LogFAQs > #968586125

AFC South

1. Columbus Pioneers
2. Indianapolis Colts
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
4. Tennessee Titans

The Pioneers endured a really rough injury season on the defensive side, but they toughed it out for a great defensive year. They already begin this year with a long-term injury to an OLB, but I have faith in them. The offense was the main issues for their 7-9 record, which was good enough for the division, but they put considerable resources there. They have a new backup QB, starting HB, starting Gs, and rookie sensation MIke McGlinchey has won the job at LT. I think the Pioneers have a case to having both of the best acquisitions of the offseason in trading for SS Keanu Neal and signing HB DeMarco Murray. Murray might be the best HB the franchise has ever had, and rebalances this offseason after two years of a poor running game. They unfortunately play the NFC West out of conference, who could be the league's most improved division, but I only see three games they are clear underdogs in (away games against Rams, Dolphins, and Express). With their talent and level of play, I could see them go from a losing record to in the Super Bowl.

There are few teams that I am more curious and excited to see than the Colts. They have probably been the best defensive team outside of the Rams, Express, and Dolphins the past few seasons, but their dreadful offense has prevented them from reaching the heights of those three. While clearly still not on their level, the Colts might be legit playoff contenders now. QB Baker Mayfield had the most promising rookie season out of all the QBs last season, and there was a lot to like about rookie HB Jamaal Williams (dual-threat, very low fumble rate). By spending two 1sts and some free agent dough on new starting OL, the offense has a chance of exiting the Bottom 10. The defense brings everyone back except #2 CB John Nelson is replaced with Mackenzie Alexander who has risen to the top spot. By virtue of wacky shenanigans, the Colts are blessed with a last place schedule and get the Chiefs and Browns. They also have no injuries to begin the year. I don't want to give mccheyne too high of hopes, but things are looking much better this season.

The Jaguars should have been in the playoffs if not for the stubborness of letting rookie third-string HB Kenneth Dixon start the final four games, all losses with Dixon providing a 3.1 YPC. I'm also not a fan of what they did in the first round of the draft, nor losing rising star DE Mario Edwards Jr., but they given they acquired QB Kirk Cousins (great but frequently injured) and RT Riley Reiff, I'm feeling much better about the offense this season. Still, HB Eddie Lacy has not been a good HB with the Jags (rushing YPC of 3.8 and 3.6 in his two seasons) and Terrelle Pryor, who will miss at least three games, is the only pass-catcher worth a damn. I may feel much better, but that doesn't mean I'm expecting the offense to do better than average at best. The defense is where the Jags can see a lot of improvement. I feel like the defense was actually good last season, but the offense was so poor in the second half that they had to be on the field so often and in bad situations that it led to their 20-something ranking. They have a good DL and secondary, and the highly drafted LB corps (two Top-10 picks and an early 2nd rounder) has started to show signs of life. If the both sides make some strides, the Jags are a division and wild card contender. If not, it could be a long season in Jacksonville.

There was a lot I got right and wrong about the Titans last season. To start with the positive from the Titans perspective, they did not finish in the Bottom 10 on defense, they finished 9th. Granted a major part of that was the poor offensive showings by every team in their division, which is a huge chunk of their schedule, and I will need to see it again to not call it a fluke, but despite the talent issues, maybe I shouldn't be so hard on them on that side of the ball. I did say that I did not like their two first round selections because of their offensive situation and that QB Ben Olson was a poor fit for the club. I did not expect Olson to be a complete disaster, but I guess the Titans are rolling with him again. There is very little to believe in this offense. I would say that they are most likely to finish in the 30s and at best the 20s. They have no viable starting HB to speak of as of this moment, and they have no legit second receiving threat. The OL is doing all it can, but Hall of Fame finalist Mike Jones retired, and OT Germain Ifedi will be out for at least six weeks, which includes both games against the Pioneers, the Dolphins, and improved Wildcats club. It would not be a shock if they begin the season 1-4 or 0-5. The second-half schedule is better but not many games they should be the favorites in. I just don't see this team competing for a playoff spot.