NFL Preseason Predictions: South Divisions
Photo by Brett Coomer from the Houston Chronicle
For years, it seems like the South divisions in the NFL have been kind of laughing stocks.
In one conference, that era might well and truly be over.
In the other conference…alright maybe it’s still not great.
Here is who is coming out of the South.
AFC South
4. Tennessee Titans (No Playoffs)
I liked their draft.
I liked hiring Robert Saleh to take over the defense, especially now that he doesn’t have to deal with Aaron Rodgers pseudo controlling the team like he did in New York.
I like Cam Ward, and with some weapons, he can be truly special.
But this team is still just not very talented, and that kind of matters a bit!
But this one is a slow burn.
Patience is key. They’ll get there.
3. Indianapolis Colts (No Playoffs)
The Colts looked incredible last year.
So incredible, that they traded two first rounders for Sauce Gardner and went all in.
Then, some cracks started to slip, and then Daniel Jones tore his achilles, and that was that.
Now, with two teams in the division who look to be really, really good, it’s hard for me to think that they’re going to get back into the postseason, even if I do think Shane Steichen is an excellent coach.
There’s just a lot of faith in Daniel Jones this year that I don’t necessarily have.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars (#6 Seed)
The Jags last year surprised everyone in year one under Liam Coen, winning 13 games and being the AFC South champion.
I see no reason why they can’t be really good again.
However, I absolutely hated their draft, I still don’t know if they know what to do with Travis Hunter, they lost Travis Etienne to the Saints, and they were openly shopping Brian Thomas Jr.
Good team.
I’m not sure they’re a great team.
1. Houston Texans (#2 Seed)
The Houston Texans play defense the way I did as a kid playing NCAA Football on Freshman mode.
4-3 formation, man coverage blitz, continuously get sacks or tackles for loss.
There is no clever scheme. There is no trickery or tomfoolery with the style.
Demeco Ryans has the Texans line up, and then smack you in the face repeatedly for 60 minutes, and it works.
The question is CJ Stroud, who after a phenomenal rookie season, has really struggled in years 2 and 3.
He was eligible for an extension this offseason, and he isn’t getting one.
That should be motivation enough to get him back into gear.
He doesn’t even have to be elite.
He just needs to not be terrible.
If he can avoid being terrible, the Texans are legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
NFC South
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No Playoffs)
I’m out on the Bucs.
I don’t think Todd Bowles is a good coach. Vita Vea is upset and wants a trade. Baker Mayfield is VERY upset about not getting a new contract, and is talking about it publicly. They let Mike Evans walk out the door, despite being a lifelong Buccaneer.
Add in all of that mess this offseason with their horrendous performance at the end of last year, and I think this team is headed for a nose dive.
3. Atlanta Falcons (No Playoffs)
I’m sure the Falcons, with their QB battle between Michael Penix Jr and Tua Tagovailoa, with stink for the first part of the year, and then at the end of the year will rattle off 4 or 5 wins and get them out of the basement and cost them a good draft pick.
And that checks out, because I really like their weapons, and I think Kevin Stefanski is a hell of a coach that the Browns will regret firing.
But this is the Falcons.
So that’s just what it will be.
2. Carolina Panthers (No Playoffs)
The Panthers were a pleasant surprise last year, making the playoffs despite an 8-9 record.
But they thrived against weaker opponents (sans a surprise win against the Rams), and struggled against the tougher teams.
Now, already riddled with unfortunate camp injuries, it’s reasonable to wonder how good they actually will be this year.
It feels like a middle of the road, mediocre season, and a lot of questions about Bryce Young next offseason.
1. New Orleans Saints (#4 Seed)
I’m bought in, baby!
It’s not uncommon for a team to go worst to first, and I think the Saints might just be that team.
The defense last year was actually decent, ranking 13th in DVOA.
The issue was the offense, but the offense really found its stride late in the season after officially switching to Tyler Shough.
Shough improved as the year went on, Chris Olave seemed to find his love of football again, and they added Jordyn Tyson in the draft and Travis Etienne in free agency.
With a full offseason of Shough as the starter in year two of Kellen Moore’s system, and giving him two good backs and two good receivers to go along with it, the future of the Saints does look very bright.
