts have looked terrible during the preseason, and yes - it is only the preseason, but this defence needs to get better in a hurry.  If it doesn't, I think the Colts will be playing catch up all year, with a new and improved Texans team.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Last Season : 8 - 8



1st Round - Blaine Gabbert QB
3rd Round - William Rackley OL
4th Round - Cecil Shorts WR
4th Round - Chris Prosinski DB
5th Round - Rod Issac DB

Players in

Matt Turk P
Durant Brooks P
Tony Moll OT
Jason Spitz C
Paul Posluszny LB
Matt Roth LB
Clint Session LB
Gerris Wilkinson LB
Drew Coleman CB
Dawan Laundry S
Dwight Lowery S

Players out

Trent Edwards QB
Nate Hughes WR
John Matthews WR
Mike Sims-Walker WR
Adam Podlesh P
Adam Terry OT
Derrick Harvey DL
Kirk Morrison LB
Sean Consintine S
Micheal Hamlin S

The Jaguars went 8 - 8 last year, but I believe that they will struggle to get that many wins again this year.  They selected QB Blaine Gabbert with their 1st round pick in the draft.  I believe that this is to put some pressure on inconsistent QB David Gerrard.  But here is my problem with this,  neither QB has a player to throw the ball to.  They allowed last years main WR Mike Sims-Walker leave, along with 2 more WR's.  I believe that both QB's will struggle, and the starter may change back and forth a few times.  This is never good for an offence.  RB MJD will be expected to carry the offence, but how long can he stay healthy.  At his size, carrying the ball as many times as he will have to, injury is a major concern.  If MJD was to get hurt, the Jags would struggle to win a game!

The Jags have improved their defence.  They bought in a total of 4 LB's, 3 of which I expect to start.  Posluszney, Session and Roth will greatly improve their LB core.  They also bought in 2 S's - Dawan Laundry and Dwight Lowery.  Again I believe that these 2 are a fantastic upgrade to that defence.  The Jags will concede alot less points this year, but will really struggle to score themselves.  This could be a long year for the Jags.

Tennessee Titans

Last Season : 6 - 10



Drafted Players

1st Round - Jake Locker QB
2nd Round - Akeem Ayers LB
3rd Round - Jurrell Casey DL
4th Round - Colin McCarthy LB
4th Round - Jamie Harper RB
5th Round - Karl Klug DL
6th Round - Byron Stingly OT
7th Round - Zach Clayton DT
7th Round - Tommie Campbell DB

Players in

Matt Hasselbeck QB
Daniel Graham TE
Adam Terry OT
Shaun Smith DL
Barrett Ruud LB
Frank Walker CB
Jordan Babineaux S
Anthony Smith S

Players out

Kerry Colins QB
Vince Young QB
Randy Moss WR
Bo Scaife TE
Nevin McCaskill OL
Jason Babin DL
David Thornton LB
Patrick Trahan LB
Stephen Tulloch LB

The Titans had that shocking 0 - 6 start last year, when they were expected to challenge for the division title.  This year, I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't win a single game.  This team looks awful to me.  Their main offensive threat RB Chris Johnson has only just reported for the year, following a lenghtly holdout, due to his contract.  Johnson is undoubtedly one of the best RB's in the league, and was only due to be paid the minimum salary for this year.  I can completely understand his holdout.  The Titans held firm until this week, and then completely caved in, in my opinion, they are now overpaying Johnson.  The lack of practice is a major concern for me regarding Johnson.  He will surely be more susceptible to injury.  Like the Jaguars, if the Titans were to lose their star RB, I believe they would also struggle to win a game.  They have bought in veteran QB Matt Hasselbeck who is surely here to keep the seat warm for 1st round draft pick Jake Locker.  The problem again though, is who will either QB throw to.  WR Kenny Britt undoubtedly has a huge amount of talent, the only problem is that the guy is a numpty.  He is likely to get suspended at any moment.

The Titans defence will struggle following the loss of DL Jason Babin and LB Stephan Tulloch.  The defence will concede alot, and the offence will be inconsistent.  Doesn't sound like a recipe for success to me!

Preseason Week 2 : Saturday Nights Games

Here are Saturdays highlights from the NFL preseason

Saints 14 Texans 27



Raiders 3 49'ers 17



Titans 16 Rams 17



Bills 10 Broncos 24



Vikings 20 Seahawks 7

Cortland Finnegan v Andre Johnson

The big talking point from the weekend was the fight between Titans CB Cortland Finnegan, and Texans WR Andre Johnson.  The fight broke out following a number of clashes between the two players.  I can't explain this situation as well as the video can, so take a look at this.



Both players were fined for the incident, but amazingly they both escaped a suspension.  I wonder if Thursdays 'NFL Network' game involving the Texans had anything to do with it?

The keys to Training Camp - AFC South

Houston Texans

 The Texans finished up 2009 with a 9 - 7 record, the first time in the teams history that it has recorded a winning record.  This is great news for the Texans, a real sign that they are moving in the right direction, about time to with the talent of QB Matt Schabb and WR Andre Johnson.  The next step for the Texans is to push on and gain a place in the playoffs.  Will it be this year??  Here are the things to look out for at training camp.


Who will be the kicker??

Ever since the Houston Texans came into the NFL in 2002, their kicker has been Kris Brown.  The Texans have come really close in many tough games against the Colts, as well as others, and it has come down to a last ditch kick from Brown.  Unfortunately, Brown has missed a few of these kicks, and this has cost the Texans dearly.  This off season the Texans bought in former Cardinals kicker Neil Rackers (pictured).  This will make for a kicker competition in camp.  It will be very interesting to see which of these players will get the job full time, and which will get released.


Just how good is the secondary?

The major key to beating division rival Indianapolis Colts is to stop Peyton Manning, and the passing game.  The Texans though, allowed their number 1 CB from last year, Dunta Robinson, to leave and join the Falcons.  This, obviously is a major concern.  The Texans tried to address this problem by selecting CB Kareem Jackson (pictured), from NCAA champion Alabama, with their first round pick in this years draft.  Kareem will probably start, but it will be interesting to see who will start around him in the secondary.  Potential candidates for this are Glover Quinn and Brice McCain.

Who will be the starting RB?

Last years starter Steve Slaton (pictured) had alot of fumbling problems during the year, and received heavy competition for his starting job.  This Texans took RB Ben Tate with their 2nd round pick.  He is expected to push Slaton all the way for the starting job this camp.  It is vital that the Texans improve their running game.  Last year their offence was one of the top offences in the league.  It actually was the best pass offence, but was then ranked 30th in run game.  If they can get this run game going, look out for the Texans this year.


Indianapolis Colts

 Last year the Colts finished with a 14 - 2 record.  This could have been even better if they did not rest their starters at the back end of the regular season.  They then picked up where they left off in the playoffs, beating the Ravens and Jets, before losing to the Saints in the Superbowl.  What do they need to get back to that stage, and go one better?


Will there be a Superbowl hangover?

The last time that a Superbowl losing team got back to the Superbowl the following year was in 1995 - the Buffalo Bills.  Can the Colts break this trend?  I feel that teams usually struggle with this because they struggle to lift their spirits, and motivate themselves.  Will the Colts have these problems? Not if legendary QB Peyton Manning (pictured) has anything to do with it.  Peyton is one of the very bet leaders in the NFL.  He is a perfectionist, and there is no doubt that that INT in the Superbowl, that was returned for a TD by Tracey Porter, has been replayed over and over in his head.  Manning will want to put this right, and this is the reason I believe there will be no Superbowl hangover for the Colts this year.

Will the change of Offencive coaches effect Manning?

E

 Ever since Peyton Manning came into the NFL, he has played under the coaching of Tom Moore and Howard Mudd (pictured).  Alot of what the Colts offence does on the field is called by Manning, and therefore people believe that the departure of Moore and Mudd, will not effect this team at all.  I think though that the trust that Moore and Mudd have placed in Manning, as well as the knowledge that they undoubtedly supply him with during the game will be heavily missed.  I'm not saying that Manning and the Colts will not be as effective this year, but I believe there will be some knock on effect - what will this be? and how much will it effect Manning?

Which players will start in the Safety positions?

Bob Sanders (pictured) is seen as one of the best S's in the NFL.  He is immense against the run, and his presence is sorely missed by the Colts when he is not in the lineup.  The problem that Bob has is that he is very injury prone.  In the last 2 seasons, Bob has only managed to start 8 games (2 in 2009).  This problem has obviously had to be looked at by the Colts.  Last year the players that stepped up were Antonie Bethea and Melvin Bullitt.  These 2 players obviously did a fantastic job as the team went to the playoffs.  Bethea has just received a big contract, and the Colts really like Bullitt.  This will be an interesting battle during camp.


Jacksonville Jaguars

 The Jaguars finished last season with a 7 - 9 record, a record that saw them finish last, in this very competitive division.  This was hugely disappointing as they went into December in prime position to take a wildcard spot.  There is no doubt that this division will be just as good this year, so how can the Jags lift themselves off the bottom, and push on towards the playoffs?

Has the defence got better?

 Kampman (pictured) during free agency, and also selected DE Tyson Alualu with their 1st round draft pick.  In fact the Jaguars selected D Linemen with their first 4 picks in this years draft.  This should lift the level of competition at the position, and competition can only produce improvement.  Look for Kampman to have a big year, returning to his preferred 4 - 3 defence.

Can they protect their QB?

 The Jaguars had a huge problem keeping QB David Gerrard up right last year.  In fact, he was sacked a total of 44 times.  This kind of pressure obviously will not help a QB.  The Jaguars did have 2 rookie T's on the field last year, and this may help to explain this problem.  Hopefully with a year under their belts, they will be better this year.  This pressure on Gerrard caused him to fumble the ball 14 times in 2009.  This is one of the main reasons that people are starting to question Gerrards ability.

Has the passing game improved?

 Another area where the Jags offence struggled last year was the passing game.  This is frustrating for a team that had the 10th best rushing attack (mainly down to pocket rocket MJD) and it could only come in 19th place in the passing category.  This is another reason why QB David Gerrard's postion at QB is under question.  I believe though, that the problems in the Jags pass game are not of Gerrard's doing.  I think that the WR's and TE's need to step up and start making plays.  Last year Mike Sims-Walker (pictured) led the Jags in receptions with 63.  The next person on the list was RB MJD, with 53.  This shows that plays just aren't being made by the WR's.  Who will step up to the plate this year?  To help drive this offence on.

 
Tennessee Titans

 The Titans finished 2009 with a 8 - 8 record, in 3rd place in the AFC South.  This record was seen as quite a good finishing point for a team that actually started the season 0 - 6.  QB Vince Young came back into the lineup at the 0 - 6 mark, and helped turn the team around.  RB Chris Johnson ran for over 2,000 yards, which really helped this team.  Can these two, with the support of the rest of the team, carry the Titans to the playoffs?

Can Vince Young carry this team?

 VY (pictured) has had a very interesting career so far in the NFL.  In his previous 4 seasons he has started 39 games, been the backup and has had alot of off field problems.  This will be his 5th season, he will be the starter - Time to grow up Vince!  We all know VY has the ability, he has shown it time and time again, especially against the Cardinals last year, when he drove the field, getting a end of game, match winning TD.  What he now has to do is become a leader, and stop getting into trouble off the field.  He has the perfect situation in which to succeed.  I'm sure there are alot of QB's around the league that would love to have Chris Johnson as their RB.  Having Johnson on the field means that defences often go out to stop the run, leaving gaps for Young to exploit in the pass game.  I believe VY can get it right this year, lets hope he does.

Who are the leaders?

 During the off season the Titans lost a number of players that you would consider being the leaders on this roster.  C Kevin Mawae (pictured), DE Kyle Vanden Bosch and LB Keith Bullock were all declared as free agents in March.  This veteran leadership will undoubtedly be missed on both sides of the ball.  The Titans played many close games over the course of last season, and the most important thing during close games is leadership.  I just wonder if they have alot of close games this year, who will step up, and be those much needed leaders?


How happy is Chris Johnson?

 A 'HUGE' talking point surrounding the Titans this off season was Chris Johnson's contract.  If you keep in touch with nflgbview regular you will be well aware of this situation.  The Titans have finally decided to pay Chris more money for this season, but the problem will defiantly arise again during the next off season.  The question for me is just how happy is Johnson with the deal he got?  Yes, Johnson will now make alot more money than he would have done without this contract redo, but he is still on nowhere near the same money as rival RB Adrian Peterson for example.  Just how much will this impact on his game this year?  The Titans will have to hope that it won't, because in all honesty, he IS the Titans offence.  Looking forward to seeing 'CJ2K's' commitment this year.

Check back tomorrow for a look as we wrap up the AFC, with a look at the AFC West.

Draft Previews

Tennessee Titans


Last season - 8 - 8 3rd in AFC South


Team needs - LB, OL, DL, S, CB


Players in - Will Witherspoon MLB, Ricky Schmitt K, Tye Hill CB, Jason Babin DE.


Players out - Chris Davis WR, Kyle Vanden Bosch DE, Alge Crumpler TE.


Draft Positions : 


1st Round : 16th pick
3rd Round : 13th pick, 33rd pick
4th Round : 13th pick
5th Round : 17th pick
6th Round : 16th pick, 38th pick
7th Round : 15th pick, 34th pick

Total : 9 picks


I believe that the direction that the Titans will chose to go here is with a DE.  When you look at their needs list they have addressed the LB need (Will Witherspoon) and the CB need (Tye Hill), leaving OL, DL, S.  The best 2 S (in my opinion) will be off the board here, and the next one will be a reach.  So that leaves OL and DL.  When you look at players lost though and see the name Kyle Vanden Bosch, you realise fast that he has to be replaced.  Also when you think that (again in my opinion) all the DE will still be on the board, it makes sense that they will get the best player in a position of need.  The question now is which DE to pick.  Would it be the in-exposed but highly talented Jason Pierre-Paul from South Florida, or would it be Georgia Tech's Derrick Morgan.  More is known about Morgan, and he is seen as a solid player, but I believe that the Titans will take Pierre-Paul.  His workouts have been very impressive and he is an impressive human being.  Although he hasn't had much big game experience I believe this player could be very special.

Pittsburgh Steelers


Last season - 9 - 7 3rd in AFC North


Team needs - OL, MLB, S, CB


Players in - Larry Foote MLB, Antwaan Randel El WR, Arnaz Battle WR, Jonathan Scott T, Will Allen S.


Players out - Willie Parker RB, Santonio Holmes WR.


Draft Positions :


1st Round : 18th pick
2nd Round : 20th pick
3rd Round : 18th pick
4th Round : 18th pick
5th Round : 20th pick, 33rd pick, 35th pick
6th Round: 19th pick
7th Round : 18th pick, 35th pick


Total : 10 picks 


Looking at the needs of the Steelers against the players in list, the only position of need not addresses is the CB position.  Also with only Joe Haden off the board at this position (again according to my mock draft) I believe they will look at the next best CB, Boise States Kyle Wilson.  Wilson, according to scouts, is defiantly 1st round material, and will be able to start immediately in the NFL.  I think this will suit the Steelers down to the ground.


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Monday Night Football

Tennessee Titans @ Houston Texans

Monday Night Football comes from Houston this week, as the 5 - 4 Texans welcome the resurgent 3 – 6 Titans. This AFC South clash is huge for both teams. The Titans, after starting 0 – 6, have played really well in recent weeks, with VY in at QB again, and are now on a 3 game winning streak. The Texans were on a bye last week, but their last game was the tough loss against the Colts. It will be very interesting to see how they respond after having a full 2 weeks to stew over that defeat. The Texans must slow down Titans star man, RB Chris Johnson, if they are to win this game. Johnson now has 1091 yards this season and 8 TD’s. This is an amazing average of 6.4 yards per carry. The Texans are though quite good against the run. The Texans game is to air the ball out. This should suit them in this game as the Titans pass defence is ranked 31st in the NFL. This is great news for WR Andre Johnson, who has 800 yards and 4TD’s this year. QB Matt Schaub will look to take advantage of this unsure secondary. I believe that the Texans will have enough to slow down Chris Johnson just enough, to get the win.

Lee’s Prediction – Titans 14 Texans 21