This is the third part of the State of the Division series, and we will be covering the AFC South.
Jacksonville Jaguars
2018 Record: 5-11(Missed Playoffs)
Biggest Additions: Nick Foles, Geoff Swaim, Josh Allen
Biggest Losses: Malik Jackson, Tashaun Gipson, Blake Bortles
State of the team: The Jaguars were a massive disappointment last season. After making it all the way to the AFC Championship game two years ago, they ended last year with a miserable 5-11 record, and didn’t come close to the playoffs. Over the summer, they added a big fish quarterback, Nick Foles, who should be a good fit as the Jags offensive coordinator(John DeFilipo) was Foles' QB coach in Philadelphia. However, they still have a lowly receiving corps, and running back Leonard Fournette is a big injury risk. Their defense is still one of the most stacked units in the NFL, and if Foles can spur some good offensive play, Jacksonville could be in a position to contend again.
Most Important People: Nick Foles is going to be very important to the Jags this year. While some believe he just got lucky during his magical Super Bowl run, Foles has made a Pro Bowl and is a good player. For Duval to succeed, he will need to capture some of the magic from 2 years ago, and finally give Jacksonville good quarterback play. Star cornerback Jalen Ramsey is also a player to watch this season. Ramsey is due for a contract extension, and there have been rumors that he will holdout until he gets an extension. If he doesn’t show up, the Jags will have lost their best player and vocal leader, which will greatly affect the team.
Projected team MVP: Ramsey, if he plays.
Expectations/Goals: For the Jags to consider the season a success, they need to make it back to the playoffs. In possibly the best division in the league, that will be a hard feat. Head coach Doug Marrone's job could be on the line if Jacksonville gets off to a slow start, and his job is good as gone without a playoff berth.
Tennessee Titans
2018 Record: 9-7(Missed Playoffs)
Biggest Additions: Cameron Wake, AJ Brown, Adam Humphries
Biggest Losses: Josh Kline
State of the team: The Titans are a good team. After barely missing out on the playoffs in a Week 17 elimination game versus the Colts, the Titans can make it back this year. They didn’t lose any key cogs to the team, drafted an excellent wide receiver(AJ Brown), and signed another good one(Adam Humphries). After running back Derrick Henry took a star turn last season, he can take it a step further this year. On defense, they have stars like Kevin Byard and Jurrell Casey, and are a very well-rounded team.
Most Important People: Second year coach Mike Vrabel did some good things for the Titans last season, but it eventually ended without a playoff berth. He will have to up his coaching a little bit for Tennessee to improve. Quarterback Marcus Mariota has a lot to prove this year. He is in a contract year, and has been known to play shaky for much of his career. If he has a stable season and leads the team well, he is sure to get an extension.
Projected team MVP: Derrick Henry, who will have to run like how he did back in December.
Expectations/Goals: The Titans need to get back to the playoffs. While it will be tough, they are capable of doing it. After all, the Titans didn’t fire coach Ken Wisenhunt(who led them to the playoffs) just to miss out on the tournament two years in a row. The Titans have the potential to be special, and it will be up to Coach Vrabel and company to decide if they want to be or not.
Houston Texans
2018 Record: 11-5
Biggest Additions: Tashuan Gibson
Biggest Losses: Tyrann Mathieu, Kareem Jackson, Demaryius Thomas
State of the team: The Texans did not really get better this summer, and one could make an argument that they got significantly worse. They lost key defensive contributors in Mathieu and Jackson, might be facing a contract holdout from defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, and failed to address their biggest need: Offensive Line. The Texans gave up an NFL record 65 sacks last season, and for a mobile, young quarterback like Deshaun Watson, that is not good at all. They also fired their GM in a stunning move a couple months ago, and are being led by a group of people rather than one guy. However, with a star-studded pass rush and arguably the best wide receiver in the game(DeAndre Hopkins), the Texans have the potential to not only get back to the playoffs, but make it past the first round or two.
Most Important People: Coach Bill O'Brien has been great for the Texans, but is has translated into almost no playoff success. The furthest he made it is the divisional round back in the 16-17 season, and Houston was destroyed by the Patriots. QB Deshaun Watson is also going to be important, and he has to stay healthy if the Texans want to win.
Projected team MVP: DeAndre Hopkins, who will continue to be the team's best player.
Expectations/Goals: It's time for the Texans to step up their January game. For this season to truly be successful, Houston has to make it to the AFC Championship game. With other contenders like the Chiefs and Patriots, it will be hard, but they are capable of doing it.
Indianapolis Colts
2018 Record: 10-6
Biggest Additions: Justin Houston, Pierre Desir, Devin Funchess
Biggest Losses: N/A
State of the team: The Colts can compete. They have one of the best quarterbacks in the league in Andrew Luck, an excellent offensive line that didn't lose any pieces, a great receiver, and a stacked defense. On top of that, they have a coach of the year the candidate(Frank Reich), and are legitimate contenders for a Super Bowl. The team only got better in free agency and through the draft, and are about to make serious noise.
Most Important People: Andrew Luck is by far the most important person to this team. The Colts were a mess when he was sidelined by a shoulder injury, and he has a huge impact on the team's success. Linebacker Darius Leonard is also very important. The sophomore linebacker is coming off one of the best rookie seasons ever, and will look to build on that this year.
Projected Team MVP: Luck.
Expectations/Goals: The Colts will be expected to go deep into the playoffs. An AFC Championship run is definitely possible, and the Colts good actually win the whole thing. They have enough talent and skill to beat the powerhouses of the league, and barring any injuries, should be considered among the favorites to make it out of the AFC at the least.
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