Miami Dolphins: Are They Still in The AFC East With The Jets and Patriots?

 With all this talk about the New York Jets and New England Patriots, where does this leave the Miami Dolphins? Well in all actuality, it leaves them in a very good position to take back the AFC East crown that they wore only two seasons ago. Here are a few reasons why Miami will surprise the NFL and rise to the top once again:

1.      Ronnie Brown Staying Healthy

If Ronnie Brown can stay healthy, he’ll be a force to be reckoned with as in previous injury free years. During week 7 of the 2007 season, Brown injured his knee while making a tackle after an interception. This put him out for the remainder of the season. Before the injury, Ronnie Brown was leading the NFL in yards from scrimmage and was on pace for 2,200 total yards. The following season Brown reemerged himself, along with the birth of the “Wildcat”, and rushed for a solid 916 yards on 214 carries. Although he split carries with Ricky Williams, he was still selected as a reserve for the Pro Bowl. Brown was also on course for another good season in 2009 until he was forced out of action again with a foot injury this time. Ronnie is back to 100% for the 2010 season, and all of you fantasy owners could get a steal with this one, as Ronnie Brown is poised for another 2008, when the Dolphins also won the AFC East.

2.      The New York “Overrated” Jets

Ever since the Jets barely sneaked into the playoffs last season, almost everyone has predicted the Jets to win the AFC East. To begin with, they should have never been in the playoffs. Because their two last opponents of the season, the Colts and Bengals, decided to rest their starters for the playoffs, the Jets were essentially able to win those games against backups and get into the playoffs. Without those two “gimmie games”, the Jets would not have made the playoffs and even be considered a playoff team for 2010. If the Jets want to win the AFC East, they’re going to have to go through Miami first. Miami has now won the last 3 games versus the Jets with two of those being played in East Rutherford. Unfortunately for the Jets, that streak won’t end this season, and Miami will continue it on their home opener, Sunday night game on Sept. 26 against the Jets. Along with another struggling year for Mark Sanchez, only 5 games over 200 yards last year, and the holdout of Darrelle Revis, the Jets will disappoint their fans contrary to many ESPN personnel.

3.      Chad Henne Breakout

The Chad Henne era has begun in South Florida and look for it to get off to a fast start. Henne showed his potential and bright upside last year as he came in during the third game to replace an injured Chad Pennington. Throughout the year, Henne continued to learn and grow each game, throwing for over 300 yards in 3 of the last 5 games to end the season. Not to mention the week 13 game where Henne led the Dolphins on a comeback victory, 22-21, against the New England Patriots. Henne was 29-52 for 335 yards with 2 touchdowns. This year Henne is going into the season as the Dolphins’ starter, so he is getting the reps with the first team this entire off season compared to Pennington getting the majority of them last year. Oh yeah, Brandon Marshall is here now, and that will greatly help Henne, as well as Miami’s other receivers. Look for Chad Henne to make his presence known in the AFC East, and the NFL.

When all is said in done, Miami will be the 2010 AFC East champions. While they are under the radar now, it won’t take long before people know that the Dolphins are serious competitors for the title. The only people that won’t be surprised are the Miami Dolphins and their faithful fans. Get ready because the season is finally here.