2007 NFL Review: Team-by-Team AFC Breakdown

AFC East

Patriots (16-0) Super Bowl Finalist A+

The Patriots are an A+ right now and there is no doubt in my mind they will finish the season 19-0 with a Super Bowl win, but I think if they were to lose this game, the season could be considered a slight disappointment. With the moves they made in the off season and their regular season performance, nothing other than walking away with the Lombardi Trophy will be acceptable.

Bills (7-9) DNQ B+

After loosing impact players on defense, the Bills were still able to be competitive and looked good in many games. The Bills were contending for a playoff spot for awhile and played until the final whistle of the season. Buffalo needs to make a decision at quarterback. I think J.P. Lossman is a solid quarterback, but they appear to be leaning towards Trent Edwards. I think Lossman can make more big plays for their offense, and Marshawn Lynch is an amazing talent.

Jets (4-12) DNQ C-

The Jets overachieved in Erich Mangini's first season and benefited from an easy schedule. This season was much different, and at 4-12, the Jets were not able to come close at a return trip to the playoffs. It appears Kellen Clemmens will take over the reigns of quarterback, and the Chad Pennington era will be over. The Jets simply do not have a lot of play makers, and the off season will be a good time to address their needs.

Dolphins (1-15) DNQ D

The Dolphins pulled off an amazing win versus the Ravens in overtime to prevent them from being the first 0-16 team in history. Miami was competitive in a lot of games, but injuries destroyed their team. John Beck did not show any flashes of being the future quarterback, but the Dolphins need help in many other aspects of the game. Parcells will likely give Beck and Lemon another shot, unless Trent Green is able to return.

AFC North

Steelers (10-6) 1st round loss B

The Steelers improved to win the AFC North division this season, but were not able to get past the Jaguars in the first round of the playoffs. The injury of Willie Parker damaged their hopes of being a contender in the AFC. Pittsburgh made an amazing comeback, and Mike Tomlin turned the team around with the great improvement of Ben Roethlisberger.

Browns (10-6) DNQ A+

The most improved team in football found an excellent quarterback in Derek Anderson and a great coach in Romeo Crennel. The Browns gave both contracts, and the future of Brady Quinn should be interesting. Cleveland would have been a playoff team if the Colts had played their starters in week 17 versus the Titans.

Bengals (7-9) DNQ D

Time is running out on the Bengals coach Marvin Lewis, and the locker room has became a hostile environment. With Carson Palmer questioning the coaches decisions and job status, and Chad Johnson requesting a trade ,the Bengals are just a mess. The talent is too great for them to be a below average football team. The defense must be rebuilt to contend next season.

Ravens (5-11) DNQ D-

The Ravens were a disaster this season. Their defense struggled at times, but the offense could not score points or keep the defense off the field. The defense gave up points from being tired, as well as committing several turnovers. The Ravens must improve under new coach John Harbaugh and try to select a quarterback that can lead this team. Willis Mcgahee was the lone bright spot on offense and with Johnathan Ogden set on retirement, the Ravens' offense could possibly be in for another long season.

AFC South

Colts (13-3) AFC Divisional Round Loss B-

The defending Super Bowl Champs could not overcome the loss of Dwight Freeney and the numerous mistakes made versus the injury plagued Chargers. Tony Dungy will return, but the Colts looked rusty and it took a long time for their offense to get going. Marvin Harrison was also limited for most of the season, as well as the playoff game versus the Chargers. Indy should have still beaten the Chargers, but there are no should haves or could haves in the playoffs. The bottom line is the Colts are going to be at home watching their rival New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.

Jaguars (11-5) AFC Divisional Round Loss A

Winning at Pittsburgh twice this season was a huge step for the Jaguars, and the great play from quarterback David Garrard lifted the Jaguars offense. The running game was great with the two-headed monster of Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor carrying the load. Jacksonville gave the Patriots all they could handle, but became just another victim of the Patriots. The Jaguars will look to add another play maker for next season.

Titans (10-6) AFC 1st round Loss B+

The Titans defense was amazing all year, and the running game was solid with a great season from Lendalle White. The quarterback play was very poor from Vince Young, as, for the second straight year, Young turned the ball over a lot and did not make as many big plays. He played scared versus the Chargers and looked like he was playing not to lose. I am not sure if Young is this team's franchise quarterback, but it was only his second season.

Texans (8-8) DNQ B+

The Texans were greatly improved this season and will look to be a serious contender for a playoff spot next season. Matt Schaub seems to be a solid fit, and if they can keep him and Andre Johnson healthy, the Texans might just have a dynamic 1-2 punch on their hands. With an amazing season by Mario Williams, the defense was surprisingly solid in most games.

AFC West

Chargers (11-5) AFC Championship Loss A

After overcoming a very slow start, the Chargers became hot at the right time. The Chargers overcame many injuries and stayed competitive, and they were a few field goal plagued red zone trips away from nearly preventing the undefeated Patriots from reaching the Super Bowl. Rivers played solid with a severely injured knee, and Tomlinson was not able to play after the first series. The Chargers also had a limited Antonio Gates, but the defense played solid and flustered Brady and the Patriots' rhythm. San Diego made a great trade with Chris Chambers emerging as a play maker and, the Chargers could be close to contending again next season.

Broncos  (7-9) DNQ D

I was very disappointed with the Denver Broncos this season. Their defense was surprisingly terrible, and the offensive line and running game was not nearly as successful. I think Jay Cutler is going to be a great quarterback, and my prediction of him being the best out of the 2006 NFL Draft Class seems to look solid so far. Cutler can make plays, and Brandon Marshall is a great play maker. The Broncos need to repair their offensive line and defense if they want to contend for the AFC West title next season.

Chiefs (4-12) DNQ F

The Chiefs were terrible. A playoff team the year before that simply had no identity at the end of the season. They appeared to be an automatic win. The Chiefs were the Lions lone win in the second half of the season, and they lost to the Jets at the end of the season. Brodie Croyle struggled for most of the season, and their offense was terrible with Larry Johnson injured. Johnson struggled when he was healthy, though, and the offense needs a lot of work for them to contend for anything next season.

Raiders (4-12) DNQ C+

The Raiders were a lot more competitive this season, and I think Jamarcus Russell is going to be a solid NFL quarterback that can make big plays for the Oakland. Justin Fargas was a surprising 1,000 yard rusher, but the Raiders defense was competitive, but not as solid as the year prior. The Raiders need some weapons to help Russell, and the defense needs to get back to the way they were playing in 2006. Oakland should keep improving next season.