2006 NFL Recap: AFC Grades
The Patriots had plenty of holes and a lot injuries and still managed to make a run at the AFC Championship. That said, I think it's becoming increasingly obvious that they need to start re-signing their key players if they want to compete with the Colts every year.
TOP NEWS
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Colts Release Kenny Moore
Projecting Every NFL Team's Starting Lineup 🔮
Rookie WRs Who Will Outplay Their Draft Value 📈
Jets (10-6)
They looked awesome at times and awful at others but the bottom line is that they were able to pick up some quality wins and earn a trip to the playoffs in Eric Mangini's first season as head coach. There weren't many expectations for this team, but I think they proved they belonged with the contenders in the AFC.
Bills (7-9)
The Bills struggled at the beginning of the season and didn't look like they were going to accomplish much of anything. Then they got into the playoff race around Week 13 and the Cinderella talk started up. They lost some tight games down the stretch, but they're still one of my teams to watch next year. If nothing else, it's apparent that J.P. Losman is a solid quarterback who can make big plays.
Grade: B+
The expectations around the Dolphins were definitely a little high coming into the season. I for one never really took them seriously as Super Bowl contenders...but the experts thought otherwise. I do think they showed flashes of future greatness in 2006, but they don't have a franchise quarterback. With another new coach, you can expect more of the same out of Miami next year.
AFC NORTH
The Ravens exceeded my expectations in a down year for the AFC North. They were brilliant at times, but it was clear in the end that the Colts were a superior team.
Steelers (8-8)
Obviously a disappointment here for the defending Super Bowl champs. Still, the Steelers did manage to put together an 8-8 record in year full of unfortunate surprises and should be back at the top of the North next season.
Bengals (8-8)
My most disappointing team in the AFC. They had all the weapons in place, but a series of off-field distractions caused the Bengals to struggle in the clutch. Still, it's hard to imagine they won't be contenders if 2007 if Carson Palmer is at 100 percent.
Browns (4-12)
Cellar-dwellers once again. The Browns play in a tough division, and it doesn't look like they'll be making a move out of the basement anytime soon. It's time to draft a franchise quarterback and turn the organization around before Romeo Crennel pays the price for his team's ineptitude. I think the addition of a solid signal caller to an offense that features Kellen Winslow and Braylon Edwards could pay dividends down the road but don't quote me on that.
AFC SOUTH
I fell in love with the 2006 Colts after hating them for many years. They were able to win games when Peyton wasn't at his best. The defense and running game came around. They fought back to beat the Patriots and the squad that showed up in Miami certainly wasn't the same one that lost to the Texans earlier in the season, or the one that had bowed out to the Pats in the playoffs twice before. With all those weapons and possibly the greatest quarterback in NFL history, Indy will be favored to repeat in 2007. Even better: Peyton has plenty of time to polish his resume before he's done.
Titans (8-8)
The most surprising team in the AFC. As one of Vince Young's most ardent critics coming into the season, I've got to admit that he won me over in 2006. He made critical throws in big spots something I didn't think he could do. It's obvious now that he can be a successful quarterback in the NFL. With Young under center and a defense that doesn't like to give up yards, the Titans should contend in 2007.
Jaguars (8-8)
I'm not sure what happened to these guys: They ran all over the Colts and then lost a few disappointing games. They struggled to stay consistent on offense, and I'm not convinced that they have a franchise quarterback on their roster...although I would go with Byron Leftwich over David Garrard if I had to choose. The Jags looked much better than a .500 team at certain times and much worse at others.
Texans (6-10)
The Texans put together a solid year. They struggled to stay in some games, but were also able to beat the eventual Super Bowl champs. They won four more games this year than last, and it looks like David Carr has the makings of a franchise quarterback. Some people might not agree but with proper protection, Carr can get the job done.
AFC West
It's very tough to grade these guys. They dominated in the regular season, then lost at home to a Patriots team that didn't have even a fraction of their talent. I do think they had an amazing year but their resume is incomplete without a playoff win.
Chiefs (9-7)
Made the playoffs despite some terrible losses. The Chiefs were inconsistent throughout the year but in fairness Trent Green did miss half the season. Their defense did a commendable job of picking up the slack, and Larry Johnson is no fluke: The guy can flat out carry a team. That said, the Colts showed that you can take him out of a game if you play him right.
Broncos (9-7)
The Denver faithful can't wait for next year after watching their team's playoff hopes die on the foot of 49ers kicker Joe Nedney. Despite their heartbreaking overtime loss to the end the season, the Broncos found a quality quarterback in Jay Cutler and could make some serious noise in 2007. Adding a big-play receiver to the mix wouldn't hurt.
Grade: B-
What can you say about these guys? They were terrible in almost every game. In their biggest win, against the Steelers, their defense scored all their points. Their D, actually, was solid throughout the year and the addition of JaMarcus Russell should help the Raiders on offense. But they have a long way to go.
Grade: D
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
