Every year around this time, critics try to really break down the NFL. Who won in the offseason? Who failed miserably at the Draft? Which teams will bounce back from defeat a year ago?
Some are easier said then done.
The Patriots weren't expected to run the table all the way up into the Super Bowl. 13-3 would be considered a successful regular season.
And how 'bout dem Jets? Yes, the J-E-T-S. Who saw through the smokescreen of a ridiculously easy schedule a year before? I didn't at the time, but halfway in, it became apparent that some changes needed to be made in the Big Apple, and boy was there ever change.
The same could be said about the Dolphins. The 'Fins floundered their way to a 1-15 season, whom some would considered the worst ever. If it weren't for a flashy over the top pass from Cleo Lemon against a depleted Ravens' defense, we could be sitting here discussing why the Dolphins have gone both undefeated and winless. Scary.
Buffalo see-sawed their way through a decent season, certainly an improvement over the 2006 campaign. Marshawn Lynch didn't looked like a reach, he carried most of the Bills' rushing attack, and it took some heat off of Lee Evans, who was subpar all year. The Bills made a few good moves at the Draft, and made a couple decent signings as well.
So what does this year bring? Can "The Big Tuna" bring the 'Fins out of the basement of the NFL? Will the Bills elevate their game and bring them into the upper echelon of the AFC? Who wins the starting job in New York, an relatively untested Kellen Clemens, or injury-riddled veteran Chad Pennington?
So many questions, and the answers are right around the corner. So what do I think of the AFC East this year?
1. New England Patriots—13-3
I think there is a little more gas left in the tank for Bill Belichick and his Patriots. I don't think Spygate will affect them, it's in the back of their minds. Can Randy Moss and Tom Brady duplicate their amazing success they had last year? I'm leaning towards doubtful.
I fully believe they can put up Pro-Bowl numbers still, but with teams in the NFL learning that you need three corners to survive against the pass-happy Patriots (or any team, for that matter), and with teams learning how to really stop Moss, there's really little doubt in my mind that Randy Moss will not put up another season of record-smashing numbers.
Where do I see this team? A tougher schedule, all three teams in the East got stronger one way or another. The Colts will visit Foxboro, and so will another division where all three teams significantly improved. 13-3 should be a good pace setter for the playoffs.
2. Buffalo Bills—10-6
The Bills narrowly missed the playoffs last year. The team was in it untill I believe the final three weeks. The rushing attack got scary over the course of the year, and you have to believe that James Hardy (father beating aside) will provide the perfect compliment to Lee Evans, who will surely bounce back.
6 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Jeremy Krantz about 1 year ago
The Patriots schedule isn't as tough as last season's actually - they will breeze right through the schedule 14 and 2. Mark my words.
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Jason Siesser about 1 year ago
Please read your article before posting. There and their are not interchangeable. Lead and Led are also not able to be swapped.
Did you make any predictions or just tell us what could happen?
Wow spell check, word check, and fix some sentence structure. This is where blogging can go wrong!
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Andrew Browne about 1 year ago
Who let the English Teacher out of school?
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Andrew Browne about 1 year ago
I like your point about the Jets possibly being overtaken by the Dolphins and end up in the cellar. I think the 10-6 year two years ago was the aberration and not the measure of how talented they are as a team. The Jets paid a lot for players who are are on the downside of their careers. They have serious issues at quarterback. Also, I have been writing about how the Bills have very quietly had one of the best offseasons that no one is talking about in the entire NFL. If they stay healthy watch out for the Bills. They were in the playoffs chase last year losing 17 guys to IR. They get 8 of those guys back, for them it is like having two draft classes in camp. The Patriots have three pro-bowlers on the o line and the starting d line men were all first and second round picks. They understand how to build a team and that is why they are excellent and in the conversation every year to win the Superbowl. I don't know if anyone in the AFC east can steal a game from them this year, but everyone is much more competitive. The Patriots took some chances this year in the draft and it may cost them down the line. But you cannot argue with their success in the draft in years past, so it is tough to deny what "experts" consider a reach may in fact be just another example of them bein smarter than everyone else. The Fins have a completely new team, remember the Saints with Sean Payton his first year in camp? They trimmed the fat and started winning in a hurry. I expect the Dolphins to do the same. I think the Fins go 7-9 and the Jets go 5-11.
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Bart Upchurch about 1 year ago
FOR ONCE..... I almost actually like this article.No one gives the Bills respect and you almost did. Thank you for that. The Bills will win the AFC East this year. Leodis McKelvin should have at least 10 picks, Go BILLS
Bart
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Joe Rogers about 1 year ago
Agre with everything written here. A stronger AFC East should bring the Patriots down a few games. Buffalo is much improved and should contend for the wild card spot. The Jets bought every player they need except the main one this offseason- a QB. Dolphins should be much better but still figures to be a rebuilding year.
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