The AFC South had two of the worst teams in the NFL record wise. The Jaguars and the Texans struggled all season as the Texans a team that had finally made it to the top falls back to the bottom of the division. The Colts were the top team in the division but it’s not like they’re unbeatable. Can the Titans, Jaguars, or Texans make the moves necessary to catch the Colts in the AFC South?
Least Improved Team
Houston Texans
Key Acquisitions
Ryan Fitzpatrick, Quarterback
Chris Clemons,Texans, Saftey
Kendrick Lewis, Saftey
Key Losses
Earl Mitchell, Defensive Tackle
Ben Tate, Runningback
Matt Schaub, Quarterback
Darryl Sharpton, Linebacker
The Texans were thought to be one of the top teams in the AFC South after being one of the top teams in the last couple years. This year they struggled as running back Arian Foster struggled with injuries and quarterback Matt Schaub played terrible before going out for the year. With the offense struggling the defense was pretty much left to try and win games on their own.
Unfortunately the defense was bitten by the injury bug as well. Their top linebacker Brian Cushing was out for the majority of the year, and without him the team definitely struggled. This brings us into their first big mistake this offseason which was the loss of Darryl Sharpton after leading the team in tackles. The Texans after going 2-14 were not in the positions to take steps back in free agency, losing Sharpton was a major step back.
The team also lost Schaub a solid veteran and as much as many would like to deny the best quarterback on the roster. With Schaub gone there will be a lot of pressure on the young quarterback the team drafts to come in as the starter. The team picked up Fitzpatrick in free agency but will he be able to do what Schaub has done for the Texans in the past. Lastly the team lost Ben Tate a running back that has saved the team when Foster has gone down in the past. Last year when Foster couldn’t stay healthy Tate lead the team in rushing and averaged over four yards per carry.
Most Improved Team
Tennessee Titans
Key Acquisitions
Michael Oher, Offensive Tackle
Wesley Woodyard, Linebacker
Dexter McCluster, Reciever
Shaun Phillips, Defensive End/Linebacker
Key Losses
Alterraun Verner, Cornerback
Ryan Fitzpatrick, Quarterback
The Titans were busy this year in as they are looking to takeover as one of the top teams in the division with the Colts. This free agency period they had one of the most prized players on the market in Verner. Verner started on a Titans team that only managed to go 7-9 as stars like Chris Johnson struggled to stay consistent.
The best news for the team this offseason is that they really only lost one player. Verner is a very good corner and the team will miss him dearly next season. But they were able to bring in a lot more than they lost, starting with Michael Oher. Oher was a high draft pick and movie star for the Baltimore Ravens. The last couple years after not working out at left tackle a lot of people think he’s not a good player. But he’s a legit right tackle and a beast run blocker, this signing should help Johnson regain his form.
Another offensive signing I like is that of Dexter McCluster who is an awesome slot receiver and return man. McCluster is an offensive weapon a lot like Darren Sproles and he brings depth to that offensive.
Other signings I love come on the defensive side of the ball. The team signed two of the top linebackers from last years Broncos team. Woodyard and Phillips were keys to the Broncos defense and they will no doubt improve the Titans defense. Phillips was one of one of the Broncos top pass rushers and Woodyard was one of their top guys in the middle. Both players made up for the loss of Von Miller for most of the season. They instantly make this Titans defense better hands down.