AFC South Blog: Titans division to lose?

by Bill Young

The Jacksonville Jaguars looked pathetic last night compared to the great defensive performance of the Titan defense and steady play of backup QB Kerry Collins. The performance by the Titans is nothing new. Since their 0-6 start last year, the Titans have won 13 of their last 17 games, which is the best record in the NFL.
With the Colts battling a number of injuries, this could be the year the Titans break through and win the division. The Colts have lost a number of safeties. In addition, Dallas Clark and Pierre Garcon got injured in last week's game. Further complicating matters is the injury to RB Joseph Addai because backup Mike Hart is a slower less effective version of Addai. Even Peyton Manning will have a hard time carrying the offense without a running game.
The Titans chances also increased because the Texans lost their best defensive player on Sunday when Demeco Ryans suffered a season-ending achilles tendon injury. The defense was already shaky while Ryans was in the game, but without him, its likely to completely fall apart. The Texans offense will have to carry an even greater load which will become increasingly difficult given the injury Andre Johnson is dealing with and the toll the season will start to take on RB Arian Foster.