Unlike the previous two divisions we’ve covered, the South is clearly the cream of the crop in the NFL, even with a down year expected from the Colts.
Jacksonville Jaguars: I’m not so sure that Jacksonville is the most talented team in the division, but with Marvin Harrison and Peyton Manning coming back from injuries, they are liable to get off to a slow start, and Jacksonville has the talent to overtake the Colts to nab themselves home field for the playoffs, essentially on the backs of Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew and a reliable defense, with or without Derrick Harvey. Their biggest problem is going to be quarterback, where David Garrard is still mediocre. His wideouts aren’t going to give him much to work with either.
Indianapolis Colts: While geographically and climatically, Indianapolis isn’t in the south, there is a certain element in that state that certainly thinks they are. That’s good enough, I suppose. The Colts, too, will once again be good enough, but I worry that this might be the year that injuries plague the team and keep them out of the top spot in the division. Good mojo and a fairly easy schedule will mean the Colts will still easily make the playoffs, however. Lastly, Tony Dungy is a wonderful man with a strong handshake.
Tennessee Titans: Any team that has 15 potential running backs is going to be all right by my book. Vince Young will continue to be limited by poor decision making and receivers like Roydell Williams and Justin McCareins, but is athletic enough to make a play or two happen. I’m not sold on the defense yet, but a weak schedule to start the season will put them in the conversation, definitely.
Houston Texans: I said it at the time, and I’ll say it again. The Texans sure look smart, having rafted Mario Williams. Despite the team’s potentially abysmal offense, It’s hard to believe that Reggie Bush or Vince Young would have helped as much as Mario Williams is helping turn around the defense. Too bad this talented young team is still a small fish in an ocean of sharks. Nailed that metaphor.
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