The AFC South has been dominated by the Indianapolis Colts and it looks like their Luck is continuing. While the Colts look to be the ones who will end up being division champs, the other 3 teams are working hard to try to catch up.
Houston Texans: The Houston Texans have the spotlight on them this season since they are the subject of the HBO show, ‘Hard Knocks’ which is going to chronicle the team’s training camp and preseason. The offense is looking decent, but Jaelen Strong is really going to be the one to watch out for. Strong was drafted in the 3rd round by the Texans and his dedication to being a part of the team is real. Strong lost 20 pounds and seems to be faster and more motivated to becoming a better player but it looks like Strong will still have to fight for a position behind DeAndre Hopkins.
The quarterback competition looks like it won’t be resolved any time soon, because Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett are still both getting their fair share of reps with the first-teamers. Obviously, the defense is nothing without JJ Watt, but it looks like the defense has at least 6 cornerbacks, competing for the starting job. The defense is benefitting greatly with the addition of Vince Wilfork who is not only a tremendous physical presence but is literally causing the offensive line to not even think about moving.
The Texans also suffered the loss of RB Arian Foster who looks like he could be missing the season due to a groin injury. This loss will more than likely end up with the Texans signing a free agent.
Indianapolis Colts: Training camp started off with no surprises really. Andrew Luck was on fire like normal, but with Wayne gone, he has to find a new target. The new target looks to be Andre Johnson who seems to the one of the MVPs of camp so far. T.Y. Hilton could be another target if his contract negotiations can be worked out.
Special teamer, Pat McAfee looks like he is going to be one of the Colts hidden weapons, because he has the ability to play both kicker and punter and he seemed to generate the most applause at camp. DT Art Jones who is coming back from a 2014 injury season looks to the most improved on the Colts roster. Jones lost 20 pounds which allow him to become quicker on his feet which showed in the way that he broke up most of the Colts running plays. Jones’s healthier weight and attitude add a depth to the Colts defensive line that will certainly make a difference in games and hopefully leave Jones off the injury list.
Jacksonville Jaguars: After a disappointing season last year and the loss of Dante Fowler Jr, it looks like the Jaguars were hopeless. However, training camp is actually looking relatively well for the Jags. QB Blake Bortles seems to have improved tremendously, receiving praise from HC Gus Bradley, “I like his mechanics, his poise. His big thing is he wants to own the offense so he can play at a higher level without thinking a lot. That’s what he’s doing. You can tell he put in his time over the summer with his knowledge of the offense.”
The offensive line is looking good too, especially Luke Joeckel and T. J.Yeldon. Joeckel has gained weight and strength since last season and with the addition of Jeremy Parnell, it looks like the new depth in the offensive line. The defense is looking alright especially with the loss of Fowler and a few other injuries, but Telvin Smith looks to have improved from last year and it shows in his performance. Smith had a pretty productive season last year, but camp so far has been Smith’s for taking.
Tennessee Titans: All eyes are on the second draft pick, Marcus Mariota. It has been rumored that Mariota will not be NFL ready, but it looks like the rumors aren’t true. So far, Mariota has been playing flawlessly and looks to be adjusting seamlessly into the NFL. The offensive line really looks to be improved especially with RB Bishop Sankey. Sankey is athletic and fast, but it’s not too late to dismiss rookie RB David Cobb. While Sankey is fast, Cobb is physical, making his presence known to the defense.
Most of the rookies are really getting a chance to show what they can do even Dorial Green-Beckham. Talks from the camp show that he still has a lot to improve on but is improving daily. The defense has mostly been in the shadows due to Mariota, but Blidi Wreh-Wilson, DaQuan Jones, and Karl Kung. One of the biggest defensive moments was an interception picked off by Curtis Riley which was thrown by Zach Mettenberger. Mariota has been free of interceptions since the start of camp and here’s hoping!
