NFL Review and Predictions - AFC South

A series of reviews, predictions and ramblings on what to expect in the upcoming NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE season. As always, don't hold me to these.

AFC South


Indianapolis Colts
It's the Tom Brandstater show! Just kidding Colts fans, but it is true that if something happened to your Manning that the Colts might just end up .500 or worse instead of with 13 or 14 wins. The Colts have been able to keep talent around Manning for the better part of his career and thus they will be a contender again this season. Running back will be "by committee" but look for Donald Brown to contribute much more this season than Joseph Addai. Reggie Wayne is still a superstar number one receiver but he has help with tight end Dallas Clark and young receivers in Austin Collie, Pierre Garcon and Anthony Gonzalez. The defense is strong led by a playmaking safety (when healthy) in Bob Sanders. When he isn't healthy Melvin Bullitt will play and is more than adequate. The Colts will be contenders, there is no doubt about it.

Houston Texans
Every year we wait for the Texans to make the leap from 8-8 pretenders to the contenders. Matt Schaub will take the explosive offense into battle each week and will have one of the best receivers in football to throw to in Andre Johnson. Steve Slaton anchors the running back group and will get breathers from rookie out of Auburn Ben Tate and veteran Chris Perry. The defense is strong and not just because of the PED's that Brian Cushing was taking. Mario Williams and Ryan Demeco have come into their own and will only get better. It is said every year about the Texans but I really believe this will be their year to make the playoffs.

Tennessee Titans
The Titans realized what they had in running back Chris Johnson and gave him the new contract extension that he wanted so he wouldn't hold out. The fastest man in the league will be the workhouse back and should most of the load for the Titans. It is a Chris Johnson or bust type of year for the Titans. Behind centre is the redeemed Vince Young. Just incase he gets into another fight at a strip club, the Titans still have Kerry Collins on the roster. The defense is solid but not spectacular. Although the Titans have been good the last couple of seasons, I see them struggling in 2010.

Jacksonville Jaguars
The team that really needed to draft Tim Tebow, just so some of Gator-nation would attend games. The Jags have some talent but a tough schedule (they have to play the NFC East), should make it difficult for them this season. David Gerrard returns under centre and this could be a make it or break it year for him. The Jags will rely on their running game featuring Maurice Jones-Drew, but will probably not be able to give him the carries he needs because they'll be behind late in games. The wide receivers are young and the emerging star of the group is Mike Sims-Walker. The defense will be on the field alot so Kirk Morrison, signed from Oakland and first round draft pick (instead of Tebow) DE Tyson Alualu will have to shine. The Jags need another couple of drafts before they shine in the south again.