Each year as football season approaches, writers and columnist alike come out with some sort of annual most hated or wanted list, predictions, etc. Some of these articles are very informative. Some of them, not so much. Well I figured it was time to break down story lines of all the teams in the NFL. Over the next 2 weeks, leading up to training camps, we will look at the story lines influencing each team. The impact the NFL has on America culture, as well as predictions for each individual team in the upcoming 2008 season. So forget about the Sporting News, SI, among others. The Bleacher Report is a site for fans, built by the fans for the fans. This is where we begin to break down what is going another exciting season of NFL Football.
We Begin with the AFC East.
AFC East
Miami: 1-15 in 2007; 4th AFC East
Storyline: The Parcells Regime has Begun.
Not long ago was it that the Miami Dolphins were winning division titles and games for that matter. Yeah not long in human years, but in NFL years, its an eternity. Just ask the Miami fans. With Quarterback issues, and dancing Defensive Ends, Miami is sure to have another up and down season. After their horrible 1-15 season, Miami ultimately overhauled their coaching staff and roster from top to bottom. The regime that was "Scam" Cam Cameron was a desperate reach by then owner Wayne Huizenga to add firepower to an offense to go with an aging but solid Defense. It didn't pan out as Miami went 1-15. After the season, new owner and lifelong fan Stephen Ross, hired Bill Parcells as Vice President of Football Operations. He gave Miami instant credibility. He sought out players and coaches alike that fit into the system, not the other way around. Parcells is the type that has an eye for talent evaluation and isn't afraid to make a change, even if it isn't always the popular one. He allowed oft-injured but popular player Zach Thomas to sign with Dallas. He does it his way. His track record for turning franchises around is a proven one having done so with the Jets, the Patriots(pre-spygate), and most recently the Dallas Cowboys. Only this time, he isn't the coach, but he is buying the groceries. Miami will still need years of repair from the Wannstedt/Saban/Cameron years, though this year is the start of a new era in Miami. Miami Fans have something to be excited about again, the Bill Parcells Regime has Officially Begun.
Prediction: 5-11
New England: 18-1* in 2007; 1st AFC East
Storyline: How will New England respond in 2008.
2007 was a year filled with story lines for the New England Patriots. From spy-gate, to their incredible 16-0* regular season, New England is sure to have more in the coming football season. With an aging defense, Scott Pioli and Coach Belichick once again found a way to retool going into the 2008 season. Not much was changed in the coaching staff, but some of the roster changes could have an impact on the upcoming season. Gone are Donte Stallworth (Cleveland), Asante Samuel (Philly), Roosevelt Colvin (Houston), and Junior Seau (Free Agent) just to name a few. Without the presence of Donte Stallworth, how much of an impact will it have on Randy Moss and Wes Welker? Stallworth may not have put up pro bowl numbers, but secondary's had to respect him on speed alone. That, I'm sure, benefited Moss and Welker. The loss of Samuel will hurt, but again Belichick and Pioli have a way of plugging and playing players that fit their system. After all Belichick is a Parcells Disciple. But with the loss of Samuel, Seau and others, New England was able to get younger in the draft by adding 6'1" 242 pound speedster out of Tennessee Jarod Mayo. Mayo along with other draft day pickups Shawn Crable(Michigan) and Bo Ruud(Nebraska), will inject some much needed youth into an aging defense. Sure after all the controversy that surrounded New England last season, they were still able to make it to the SuperBowl. Going in 18-0*, they were an 12 point favorite to win against the New York Giants. Stunningly, although not by my standards, New York shocked the world, proving the almighty Patriots could be beat. So now, with the 2008 season set to begin, How will New England re



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