2008 marks the end of the Colts dominance in the AFC South. If last season showed us anything, from this group of four, it's that Jaxsonville is the new power bellow the Mason Dixon Line. All others will have to be bistandards going forward.
*Editors Note: This article was written prior to NFL Kickoff Thursday, but do to extenuating circumstances could note be posted until today.*
In order of projected finish:
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jags have everything in place to become the best team in the AFC, and quite frankly that's a very realistic possibility this year. HOWEVA, it won't come without some serious work on both ends of the ball. I think David Garrard is the most underrated QB in the league. The guy simply doesn't throw INTs. He's awesome. While he probably won't be throwing for anymore than 20 TDs, he doesn't need to when the combo of MJD and Fred Taylor are in his backfield. That combo, paired with Matt Jonesless slot (addition by subtraction) will prove to be too much for the South, and really the entire AFC. Over the past half-decade, the Jags have had the most stellar and consistent Defense in the league. Anchored by a secondary of Rashean Mathis and Reggie Nelson, this group will be both effective and efficient, forcing turnovers and providing great field position for Garrard and Co.
2. Indianapolis Colts: The fall of the Colts begins in 2008. Some notes to make you realize what I'm talking about...Peyton Manning's knee surgery was not a good thing for this team, no matter what anyway in or around that organization suggests. For all intents and purposes, the Marvin Harrison that all fantasy owners once knew is gone. What's he doing with a gun, seriously? The loss of Jeff Saturday is so much bigger than people are making it out to be. Peyton's been putting his hands up Saturday's ass for the past eight years now, and all of a sudden they think they can just throw Steve Justice's cheeks in there and every thing's going to be okay? Think again. Last, this Defense is not nearly as good as everything seems to think. They are much more exposed to powerful running attacks than most. Just one man's opinion.
3. Tennessee Titans: I can see the Titans hovering right around playoff territory until about week 11/12 when for Jeff Fisher goes terribly wrong. Injury to a major player? Who knows? In either case, this team needs at least another season to develop into a January caliber squad. Vince Young is not as far along as he needs to be. It seems as though he's still playing in "Texas Mode", where things he used to do simply don't work on this level. I will say that Tennessee has one of the most underrated Defenses in the NFL. Big Al Haynesworth is just my favorite, so I suppose some bias applies here. Sue me. The Titans are right on that cusp.
4. Houston Texans: There are a lot of good things to say about how the Texans have grown as a franchise. Looking specifically at this year, I really like the acquisition of Matt Schaub. I think Andre Johnson is primed for another stellar season. Owen Daniels is a solid target at the TE spot and the D could be worse. Just not in this division or conference. Not this year.
Projected Final Records:
Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
Indianapolis Colts (10-6)
Tennessee Titans (8-8)
Houston Texans (7-9)
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