AFC South Analysis: Colts bolt to the top again

Watch for the Indianapolis Colts to repeat as AFC South champions with ease, based on their unanimous selection by The Sports Xchange football staff.

After that, there was little agreement as a close vote left the rest of the division trailing the Colts in this order — Tennessee, Houston and Jacksonville.

Here is an in-depth, unit-by-unit look the AFC South as analyzed by reporters from The Sports Xchange who cover each team (using roster information as of Sept. 1):

1st — INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

UNIT-BY-UNIT ANALYSIS

QUARTERBACKS: Starter — Andrew Luck. Backup — Matt Hasselbeck.

Luck returns for his third year as the Colts starting quarterback. He led Indianapolis to 11 wins and a spot in the playoffs in each of his first two years in the league. The former No. 1 overall draft pick continues to refine his game but his learning process continues. Luck will be in his second season in an offense directed by coordinator Pep Hamilton. Hasselbeck is back for his second year with the Colts as Luck’s primary backup. A former starter in Seattle and Tennessee, he gives Indianapolis a solid insurance policy.

RUNNING BACKS: Starter — Trent Richardson. Backups — Ahmad Bradshaw, FB Mario Harvey, Daniel Herron, Zurlon Tipton.

Much is expected of Richardson as the Colts’ starting running back. He joined the team early last season and was given the offensive playbook piece meal. Now he’s had a full off-season to figure out his teammates and the offensive system.

Bradshaw returns from neck surgery that forced him to miss most of last season. He is expected to share the bulk of the running chores with Richardson. Herron was a pleasant surprise in training camp and the pre-season. He could prove important if Bradshaw is unable to fully return from his injury issues. Harvey, who converted to his new position from defensive line, is the lone fullback on the Colts’ regular-season roster.

TIGHT ENDS: Starter — Dwayne Allen. Backups — Jack Doyle, Coby Fleener.

Allen missed most of the 2013 season after undergoing hip surgery. He looked bigger and stronger this preseason. Allen should be a vital cog in the Colts offense because of his size, speed and ability to catch the football in a crowd.

Fleener began to blossom last year as he filled in during Allen’s absence. The combination of both players should give Indianapolis a different look on offense this season. Doyle, an Indianapolis native, is a good run and pass blocker who will surprise as a pass receiver in short-yardage situations.

WIDE RECEIVERS: Starters — T.Y. Hilton, Reggie Wayne. Backups — Donte Moncrief, Hakeem Nicks, Da’Rick Rogers, Griff Whalen.

The Colts are blessed with a deep receiving corps in 2014, thanks in large measure to the return of Wayne from knee surgery and the continued development of Moncrief. The off-season addition of Nicks from the Giants should only fortify the group and give Luck yet another weapon to use. Hilton has become one of the best young receivers in the NFL over the last two seasons. Whalen has proven to be a dependable fifth receiver. Rogers has all the talent needed to be a productive NFL receiver but just needs to develop more consistency.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN: Starters — LT Anthony Castonzo, LG Jack Mewhort, C Khaled Holmes, RG Hugh Thornton, RT Gosder Cherilis. Backups — C Jonotthan Harrison, G Lance Louis, T Xavier Nixon, G/T Joe Reitz, C A.Q. Shipley.

The interior offensive line continues to be a major question mark for Indianapolis heading into the regular season. Mewhort is a rookie, Holmes is a first-year starter who is nursing a high left ankle sprain and Thornton is a new starter. Castonzo and Cherilus need to be the steadying influences for the Colts’ young offensive linemen. Harrison, an undrafted rookie, saw plenty of work during the preseason as did Louis. Nixon and Reitz are both nursing injuries. Shipley was a late roster addition who may end up starting at Denver in the season opener. He was with the Colts during the 2012 season.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN: Starters — DE Cory Redding, NT Josh Chapman, DT Arthur Jones. Backups — DT Ricky Jean Francois, DT Montori Hughes, NT Zach Kerr.

Indianapolis returns Redding in a starter’s role. Chapman split time at nose tackle a year but is now ready to be the team’s full-time starter. And Jones was an off-season free agent acquisition from Baltimore who has proved so far to be as good as advertised. He can line up as a tackle, end or at nose tackle. Francois, a starter last year, will be Jones’ primary backup. Hughes can play tackle or nose tackle. Kerr, an undrafted free agent rookie, impressed during training camp ad the preseason.

LINEBACKERS: Starters — SLB Erik Walden, Mike D’Qwell Jackson, Will Jerrell Freeman, Rush Bjoern Werner. Backups — OLB Cam Johnson, ILB Josh McNary, ILB Henoc Muamba, OLB Jonathan Newsome, OLB Andy Studebaker, OLB Robert Mathis (suspended).

With Mathis sitting out the first four games of the regular season because of an NFL suspension, Werner will start at rush linebacker. Johnson, a pickup from San Francisco early last season, will be his top backup. Jackson comes over from Cleveland to earn a starting job at the Colts’ Mike linebacker. Freeman has led Indianapolis in tackles his first two years with the team. Newsome has been impressive at times as a rookie during the preseason. Muamba, a former CFL standout, is an active linebacking prospect. McNary missed most of the preseason schedule as he nursed a shoulder injury but can play both inside and outside linebacker.

DEFENSIVE BACKS: Starters — LCB Greg Toler, SS Mike Adams, FS LaRon Landry, RCB Vontae Davis. Backups — S Colt Anderson, S Sergio Brown, CB Darius Butler, CB Josh Gordy, CB Loucheiz Purifoy.

Adams, a former starter with Cleveland and Denver, moves in at one safety position with Antoine Bethea now with the 49ers and Delano Howell in injured reserve with a neck issues. Landry returns as a starter but saw limited work in training camp due to a lower body injury. Toler and Davis can be, if they can stay healthy, a potent one-two punch at cornerback. Anderson is the top reserve at one safety spot. Brown can handle both safety jobs. Butler and Gordy are valuable as nickel backs. Purifoy, an undrafted free agent, piqued the interest of the Colts coaching staff during training camp.

SPECIAL TEAMS: P Pat McAfee, K Adam Vinatieri, LS Matt Overton, KOR Daniel Herron, PR Griff Whalen, KOR Donte Moncrief, PR Loucheiz Purifoy.

Indianapolis returns McAfee and Vinatieri to handle the team’s kicking duties. McAfee is the Colts’ punter, kickoff specialist and placement holder. Vinatieri may be one of the oldest players in the NFL, but he has shown no signs of slowing down. Overton is back for his third year as the team’s long snapper. Herron is expected to be the top kickoff return prospect, although Moncrief could also get some work there. Whalen and Purifoy could end up splitting the punt return duties.

3rd — HOUSTON TEXANS

UNIT-BY-UNIT ANALYSIS

QUARTERBACKS: Starter – Ryan Fitzpatrick. Backups – Ryan Mallett, Tom Savage.

Fitzpatrick is firmly entrenched as the starter. Mallett was acquired for a seventh-round conditional pick in 2016 that could become a sixth if he plays enough. The only way he’ll play is if Fitzpatrick is hurt. Case Keenum was waived after a poor preseason performance. Savage showed in preseason he’s not ready to play. His rookie season should be a watch-and-learn experience except for maybe late in the year.

RUNNING BACKS: Starter – Arian Foster. Backups – Jonathan Grimes, Alfred Blue, Ronnie Brown, FB Jay Prosch.

Foster is ready, but he was held out of preseason and hasn’t played since suffering a season-ending back injury in the eighth game last season. If he stays healthy, he’s a three-down back capable of 1,400 yards, 15 touchdowns and 60 catches. Grimes was the leading rusher in preseason and a pleasant surprise. This is his third season, and he has good instincts and awareness. He’s a decent receiver and willing blocker. Until the last preseason game, Blue had some good runs, especially inside the 10. The coaches like everything about the sixth-round pick, but he needs polish and experience. Brown arrived in the middle of preseason and made the team as a crafty veteran who can provide insurance for the young guys in case something happens to Foster. Prosch is a rookie lead blocker who played with a wrist injury and impressed his teammates by being physical and developing the kind of nasty streak the coaches love.

TIGHT ENDS: Starters – Garrett Graham, C.J. Fiedorowicz. Backup — Ryan Griffin.

Graham, who’s a move tight end, started when they opened with two tight ends. They’ll use two a lot under Bill O’Brien. Graham is a smart route-runner with good hands. Fiedorowicz is a good blocker and a huge target with good hands. He’s effective on the short routes. Watch for him on third down and in the red zone. The 6-6 Griffin has speed, soft hands and knows how to find the open spots. He can catch all over the field.

WIDE RECEIVERS: Starters – Andre Johnson, DeAndre Hopkins. Backups – Keshawn Martin, DeVier Posey, Damaris Johnson.

While Andre Johnson is primed for a third consecutive 100-catch season. Hopkins may have been the most improved receiver in camp and preseason. He has outstanding hands. Posey and Martin ranked first and second in preseason catches. Martin, who plays in the slot, was one of the most improved players in preseason. Damaris Johnson was claimed on waivers from the Eagles.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN: Starters – LT Duane Brown, LG Ben Jones, C Chris Myers, RG Brandon Brooks, RT Derek Newton. Backups – C Ben Jones, T Tyson Clabo, T/G Xavier Su’A-Filo, T Jeff Adams.

Brown and Myers are among the best in the league at their positions. Brown played hurt last season, but now he’s healthy. Brooks is a wide body who played well in his first season as a starter. He’s especially physical against the run. Jones can play either guard, and he’s the backup center. He lacks natural talent, but the coaches love his nastiness. He’ll do just about anything to beat his man. Newton was the weak link last season when he played hurt. Now he’s healthy. They didn’t replace him with a draft choice. Now he has to reward their faith in him. Su’a-Filo has been learning guard and tackle even though he’s much more effective at guard. Clabo is an experienced swing tackle. Adams was claimed on waivers from the Titans after they placed Will Yeatman on injured reserve.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN: Starters — LDE J.J. Watt, NT Jerrell Powe, RDE Jared Crick. Backups – LDE Tim Jamison, NT Louis Nix III, RDE Jeoffrey Pagan.

Watt might be the best defensive player in the NFL. Expect them to move him around in passing situations. He’s tremendous against the run and draws double-team blocks on just about every snap. Crick is starting for the first time. He’s more suited for a 4-3 tackle, but he’s improving as a 3-4 end. He’s stout against the run. Powe, a career backup, played well in preseason. He was physical at the point of attack and slowed the run. They’re placing a lot of faith in Nix despite Bill O’Brien saying he has a lot to learn about playing in the NFL. Pagan got a late start because of a shoulder injury but has come on strong against the run. He’s the 315-pound end coaches like in a 3-4. Jamison gives them a veteran who can come off the bench and play up and down the line.

LINEBACKERS: Starters — SOLB Brooks Reed, SILB Brian Cushing, WILB Jeff Tarpinian, WOLB Jadeveon Clowney. Backups – SOLB Jason Ankrah, SILB Justin Tuggle, WILB: Mike Mohamed, WILB Akeem Dent, WOLB Whitney Mercilus.

A 3-4 defense can’t have too many linebackers because it’s such a physical position. Four of the linebackers arrived as free agents. Clowney, the first pick in the draft, was injured for much of preseason but is expected to play against Washington. When he’s rushing, he has an incredible explosiveness off the ball and a tremendous closing burst to the quarterback. At times, he’ll line up next to J.J. Watt and let the offense figure out who to double. If Clowney ever drops into coverage, he’ll be lost. Cushing played two series in preseason, so he’ll be rusty, but he’s 100 percent after undergoing season-ending surgery in 2013. Reed starts for the fourth season, a contract year. He’s solid against the run, drops when he’s called on, but he needs to improve as a pass rusher. The inside spot opposite Cushing is open for auditions. Nobody claimed it in preseason. Mercilus, who had seven sacks last season on the weak side, plays behind Clowney. He’ll be on the field in passing situations. He struggled with the new system until the last two preseason games when he made four big plays, including two sacks. If he does it in regular season, the pass rush could be outstanding.

DEFENSIVE BACKS: Starters — LCB Kareem Jackson, RCB Johnathan Joseph, SS D.J. Swearinger, FS Kendrick Lewis. Backups – LCB Andre Hal, RCB A.J. Bouye, RCB Elbert Mack, LCB Darryl Morris, FS Shiloh Keo, SS Eddie Pleasant, SS Danieal Manning.

Of the 11 defensive backs, only Jackson, Swearinger, Keo and Hal were drafted by the Texans. Joseph’s health is essential to what the team hopes to accomplish. He was limited in camp and preseason after undergoing surgery to repair a ligament in his toe in January. He’s supposed to be healthy for the opener. Jackson is in the last year of his contract. He’s a five-year starter and could have his best season considering how he has improved every year. Swearinger is an emotional player who’s the most physical. He’s tough against the run but must improve in coverage. He’s undersized and gets bulled over by large tight ends. Manning was signed after being waived by Cincinnati. He started for the Texans the last three seasons. After being asked to take a paycut, he declined and was waived. He’s superb in the locker room with the young players. If he can still run, he can help the secondary. Bouye started in place of Joseph in preseason and proved he can be an effective starter in the NFL. He has improved dramatically in man and zone coverage. Hal, a seventh-round pick, was a huge surprise in camp, returning two interceptions for touchdowns. Lewis, who played for defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel in Kansas City, earned the starting job in OTAs. He’s smart, knows the system and seems to have some range. Pleasant and Keo are terrific special teams players. Morris was claimed on waivers from the 49ers.

SPECIAL TEAMS: PK Randy Bullock, P Shane Lechler, LS Jon Weeks, KOR Keshawn Martin, PR Keshawn Martin.

They return the same specialists as last season. Lechler, who turned 38 in August, punted only six times in preseason. He’s still one of the league’s best. Bullock closed strong last season after a midseason slump and didn’t miss in preseason. Weeks is a splendid snapper. Martin is better at kickoff returns than punt returns, but that could change with so many new players blocking for him. The coverage teams were exceptional in preseason except for one punt return in the fourth quarter of the last game.

3rd — TENNESSEE TITANS

UNIT-BY-UNIT ANALYSIS

QUARTERBACKS: Starter – Jake Locker. Backups – Charlie Whitehurst, Zach Mettenberger.

Locker is back in a make-or-break year in the final year of his contract. Most important is for him to stay healthy, having missed 14 games the past two years. Whitehurst is a career backup and possible stop-gap, while Mettenberger, who impressed in preseason, could get a shot this year if Locker goes down with another long-term injury.

RUNNING BACKS: Starter – Shonn Greene. Backups – Bishop Sankey, Dexter McCluster, Leon Washington, FB Jackie Battle.

No prima donna like Chris Johnson, but a solid group that will platoon. Greene will start initially, but rookie Sankey could end up starting by year’s end. McCluster is a utility player who can play in the slot as well. Battle is making the move to fullback, and Washington handles kickoff returns.

TIGHT ENDS: Starter – Delanie Walker. Backups – Craig Stevens, Taylor Thompson.

Walker emerged as a strong target for Locker in his first season with the Titans. Stevens and Thompson had been forgotten in the passing game last year, but will get more chances under coach Ken Whisenhunt.

WIDE RECEIVERS: Starters – Kendall Wright, Nate Washington. Backups — Justin Hunter, Kris Durham, T.J. Graham, Derek Hagan.

The Titans will use three-wide sets a lot, giving Hunter plenty of work as well as Wright and Washington. Waiver pickups Durham and Graham will get integrated into the system. Hagan was out of the league last year but had a strong camp.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN: Starters – LT Michael Roos, LG Andy Levitre, C Brian Schwenke, RG Chance Warmack, RT Michael Oher. Backups – T Taylor Lewan, T/G Byron Stingily, C/G Chris Spencer.

This group has been almost completely remade in two years time with only Roos remaining. He is in the final year of his deal and will give way to first-round pick Lewan in 2015. The interior should be better with another year of working together, and Oher hopes to solidify the right side, replacing long-time tackle David Stewart who retired after his release.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN: Starters – DE Jurrell Casey, NT Sammie Hill, DE Ropati Pitoitua. Backups – DE Al Woods, DE Karl Klug, DE Mike Martin, DE/NT DaQuan Jones.

No group has a bigger transition in the move to the 3-4. Casey just signed a $36 million extension, while Hill and Pitoitua have the size to play in the three-man front. Klug and Martin have big challenges to play in the new system because of their size, and the Titans are high on rookie Jones and imported Woods as a free agent.

LINEBACKERS: Starters – OLB Derrick Morgan, ILB Wesley Woodyard, ILB Zach Brown, OLB Kamerion Wimbley. Backups – OLB Akeem Ayers, ILB Avery Williamson, OLB Shaun Phillips, OLB Quentin Groves, ILB Zaviar Gooden.

Another group in transition, especially Morgan, who has been an end his whole career in the 4-3. Wimbley should be better now that he’s a 3-4 ‘backer again. The Titans brought in veterans Woodyard, Phillips and recent addition Groves to help with the process. Brown has talent, but sometimes makes dumb mistakes, and Ayers has been disappointing in his first three years. The Titans like Williamson’s long-range potential.

DEFENSIVE BACKS: Starters – CB Jason McCourty, FS Michael Griffin, SS Bernard Pollard, CB Coty Sensabaugh. Backups – CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson, S George Wilson, S Daimion Stafford, CB Brandon Harris, CB Marqueston Huff.

The big battle here is to see who starts between Sensabaugh and Wreh-Wilson, as the Titans still have not announced it. Sensabaugh probably wins the close battle with the loser being the nickel. McCourty is solid on the other side, and Pollard brings emotional leadership and has allowed Griffin to do what he does best, playing in coverage over the top. Of the remainders, Wilson is a good situational player, and Stafford has shown a nose for the football.

SPECIAL TEAMS: K Ryan Succop, P Brett Kern, LS Beau Brinkley, KOR Leon Washington, PR Dexter McCluster.

Succop comes over from Kansas City and brings relief to the kicking position. Kern has been a nice find as a punter, and Brinkley gets the job done snapping. Washington and McCluster should make the return game much better than it was last year.

4th — JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

UNIT BY UNIT ANALYSIS

QUARTERBACKS: Starter – Chad Henne. Backup – Blake Bortles.

It will be an on-going debate as to whom the starter should be until Bortles gets his chance. Gus Bradley has called Henne the starter since Day 1 and has not wavered from that stance. Henne has been good during the preseason; Bortles has been better. But two of his efforts were against reserves. Still, the rookie QB threw enough pin-point passes to keep the pressure on Henne for the starting job.

RUNNING BACKS: Starters – Toby Gerhart, FB Will Ta’ufo’ou. Backups – Denard Robinson, Jordan Todman, Storm Johnson.

Gerhart has been limited in his appearances, seeing only moderate action in the third preseason game. The Jaguars are still convinced that he can be the player who turns the running game around, something that has been lacking in recent years. Robinson and Todman continue to battle for the No. 2 spot. Both have things they do well, but neither has distinguished himself in the extended playing time they’ve had in the preseason. Ta’ufo’ou is a solid blocker who has been used on third-and-short situations. Johnson’s contribution will be with the special teams compared to running the ball.

TIGHT ENDS: Starter – Marcedes Lewis. Backups – Clay Harbor, Mickey Shuler.

Once again, speculation is that Lewis is ready for a breakout year. But that’s been the talk since 2006 when he was a second-round draft pick. He has only had two seasons in which he caught more than 41 passes. He was limited to 25 receptions for just 359 yards and 4 scores when he played in 11 games because of a calf injury. He’s been injury-free during training camp, an indication he could be headed toward his top season. Harbor is getting close to returning but it won’t be this week. Shuler can help the club but must first learn the playbook after he was acquired from Atlanta after his release.

WIDE RECEIVERS: Starters – Cecil Shorts, Marqise Lee. Backups – Allen Hurns, Allen Robinson, Mike Brown, Ace Sanders (suspended).

Shorts and Lee are the starters now, but Hurns is making a strong push for more time and once Robinson becomes healthy, he’ll become a factor in the receiving game. Hurns rise from a spot well down the depth chart to contending for a starting role has been the talk of training camp. But it needs to be noted, all the game experience has been in preseason contests. The speed and tempo will pick up starting this Sunday and Hurns must show he can continue at his same level. Brown was iffy about making the roster and could be gone when Sanders returns in Week 5. Brown will need to show he’s valuable in the return game as well.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN: Starters – LT Luke Joeckel, LG Zane Beadles, C Jacques McClendon, RG Brandon Linder, RT Cameron Bradfield. Backups – RT Austin Pasztor, C Luke Bowanko, T Josh Wells, T Sam Young, G Tyler Shatley.

The Jaguars have never kept 10 offensive linemen and likely won’t retain all 10 if they find a need for help at another position. One of the two reserve tackles, Wells or Young, will be the first to go. Shatley was a surprise to make the roster. The Jaguars will need to keep him on the roster as he’s likely to be taken if he goes to the practice squad. It’s a young starting line that wasn’t set until Monday. With four young players (all fourth year or less) joining the veteran Beadles (fifth season), it’s bound to be one of the youngest lines in the NFL. That bodes well for the future, but it could make for some trying times in 2014. Pasztor will upgrade the starting group once he returns from his broken wrist, though Bradfield has had a good camp.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN: Starters – LEO Chris Clemons, DT Roy Miller, DT Sen’Derrick Marks, DE Red Bryant. Backups – LEO Andre Branch, LEO Ryan Davis, LEO Chris Smith, DE Tyson Alualu, DT Ziggy Hood, DT Abry Jones.

Easily the most significant upgrade by unit on the team. A year ago, the Jaguars were pushed around and run through with their front four. Plus players were asked to play extended time because the depth was not very good. That has changed in that the team is happy with all 10 linemen that are part of the roster. The improvement from the starters is well documented with the addition of players like Clemons and Bryant. That’s pushed Alualu who has started 64 consecutive games to a backup role. Davis, Smith and Branch form a package on defense that will cause havoc on third and passing situations. All have quickness that will be tough to block. Branch and Marks have had their best camps in their career and could be ready for banner seasons.

LINEBACKERS: Starters – WS Geno Hayes, MLB Paul Posluszny, OTTO LaRoy Reynolds. Backups – WS Telvin Smith, MLB J.T. Thomas, OTTO Dekoda Watson.

The key to the starting group will be Watson joining Hayes and Posluszny to make this a solid unit. The Jaguars signed Watson and created a position for him but he’s been limited throughout OTAs and much of training camp due to a groin injury. If he returns healthy without limitation, this unit will also be an upgrade from a year ago. Smith offers speed and athleticism that the Jaguars haven’t had. But he struggles to reach the 220-pound mark which makes him suspect to pulling guards. Thomas beat out Nate Stupar for the final linebacker spot simply because he can play multiple positions.

DEFENSIVE BACKS: Starters – LCB Dwayne Gratz, RCB Alan Ball, SS Johnathan Cyprien, FS Winston Guy. Backups – CB Will Blackmon, RCB Demetrius McCray, CB Jeremy Harris, SS Chris Prosinski, FS Josh Evans.

A year ago, the Jaguars often went with three rookies in the secondary with Cyprien, Gratz and Evans in the starting unit. They were burned frequently but gained valuable experience. Cyprien has the potential to be Pro Bowl material. Guy too Evans spot away from him and has had a good camp. Gratz has improved and should have a better season, especially with an improvement on his tackling skills. Blackmon will likely be the nickel back and could push Ball for a starting job. McCray, Harris and Prosinski are three of the top special team players.

SPECIAL TEAMS: P Bryan Anger, K Josh Scobee, LS Carson Tinker.

All three of the specialists return from a year ago and all did a quality job in their department. Anger has improved his hang time and dropping punts inside the 20. There are few better kickers in the league than Scobee. He has been close to perfect inside the 40 and has the capability of drilling 50-yard-plus kicks at any time. The quad injury to his kicking leg is a concern however. If he strains it again, he may be shut down for several weeks and the Jaguars can’t afford to be without his services even one week.