AFC East Is Up For Grabs But Are People Watching?

Upon a return from a wedding last weekend I was anxious to get some football running in my veins.  Home in time for my fix I encountered some of the most dynamic plasma television exploding NFL finishing I have ever seen.  In particular a lot of deserving praise is given to the NFC East division who continue to shift power and expectations on a weekly basis.  This make for great football drama but the nation who is not blinded by the media attention this conference gets has seen a pretty dramatic run thus far in the AFC East.  

Miami Dolphins, where did they come from? Have you seen Ronnie Brown lately?  That's the best part, neither have many defenses until they have full view of his name and number! For a guy that started the year behind Ricky Williams on the depth chart has not done so bad at the helm of what has been a bad offense in the past few years which lacked a real identity.  Hat's off the Dolphins for making digging deep in the playbook to create a flashy approach to what was once a dull, Marino-starved, faceless entity.

The second surprise which I'm almost ashamed to admit is the recent success of Brett Favre.  I should have known this old workhorse still had it in him.  As a Buffalo guy I was drooling to see one of those last minute desperation passes thrown off the back foot fall right into the hands of a strong secondary player.  My fear of this team continues to rise as they seem to be more comfortable as the weeks roll on.  Two negated touchdowns because of penalties don't seem to be an issue, just throw a third.

The Bills are a great unknown.  They took it hard on the chin as Kurt Warner dissected the Buffalo secondary the entire game.  Warner's arm and J. P. Losman's lack of confidence or pocket presence made for a long day for Western New Yorkers.  Also, what was thought to be a revamped defense has shown signs of great toughness early on but exhibited absolutely no pressure on a quarterback that always seems to be throwing like it's his last game.  Lastly, All Pro Jason Peters came to camp at the very last minute.  This arrival was based on some contract negotiations and a restructure of his remaining three years.  Hear this average American who works hard for each paycheck?  Ever try to restructure a deal you had worked out with three years remaining?  Me either but if I did I would hit the field resembling beat down machine, so far Peters looks more like a rusty door.

The New England Patriots are a little dinged up to say the least.  As a fan of the game I hate to see somebody like Tom Brady be sidelined for the season.  The backup situation hasn't turned out to be the plug in a play situation New England has hoped for.  This being said you never count this team out.  Wes Welker still amazes me with underneath routes, and then there's Randy being Randy.  Bill Belichick is probably revamping his schemes and cutting up more sweatshirts to help the Pats get back on track but they may have to get a more reliable quarterback situation before they hope to move forward. 

This division will be interesting as the season continues.  Bye weeks and injuries contribute to the grinding process to the playoffs.  Meanwhile fans with teams in this division are no doubt in store for a wild ride.