Brandon Marshall, LaDainian Tomlinson: What New Additions Mean for AFC East

The AFC East has been one of the most active divisions this offseason and will ultimately shake things up for its respective teams.

The New England Patriots, once the laughing stock of the division, has controlled the AFC East for the last 10 years. That could be about to change. The New York Jets and the Miami Dolphins have made some bold moves this offseason that seem to state they're serious about getting better.

New England has lost almost every starter on defense since their last Super Bowl and only a few aging greats remain for the team. The Buffalo Bills still strive to get back to the days of the '90s but all attempts have proved futile.

They continue looking for the new Jim Kelly or at least something close. It seems as though the Jets and Dolphins have taken a commanding lead within the East, but let's take a quick look at the biggest moves the two have made and what it will ultimately mean for the division.

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins have added the young and talented wide receiver, Brandon Marshall, to an already powerful offense. Marshall will give Pennington or Chad Henne a top-rated pass-catcher to throw to and will definitely open things up even more for the running game.

It was definitely one of the smartest moves I have seen by a franchise this offseason and will give the fans in Miami something to rave about. Chad Henne will have to get the starting job to get the most out of this guy (seeing as he has the stronger arm), but he will prove useful either way. The one question that remains for the offense is what will come of Ronnie Brown.

He, as most know by now, was recently arrested on a DUI charge, and could be looking at a suspension for one or two games. It has also been reported that Detroit could be interested in the once-Auburn star.

Another huge transaction by the Dolphins organization was the release of Joey Porter at the LB position and the addition of Karlos Dansby. I'm still not sure if Dansby will be asked to play the inside or outside position but it should prove to be a positive move by season's end.

Dolphins Conclusion

With the addition of Marshall, the Dolphins could easily find themselves with the highest scoring offense in the division, however, concerns on the defensive side of the ball still remain. Karlos Dansby should be a great addition to the team, but will they address the need at nose tackle, Linebacker, and safety in the draft? Regardless of what direction they go in the draft, I think they will be good enough to compete for second place in the division.

New York Jets

The Jets came on strong last year at the end of the season and managed to finish with a 9-7 record. Mark Sanchez did only what was asked of him and it payed off. Thomas Jones had another season with over 1,000 yards rushing behind a strong offensive line and the defense proved to be one of the best in the league.

Thomas Jones has found a new home in Kansas City but he doesn't go without replacement. LaDainian Tomlinson has made the trek from the west coast to the east and should do a fine job of filling in for Jones. Some think that Tomlinson has lost a step over the past few years but I attribute that to a change in strategy in San Diego and the changes within the blocking schemes. He could find himself looking more like the LT of old behind a strong Jets O-Line.

Another addition from San Diego that could prove to be very valuable on the other side of the ball is Antonio Cromartie at corner. Paired with Darrelle Revis, they have compiled arguably the best corner back tandem in the league. The defense was already great and there is no reason to think it won't continue to get better.

Jets conclusion

The Jets really seemed to be putting things in order at the end of last season. I mostly attribute that to Mark Sanchez gaining experience and realizing what his role should be. It was also largely in part to the Rex Ryan system coming into its own and players feeling more comfortable in their new roles.

Santonio Holmes has also been acquired from Pittsburgh and will add depth at the receiver position. I still think they need to add a receiver with a more physical presence to sure up the receiving game and look for them to make such a move in the draft. If they do, then their offense could become as feared as the defense and that spells trouble for opposing teams. I look for them to take the AFC East Championship in the 2010-2011 season.

Wrap up

It will no doubt be another tight year for the AFC East title but it seems as though the Jets have made all the right moves. I look for the Dolphins and the Patriots to come down to the wire for second place and the Bills to round out the division.

It still might be a little early to make this prediction and things could no doubt change after the draft takes place. If the Patriots make the right moves during the draft and the Dolphins and Jets don't address their needs, then my opinions could change.

As for right now though, Randy Moss isn't getting any younger, Tom Brady never really looked like himself last year (after missing all of 2008), and Wes Welker will have to prove that he is fully recovered from his injury.

The Patriots are aging and there could be two new contenders for the Title. Whatever happens, it should get very interesting, and will be one of the most intriguing divisions to watch this year. I certainly know I'll be tuning in for the Marshall and Tomlinson show.