[bigboydan]

The Colts this year will be a complete money burner this year for sure.

Colts set to defend championship

07/17/2007 01:36 PM
By: Marc Lawrence

After several frustrating seasons ended with premature ejections from the playoffs, the Indianapolis Colts finally took home the Super Bowl hardware in 2006. And they won't let go of it without a fight.

It's 'Game Over' for Pacman, while Vince Young hopes everyone remembers the Titans. The Texans have finally traded in an old Carr for a new ride and the Jaguars suddenly have that look of a serious contender.

The Colts, however, have what everyone in the league wants -- a Super Bowl trophy. Keeping it for another year, though, may be another matter.
Colts set to defend championship

Here is my take of teams in the AFC South for 2007. Enjoy!

HOUSTON TEXANS
Team Theme: Carr Hops

With nary a winning ride in their five-year history, the Texans decided to terminate the lease on their Carr (QB David) and ride in a different direction with newly acquired Matt Schaub (Falcons). After absorbing more bumps and bruises (read: sacks) than any signal caller in the league, Carr will welcome any and all protection that he'll receive at Carolina.

In addition to Schaub, the Texans inked RB Ahman Green (Packers) and selected DT Amobi Okoye (Louisville) with their first pick in this year's NFL draft. The most talented player on the team, WR Andre Johnson, is sure to be double-teamed every game. The Texans showed statistical improvement on both sides of the ball in 2006 while closing the season out with a two-game win streak. The next time they win three in a row will be their first time.

PLAY ON: as dogs at Tennessee (12/2)


INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Team Theme: X Marks The Spot

Not satisfied with sitting around and admiring their new flashy Super Bowl rings, the Colts went to work and piled up nine selections in this year's draft. At the top of the shopping list was WR Anthony Gonzalez (Ohio State), a receiver with outstanding speed and sure hands.

However, thanks to the Super Bowl win, a handicapping dilemma has evolved. That's because, according to stats since 1980, defending Super Bowl champs tend to struggle on the non-division road the following season (49-69-1 ATS). Contradicting that is Tony Dungy is at his best on the non-division road (33-23-1 ATS in his career).

One thing we know for sure is that every team in the league will make the Colts their top game of the season. Being liked is one thing. Being wanted is another.

PLAY AGAINST: as fav vs. Carolina (10/28)


JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Team Theme: Pop N' Fresh

While looking to impress a deranged cast of fiscally irresponsible owners, starting quarterbacks playing out the last year of a contract often times have career years. QB Byron Leftwich, in the final year of his rookie contract and fresh off an ankle injury that ended his 2006 season, fits the bill this year.

Surprisingly, while missing out on the playoffs with an 8-8 record last season, the Jaguars managed to outgain 12 of their 16 opponents. Only San Diego did a better job of that in the stat wars.

A Top 10 ranked defense upgraded itself when the Jags plucked S Reggie Nelson (Florida) and LB Justin Durant (Hampton) with their first two selections in the draft. Like Miami head coach Cam Cameron, Jack Del Rio took a lot of heat for passing on QB Brady Quinn. Unfazed, he obviously prefers the Pill$bury Dough Boy.

PLAY ON: at home vs. Tennessee (9/9)


TENNESSEE TITANS
Team Theme: Rocky Slop

Like Tampa Bay, the Titans stockpiled picks in this year's draft. When the final curtain dropped, Jeff Fisher left with 10 new recruits. Included in the group were three WR's, all of whom will be counted on heavily to replace the production of departed veterans Drew Bennett and Bobby Wade.

With CB Pacman Jones out for a year on a strip club tour, a shaky pass defense now appears especially vulnerable. Thanks mainly to the inspired play of QB Vince Young, Tennessee improved dramatically, going 8-8 SU and 11-5 ATS last year, as opposed to 4-12 SU and 6-10 ATS in 2005. From a statistical slant, however, they deteriorated on both sides of the ball. That is not good news for a team that was two years removed from a winning season before last year's 'inside-out' results (5-11 in the stats).

PLAY AGAINST: as favs vs. Oakland (10/28)

[moses millsap]

Thanks for the Marc Lawrence article. Valuable information as always.

[Razz]

I'll probably bet against them about 13 times, so I hope you're right danno.

[ShamsWoof10]

I love them under the season total no doubt about that.. Manning gets too much credit... What drives me nuts is he has all day to throw and usually when he throws (doesn't get touched when he releases the ball) it's to someone WIIIIIDE OPEN... Where the hell is everybody..? Anyway the D and running game stepped it up and Manning in the playoffs had something like 1 TD and 4-6 INTS...