In the AFC South some of the strongest defenses of the entire league compete. While the Jaguars want to make it into the Super Bowl, the Texans are hoping for a less injured season. The Titans attack with a new coaching staff and another promising defense. Meanwhile, in Indianapolis, the return of Andrew Luck takes centre stage. The SPOX preview of AFC South.
Balance 2017: 4-12.
The main approaches: S Tyrann Mathieu, CB Aaron Colvin, G Zach Fulton, G Senio Kelemete.
The most important retirements: LB Brian Cushing, TE C.J. Fiedorowicz, DT Chunky Clements, SS Marcus Gilchrist.
Despite a season marked by injuries with only four victories, fans of the Texans were allowed to enter the off-season with a positive gut feeling. The quarterback of the future had been found and one of the biggest problems solved in years – in only seven games Deshaun Watson had not only electrified Texans fans, but the entire NFL.
He received generous support from the drastically changed Playbook Bill O’Briens. The head coach replaced complex option routes and built in a lot of misdirection to bring Watson’s athletic abilities to bear. But Watson could not only convince by his abilities in movement but also by his already mature behavior in the pocket. Paired with a good overview and a whole lot of touch, the Texans 2018 should be one of the most dangerous downfield-passing games of the entire league.
A group of arrow-fast receivers will help. In addition to number one target DeAndre Hopkins, who once again returned to the ranks of the elite receivers in the pre-season in an impressive and quarterback-independent manner, Watson also has other flammable receivers available in Will Fuller and Vierlaundenpick Keke Coutee.
Fuller’s performance was particularly noticeable on only four missions at Watson’s side, with impressive, though not very meaningful, statistics. From Watson’s 13 passes to Fuller, seven ended in the end zone. In addition to Watsons, the return of J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus will have a significant impact. Without having to go into the individual qualities, Watt and Mercilus allow the Texans-Diamond front a lot of flexibility.
While Mercilus should already be able to go full throttle in Week 1, it is not yet completely clear at Watt to what degree he can already exert influence. The next key to the Texans Defense is Jadeveon Clowney. The former first overall pick has continuously improved his level and efficiency over the course of his three-year career and was one of the big reasons why the decimated Texans-Defense had done a good job in the Run-Defense.
Clowney will play for a contract as one of the most expensive defensive players in the NFL in 2018. Along with newcomers Aaron Colvin and Tyrann Mathieu, Houston has many building blocks for an elite defense.
During his promising stint in the pre-season, Watson impressively indicated that he represents Houston’s future on the quarterback position and could become one of the faces of the entire league.
At his spectacular performances, however, Watson often took great risks and got off lightly despite eight interceptions. Watson showed himself confident again in the preseason but by no means with a cooler mind. The recognizable Gunslinger mentality could lead to further and expensive turnovers.
An offensive line accompanied by questions cannot trim the worries. Especially the two tackle positions in Julie’n Davenport on the left and Seantrel Henderson or Kendall Lamm on the right side cause a queasy gut feeling. And no quarterback had the 2017 ball in his hand longer than Watson.
At the end of the day, the Texans depend on their superstars. The numerous injuries of the past years will also be constantly in the back of our minds this season. It seems like it only takes an injury of the superstars to make an imposing house of cards fall.
If the Texans are spared from injuries this season, especially in key positions, things could go high. With Watson Under Center, the possibilities of the entire offense open up, especially when it comes to play calling. An aggressive pass rush makes the defensive side one of the best in the league – at least in theory. Forecast: 2nd place in the division.
Page 1: Houston Texans
Page 2: Indianapolis Colts
Page 3: Jacksonville Jaguars
Page 4: Tennessee Titans