The AFC South had high expectations coming into the cycle, but S1 was a disappointment for all besides the Jags. After an offseason of movement all 4 teams look to take the next step, let’s see where they stand 1 week into this season
Jacksonville Jaguars
Last season the Jags were able to capture the #1 seed in the AFC, despite benching their franchise QB halfway through the season. However injuries plagued the Jags into the playoffs and they fell in the divisional round against the Cincinnati Bengals. Heading into the offseason priority #1 was getting an established target for QB Jordan Love. GM HypeMike did just that trading for former Panther WR D.J Moore. Moore not only brings a refined route runner to the WR core, but also the speed to stretch defenses downfield.
The Jags week 1 matchup vs the LA Rams went about as well as they could’ve asked for winning 44-14 against the NFC powerhouse. The Jags tallied 3 sacks and SIX ints on Rams QB Matthew Stafford. The Jags also picked up 130 yards in the ground led by RB Travis Etienne. The Jags look to pick up right where they left off as division leaders in S2
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts were a revolving door last season, briefly being occupied by myself, before. Wing kicked out the door for Isiah Rodgers. Rodgers had a short stint as HC but eventually stepped away. Enter JClutch. While S1 was a wash, JC came in and turned this roster upside down. Most notably, moving XF RB Jonathon Taylor. JC has no doubt made this roster his own bringing in QB Drew Lock, and WR Kayshon Boutte around others.
In week 1 we had our first look at a division matchup, between JC and the infamous Dramaman. The Colts rode their way to victory on the arm of new (Franchise?) QB Drew Lock. Lock was extremely efficient going 14/15 for 221 and 3 TDs. This performance was enough to propel the Colts to a 49-10 victory and technically capture a division lead.
Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans made a big move S1 trading XF RB Derrick Henry. Henry was a crucial piece to the Titans success in previous years, but the new regime believed it was in the best interest to trade Henry. That being said S1 was nothing short of disastrous. The Titans went 5-13 and ha da top 10 draft choice. In the offseason the Titans also made a flurry of moves including trading for DE Montez Sweat, and draft 2 SS rookies in HB Bijan Robinson, and WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
In week 1 the Titans were stellar, putting up 49 points in the first half, and beating the Panthers 59-24. The Titans offense was very efficient both in the air and on the group, but the starters did not see much playing time. Defensively the Titans starting unit forced a whopping 7 turnovers including 4 forced fumbles. The Titans have seemed to turn some things around, and hopefully be a much better team than their S1 showing.
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans were on a warpath led by former HC Problem Wright. However his mysterious disappearance left the team in shambles. Enter Dramaman. The league had been missing one of the most entertaining members, but he makes his triumphant return taking over where Problem left off. He wasted no time making his patented BIG SPLASH. Drama traded For Alvin Kamara, Deebo Samuel, and QB Jameis Winston in a complete offensive overhaul.
For week 1 however, the hype was short lived. As previously mentioned the Texans fell to the Colts 49-10. Winston threw 4 picks in his Texans debut. Although a disappointing start to the season, Dramaman and the Texans will no doubt turn it around in the coming weeks, the talent on the offensive side of the ball is too overwhelming to ignore.
