2008 NFL Season Preview: AFC East

The problem with writing a weekly NFL preview story with predictions, projections, and prognostications is that if you make those picks and figure out records, matchups etc., things have to remain in stasis for those predictions to have any relevance.

We love the NFL because "stasis" will never be part of the vocabulary. Of particular importance is the activity in the AFC East. Two teams who had tremendous uncertainty at the quarterback position heading into the offseason now have proven starters, one a Hall of Fame QB and the other the NFL's career completion percentage leader.

Not too shabby for two teams who finished a combined 5-27 in 2007.

Another issue with this type of column: No fan is ever satisfied. I could write 10,000 words on the Miami Dolphins and some crazed 'Phin supporter will tell me I forgot to mention how important rookie running back Lex Hilliard from Montana will be for this team.

Relax, I can't get to every player's impact on the team. If I don't mention the backup tight end your team signed, or the good camp your fourth-string defensive tackle is having, the world won't end.

There is a reason a team has media guides and it is 300 pages. This is not a media guide, but rather a cursory glance at a division, team by team. I could be like Bill Simmons and just talk about the Patriots/Red Sox/Celtics, even though I stopped writing a Boston sports column 10 years ago, would that be better?

(For the record I love and hate Bill Simmons, but that is a totally different topic.)

I have to say, with all these new pieces all over the NFL, I expect competitive games each and every week this season, and I think up to five teams in both the NFC and AFC have legitimate opportunities to win a championship. Don't worry Patriots fans, your team may not go undefeated, but they will certainly be in it come January.

Let's get to it.

Buffalo Bills (2007 Record 7-9)

Offense: No one will accuse Dick Jauron of being an offensive genius. To be sure, his forte is defense as a former NFL safety, and it has showed in his tenure with the Bills. Buffalo was near the bottom of the league in passing and points last season. However, there are some reasons to be optimistic in 2008.

Marshawn Lynch may have been Offensive Rookie of the Year in a different year (e.g. when Adrian Peterson was not ALSO a rookie). The former Cal standout rushed for 1,115 yards and seven touchdowns last season, showing versatility in the passing game to go along with his bullish running style. If he can stay out of trouble, the Bills have their franchise running back.

Jason Peters opens holes for that running game at tackle and anchors a solid group upfront. The Bills were much better than expected along the offensive line last season, and an improving running game will only help Trent Edwards, as defenses will be prevented from simply pinning their ears back and taking their shots at the young passer.

Finding a target to play opposite Lee Evans was a top priority this offseason for offensive coordinator Turk Schonert and his staff. Buffalo drafted 6'7" James Hardy out of Indiana to be that guy, but injuries have limited Hardy's effectiveness in camp to this point, but when he has been on the field, he has looked solid.

Jake Reed will start at the No. 2 for now, but don't be surprised to see Hardy get more and more reps with multiple wide receivers.

While still not an explosive group outside of Lee Evans, and occasionally Roscoe Parish, this offense should be better in Trent Edwards' first full season as the full-time signal caller.

Defense: Injuries demolished the Bills' defense last season. Paul Posluszny is back and starting in the middle. Kawika Mitchell came over from the Giants this offseason and will start on the strong side, while Angelo Crowell, one of the most underrated linebackers in the AFC, will start opposite Mitchell. That presents a solid mix of veteran leadership with young talent.

Marcus Stroud joins the Bills to beef up the interior, and when Stroud is around, he brings the whole cow. An immovable object in the middle, Stroud will eat up blockers and free up the cerebral linebackers to make plays. He should also open lanes for Chris Kelsay and Aaron Schobel to rush the passer off the edge.

Schobel's numbers were down significantly in 2008, but he remains just one season removed a 14-sack season. In fact, 2007 was the first time in six seasons Schobel failed to tally at least eight sacks in a season.

The secondary, much like the offense, is young and very talented. Donte Whitner and Ko Simpson have excellent upsides. Whitney loves to hit, and Simpson has ballhawk potential.

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