Andrew Luck could be poised for a monster season with the Colts. (Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports)
After one of the biggest nosedives in NFL history, the Houston Texans should rebound from their 2-14 embarrassment and earn respectability, but not a division title.
That will once again go to the Indianapolis Colts, according to a survey The Sports Xchange’s football staff, which expects Jacksonville and Tennessee to battle it out for the basement spot that Houston will vacate this year.
Here is a closer look at AFC South teams as training camp begins (teams listed alphabetically):
CAMP PREVIEW: Houston Texans
–TSX Predicts: 2nd in AFC South
–2013: 2-14, 4th in AFC South
–Training Camp Dates (rookies, vets report): Houston Methodist Training Center, Houston, Tex., 7/21, 7/25
–2014 Opponents Win Percentage in 2013: Division .458 (T19/32); non-division .431 (31/32); overall .441 (30/32).
–Primetime Games: 2 (1 Thursday, 1 Monday Night)
–STRENGTH: The front seven with four former first-round picks — end J.J. Watt, inside linebacker Brian Cushing, outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney and outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus — and a former second-round pick, inside linebacker Brooks Reed.
–WEAKNESS: Defensive back. The Texans’ defense ranked third worst out of 32 teams last season in average passing yards allowed per game (195.2). They went from bad to worse with the mid-season departure of veteran Ed Reed and rarely played as one. The offseason loss of veteran Danieal Manning doesn’t help and leaves the Texans relying on a list of little-known names to tighten an erratic secondary in defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel’s first year with the team.
Veteran safeties Kendrick Lewis and Chris Clemons were added via free agency, while Shiloh Keo and D.J. Swearinger will again compete for starting spots. At cornerback, returning players Johnathan Joseph and Kareem Jackson will lead a young, inexperienced group.
KEY PERSONNEL MOVES
DRAFT CHOICES SIGNED (RD/OVERALL PICK)
–LB Jadeveon Clowney (1/1); 4 yrs, terms unknown.
–TE C.J. Fiedorowicz (3/65): 4 yrs, terms unknown.
–NT Louis Nix III (3/83): 4 yrs, terms unknown.
–QB Tom Savage (4/135): 4 yrs, terms unknown.
–DE Jeoffrey Pagan (6/177): 4 yrs, terms unknown.
–RB Alfred Blue (6/181): 4 yrs, terms unknown.
–FB Jay Prosch (6/211): 4 yrs, terms unknown.
–CB Andre Hal (7/216): 4 yrs, terms unknown.
–S Lonnie Ballentine (7/256): 4 yrs, terms unknown.
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED
–TE Garrett Graham: UFA; $11.25M/3 yrs, $4.5M guaranteed.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
–RB Andre Brown: UFA Giants; 1 yr, terms unknown.
–S Chris Clemons: UFA Dolphins; $2.7M/2 yrs, $450,000 SB.
–LB Akeem Dent (trade Falcons).
–QB Ryan Fitzpatrick: FA Titans; $7.5M/2 yrs, $4M guaranteed.
–S Kendrick Lewis: UFA Chiefs; $795,000/1 yr, $100,000 guaranteed.
PLAYERS LOST
–TE Owen Daniels (released).
–S Danieal Manning (released).
–ILB Joe Mays: UFA Chiefs; $6M/2 yrs.
–DT Earl Mitchell: UFA Dolphins; $16M/4 yrs, $9M guaranteed.
–QB Matt Schaub (traded Raiders).
–ILB Darryl Sharpton: UFA Redskins; terms unknown.
–DE Antonio Smith: UFA Raiders; $9M/2 yrs.
–RB Ben Tate: UFA Browns; $4.7M/2 yrs, $1.5M SB/$2.5M guaranteed ($1.5M total potential per-game RB).
–QB T.J. Yates (traded Falcons).
CAMP PREVIEW: Indianapolis Colts
–TSX Predicts: 1st in AFC South
–2013: 11-5, 1st in AFC South
–Training Camp Dates (rookies, vets report): Anderson University, Anderson, Ind., 7/23, 7/23
–2014 Opponents Win Percentage in 2013: Division .271 (32/32); non-division .525 (T10/32); overall .430 (32/32).
–Primetime Games: 5 (1 Thursday, 2 Sunday Night, 2 Monday Night)
–STRENGTH: Quarterback Andrew Luck. The Colts will only go as far as the team’s third-year signal-caller will take them. Luck has guided Indy to consecutive post-season appearances and a memorable come-from-behind win over Kansas City in a wild-card game last year.
–WEAKNESS: Center. A dozen plays. That’s all the game experience second-year center Khaled Holmes had last season as a rookie with Indianapolis. Now with the decision to release two-year starter Samson Satele and not re-sign center/guard Mike McGlynn, Holmes will go into the 2014 season as the team’s top option at the center position.
The depth includes a pair of undrafted rookies — former Florida center Jonathan Harrison and a local product in ex-Indiana State center FN Lutz III. Guard Hugh Thornton could move in to play the position if needed and another guard, Donald Thomas (who is recovering from injuries suffered early last season), has limited experience at center.
KEY PERSONNEL MOVES
DRAFT CHOICES SIGNED (RD/OVERALL PICK)
–G Jack Mewhort (2/59): 4 yrs, terms unknown.
–WR Donte Moncrief (3/90): 4 yrs, terms unknown.
–LB Jonathan Newsome (5/166): 4 yrs, terms unknown.
–LB Andrew Jackson (6/203): 4 yrs, terms unknown.
–T Ulrick John (7/232): 4 yrs, terms unknown.
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED
–RB Ahmad Bradshaw: UFA; $855,000/1 yr.
–S Sergio Brown: UFA; terms unknown.
–CB Vontae Davis: UFA; $39M/4 yrs, $20M guaranteed.
–CB Josh Gordy: RFA tendered at $1.431M with no compensation; $1.431M/1 yr.
–P Pat McAfee: Potential UFA; $14.5M/5 yrs, $1M SB.
–K Adam Vinatieri: Potential UFA; 2 yrs, terms unknown.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
–S Mike Adams: Not tendered as UFA by Broncos; terms unknown.
–LB D’Qwell Jackson: FA Browns; $22/4 yrs, $11M guaranteed.
–DE Arthur Jones: UFA Ravens; $33M/5 yrs, $5.5M SB/$16M guaranteed.
–G Lance Louis: FA; $1.475M/2 yrs, $25,000 SB.
–LB Aaron Morgan: FA; $1.23M/2 yrs.
–WR Hakeem Nicks: UFA Giants; $3.975M/1 yr, $2M SB/$375,000 RB.
PLAYERS LOST
–ILB Pat Angerer (not tendered as UFA).
–S Antoine Bethea: UFA 49ers; $26M/4 yrs.
–ILB Kavell Conner: UFA Chargers; 3 yrs, terms unknown.
–NT Aubrayo Franklin (not tendered as UFA).
–WR Darrius Heyward-Bey: UFA Steelers; 1 yr, terms unknown.
–G/T Jeff Linkenbach: UFA Chiefs; terms unknown.
–G Mike McGlynn: UFA Redskins; terms unknown.
–C Samson Satele (released).
CAMP PREVIEW: Jacksonville Jaguars
–TSX Predicts: 4th in AFC South
–2013: 4-12, 3rd in AFC South
–Training Camp Dates (rookies, vets report): Florida Blue Health & Wellness Practice Fields, Jacksonville, Fla., 7/21, 7/24
–2014 Opponents Win Percentage in 2013: Division .417 (T25/32); non-division .475 (T22/32); overall .453 (29/32).
–Primetime Games: 1 (1 Thursday)
–STRENGTH: Defensive line. The last two years, the Jaguars have been at or near the bottom of the league in sacks or putting any pressure on opposing quarterbacks. That doesn’t appear to be the case anymore. The free-agent signing of players like Chris Clemons, Ziggy Hood and Red Bryant brings instant credibility to this unit.
Andre Branch had a banner second-half season a year ago and if that continues, he could produce double-digit sack totals. For the Jaguars to be able to cut veteran defensive end Jason Babin shows that they have confidence in the remaining group of players along the line.
–WEAKNESS: Interior offensive line. The current starters at center and right guard were backup players a year ago with a combined five starts at different positions. Center Mike Brewster started three games at left guard, while current right guard starter Jacques McClendon was a two-game starter at left guard. So neither has started a game at his current position.
The backup players are a pair of mid-to-late-round draft picks last month. Brandon Linder was taken in the third round (No. 93 overall) to challenge McClendon at the right guard spot while Luke Bowanko was a sixth-round selection (No. 205 overall) who was the starting center at the University of Virginia. They may be starters in the future, but neither look ready to make a legitimate run at a starting job in 2014.
KEY PERSONNEL MOVES
DRAFT CHOICES SIGNED (RD/OVERALL PICK)
–QB Blake Bortles (1/3): 4 yrs, terms unknown.
–WR Marqise Lee (2/39): 4 yrs, terms unknown.
–WR Allen Robinson (2/61): 4 yrs, terms unknown.
–G Brandon Linder (3/93): 4 yrs, terms unknown.
–CB Aaron Colvin (4/114): 4 yrs, terms unknown.
–LB Telvin Smith (5/144): 4 yrs, terms unknown.
–DE Chris Smith (5/159): 4 yrs, terms unknown.
–C Luke Bowanko (6/205): 4 yrs, terms unknown.
–RB Storm Johnson (7/222): 4 yrs, terms unknown.
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED
–CB Will Blackmon: UFA; 2 yrs, terms unknown.
–TE Clay Harbor: Potential UFA; $3M/2 yrs, $1.35M SB.
–QB Chad Henne: Potential UFA; $8M/2 yrs, $4.5M guaranteed.
–DT Sen’Derrick Marks: Potential UFA; $18M/4 yrs, $800,000 SB/$4.8M guaranteed.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
–G Zane Beadles: UFA Broncos; $30M/5 yrs, $12.5M guaranteed.
–DE Red Bryant: FA Seahawks; 4 yrs, terms unknown.
–DE Chris Clemons: FA Seahawks; terms unknown.
–RB Toby Gerhart: UFA Vikings; $10.5M/3 yrs, $4.5M guaranteed.
–DE Ziggy Hood: UFA Steelers; terms unknown.
–LB Dekoda Watson: UFA Buccaneers; terms unknown.
PLAYERS LOST
–LB Russell Allen (released/failed physical).
–DE Jason Babin (released).
–DT Brandon Deaderick: Not tendered as UFA/Saints; terms unknown.
–RB Justin Forsett (released).
–QB Blaine Gabbert (traded 49ers).
–RB Maurice Jones-Drew: UFA Raiders; $7.5M/3 yrs, $1.2M guaranteed RB.
–C Brad Meester (retired).
–G Uche Nwaneri (released).
–G Will Rackley (released).
CAMP PREVIEW: Tennessee Titans
–TSX Predicts: 3rd in AFC South
–2013: 7-9, 2nd in AFC South
–Training Camp Dates (rookies, vets report): Saint Thomas Sports Park, Nashville, Tenn., 7/25, 7/25
–2014 Opponents Win Percentage in 2013: Division .354 (31/32); non-division .488 (T18/32); overall .438 (31/32).
–Primetime Games: 2 (1 Thursday, 1 Monday Night)
–STRENGTH: Offensive Line. The Titans have gone to great lengths to rebuild an offensive line eroded over the past several years, and this unit — on paper at least — would appear to be the strength of the team.
The Titans signed left guard Andy Levitre last year as a free agent and drafted right guard Chance Warmack and center Brian Schwenke. This year they added free-agent right tackle Michael Oher and took future left tackle Taylor Lewan in the first round as an eventual successor to stalwart Michael Roos, who is entering the final year of his contract.
–WEAKNESS: Wide receiver. There is talent at the top of the depth chart with shifty Kendall Wright in the slot, and steady Nate Washington on the outside. Justin Hunter also has big-play potential. But after that, there are just unproven names.
Michael Preston, a former practice-squad player, has 10 career catches. Marc Mariani, a former Pro-Bowl pick as a return man, has just five catches and has spent the past two seasons on injured reserve. The Titans added Brian Robiskie, who failed to produce elsewhere. So quarterback Jake Locker hopes to find a couple more reliable receivers to help him in Ken Whisenhunt’s new offensive system.
KEY PERSONNEL MOVES
UNSIGNED DRAFT CHOICES (RD/OVERALL PICK)
–T Taylor Lewan (1/11).
DRAFT CHOICES SIGNED (RD/OVERALL PICK)
–RB Bishop Sankey (2/54): 4 yrs, terms unknown.
–NT DaQuan Jones (4/112): 4 yrs, terms unknown.
–CB Marqueston Huff (4/122): 4 yrs, terms unknown.
–LB Avery Williamson (5/151): 4 yrs, terms unknown.
–QB Zach Mettenberger (6/178): 4 yrs, terms unknown.
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED
–RB Jackie Battle: Potential UFA; $855,000/1 yr.
–DT Antonio Johnson: UFA; terms unknown.
–WR/KR Marc Mariani: UFA; 1 yr, terms unknown.
–DE Ropati Pitoitua: Potential UFA; $9.6M/3 yrs, $2.175M SB.
–S Bernard Pollard: Potential UFA; $6.3M/2 yrs, $850,000 SB.
–C/G Chris Spencer: UFA; 1 yr, terms unknown.
–RB Leon Washington: UFA; 1 yr, terms unknown.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
–TE Dorin Dickerson: Not tendered as RFA by Lions; terms unknown.
–WR Dexter McCluster: UFA Chiefs; $12M/3 yrs, $4.5M guaranteed.
–OT Michael Oher: UFA Ravens; $20M/4 yrs, $4M SB/$9.35M guaranteed.
–LB Shaun Phillips: UFA Broncos; $6M/2 yrs.
–QB Charlie Whitehurst: UFA Chargers; $4.25M/2 yrs, $1M SB/$2M guaranteed.
–LB Wesley Woodyard: UFA Broncos; $16M/4 yrs.
PLAYERS LOST
–K Rob Bironas (released).
–WR Kenny Britt: UFA Rams; $1.4M/1 yr, $550,000 guaranteed.
–QB Ryan Fitzpatrick (released).
–RB Chris Johnson (released).
–FB Quinn Johnson (released).
–T David Stewart (failed physical).
–CB Alterraun Verner: UFA Buccaneers; $26.5M/4 yrs, $14M guaranteed.
— TSX’s network of NFL team writers contributed to this report.
