NFL 2011 AFC South Predictions

Even though he is one of the greatest to ever play the game, there are still 52 other players that deserve to play in the NFL. Here are my…

2011 AFC South Predictions

Indianapolis Colts (9-7)

It may seem all is lost because Manning may miss the season, but this isn’t exactly the toughest division to conquer; a college team could do it. QB Kerry Collins has played on some pretty bad teams over his 16 year career and has managed a respectable 84-100 record, two Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl loss. He even led the 1996 Carolina Panthers to a playoff win in their second year of existence. Point is; he knows how to play the game.

Running back Joseph Addai however, must remain healthy. Addai has missed 13 games the past 3 seasons (8 in ’10), and hasn’t rushed for 1,000 yards since both 2006 and ’07. Collins will need him for sure to win. Reggie Wayne will be asked for a 3rd consecutive 100+ receptions season as he too will be highly leaned upon in 2011.

While Robert Mathis (74 career sacks) and Dwight Freeney (94) will continue to terrorize quarterbacks; the rest of the defense will need to stop the run. The Colts ranked 25th versus their opponents ground attack in 2010; it’s an area that desperately needs to improve in 2011.

The Colts shouldn’t count themselves out just yet from making a 10th consecutive trip to the playoffs. Manning will most likely be on the sidelines coaching; which is what he does best.

Houston Texans (8-8)

When QB Matt Schaub is healthy he is one of the best. The past two seasons he has amassed over 9,000 yards, 53 TD and just 27 INT. He will have to be healthy again for his team to have a chance because RB Arian Foster duplicating last year’s stats are unlikely (1,616 yds. 16 TD); it’s a passing league anyways.

Who better than 6’3″ 225 pound Andre Johnson to throw to? This machine catches everything and has over 300 receptions, 4000 yards and has 25 TD over the past three seasons. The return of TE Owen Daniels will help take some of the double team off Johnson, and provide another star target for Schaub.

Wade Phillips comes over from Dallas as a defensive coordinator and will try to install the 3-4. Not many teams adjust quickly like the Green Bay Packers did in ’09; but they had the personnel to do so. The Texans drafted Wisconsin DE J.J. Watt who had 106 tackles and 11.5 sacks in two years as a Badger, but trying to move Mario Williams to linebacker may not work. Phillips is asking an exclusive pass rusher (48 sacks in 5 seasons) to also drop into coverage; he’s also huge at 6’6″ 295 pounds! I don’t know how much he can really run around over a 16 game schedule.

The Texans may not have the personnel to make a switch to the 3-4, but their offense will score points. The inexperience will keep them from seeing their first ever playoff berth once again.

Tennessee Titans (4-12)

No Jeff Fisher, plus no Vince Young, equals not too many wins for the 2011 Titans. QB Matt Hasselbeck is past his prime and has a bad back, so how much will he really contribute? The no.8 pick of the 2011 NFL Draft, Jake Locker, may be pushed into playing before he is ready; not a good thing at all.

Chris Johnson will have to run all day for the Titans to have a shot at winning games. He may have to catch as well since there are no receivers to speak of on the roster. Running he can do for sure, in 3 seasons he has 4,598 yds. , 5.0 avg. and 34 TD. He also isn’t too bad at catching with 137 receptions and 1,008 yards in his career.

The Titans offense will be mediocre at best, and with no threat on defense it will be a long season in Tennessee. Definitely a rebuilding year, I predict 2012 will be much better for this franchise.

Jacksonville Jaguars (3-13)

Where do I start with the Jacksonville Jaguars? Coach Jack Del Rio decided to wait until a week before the regular season to release his starting QB, David Garrard. Then names Josh McCown the starter who has started all but 9 games in 7 seasons for a huge total of 9 TD passes; oh boy. Rookie Blaine Gabbert should be starting no later than say, week 2?

Maurice Jones-Drew can carry the load at running back, but for how long? In 5 seasons he has ran for 5000+ yds. and 54 TD, but has only had 300+ carries once. He will have to do it in 2011 to help out his quarterbacks.

Aaron Kampman (50.5 career sacks), Safety Dawan Landry (from Baltimore) and LB Paul Posluszny will be the leaders of a young no-name defense. Jacksonville has some pieces for the future, but not 2011. They should have kept Garrard because with Peyton Manning out, the Jags could have maybe won the AFC South Division; but definitely not now.

Sources: nfl.com, espn.com


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