In 2022, the four teams in the AFC South combined for a horrid 23-43-2 record. The Jacksonville Jaguars were the only team to finish above .500, while the Titans, Colts and Texans all lost at least 10 games. Tennessee and Indianapolis both closed the season with seven straight losses.
What a difference a year made. Houston won the AFC South with a 10-7 record, while the Jaguars and Colts both finished 9-8. It was a busy offseason for all four franchises, and it starts with the Titans and new head coach Brian Callahan.
Grades for the Titans, Texans, Colts and Jaguars entering 2024
Tennessee Titans
Two-time NFL rushing champion Derrick Henry, who scored a total of 93 touchdowns in 119 regular-season games, is now a member of the Baltimore Ravens. The 2015 Heisman Trophy winner is the franchise’s third-leading rusher. The team added former Cowboys’ standout Tony Pollard this offseason.
Titans’ general manager Ran Carthon bolstered two areas specifically this offseason, both relating to the passing game. Rejuvenated DeAndre Hopkins is joined by Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd. Meanwhile, the secondary added cornerbacks L’Jarius Sneed (via trade) and Chidobe Awuzie, and the safety combo of Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs. Is that be enough to improve on a 1-5 divisional record from a year ago?
Grade: B+
Houston Texans
From 2020-22, they owned an 11-38-1 mark. In 2023, DeMeco Ryans and the Texans were 10-7 and won the AFC South. They rolled the Browns in the wild card round before losing to the Ravens in Baltimore. C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. were the NFL’s Offensive and Defensive Rookies of the Year, respectively.
In terms of veteran additions, it’s hard to top what Ryans and GM Nick Caserio did this offseason. Houston swung deals for running back Joe Mixon and wide receiver Stefon Diggs, and also signed standout edge rusher Danielle Hunter (16.5 sacks in 2023). The secondary has promising rookies in cornerback Kamari Lassiter and safety Calen Bullock. Is this the year the Texans finally reach the AFC Championship Game?
Grade: A
Indianapolis Colts
Last season, the Colts more than doubled their wins after finishing 4-12-1 in 2022. This offseason, general manager Chris Ballard did very little in terms of adding veterans, but did an excellent job of re-signing the team’s numerous free agents. Wide receiver Michael Pittman inked a new three-year, $70 million deal.
Ballard invested a first-round pick in April on UCLA pass-rusher Laiatu Latu, who joins a defensive unit that totaled 51 sacks but gave up 43 offensive touchdowns this past season. Keeping promising quarterback Anthony Richardson safe and sound is key. He played in only four games during his rookie campaign, but Shane Steichen’s club did add 2023 Cleveland Browns’ savior Joe Flacco in terms of quarterback depth.
Grade: B
Jacksonville Jaguars
In 2022, Doug Pederson’s club rallied from a 4-8 start, won its final five games and captured the AFC South with a 9-8 record. This past season, the Jaguars basically did a 180. An 8-3 start morphed into five losses in their last six games. The team won nine games once again, but failed to reach the postseason.
Jacksonville’s offensive front could be a hidden strength, especially with the addition of proven veteran center Mitch Morse. That could mean even more work for Travis Etienne, who rolled up 1,487 yards from scrimmage (325 touches) and 12 touchdowns as a 17-game starter in 2023. Rookie wideout Brian Thomas looks to make up for the departure of Clavin Ridley. Does this team have enough on defense to contend?