(Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

The AFC East certainly gave NFL fans something to talk about last year, and the off-season has festered and produced even more questions for the upcoming season. One thing is for certain: unpredictability will be the story this year.

We start at the top of the division with last years AFC East Champs, the Miami Dolphins. As far as defense goes, the Dolphins were middle of the pack last year in total defense. They played a bend but not break defensive style though, as they finished in the top ten in scoring defense.

The addition of playmaking CB Vontae Davis out of Illinois will help shore up their secondary which was a problem at times for them last year, as they finished 25th in passing defense. Also in to help out the cause are CB Sean Smith and FS Chris Clemons, who will add depth and speed.

The offensive side of the ball was a huge bright spot for the Dolphins in 2008. Chad Pennington led a passing offense that ranked 10th in the league, and head coach Tony Sperano also helped integrate the Wildcat formation into the offense, which enjoyed moderate success.

Miami drafted QB Pat White out of West Virginia, who will certainly see time in the Wildcat package, and will compete with Chad Henne for the backup role. The running back tandem of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams proved to be successful, and I expect the running game will only improve as the offensive line matures.

Miami will be good again in 2009, but I don't see them repeating as division champs. There are still questions about Pennington's durability and arm strength, although he proved he didn't need a gun of an arm to win last year.

Teams will also be more on the lookout for the wildcat as well, so it may not be as successful as it was last year. I give the Dolphins anywhere from 8 to 10 wins, and they will certainly compete for a playoff spot.

Next on our list are the New England Patriots. The Patriots bounced back to finish 11-5 last year despite losing their MVP quarterback Tom Brady in week one. Brady will be back, and a reloaded defense should give Patriots fans expectations of bringing the division crown back to Foxboro.

The Patriots struggled on offense at times last year, which was to be expected with Tom Brady out of commission. However by week five Cassel hit his stride and the Patriots began to prove that they are not a one man show.

With Brady back I fully expect the offense to be near tops in the league again, with perhaps the most dominant passing attack in the NFL.

New England also proved that they were not just a passing attack last year, when they finished fifth in the league in rushing offense. When Lawrence Maroney was out last year, the combined efforts of Kevin Faulk, Sammy Morris, and Benjarvus Green-Ellis carried the Pats' running game.

With the addition of Fred Taylor, New England enters the 2009 season with perhaps the deepest running back corps in the league.

The one area of improvement need for the Patriots this offseason was on defense. Despite giving up the eighth fewest points in the league, New England was dominated by opposing offenses at times, particularly by Miami, San Diego, Pittsburgh, and the Jets. This will have to improve if they want to go deep into the playoffs.

To address their defensive needs, the Patriots looked to the draft, where the picked up seven defensive players. Of note are SS Patrick Chung and OLB Tyrone McKenzie, who should both see significant time in 2009.

The rest of their draft will provide depth and relief for some of their aging players, while the rookies will gain experience and playing time as they look to take larger roles in the future.

The Patriots will be much improved in 2009. Not that they need any motivation, but finishing 11-5 yet missing the playoffs will certainly be bulletin board material. I expect them to finish with at least 11 or 12 wins, and I wouldn't be surprised if they had as many as 14.

Next up we have the debacle of the New York Jets. The 2008 season initially showed so much promise for them, but a floundering Brett Favre, a late season collapse, and a new coach leave the Jets looking for answers in 2009.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Jets passing game will be a big question mark. The number five overall pick Mark Sanchez will compete with Kellen Clemens for the starting job.

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