AFC South: Sum up of week 1

After one week of the NFL season, things don’t seem to have changed too much from last year in the AFC South. Peyton Manning and Indy’s offense were explosive on Thursday’s opening night as they won 41-10 with 452 total yards over the New Orleans Saints. More importantly, the Colts defense only gave up 293 yards highlighted by only 106 on the ground.

The Titans were able to squeeze by Jacksonville 13-10, largely because of Chris Browns 175 yards rushing on 19 carries. The Titans ended up with their 2nd highest rush yard total in franchise history with 282 yards as LenDale White and Vince Young chipping in with 66 and 22 respectively. The deciding factor of this game was clearly the running game, as Jacksonville was limited to only 72 yards. These facts are showing how with every passing game, the value of having a dominant Running back(s) is increasing immensely.

Finally there were the new and improved Texans. So far it looks like Matt Schaub is the answer for them. His stat line wasn’t spectacular as he was 16-of-22 for 225 yards with a touchdown and an interception, but he was able to connect with Andre Johnson who had 7 rec. for 142 yards and a TD. Ahman Green was mediocre rushing the ball (16 carries for 73 yds), but did what he had to do none the less.

After this busy Sunday, I think that the Colts main concerns rooting from their division are Chris Brown, Vince Young (for having something to prove in his sophomore season), David Garrard( who knows he has to pick up the pace to fill the shoes of Byron Leftwich), and finally Matt Schaub, of who seems to be fitting in nicely with the Houston offense.

My picks for the AFC South Standings are:

1. Indianapolis (12-4)

2. Tennessee (9-7)

3. Houston (7-9)

4. Jacksonville (6-10)