Today, I set out to sketch out a list of the 10 most competitive position groups in the AFC South. Putting them in order was more difficult than coming up with the list, but after some juggling, I feel pretty good about what’s below.
Before the 2012 season, I thought a bit too much of Rashad Jennings and a bit too little of Tim Dobbins. The former was the Jacksonville Jaguars running back who took over as the starter while Maurice Jones-Drew held out through the preseason and was first in line after MJD got hurt.
They are two-time defending division champs and have been to the second round of the playoffs two consecutive seasons. Teams like that are not typically prime players in free agency. They have players they have to spend to retain, limiting the cash on hand to go get a bunch of free agents.
As we sort through the needs each team has with free agency and the draft approaching, inside linebacker comes up often for the Houston Texans. I believe the need is being overrated and the focus is on the wrong element of the team’s two inside guys.
Tom Gower of Football Outsiders runs through the top needs of the AFC South in this Insider piece . I've spent the day working on clearance to share snippets. It's been granted. Houston Texans -- Linebacker Gower: "On the inside, Brian Cushing was lost for the season in Week 5, tearing his ACL.
Four guys with upside I think we can see show itself this fall in the AFC South. Houston Texans Maybe Wade Phillips’ lasting love for veteran addition Bradie James puts a damper on the opportunity for inside linebacker Darryl Sharpton.
Houston Texans Linebacker Darryl Sharpton, recovering from a quad injury, is determined to work his way back into the lineup. Coach Gary Kubiak, cornerback Johnathan Joseph, receiver Kevin Walter and defensive end J.
Thoughts on the Texans' draft from two people involved in evaluating personnel for NFL teams: Guy No. 1: “I know they want [Baylor receiver] Kendall Wright. He’s a slot guy who can work underneath and take pressure off Andre Johnson.
Reading the coverage… Houston Texans The defense ensured the Texans got their fifth win, writes John McClain of The Houston Chronicle. Arian Foster led a grind-it-out offense, says Dale Robertson of the Chronicle.
MORE NFL COVERAGE
