AFC East Preview – All roads lead to Foxboro
Predictions:
1. New England Patriots
2. New York Jets
3. Miami Dolphins
4. Buffalo Bills
New England:
Bill Belichick has shown that he is a true coaching genius in the past, but perhaps last season was the ultimate test. In the offseason, he somehow earned a first-round pick out of Seattle for Deion Branch, which was a total sin that anyone paid such a heavy price. And then he managed to get to the AFC Championship Game, and 8 minutes from another Super Bowl, with a receiving corps that included three guys who might not start for most NFL teams. He somehow managed to upset the league’s number one team, San Diego, on their home turf, with Reche Caldwell and Jabar Gaffney, and without Rodney Harrison, Junior Seau and a host of their other starting defense.
This offseason was a big change from last year. And while they still have to worry about the stamina of Asante Samuel, who should have been a Pro Bowl cornerback last year, the team has been completely reshaped and ready to dominate a lower division this season. The Patriots decided they didn’t want to make another march to the Super Bowl with three no-name wide receivers and minimal talent…so they bought 4 new ones. They added Dante Stallworth, Kelly Washington, and Wes Welker in the same week. And then right after draft day, the Pats acquired superstar Randy Moss for a fourth-round pick. Moss hadn’t really shown up in Oakland, but under the tutelage of Belichick, Brady, Bruschi, Seymour and everyone else who’s been there and won championships, Randy Moss will be fine. Look what the Pats did to Corey Dillon, who was a scapegoat before he came to Foxboro. The Pats also added outside linebacker Adalius Thomas from the Baltimore Ravens, who should play a big role in the pass rush in the Patriots’ fierce 3-4 defense this season. He is also very versatile, playing 5 different positions in the same game multiple times for Baltimore last season. Junior Seau and Rodney Harrison will return for another healthy season. And finally, another side note, Laurence Maroney will finally get 30+ touches a game, and after last season I’m salivating just thinking about it.
Prediction: 14-2
New York Jets:
The question is this for the Jets in 2007. When will Chad Pennington suffer his season-ending injury? Without Pennington, I don’t see the Jets getting very far with Kellen Clemens leading the way. Who is Clemens? Your guest is as good as mine.
Let’s not completely overlook the Jets. They had a great year in 2006. They have a formidable defense with stars like Jonathon Vilma, Shaun Ellis and Dewayne Robertson. Their receivers are fast and have big hands. They can really make things happen after they catch the ball. Laverneus Coles went back to his old tricks last season, and Jericho Cotchery burst onto the scene, proving he’s worthy of a starting job for most NFL teams. Running Back is another big question mark for the Jets, as Curtis Martin has announced his retirement. Can Thomas Jones, coming from the Bears, have the type of season he had in 2006? The team was ranked 20th in rushing offense last year, as their offensive line wasn’t stellar, so I personally wouldn’t count on a Pro Bowl year from Jones. One thing is for sure: You can’t fall asleep on the Jets, they may not “wow” you every time they take the field, but Eric Mangini did a lot in his first season, and I look forward to another playoff appearance from them in 2007.
Prediction: 10-6
Miami Dolphins:
What is this team’s obsession with bringing in aging, injury-prone, failed quarterbacks? The 2006 Daunte Culpepper incident was apparently just the beginning. Anytime you have to turn to Joey Harrington to “change the season,” you really can’t like your chances. The Dolphins were a miserable team to watch last year, and I don’t see it getting much better for the Fish this season. They brought in Trent Green from the Chiefs, who really made a name for himself last year. But after his injury, he just didn’t look the same. It could be argued that Green was the reason the Chiefs didn’t advance in the divisional round against the Colts, and that they should have stuck with Damon Huard’s replacement. Another big question that might be asked of Dolphins scouts and management is “WHY the heck did they select Ted Ginn, Jr. with the 10th overall pick????” I don’t think that makes any sense to a lot of people since he won’t be starting and, what’s more funny, he hasn’t signed or shown up to camp yet! Well done Wayne Huizenga! Look for another drab season for the Finns.
Prediction: 7-9 (be generous)
Buffalo Bills:
I can’t wait to see what kind of campaign JP Losssssman can put together this year. I wonder if he can set the single-season record for interceptions, only time will tell. The only bright spot though is that at this point it looks like they are going to let rookie Marshawn Lynch carry most of the load on the tail, which could really provide a spark. But in order to run the ball effectively, they need to throw the ball effectively. And when JP isn’t being intercepted, who’s going to throw the ball too? The unbeatable price is nothing without Eric Moulds. We saw that when he was traded to Atlanta and again after he returned to the Bills last season. And let’s be honest, Lee Evans is not Eric Moulds. I really don’t know what else to say about this team. They are a walking advertisement for mediocrity. Look out for a great season from Paul Posluszny though; this ex Nittany Lion can really pull it off. I watched it live twice in college and it comes as advertised. He’s fearless and a leader, but I think too young to solidify an aging defense that he won’t have much to play for except pride in Week 5.
prediction: 5-11
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