2008 AFC South Predictions

July 1, 2008 | Posted By Larry Cook

The AFC South is arguably the NFL’s most competitive division. The Colts were hampered by injuries last year, the Jaguars proved they could win anywhere, the Titans just keep finding a way to win with a steady defense and the Texans have more expectations than ever to finally finish with a winning record. Let’s see how this division plays out with our 2008 AFC South predictions below.

1.) Indianapolis Colts

The Colts are contenders again because Peyton Manning is still the quarterback and Tony Dungy keeps improving a defense built for speed. But the schedule is Dungy’s toughest in Indy with eight 2007 playoff foes slated. Injured stars in defensive end Dwight Freeney, receiver Marin Harrison and safety Bob Sanders must return healthy and the Colts can breeze through this schedule. The offensive line must improve, where their starting tackles were injured most of the year and the Colts had to rely too much on the pass. This puts Manning in jeopardy of injury, so look for the Colts to try and establish Joseph Addai more in the running game this season.

The Colts are the class of the AFC South as five-time defending champions, but now a season removed from Super Bowl glory, fans have reason to expect for than a one-and-done playoff exit. The Colts made NFL history with their fifth consecutive 12-win season last year, but shouldn’t be so good for so long translate to more than one title? The Colts don’t need to be reminded that rival New England has raised three championship banners since 2001. There’s no reason Indy won’t win the AFC South for another division title as long as injuries don’t bite them in the ass again in 2008.

2.) Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars feel they are only a player or two away from a Super Bowl run in 2008. They gave up five draft picks to trade up in the first two rounds to draft pass rushers Derrick Harvery and Quentin Groves. The Jags feel that a pass rush is the final missing piece in their Super Bowl puzzle. This is indicated by their 1-8 record against the Tom Brady’s and Peyton Manning’s of the league over the last 3 seasons.

David Garrard is primed for a big season after signing a big contract last year. He’ll get help from the acquisition of Jerry Porter and Troy Williamson as proven targets to further the Jaguars passing attack. Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew offer one of the best running back tandems in the league. With the help of their running game, the Jags had 400 plus total yards a team-record seven times last year. Now their offense should compliment an already great defense. The Jaguars can’t overtake the Colts when Indy is healthy, so on paper Jacksonville will have to settle for second in this tough division.

3.) Tennessee Titans

The Titans enter the season on their 10th anniversary of the team’s move to Tennessee. They’ll try to finish the decade the way they finished last decade, with a Music City Miracle and a Super Bowl berth. A few familiar faces return to Nashville this season, including offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger, defensive end Jevon Kearse and wide receiver Justin McCareins. Heimerdinger is a master play caller who should spark Vince Young’s playmaking ability this season, especially in the passing game.

The Titans return a steady group of underrated players on defense in end Kyle Vanden Bosch, tackle Albert Haynesworth and linebacker Keith Bulluck. Safeties Michael Griffin and Chirs Hope offer one of the best tandems at their position in the game. Kicker Rob Bironas has proven to be a clutch performer, but the Titans hope to turn those field goals into touchdowns and turn an early playoff exit into a Super Bowl run all the way to Tampa Bay. Don’t be surprised if the AFC South has three teams representing their division in the playoffs again in 2008, including the Titans.

4.) Houston Texans

The Texans are still on the rise, but just how much higher will they go is still the question. Offensively, the key will be establishing a running game to compliment their tremendous passing attack. Injuries have hurt the Texans so much at running back the past two seasons that they haven’t been able to implement coach Kubiak’s preferred run-first approach.

The Texans’ secondary will be exploited in the first half of the season when it will be without cornerback Dunta Robinson. End Mario Williams must pick up where he left off last season with 14 sacks, and defensive tackle Amobi Okoye needs to make a big jump in production from his rookie season. The Texans have the talent to win more games this year, but they don’t have the winning experience it takes to reach the playoffs.

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