State of the union: AFC South (Part 1)
Here we are, ready to delve into the entire American Football Conference (AFC) South to see exactly what has been going on with each of the four teams. Overall, they were a disappointment this season, even though the Indianapolis
Colts were expected to stand out. Now, let us get to the point right away, starting with Houston Texans.
Defensively, they slipped during the 2010 season. They were ranked 29th out of 32 in terms of points allowed per game with an average of 26.7; 30th in total yards allowed per game with an average of 376.9;
last in passing yards allowed per game with an average of 267.5 and tied at last place in terms of lowest number of takeaways with an average of 18. Moreover, they were ranked 13th in the National Football League (NFL) in terms of rushing yards
allowed per game with an average of 109.4.
People say every year that this is going to be the season for the Texans; this year they are going to make the playoffs, but people have been saying this for years now, and it is yet to face reality. Just look at the 2010 season,
where they really stumbled defensively. Wade Phillips, their new defensive coordinator, is going to take the team from a 4-3 scheme to a 3-4 formation. However, the million-dollar question is that do they have the force to be successful?
The Texans already have some of the elements that you want to see in a 3-4 defence line-up. With Mario Williams at the defensive end, it brings back memories of Bruce Smith from the time when Phillips was the defensive coordinator
with the Buffalo Bills. He also played in the defensive end position and we know that Williams can dominate because Phillips will know exactly how to use him.
The linebackers, including DeMeco Ryans, are great. Brian Cushing can be the Clay Matthews in this defence if they move him to the outside linebacker position where he can rush the quarterback, drop in coverage and still be stout
at the point of attacking the run. He is a very good player overall.
Here is another name for you to mull over, Connor Barwin. The outside linebacker from the University of Cincinnati remained injured for most of 2010; however, he is a very good pass rusher. They at least have some very good elements
in the front seven to help them, but now they just need some help in the secondary.
Their offensive game is amazing. They are ranked fourth in the league in terms of passing yards per game, with an average of 259.0, just behind the Colts, San Diego Chargers and New Orleans Saints but ahead of the Super Bowl champions,
the Green Bay Packers. They were also ranked seventh in the NFL in terms of rushing yards per game with an average of 127.6, ahead of teams such as the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers and Atlanta Falcons. Overall, they are ranked third in the league
in terms of total offensive yards! They had an average of 386.6 yards per game, ranked behind the San Diego Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles.
To see what else your favourite AFC South team can do to stand a chance against the top contenders in the NFL next year, especially the Green Bay Packers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles, check out
the Part 2 of this article.
(The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent the official editorial policy of www.bettor.com.)
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