The start of the 2024 NFL season is finally here. From the jump, the AFC South features several intriguing matchups and storylines.
With that in mind, here's a player to watch from each team heading into Week 1:
Houston Texans | Rookie cornerback Kamari Lassiter and safety Calen Bullock
It's almost a given that the Colts and second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson will try to test Lassiter and Bullock early and often. Meanwhile, the Colts are even more likely to target the rookies rather than veteran safety Jimmie Ward and No. 1 cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., who is one of only 18 cornerbacks since 1999 to record 18 pass defenses and six interceptions through their first 20 career games, joining the likes of Richard Sherman, Darrelle Revis and Champ Bailey, per Stathead.
There will be a lot of pressure on Lassiter and Bullock to contain the Colts' weapons, including wideouts Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce and rookie Adonai Mitchell. How they respond in their first real action could provide a glimpse into how the Texans will fare against the pass after ranking 23rd in the league last season.
Indianapolis Colts | Quarterback Anthony Richardson
After an injury-shortened rookie campaign, where he often unnecessarily put himself in harm's way, Richardson returns for 2024 hoping to make smarter decisions with his body. However, finding the delicate balance between being too careful or not cautious enough might prove difficult, as owner Jim Irsay recently alluded to, telling Jori Epstein of Yahoo Sports that the team wants him to protect himself, "but only to some degree."
It will be interesting to see if there's any tangible difference in Richardson's approach when he returns to the field for Week 1 against the rival Texans. The first step would be showing more awareness and trust in a solid offensive line that includes Bernhard Raimann (LT), Quenton Nelson (LG), Ryan Kelly (C), Will Fries (RG) and Braden Smith (RT).
After all, the Colts will only go as far as their second-year quarterback takes them.
Jacksonville Jaguars | Edge rusher Travon Walker
Following a disappointing rookie season, Walker seemingly had a breakout in 2023, recording a career-high 10 sacks. Still, he failed to make the expected impact of a player selected No. 1 overall, finishing with a 58.1 pass-rushing grade, per Pro Football Focus, 52nd among 58 qualified edge-rushers.
But, he has an opportunity to shine under new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, who has traditionally able to get well-rounded production out of his pass-rushers, leading defenses that finished fourth (New Orleans Saints, 2022) and 13th (Atlanta Falcons, 2023) in sacks. Meanwhile, lining up opposite Pro Bowler Josh Hines-Allen and veteran offseason addition, defensive lineman Arik Armstead, doesn't hurt Walker's chances at showing improvement as soon as Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins.
Tennesee Titans | Left tackle JC Latham
The No. 7 pick in this year's draft, Latham enters his first season facing more obstacles than most rookies as he transitions from right to left tackle as a Day 1 starter. However, in Week 1, he'll be thrown directly into the fire when the Titans take on the Chicago Bears.
Latham will likely see a lot of Pro Bowler Montez Sweat, who lined up on the right side 79 times (nine games) after being acquired by the Bears at the trade deadline, compared to 20 times with the Washington Commanders (eight games), per PFF. While there are bound to be ups and downs for the rookie, the matchup should offer invaluable lessons to help him evaluate strengths and weaknesses.
