It’s almost Christmas time and people are feeling the spirit. People are singing carols, spreading Christmas cheer and also getting ready to spend time with family. Kids, though, are getting more and more excited as the days go by, thinking of the gifts they are going to get and trying to figure out what some of the gifts are under the tree. NFL teams, like kids, are hoping to find gifts under their trees, but those gifts could come in the form of a free agent, a draft pick, or a different result. With that being said, let's take a look at what NFL teams in the AFC South could be waiting to unwrap under the tree.
Tennessee Titans: Multiple Picks
The Tennessee Titans were a team many thought would have a rough year from the beginning, and that time was needed for them to ascend in the division. Well, along with time, the Titans also need more pieces. They will have over $100 million in free agency funds to improve their team this offseason. But if you listened to Titans’ general manager Mike Borgonzi, he stated he wants something other than that.
Borgonzi wants the Titans to have at least ten draft picks per year so that he can build this team through the draft. For the Titans to get there, Borgonzi will need to continue evaluating assets, making tough decisions, and assessing deals offered. If things work out the way the Titans and Borgonzi want, those gifts will be under the tree at some point this offseason for Tennessee.
Indianapolis Colts: A Healthy QB Season
The Indianapolis Colts went into last offseason with questions at the quarterback position. They signed Daniel Jones to compete with Anthony Richardson for the starting position, leaving many scratching their heads and wondering if the Colts knew what they were doing. Well, they apparently did because Jones won the starting job and had the Colts’ offense rolling in the first half of the season. Then injuries happened. Daniel Jones fractured his fibula, played on it, and then eventually tore his Achilles tendon in the leg opposite the fracture, putting him out for the season. Since then, the Colts have signed 44-year-old Philip Rivers out of retirement to come back and play quarterback.
The Colts have not had a definitive quarterback answer, and this season was the closest they came to finding one with Jones. Under the tree, the Colts are hoping to find a quarterback who can stay healthy and lead them to multiple years of wins, not just one. Can that be Daniel Jones, should he sign back this offseason? Only time will tell. But the Colts are hoping to find that steady quarterback hand under the tree.
Houston Texans: Offensive Consistency
The Houston Texans started rough, going 0-3 to start the season. But since then, they have begun to right the ship. They are now sitting at 9-5 after that disastrous start and that is directly tied to the Houston defense. The Texans' incredible defense has allowed 20 points or less in 12 of their 14 games this season. This team, which should make the playoffs with the way they are playing, could be very dangerous because of that defense playing at the level it is and the many great individual players who play as a unit.
But with how well the Texans’ defense has played all season, their offense has not been that great. They were really rough at the start of the year, struggling to get some consistency and not even cracking 20 points in five of their first eight games. But in the last six games, the Texans have scored over 30 points twice. Not to say all their problems are solved, but they looked better and seemed to have figured some things out. With that being said, under the Christmas tree as they head towards the playoffs, they are hoping to see some consistent offense that will help them achieve their dreams of winning a Super Bowl.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Offensive Line Consistency
The Jacksonville Jaguars have been a team that could be good for a while. The problem is that they never played consistently. And at the beginning of the season, it looked like they were going to start that trend again, winning against the Chiefs in a big game and then falling embarrassingly in London to the Rams a couple of weeks later, 35-7. But the Jaguars, under first-year head coach Liam Coen, have figured some things out and are now at the top of the AFC South and surging towards the playoffs with a 10-4 record. Trevor Lawrence is playing consistent football coming down the stretch as well, with nine touchdowns and zero interceptions in the last three games. And the defense has allowed 20 points or fewer in three of the previous four games. But one thing is always a question when it comes to the Jaguars.
The offensive line is something people always look at. Trevor Lawrence has been great the last few weeks at maneuvering the pocket, but the line has had moments where they look under siege. For them to go where they want to go, they have to get better play from them. So, under the tree, they have to be looking for offensive line consistency, and in the offseason, they need either better play or a free agent up front who can help their line improve. Their postseason and their future as a team depends on it.
We shall see if any of these teams get what they are looking for when the playoffs or the offseason come around. Enjoy the holidays!