AFC SOUTH 2009 Season Preview

By Adam Barone

The AFC South, like most divisions in the NFL, is becoming especially competitive. Depending on how things shake out, really anyone could finish on top. The departures of Albert Haynesworth and Tony Dungy, and the health of Matt Schaub appear most critical to the outcome in this group. Here’s how things are likely to end up:

1. Tennessee Titans (10-6): Kerry Collins took over as the Titans’ starting quarterback last season, and was surprisingly effective. He was rewarded with a new two-year contract, free agent receiver Nate Washington, and rookie receiver Kenny Britt. The offense is still built around the run though, which features Chris Johnson and LenDale White. Johnson topped 1200 rushing yards as a rookie last season and scored nine touchdowns on the ground, while White contributed 15 scores of his own. White is a free agent after this season, and should be very motivated.
The scheme on defense will remain the same, but the coordinator, Jim Schwartz, is now the head coach of the Lions, while the unit’s former best player, Albert Haynesworth, is a Redskin. Jeff Fisher could be the best head coach in the league though, so anything is possible. Expect Tennessee to be competitive as usual.

2. Indianapolis Colts (10-6): The story in Indianapolis is all about the coaching changes. Head coach Tony Dungy retired following last season, and was replaced by former assistant head coach Jim Caldwell. Offensive coordinator Tom Moore also retired, but Peyton Manning is still the coach on the field, so the scheme will remain the same.
Receiver Marvin Harrison was released and will be replaced by Anthony Gonzalez, who’s been playing in the slot early in his career. Rookie running back Donald Brown replaces former backup Dominic Rhodes, who went to Buffalo. Brown will split carries with starter Joseph Addai.
The run defense allowed 4.2 yards per carry last season, and ranked 24th overall. Defensive tackles Fili Moala and Terrance Taylor were drafted to help shore up the run.
This could be the beginning of the end of the Colts’ reign as one of the NFL’s top franchises. They’re still a force to be reckoned with as long as Peyton Manning is around, but the window slowly closes are their stars age.

3. Houston Texans (9-7): The key to the coming season for the Texans is the health of quarterback Matt Schaub. Schaub has played only 11 games each of the two seasons he’s been with the Texans. Former backup Sage Rosenfels was traded to the Vikings in the offseason, so it’s all on Schaub’s shoulders. He’s flashed a lot of potential, completing over 66 percent of his passes in his time in Houston, while averaging over 275 passing yards per game last season. Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter, and Owen Daniels are his primary targets, along with Steve Slaton in the backfield. That’s a pretty nice array of weapons. If he can stay healthy, Schaub could be one of the league’s top quarterbacks statistically.
The defense ranked 22nd overall last season, and had only 25 sacks. In light of those issues, the front office dedicated the offseason to improving that side of the ball. First round pick Brian Cushing, a linebacker out of USC, and second round pick Connor Barwin, a defensive end from Cincinnati, are a start.
If either the Titans or Colts falter, the Texans do have the talent to take the division if their defense can hold up.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-8): The Jaguars cleaned house on offense this offseason, releasing running back Fred Taylor, and receivers Matt Jones, Jerry Porter, and Reggie Williams. Former Rams’ receiver Torry Holt was signed as the new go-to guy on offense, while Maurice Jones-Drew takes over as the every-down back. Tackle Tra Thomas was brought in to improve the offensive line, which gave up 42 sacks in 2008—good for eighth most in the league.
The defense was a disappointment last season, as many thought the Jaguars were a Super Bowl contender heading into the season. The unit finished 17th overall, and allowed a staggering 5.7 yards per play—sixth most in the NFL. Three players tied for the team lead with four sacks, another stat that needs to change in the coming season.
Head coach Jack Del Rio is on the hot seat, and is likely to find his way off it one way or another within the next year.

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