That's a big part of the reason I'm picking the Colts to win the division again. That, and the fact that their offense is nearly unstoppable and their defense is very adept at making the big plays.
The Jaguars have a solid club, and they're seen as a popular dark-horse pick this year. However, I think they're slightly overrated thanks to a very easy schedule last year. If any team in the division has a chance to unseat the Colts, it's the Jaguars. But I don't think this is the year. Here's how I see the division working out:
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts come into this season feeling as if they have something to prove. However, a big cog in their offensive machine, Edgerrin James, is gone, leaving concerns that there could be a noticeable drop in offensive production. With James now in Arizona, the Colts are counting on veteran back-up Dominick Rhodes and rookie Joseph Addai to force defenses to continue to respect the club's rushing attack.
Defensively, the Colts shouldn't miss a beat. In typical Dungy fashion, they will continue to be an aggressive, big-play, turnover-producing unit. And overall, the team should certainly be in the hunt for the division crown again. But until they get the job done, there will always be questions about the team's ability to do it when it counts... during the playoffs. Read more...
Jacksonville Jaguars
Quarterback Byron Leftwich is entering his fourth year in the NFL hoping to establish himself as one of the league's better signal callers. He was banged up in 2005, but managed to post the highest passer rating of his career (89.3) and threw 15 touchdown passes to just five interceptions. However, he did lose one of his favorite targets when Jimmy Smith retired, but former QB Matt Jones looks ready to step into a prominent role, and youngster Ernest Wilford has shown promise. They also picked up a pass-catching tight end in the draft in Marcedes Lewis of UCLA. Consistency will be the key for this unit.
Defensively, there's no reason to think the Jaguars won't be very solid again, although it looks like they will be without leading tackler Mike Peterson to open the season. Overall, the team looks strong again, although they might be a bit overrated. They should be in the mix in the AFC South, but I don't feel this is the year they'll get past the Colts. Read more...
Houston Texans
The Texans are a team I like to make a big turn-around this year. New head coach Gary Kubiak has his players buying into the system brought down from Denver. And with improving the protection around QB David Carr a priority, the team's offensive line has been overhauled and the zone-blocking scheme, which has been so successful for the Broncos, is being installed. The team also appears to have found some depth at running back during the preseason with both Vernand Morency and Wali Lundy filling in admirably for the injured Domanick Davis.
Houston also seems to be making a reasonably smooth transition from the 3-4 to a 4-3 base defensive, and has the makings of a very good defensive line. Of course, there are bound to be bumps along the way, especially early in the season as everyone gets on the same page. A playoff run might not be in the cards this season, but this team should show significant strides over the frequently-overmatched club that suited up in '05. Read more...
Tennessee Titans
Following a couple down seasons brought on by salary cap restrictions, the Tennessee Titans are looking to show they've turned the corner to respectability. But this is still a team with a lot of concerns, especially on the offensive side of the ball. The team has added an exciting young player in QB Vince Young, but he's raw and will need some time to grow along with the rest of the offense.
The Titans have the potential to be pretty good on defense this year, and they have the benefit of one of the better coaching staffs in the league. So I look for this club to be in a lot of tight games, but I don't foresee a run at the playoffs for at least another season. Read more...
