AFC East Preview: Miami Dolphins King?
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The AFC East will be one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL next season. Several teams should be significantly approved after some offseason overhauls. Sorry Buffalo, I’m not talking about your beloved Bills.
New York Jets
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Hard Knocks newest victim has a cocky coach and a dominant defense going for them. After last season’s surprising advance to the Conference Championship, expectations have risen. With Cornerback Darrelle Revis holding out, all is not well with Rex Ryan’s team. Can they replicate last year’s success?
Last Season: 9-7. Lost in Conference Championship
Key Additions: LaDainian Tomlinson RB, Jason Taylor DE, Santonio Holmes WR, Antonio Cromartie CB, Kyle Wilson CB (R)
Key Subtractions: Thomas Jones RB, Alan Fanaca OL, Kerry Rhodes CB, Leon Washington RB
Breakout Player: Shonn Greene, RB—Greene will be running behind a great line and under a coach who loves to pound the football.
Will win the division if…First, Revis would have to end his holdout rather quickly or the defense won’t be nearly as dominant as last year. Second, Quarterback Mark Sanchez taking a big step forward in year two will go a long way towards the Jets becoming a balanced offense.
Fantasy Stud: Shonn Greene, RB – Expect 1,000 plus yards and 8-10 touchdowns.
MVP: Darelle Revis, CB
Projected Record: 10-6, Second AFC East
Miami Dolphins
Miami had a disappointing season in 2009, failing to make the playoffs after making it the year before. With veteran quarterback Chad Pennington going down in week three, a transition year was to be expected. In Chad Henne’s first year as starter, he showed the NFL he has all of the makings of a star quarterback while at the same time experiencing some growing pains in the form of forced passes and inaccuracy on short throws. Will he develop quickly enough to make Miami a contender this year?
Last Season: 7-9, Third in the AFC East
Key Additions: Karlos Dansby LB, Richie Incognito OL, Brandon Marshall WR, Koa Misi LB (R), Jared Odrick (R)
Key Subtractions: Jason Taylor LB, Gibril Wilson FS, Justin Smiley OG, Joey Porter LB, Ted Ginn WR (Yay!)
Breakout Player: Cameron Wake, LB—Wake is ready to make Dolfans forget Jason Taylor with a double-digit sack season.
Will win the division if…Chad Henne develops into a top-ten quarterback, making the Fins one of the most dynamic offenses in football. The defense doesn’t have to be dominant but solid. They can’t give up the big play as much as they did last year.
Fantasy Stud: Brandon Marshall, WR – Expect 1300 yards and 10 touchdowns.
MVP: Randy Starks, DT
Projected Record: 11-5, First AFC East
New England Patriots
Tom Brady might never lead another 16-0 team again, but he is far from finished in the NFL. The offense is going to be among the league’s best units as long as he is at the helm. The defense is the real question mark, especially with Ty Warren out for the season, creating a big void up front.
Last Season: 10-6, AFC East Champs, lost in round one of the playoffs.
Key Additions: Alge Crumpler TE, Damione Lewis DT, Devin McCourtey CB (R)
Key Subtractions: Shawn Springs CB, Adalius Thomas LB, Ben Watson TE
Breakout Player: Jerod Mayo LB—The third-year backer is ready to lead the Pats defense.
Will win the division if…Tom Brady’s health is of the most importance. The defense must prove to be better than people think because on paper they’re nothing special.
Fantasy Stud: Randy Moss—Expect 1400 yards and 13 touchdowns
MVP: Tom Brady
Projected Record: 9-7, Third AFC East
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills don’t have much going for them. They don’t have a quarterback and boast one of the league’s worst squads on both sides of the football. Their best player might even end up being rookie halfback C.J. Spiller. Winning six games would be an accomplishment. My best suggestion for Bills’ fans is to pick a new team.
Last Season: 6-10, Fourth AFC East
Key Additions: Andra Davis LB, C.J. Spiller RB (R)
Key Subtractions: Richie Incognito OL, Terrell Owns WR
Breakout Player: C.J. Spiller, RB—With injuries to team’s top two backs, Spiller will have every chance to prove himself, early and often.
Will win the division if…the team planes for the Jets, Dolphins, and Patriots all go down.
Fantasy Stud: N/A
MVP: Donte Whitner
Projected Record: 3-13, Fourth AFC East
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