Tuesday, February 28, 2023. The AFC South is set to look much different in 2022 than years past. Levi Damien. It means the proof of the pudding is in the eating, and Vrabel hasnt had a losing season with the Titans in four years; if a 6-3 start is any sign, hes going to make it five in a row. Despite this, Gilmore can still be a starter on most teams. Colts; Jaguars; Texans; Titans; AFC West . Defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald is the lone change amongst the big three but has experience coaching a 3-4 base defense from the . Not too many edge-rushers were as exciting to watch in the entire league, let alone for the Jets, then Bryce Huff. Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot on what quarterback Desmond Riddler brings to the Falcons and more. Log in. The Colts have a soft landing spot to begin the year, facing the Texans and Jaguars on the road, but come home to face Kansas City. Contributing 73 combined tackles and only allowing one touchdown, Jenkins is a more than serviceable player at the position. Injuries could derail his season, but Colts faithful can look forward to one of the leagues best cornerback pairings. Below, we'll dive into each AFC South team, highlight their win total odds and give our predictions. All Scouts Average Overall Rank 4.1. Dupree struggled with injuries in 2021 but has proven to be a capable pass rusher. Cover 3 is their primary pass coverage, and theyll take pre-snap split-field looks that initially appear like quarters coverage and then rotate a safety into the box at the snap to present the offensive line with a changed picture that can discombobulate run-blocking schemes. In a similar situation to the linebackers, after Byard, there are not many great safeties. Player Ho-hum. They are backed up by DeMarcus Walker, another 6-foot-4 280-pounder. Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio's conference during NFL combine week. Its for real. Even as the Tennessee offense has sunk this season, the defense is putting on a master classand is keeping the Titans atop the AFC South. The I That said, four divisional games against the Texans and Jaguars bake in four wins for Tennessee. He has everything you Travon Walker is a prospect who is still a better athlete than a football player. Offensive Tackle - This group used to be one of the best units in the NFL, but they have fallen off the past couple of years. But there are tradeoffs for every tactic. Are the Bucs built for another title run with Tom Brady? He isn't George Karlaftis is a freakish athlete with an elite massive frame and is a natural dominating pass rusher. The youth movement makes sense, but what if second-round pick, The offense will get to another level if rookie tight end. WebDownload this stock image: Buffalo Bills defensive end Daniel Joseph runs on the field during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts in Orchard Park, N.Y., Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022. Kicking things off, is a pass rusher for the Houston Texans. A defense that has totaled 53 pressures in the last two weeks. If they go under .500 over that stretch, it'd be tough to see them with double-digit wins. They also have the third-easiest schedule in the NFL based on projected win totals and the sixth-easiest based on their win percentage in 2021. Even though they often show pressure looks, the Titans send five-plus pass rushers on fewer dropbacks than any defense in the league. The Jaguars are up and coming, but are they actually a force to be reckoned with? Yet, overall, the division has talent at each and every defensive position. The Tennessee Titans prioritize the Safety position more than most NFL teams. 1 WR every time. However, the former number seven overall pick is the closest there is. AFC South . He did well on a prove-it deal and wouldnt cost that much to sign. They could also go all-in and trade up for a guy like Bryce Young, but that would require more capital. Stephon Gilmore is nowhere near the player he was during his DPOY run in 2019. Gregg Rosenthal projects the starters for every AFC North team. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus) - 2MAW613 from Alamy's library of millions of high resolution stock photos, illustrations and vectors. December 14, 2022. Raiders hire former Ravens OLB coach Rob Leonard as new defensive line coach. A defensive line that attacks upfield through individual gaps allows opposing offensive linemen to easily climb to the second level. Just something to think about. Well, the Titans are doing it again. During August, the Last Word On Sports NFL department will be breaking down every division in the league by position. Stroud if they stick with the second-overall pick. We have already completed ones for the AFC East, NFC East, AFC North and NFC North. Despite the clear Schwartzian influence along the Titans defensive line, the teams strategies for pass coverage behind Schwartzs fronts are updated with more modern sensibilities. KEY: Gms = Games Played, Tot Pts = Total Points Scored, Pts/G = Points Per Game, RushYds = Rushing Yards, RYds/G = Rushing Yards Per This isnt a strong group but they cover it up with a scheme and excellent defensive line play. While he is not a fabulous player, he has been a solid starter for the Los Angeles Chargers and Jaguars over the past three years. Weight Lbs 254lbs. Here, well-coached means the last one. The AFC South won't be mistaken for a super competitive division, but it did boast the No. The Titans drafted Kevin Byard and Amani Hooker with both becoming starters. If the Titans are legit contenders in the ever-powerful AFC, it will be because they have the defense for itand it will serve as yet another testament to one of the leagues best coaches and the quality football his team puts on the field every Sunday, week in and week out. Compare their called coverages in the past two seasons with the coverages called by Schwartz when he coordinated the Eagles defense in 2019 and 2020. The Jaguars also signed Darius Williams from the Los Angeles Rams. Considered to be one of the best slot corners in the NFL, Moore was the Colts? But the Titans defense has no sounds easy enough to it. The Titans' statistical profile was closer to that of a 9-8 team than a No. Defense Article: 2022 AFC South Defense Breakdown by Position. While these are not superstar numbers they stand high over the likes of other players in the division like Folorunso Fatukasi and Rasheem Green. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. Updated: Apr 28, 2022 The AFC South has not been a powerhouse as of late and the Houston Texans might still be a bit off from competing. These are the Jaguars projected starters going into the season. Hutchinson has been the most dominating pass-rusher in college football during the 2021 season and easily outperformed the presump Thibodeaux has out-of-this-world athletic ability and as a result, is in the running for being the top pick in the 2022 NFL Draft George Karlaftis is a freakish athlete with an elite massive frame and is a natural dominating pass rusher. Here are the top 10 ranked draft prospects at defensive line: 2022 NFL Draft prospects - Defensive Lineman | No. The Indianapolis special teams coordinator is on track to interview with the Browns, and ESPN.coms Stephen Holder tweets the Colts are expecting to lose him to the Cleveland job. The Titans were top two in the NFL in rushing yards, attempts, and YPC in 2021. Several teams have seen talented starters walk in the offseason. That's why my favorite part of the defense is the depth and options Jacksonville has built. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus) - 2MAW601 from Alamy's library of millions of high resolution stock photos, illustrations and vectors. Main Photo: Embed from Getty Imageswindow.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'zJaTBjtJR455Zqg1uELvrQ',sig:'o-RQRTJKYS-BljmWReF4a4VNQFZBSwhWN1nrjVTuUXs=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'1409598930',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })}); Student interested in sharing my thoughts about the sports world. 2022 AFC North. Champaign, Illinois native. Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy addresses play calling changes for Cowboys in 2023. Something went wrong. The Jets would save $15.4 million by cutting Lawson, but will the Jets actually do so with Lawson coming off a strong season and the Jets being in a win-now mode? Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski speaks on Browns' 2023 offseason changes. Who'll be QB1 for the Steelers? Gilmore, a former Defensive Player of the Year and two-time All-Pro has dealt with injuries the last two seasons. The Jaguars drafted Tyson Campbell in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Vinny Curry returned to the field in 2022 after a heart condition caused him to miss the entire 2021 season. They also hold the 12th overall pick in the draft this year, which could very well give them a shot at their rookie of choice in April. The next best choice in the division is. The other first-round picks in 2022 have already paid major dividends. Walter Payton Man of the Year: Andrew Whitworth. 2022 preseason All-AFC South Team: Matt Ryan-led Colts dominate offense, share defensive spotlight with Titans - CBSSports.com Here's a look at the top Are the Bills loaded enough on offense to knock off the Chiefs? Coming off a 42 tackle, eight and a half sack year, and only 25, Simmons should be a force for offensive lines to recon with over the next decade or so. The Bills refused to rest on their laurels this offseason, while the Dolphins and Jets significantly improved their respective rosters. The likes of Zach Cunningham and Bobby Okereke just arent on the same level as Leonard. The brother of Azeez, BJ could be an option on day two for the Jets. The AFC South is ranked by sportsbooks as the worst division in the NFL in 2022. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. However, the former number seven overall pick is the closest there is. Jones was recently named the AFC Defensive Player of the Year at the NFL 101 Awards for his dominating performance in the 2022 season where he was a First "We've got a plan for you How about going to the No. In limited action, Huff was a machine, always getting to the quarterback. pic.twitter.com/A3kqjmVlhK, Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) August 27, 2022. Are people hastily dismissing the Steelers? Schwartzs wide, attacking defensive line also creates big interior lanes through which pass rushing defensive tackles can wreak havocthis is certainly true for Jeffery Simmons, the star of the Titans defense, who also set career-best numbers in pass-rush productivity and earned an All-Pro recognition on top of his Pro Bowl selection. The next best choice in the division is Rayshawn Jenkins of the Jaguars. Our latest mock draft has them selecting LSUs BJ Ojulari, who thrived as a pass rusher in the SEC and would bring a day-one impact to this team. While the Titans were able to earn the No. NFL Draft Buzz is on the lookout for new contributors who would like a chance showcase their perspectives on the NFL draft. The division has plenty of young edge defenders who should be staples in their teams defense for years to come. Daxton Hill (first round) has the talent to play anywhere in the secondary. Additionally, because no defensive lineman is playing two gaps, Schwartz-styled defenses must have extra bodies in the box to account for all the potential lanes in the running game. How Far Can This Version of James Harden Take the Sixers? There should be competition at virtually every position except outside cornerback, where. Best Case: Ryan shows he has some life left in his arm, and Taylor earns his second straight All-Pro nod at RB. Both are young and unproven but fast and explosive athletes with high upside. During that run, they'll face the Chiefs in Kansas City, the Broncos, the Packers in Green Bay, the Bengals, and Eagles in Philly. However, Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Chris Jones had a very different approach than Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham for the coin toss ahead of Super Bowl LVII. The Eagles lost a close Super-Bowl shootout to the Check out the AFC South breakdowns below. Aside from a name change this past off-season. This shift in numbers may have been to Allen being placed in a weak-side linebacker role instead of a traditional defensive end. OK, theyre not the worst offense in football. With Chase Young out for almost all of the season, Sweat was The combination of a poor pass-blocking line and receivers who don't necessarily get open quickly is a recipe for Tannehill to take a lot of huge hits. The Commanders defensive line has certainly been the leading group through the first nine weeks of the 2022 season. Oops. Are the Eagles set for a breakthrough season led by Jalen Hurts? Well, they do have a fairly easy schedule in 2022. Win total projection: 9.5 (Over -150, Under +130). WebWith this in mind, this lists prospects who are classified as defensive ends and edge players and excludes any obvious LBs. You'll find the 40 time on the Y-axis and on the X-axis the weight in pounds. Please check your email for a confirmation. There are some that are concerned with his lack of size but he has room to grow. With Bowen came the hiring of senior defensive assistant Jim Schwartz, in a role that has little description from the team, but huge ripple effects on the film. All Scouts Average Position Rank 2. A defense that nearly beat the Chiefs with Malik Wilis at QB. Instead, the Titans will randomly send a defensive back or linebacker from depthnot from a clear, on-the-line position. Theyre the worst offense in football in terms of yards per drive, but theyre 24th in expected points added per play, 21st in DVOA, 26th in points per game. In terms of defensive ends, the division has a wide range of talent. There are plenty of talented Josh Allens in the NFL, but this Josh Allen takes the field opposite Landry as another talented youth. Baltimore Ravens. On the other hand, the Indianapolis Colts and the Tennessee Titans are ranked in the upper half of the league, according to The Football Database . Playing with late rotations and changing gaps can be risky for the defense, but when these gambits work, they create positive plays for the defense and force opposing offenses into late down-and-distance situations. Deshaun Watson has officially left Houston following a trade to the Cleveland. Simmons and Autry also spend time rushing the passer on the edge. Now its Johnsons chance to do the same. Vrabel has won the division in each of the last two years; if a 6-3 start is any sign, hes going to make it three in a row. If that edge rusher has a quick first step and the flexibility to bend around the arc, he should feast in Schwartzs defense. Sign up for our newsletter and get every update delivered to your inbox! You'll find the 40 time on the Y-axis and on the X-axis the weight in pounds. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Will all that translate to the Jags going over six wins this year? No matter if he turns out to be really good or if he turns out to be underwhelming, they will need more help at the wide receiver position. The Texans continue to struggle in the front seven with inept linebacker play. The Tennessee Titans have the worst offense in football. Jenkins, the Jaguars' sixth-year veteran strong safety, on Wednesday morning was announced as the AFC's Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in a 40-34 overtime victory over the Dallas Cowboys at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville this past Sunday. Well-coached can mean many different things, depending on the context in which its used. 2022 AFC South All-Divison Offensive Team, 2022 AFC South All-Division Team: The Defense, NL Central Notes: Taylor, Cubs, Reynolds, Chandler, Tonight ONLY! Brown, and now hes doing it without them. The division has plenty of young edge defenders who should be staples in their teams defense for years to come. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. The Commanders activated Young from the reserve/physically unable to perform list and now have 21 days to either activate Young or place him on season-ending injured reserve. Are the Lions ready to battle for a playoff spot in 2022? Not every pickup or draft pick will work out. Height Feet 6-4. Despite their offense, the Titans are once again going to win a lot of games and play a home playoff game. If they do dip into the market, these could be a few names worth checking out. We will be running through all eight divisions, giving our best picks at 2022 breakout candidates. Leonards role has shifted more away from an outside linebacker role, someone who can rack up sacks, and instead to a traditional central linebacker position. What's the current makeup of the Patriots and Jets? What remains now is postseason success, something Vrabel hasnt tasted since 2019. They struggled to establish a hard-hitting run game between the tackles, and they would become a much more dangerous offense if they could fix that for next season. They seem to play the exact same game every single week and often come out the victoran outcome that, in a small sample, could be waved away as noise, but over the combined consistency of several seasons becomes irrefutable. Last season mostly felt like treading water; now the Texans should start moving forward. A 2019 sixth-round selection because of his lack of size, the 5-foot-11, sub-230-pound Long darts around the field, sneaking under blocks, popping into gaps, and offering a wide range of coverage influence on passing downs. Gregg Rosenthal projects the starters for every AFC North team. Here are Clemsons Brian Bresee, Wisconsins Keeanu Benton, Texas Keondre Coburn, Floridas Gervon Dexter, and South Carolinas Zacch Pickens Such is the case on this run, when safety Josh Kalu (28) blitzes from depth and is replaced by Andrew Adams (47), who rotates down from depth. Gregg Rosenthal projects the starters for every team in the NFC East. Is MJF the Second Coming of CM Punk? WebSuper Bowl MVP: Cooper Kupp. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: nfl | pageType: stories | WebRon Rivera. So pretty bad. Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Chris Jones had a very different approach than Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham for the coin toss ahead of Super Bowl LVII. Afc South breakdowns below, a former defensive player of the defense the... Lone change amongst the big three but has proven to be reckoned with he... 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