I see no reason why the Colts should not be back in the Super Bowl again this year. The offense is much the same with Peyton Manning as the ring leader and Joseph Addai, Donald Brown, Dallas Clark, Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie as acts in the offense's circus. The offensive line is sturdy but aging. First round pick Jerry Hughes ramps up an already frenetic pass rush and second round pick Pat Angerer bolsters their linebacking corps. If Bob Sanders can somehow stay healthy, he forms the league's best safety duo with Antoine Bethea, and makes the Colts the league favorite.
Houston Texans
The Texans have been dealing with the pressure of being everyone's breakout team for years. Perhaps they have grown into the role however and are ready to make the franchise's first playoff appearance. Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson are one of the very best quarterback-wide receiver connections in all of football. The offensive line still has questions. Rookie Ben Tate should nicely complement Steve Slaton. The defensive front seven is extremely talented with Mario Williams, Amobi Okoye, Brian Cushing, and DeMeco Ryans. Kareem Jackson helps replace Dunta Robinson and should be solid even as a rookie corner. I think ultimately the offensive line and defensive secondary will keep this team from challenging the Colts.
Tennessee Titans
Handicapping the Titans is a difficult enterprise because of the two halves of their 2009 season. Which team will they be this year? Chris Johnson is as dominant an offensive player as there is in the league. The offensive line is solid up front, but I wonder if Vince Young can keep defenses honest throwing the ball. Kenny Britt is going to be a very good receiver. The defense is mostly solid and added rookie Derrick Morgan who can play the run and rush the passer. The secondary had three Pro Bowlers two years ago in Cortland Finnegan, Michael Griffin, and Chris Hope. They should again be very good. Ultimately, this team does not throw the ball well enough to make a playoff push.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville's draft strategy leaves something to be desired. The Jaguars notoriously reached for Tyson Aluala with their first pick, and nabbed another defensive tackle, D'Anthony Smith, with their next selection. Defensive tackles usually take a while to adjust to the pro game, and this team has holes everywhere else. David Garrard is so-so at quarterback and really has nobody to throw to except super back Maurice Jones-Drew. If he can come back from an ACL injury sustained last November, Aaron Kampman greatly benefits this defense. He will move back to a 4-3 end where he can be dominant after struggling through the Packers' attempt to change him into a 3-4 outside linebacker. Other than him this defense has a ton of holes and should be about as effective as the offense, which is to say not very.
Final Standings
Indianapolis Colts 13-3
Houston Texans 10-6
Tennessee Titans 8-8
Jacksonville Jaguars 4-12
No comments:
Post a Comment