Thursday, February 10, 2011

Three things: AFC South

Houston Texans
1.       Pass Defense
-          The Texans finished dead last in the league in pass defense. Unless Kurt Warner is your quarterback (see: 2008 Arizona Cardinals), having a defense that ranks last in something will not get you very far. Kareem Jackson was a rookie last season, so it is too early to give up on him at cornerback. But Glover Quin and the two Texans safeties are not exactly prime time players – or even solid players. Draft, sign, find a new scheme, do something. If the Texans plan on getting over the hump and reaching the playoffs any time soon they need to find a secondary that can challenge Peyton Manning.

2.       3-4 personnel
-          Wade Phillips is the new defensive coordinator in Houston and his first order of business was switching from a 4-3 to a 3-4. This pushes Brian Cushing into the middle with DeMeco Ryans and leaves a pretty legitimate void of talent at OLB. Could Mario Williams thrive as a pass rushing linebacker? It’s worth a try. Regardless, the Texans are a true nose and either an outside backer or five technique away from making this thing work.



3.       Realize unnecessary mediocrity
-          The Texans are the NFL’s “Can’t get over the hump” team. They are like the chubby girl that works out at the gym every day. She works out hard every day but just can’t seem to drop the access weight. There is no reason for Houston to not be noticing change. They have one of the best five players in the league at wide receiver (Andre Johnson), defensive end (Super Mario), middle linebacker (Ryans), and potentially running back (first-team All-Pro Arian Foster). Not to mention Brian Cushing and Matt Schaub are pretty good at their jobs. The Texans just need to get over it. There is no way around it. Gary Kubiak has the talent, now he just needs to find a way to finally win.


Indianapolis Mannings

1.       Protect Peyton Manning
-          Peyton Manning was throwing to a practice squad and Reggie Wayne last year. And he still did a pretty darn good job. Just think how much better he would have done had his offensive line given him the time he is used to. When Manning is protected, he sets NFL records. Easy as 1, 2, 3 – which is how many lineman Indy may need to pick up this off-season.

2.       Help Peyton Manning
-          #18 is the whole team. He is the best quarterback of all-time in my opinion. The guy has one Super Bowl because Bill Polian only built him an offense and left him high and dry in shootouts. Help the guy out. Provide depth at receiver so Blair White isn’t his #2 target come playoff time. The Super Bowl is in Indianapolis in 2012 and how perfect would it be if Peyton Manning were quarterbacking the final game. If the Colts stay healthy and block for him, that is very realistic.

3.       Find out how many more years Manning has
-          Is it too soon to fine the Aaron Rodgers to Manning’s Brett Favre? If free agency goes well (or goes at all – cough cough CBA) and the Colts fill their needs on offensive line and maybe a few guys on defense, how about drafting Ryan Mallet at 22 overall? His skill-set is perfect for a dome.


Jacksonville Jaguars
1.       Pass rush
-          The Jags have tried a few guys at defensive end such as Aaron Kampman and Derrick Harvey, but nobody has really provided that pass rush they need. Tyson Alualu performed well for them as a rookie last season, now they need to find him a running mate at defensive end. This draft class is super pass rush heavy. Ryan Kerrigan, Adrian Clayborn, or Cameron Jordan may look good at pick 16.

2.       Find a playmaker
-          Maurice Jones-Drew does it all for the Jags. How about finding somebody to take the load off of his shoulders? Plus, MJD isn't really a gamebreaker because he is always pounding the ball 20 times a game. The Jags need a playmaker, a guy that scares other teams. They don’t need to throw a boatload of money on someone, but just look for that Devin Hester or Desean Jackson. Boise State’s Titus Young should be around in round 2 or 3.

3.       Find some real estate in Los Angeles
-          LA is dying for a football franchise. The Jaguars can’t seem to sell out games. How does the Los Angeles Jaguars sound? Do you think MJD would like the change of scenery? Speculations are that if any team packs up and heads to Hollywood that it will be the Chargers, Vikings, or the Jags. San Diego is already beautiful and Minnesota loves their team. I vote the Jags.



Tennessee Titans
1.       Quarterback
-          I think letting Vince Young go was a mistake. Maybe he was a head case and maybe Jeff Fisher didn’t like him, but he was a perfect fit in Tennessee. But now that he is gone, the Titans need to fill that void fast. Sorry Rusty Smith, but the Titans need to look into Carson Palmer, Kevin Kolb, or spending the eighth pick of the draft on Blain Gabbert. They have a running back and a great young receiver. Now they just need to find a third party.



2.       Look at your division
-          The Colts only have a few more good years left with Peyton Manning, the Texans love being average, and the Jaguars can barely field a team. If there is ever a time for a team to emerge it is now for the Titans in the AFC South. They have players on this team who went 13-3 in 2008. They know how to win. Now just do it.

3.       Just play – your team is really good
-          Piggybacking on #2, the Titans can win football games. They have a 2,000 yard rusher and the best bookend tackles in the AFC. This franchise is a dream scenario for a rookie quarterback – not so good where expectations are too high but good enough where you could win right away. They started out 5-2 last year before (for no reason) becoming the most apathetic team I’ve ever seen and finishing 6-10. If they play hard and make minimal adjustments, they will win. And win often.

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