Atlas
07-18-2005, 01:17 AM
I don't know if this was already posted. I got this off NFL.com
When I'm looking at the eight divisions in the NFL, it's hard for me to find a tougher division than the AFC South this year. Would you agree?
--Richard
The AFC South deserves high marks mainly because of the Indianapolis Colts, who are arguably the best team in the conference.
But I'm having a hard time determining which of the other teams in the division looks like a clear-cut contender. Jacksonville is solid, but will need a consistently strong ground attack to have any hope of making a playoff run. And that is a major question mark given the health concerns over Fred Taylor. Unless the Jaguars are able to acquire Travis Henry from the Bills, or another accomplished back, they might very well struggle. Byron Leftwich should make strides as a more experienced quarterback, although the absence of offensive balance would likely limit his (and the team's) progress.
David Carr will be a big part of Houston's success or failure this year.
The Houston Texans might be a factor, but David Carr still has plenty to prove. I think the Tennessee Titans have some major rebuilding ahead of them.
Right now, I'd say the tougher -- and maybe the toughest -- division is the AFC West. San Diego's strong season in 2004 was no fluke; the Chargers have plenty of top-notch talent, including quarterback Drew Brees, and will make another postseason run. The Kansas City Chiefs should finally have a strong enough defense to help their explosive offense.
The Denver Broncos have plenty of defensive shortcomings to overcome and Jake Plummer's erratic play is always a concern, but they are capable of being a factor. With Randy Moss, LaMont Jordan and other upgrades, the Oakland Raiders could easily surge into contention.
When I'm looking at the eight divisions in the NFL, it's hard for me to find a tougher division than the AFC South this year. Would you agree?
--Richard
The AFC South deserves high marks mainly because of the Indianapolis Colts, who are arguably the best team in the conference.
But I'm having a hard time determining which of the other teams in the division looks like a clear-cut contender. Jacksonville is solid, but will need a consistently strong ground attack to have any hope of making a playoff run. And that is a major question mark given the health concerns over Fred Taylor. Unless the Jaguars are able to acquire Travis Henry from the Bills, or another accomplished back, they might very well struggle. Byron Leftwich should make strides as a more experienced quarterback, although the absence of offensive balance would likely limit his (and the team's) progress.
David Carr will be a big part of Houston's success or failure this year.
The Houston Texans might be a factor, but David Carr still has plenty to prove. I think the Tennessee Titans have some major rebuilding ahead of them.
Right now, I'd say the tougher -- and maybe the toughest -- division is the AFC West. San Diego's strong season in 2004 was no fluke; the Chargers have plenty of top-notch talent, including quarterback Drew Brees, and will make another postseason run. The Kansas City Chiefs should finally have a strong enough defense to help their explosive offense.
The Denver Broncos have plenty of defensive shortcomings to overcome and Jake Plummer's erratic play is always a concern, but they are capable of being a factor. With Randy Moss, LaMont Jordan and other upgrades, the Oakland Raiders could easily surge into contention.