AFC South Quarter Review

Houston Texans (3-1)

The biggest question mark for the Texans coming into the year was their rushing attack. Last year they were 30^th in the NFL in rushing yards. So their first win against the Indianapolis Colts was big in many ways. They were able to beat the defending AFC Champion, division rivals, and a team they were 1-15 against in their career, and they won the game by running the ball. That game has set the tone for their next three; they are now first in the NFL in rushing. If they can keep their balanced attack, they should be very tough to stop on offense. The one question area is their defense which ranks last in both total yards and yards through the air. With last year’s rookie of the year, LB Brian Cushing, coming back from suspension their defense should get a huge boost.

Surprise Players: Arian Foster, Kevin Walter, Bernard Pollard

Jacksonville Jaguars (2-2)

The Jaguars have been outscored 71-111 so far this year, but they are still 2-2 and 1-0 in the division. At times the Jaguars look like a very formidable team. They have yet to let a back go over 100+ yards against them, but have been torched in the passing game. In their two wins QB David Garrard has looked sharp throwing 5 TDs and 0 interceptions. Their two losses have been blowouts however, and Garrard has throws 1 TD and 5 Interceptions. The question going forward is what team is going to show up? I think this season really rests on the shoulders of David Garrard, if he plays well then the Jaguars could be a surprise team.

Surprise players: Marcedes Lewis, Daryl Smith, Mike Thomas

Indianapolis Colts (2-2)

The Colts probably did not envision starting off 2-2 and 0-2 in their division. You cannot really point the finger at the offense all they have done is put up 29 points a game and looked unstoppable in the passing game. Their defense is obviously the biggest problem; teams are averaging 5.0 yards a carry against them. You cannot be a playoff team with a stat like that.

Surprise Players: Austin Collie, Robert Mathis, Joseph Addai

Tennessee Titans (2-2)

The Titans are going to live and die with RB Chris Johnson. Johnson, who leads the NFL in carries, has had two games with 125+ yards rushing. In both of those games the Titans blew out their opponents. In the two games they lost, Johnson was held to 34 yards and 53 yards rushing. The Titans are going to need Vince Young to step up his game and make the offense a little less predictable, especially if Johnson is having a tough game. The defense has been solid so far, they are first in the NFL with 16 sacks and they have also forced 6 fumbles. They keep up that kind of pressure they should be able to compete with any team.

Surprise Players: Nate Washington, Michael Griffin, Jason Babin

Prediction: I like Houston to win the division, but you can never count out the Colts. I think the division will come down to week 8 Texans at the Colts. Winner of that game should come out on top of the division.