NFL Southern Division Outlook

Today I will be looking at both the AFC and NFC South. These are traditionally two very intriguing divisions. Both divisions have teams looking make the next step towards the playoffs. The quarterback play in both divisions is solid for the most part. I'm looking forward to seeing how they play out this season. Let's not waste any more time and start breaking down these eight teams.

AFC South

Indianapolis Colts: 9-7

The big question this offseason has been will Peyton Manning be healthy enough to be effective in all 16 regular season games this season? After having offseason neck surgery he hasn't been able to participate in training camp until a couple days ago. If Manning is unable to play at 100% health the Colts will be in a world of hurt at the beginning of the year. Defensively this team is soft. They play well when they have a lead, but are awful in close games. No team in the league relies on one player more than the Colts rely on Manning. I ultimately think Manning will get back to full strength and lead the Colts to 9-10 wins this season.

Jacksonville Jaguars: 4-12

Playing in the always competitive AFC South, the Jaguars are in trouble this season. Starting quarterback David Garrard has been going through back issues this offseason. The Jacksonville defense isn't anything to get excited about either. One bright spot about the Jaguars is their running game. They should have a healthy Maurice Jones-Drew when the season starts. Him being hurt last season didn't help their cause at all. This may be the last season for head coach Jack Del Rio in Jacksonville unless he can surprise everyone and field a quality team.

Houston Texans: 6-10

Houston has been one of the most polarizing teams this offseason. There hasn't really been any middle ground on them. Either you think highly of them or you think poorly of them. I'm one of the people that doesn't think too highly of them. Don't get me wrong, they have a great offense that can put up a lot of points, but I can't look past that defense. They brought in defensive coordinator Wade Phillips to try and sure things up, but the problem is they don't have the personnel to run his 3-4 scheme. I'm simply not sold on quarterback Matt Schaub either. He's a great fantasy football quarterback, but when it's time to make winning throws he never does it. This team still needs another year or two.

Tennessee Titans: 5-11

The Titans are a team that is in some serious trouble right now. There best player running back Chris Johnson is holding out for a new contract, and it looks like neither side is close to reaching an agreement. Without Johnson the Titans offense will be half of what it could be. One thing I like what the Titans did is address the quarterback position in the draft and free agency. They were able to draft rookie quarterback Jake Locker and sign veteran quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. Defensively the Titans are young and aggressive. They'll find their nitch in the near future, but for now this is a team that will struggle throughout the year.


Now onto the NFC South

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 10-6

I absolutely love what head coach Raheem Morris is doing with this young roster. The Bucs play with enthusiasm week in and week out. They are lead by their rising star at quarterback Josh Freeman. I believe Freeman is due for a break out season this year. Offensively they'll be a pretty good team. The one thing that could hold this team back is their youth and their defense. Last season they were inconsistent on the defensive side of the ball. They're going to need defensive tackle Gerald McCoy to enforce his will on opposing offensive lines. If all the stars align for this team I could very easily see them in the playoffs.

Atlanta Falcons: 10-6

Last season the Falcons were the number one seed in the NFC playoffs. They were a pretty darn good team, and in my opinion they're a team that got better this offseason. The reason I think they'll win less games is because teams around them got better as well, and they'll be playing a tougher schedule as well. The big pick up made by Atlanta this offseason was drafting wide receiver Julio Jones. He should be and impact player along with what they already have. The thing I appreciate most about this team is that they're always well coached and prepared. With all that said, I expect them to take a couple steps back from their magical season in 2010.

Carolina Panthers: 3-13

I've got two word for you: Cam Newton. The Panthers used the number one overall pick on the former Auburn quarterback and are expecting great things from him. Newton has looked a bit shaky this preseason, but I feel that he'll eventually put it all togehter. This is a team that will struggle throughout the year. They're young and they're playing in a damn good division. The Panthers are excited to see wide receiver Steve Smith back because he can help Newton in his development. The defense is led by middle linebacker Jon Beason. They should be competitive on defense, but I think they'll behind the eight ball all year long. Look for them to be picking in the top 5 again this year.

New Orleans Saints: 13-3

The New Orleans Saints will find their stride in 2011. I cannot stress enough how good their offense will be this season. They're absolutely loaded. In April they drafted running back Mark Ingram who will be a stud for them. Not too many people know about their tight end Jimmy Graham who is poised to become a household name by the end of the season. My one concern about this team is their defense. They went out and signed defensive tackles Shaun Rogers and Aubrayo Franklin, but they haven't looked like run stoppers this preseason. They may just need to get their legs underneath them. This is a team that will be contending for a Super Bowl this season.

Check out the blog in a few days for analysis on the rest of the league...