2009 NFL Season Preview: AFC South
The AFC South also produced two playoff teams (the Titans and the Colts) in 2008, but the departure of two big names leaves big holes on both teams. The Texans have been knocking at the door of being relevant for the last two years, while the Jaguars suffered a big dropoff from 2007-2008. What’s the outlook for 2009?
Houston Texans (predicted: 9-7, 2008: 8-8)
Third year head coach Gary Kubiak has to be on the hot seat this year as he tries to take his talented team into a winning season for the first time. Much will depend on the continued health of the fragile Matt Schaub, but if he can stay on the field all 16 games the Texans offense can compete with any team in the league. The defense, while loaded with some big names, can never seem to come up with the big plays their opponents do. We’ll see if second year running back Steve Slaton can repeat or improve upon a pleasantly surprising rookie debut.
Key Question: Can anyone cover Andre Johnson?
Player to Watch: WR Kevin Walter. Walter is a highly underrated #2 receiver who manages to put up above-average numbers despite playing opposite one of the best in the business. If Walter can take advantage of the double teams rolled Andre Johnson’s way, he could be an 80-reception receiver.
Indianapolis Colts (predicted: 11-5, 2008: 12-4)
The departure of longtime wide receiver Marvin Harrison had to happen at some point, and it was obvious that Harrison was aging and no longer a viable option for the Colts. With Peyton Manning at the helm, Indianapolis should be a contender for the wildcard at the very least. The addition of running back Donald Brown should give an acceptable alternative when Joseph Addai folds at the line of scrimmage like he did in 2008.
Key Question: Will new head coach Jim Caldwell be able to replace team legend Tony Dungy?
Player to Watch: WR Anthony Gonzalez. Gonzalez worked mainly out of the slot in 2008 and is a Wes Welker-like talent. Small and agile, he’s tough to cover. We’ll see if he can force opponents to respect his relatively small size and average top speed and become a threat to juggle along with Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark in the passing game.
Jacksonville Jaguars (predicted: 6-10, 2008: 5-11)
The Jaguars had a fairly dysfunctional 2008 with several offseason incidents raising questions about team chemistry. Jack Del Rio probably saved his job with the 2007 playoff run that ended in New England, but one has to wonder how the 6-10 follow-up has the organization feeling at the moment. David Garrard is also somewhat under the microscope after being awarded the biggest contract in club history just a few offseasons ago. The departure of Fred Taylor leaves the running game in the capable hands (or legs) of Maurice Jones Drew, but major questions remain along the offensive line, at wide receiver, and throughout the defense.
Key Question: Can the Jaguars beat out the Colts or the Titans for a playoff spot?
Player to Watch: DE Derrick Harvey. After a disastrous holdout at the beginning of his rookie season in 2008, Harvey enters 2009 with a major chip on his shoulder. Drafted to be essentially Jacksonville’s Mario Williams, he’s going to need a big favor to get back on his coaches’ goodside (not to mention the fans).
Tennessee Titans (predicted: 10-6, 2008: 13-3)
With veteran quarterback Kerry Collins enjoying a career renaissance as a game manager behind a strong defense and running attack, the Titans look to defend their first AFC South title in years. However, they go into 2009 without their best defensive player Albert Haynesworth who bolted to Washington in free agency for a lucrative contract. Tennessee’s crop of young defensive lineman should be able to make up for the loss of Haynesworth in part, but its safe to say that it won’t be quite the same. Coach Jeff Fisher (when not complaining about Jerry Jones’ toys) has taken the “even-keel” approach; don’t fix what isn’t broken. The Titans are looking forward to their season opener against Pittsburgh to exact revenge for the 2008 playoff loss in Tennessee.
Key Question: How far can Tennessee’s defense take them without Haynesworth?
Player to Watch: DE David Ball. Ball should fit nicely into the defensive line rotation, as the 5-year veteran came up big against the Lions on Thanksgiving in 2008 with an interception return for a touchdown. Ball is an underrated pass rusher who can get pressure from either the DT or DE positions.
Up next: AFC West.
Technorati Tags: Houston Texans, NFL, football, Gary Kubiak, Kevin Walter, Andre Johnson, Matt Schaub, Indianapolis Colts, Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, Joseph Addai, Donald Brown, Anthony Gonzalez, Wes Welker, Marvin Harrison, Tony Dungy, Dallas Clark, Jacksonville Jaguars, Fred Taylor, Jack del Rio, Maurice Jones Drew, Derrick Harvey, holdout, Tennessee Titans, Kerry Collins, Vince Young, Chris Johnson, Lendale White, Jeff Fisher, Albert Haynesworth, David Ball
