Division Series Preview, Part 6: AFC East
Combined Record: 33-31
2011 Division Winner: New England Patriots (13-3, 5-1 Division)
2011 Playoff Teams: New England Patriots
Let's start here. The Patriots have won the division each year, besides one, which was the 2008 Dolphins. Going back a little farther, since 2001, only two teams have won the division other than the Patriots. The J-E-T-S, you know the rest, won in 2002. The Bills haven't made the playoffs since the 1999 Season, which they were crippled in the Music City Miracle. The Jets have lurked in the Patriots shadow to say the least. This season, the AFC East will play the AFC South & NFC West.
New England Patriots (13-3, 5-1 Division, 10-2 Conference)
Noteworthy Arrivals: Tony Fiametta, Brandon Llyod, Jabar Gaffney, Donte Stallworth, Robert Gallery, Jonathan Fanene, Visanthe Shiancoe, Trevor Scott, Bobby Carpenter, Will Allen, Marquice Cole, Steve Gregory, Chandler Jones (DRAFT), Dont'a Hightower (DRAFT)
Noteworthy Departures: Chad Johnson, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Matt Light, Andre Carter, Mark Anderson, Gary Guyton, Antwaun Molden
2012 Predicted Record: 13-3
It's weird to think that the Patriots were one Lee Evans dropped Touchdown Catch away from not making it to the Super Bowl, and also a short Field Goal away from being forced into overtime. However, that's football. The 2011 Patriots campaign ended, finishing as the runner-up in the league. Foiled by the Giants, again! When you look at their team during the offseason, the first thing that stands out are how many offseason splashes the Patriots have made. In my eyes? It's been the cheap version of the Redskins (take notes Dan Snyder). As if it weren't enough that they already had their beast weapons of Aaron Hernandez & Rob Gronkowski, they added tons of veterans like Shiancoe, Llyod, Gaffney, & Stallworth to make Tom Brady salivate just a little bit more. One thing is for certain when it comes to the Patriots offense, be wary to draft anyone except for Brady in fantasy football! Okay, maybe Welker & Gronkowski. At any rate, we all know they can score, but their defense was full of holes last season. They helped solve for some of their woes in their first two draft picks of Chandler Jones & Dont'a Hightower in the First Round. The Pats will be tested a little bit more this season in terms of Divisional Play, however, they'll still pull out an easy 12-13 wins this season with their Strength of Schedule. Games of interest include: @Baltimore (Week 3 - Rematch), Denver, Houston, & San Francisco.
What a perfect way to celebrate a Super Bowl loss!
Noteworthy Arrivals: Tony Fiametta, Brandon Llyod, Jabar Gaffney, Donte Stallworth, Robert Gallery, Jonathan Fanene, Visanthe Shiancoe, Trevor Scott, Bobby Carpenter, Will Allen, Marquice Cole, Steve Gregory, Chandler Jones (DRAFT), Dont'a Hightower (DRAFT)
Noteworthy Departures: Chad Johnson, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Matt Light, Andre Carter, Mark Anderson, Gary Guyton, Antwaun Molden
2012 Predicted Record: 13-3
It's weird to think that the Patriots were one Lee Evans dropped Touchdown Catch away from not making it to the Super Bowl, and also a short Field Goal away from being forced into overtime. However, that's football. The 2011 Patriots campaign ended, finishing as the runner-up in the league. Foiled by the Giants, again! When you look at their team during the offseason, the first thing that stands out are how many offseason splashes the Patriots have made. In my eyes? It's been the cheap version of the Redskins (take notes Dan Snyder). As if it weren't enough that they already had their beast weapons of Aaron Hernandez & Rob Gronkowski, they added tons of veterans like Shiancoe, Llyod, Gaffney, & Stallworth to make Tom Brady salivate just a little bit more. One thing is for certain when it comes to the Patriots offense, be wary to draft anyone except for Brady in fantasy football! Okay, maybe Welker & Gronkowski. At any rate, we all know they can score, but their defense was full of holes last season. They helped solve for some of their woes in their first two draft picks of Chandler Jones & Dont'a Hightower in the First Round. The Pats will be tested a little bit more this season in terms of Divisional Play, however, they'll still pull out an easy 12-13 wins this season with their Strength of Schedule. Games of interest include: @Baltimore (Week 3 - Rematch), Denver, Houston, & San Francisco.
What a perfect way to celebrate a Super Bowl loss!
New York Jets (8-8, 3-3 Division, 6-6 Conference)
Noteworthy Arrivals: Tim Tebow, Chaz Schilens, Stephon Heyer, Laron Landry, Yeremiah Bell, Josh Brown, Quinton Coples (DRAFT), Stephen Hill (DRAFT)
Noteworthy Departures: LaDanian Tomlinson, Plaxico Burress, Jim Leonhard, Brodney Pool
2012 Predicted Record: 6-10
One word. Dysfunction. If you really believe that Tim Tebow is going to bring this team to the Promise Land (excuse all puns), then you should go get drug tested. Everyone is waiting to see how soon it will take Mark Sanchez to lose his starting position. This will solely be the only sought out story for the Jets franchise this season, however, we commend you Rex Ryan for the weight loss (see below). This team has too many locker room problems. as it came to light in the offseason. One player will not change their fate this season, but it's a starting point. There's no bold prediction of 'Winning the Super Bowl' this year from Rex. It could get very ugly in New York quickly, but I'm sure that it won't be a problem for them to trade the Green for Blue if it gets that tough. Games of interest: @Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Houston, @New England (That's Week 7, see bold predictions), Arizona, San Diego.
Think we found the next spokesman for Nutrisystem
Noteworthy Arrivals: Tim Tebow, Chaz Schilens, Stephon Heyer, Laron Landry, Yeremiah Bell, Josh Brown, Quinton Coples (DRAFT), Stephen Hill (DRAFT)
Noteworthy Departures: LaDanian Tomlinson, Plaxico Burress, Jim Leonhard, Brodney Pool
2012 Predicted Record: 6-10
One word. Dysfunction. If you really believe that Tim Tebow is going to bring this team to the Promise Land (excuse all puns), then you should go get drug tested. Everyone is waiting to see how soon it will take Mark Sanchez to lose his starting position. This will solely be the only sought out story for the Jets franchise this season, however, we commend you Rex Ryan for the weight loss (see below). This team has too many locker room problems. as it came to light in the offseason. One player will not change their fate this season, but it's a starting point. There's no bold prediction of 'Winning the Super Bowl' this year from Rex. It could get very ugly in New York quickly, but I'm sure that it won't be a problem for them to trade the Green for Blue if it gets that tough. Games of interest: @Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Houston, @New England (That's Week 7, see bold predictions), Arizona, San Diego.
Think we found the next spokesman for Nutrisystem
Miami Dolphins (6-10, 3-3 Division, 5-7 Conference)
Noteworthy Arrivals: David Garrard, Chad Johnson, Legedu Naanee, Jamaal Westerman, Gary Guyton, Richard Marshall, Tyrell Johnson, Ryan Tannehill (DRAFT)
Noteworthy Departures: Chad Henne, Lex Hilliard, Brandon Marshall, Vernon Carey, Kendall Langford, Marvin Mitchell, Will Allen, Yeremiah Bell, Phillip Merling
2012 Predicted Record: 4-12
First of all, I'll just say kudos to Reggie Bush on his 1,000 yard season. He was a very lone bright spot for the Phins last year. They traded away their best weapon in the offseason to the Bears, Brandon Marshall. For 2012, we're not sure who the hell is throwing the ball, and more importantly, who the hell is catching it. Yes, you can automatically say it's Chad Johnson, but past that? Davone Bess, Brian Hartline, and a ton of youngsters. The QB Shuffle is a mess, as they will turn to Matt Moore at first, but at some point we'll wonder if Tannehill or Garrard will step in, or at what point they will. Their defense swapped from a 3-4 to a 4-3, which could really hinder the production of Cameron Wake. The Dolphins are in for a long year, and may find themselves picking in the Top 5 by the end of it all. Games of interest: @Houston, Oakland, @Arizona, @San Francisco
Don't look at me Miami fans, blame Stephen Ross for running it into the ground.
Noteworthy Departures: Chad Henne, Lex Hilliard, Brandon Marshall, Vernon Carey, Kendall Langford, Marvin Mitchell, Will Allen, Yeremiah Bell, Phillip Merling
2012 Predicted Record: 4-12
First of all, I'll just say kudos to Reggie Bush on his 1,000 yard season. He was a very lone bright spot for the Phins last year. They traded away their best weapon in the offseason to the Bears, Brandon Marshall. For 2012, we're not sure who the hell is throwing the ball, and more importantly, who the hell is catching it. Yes, you can automatically say it's Chad Johnson, but past that? Davone Bess, Brian Hartline, and a ton of youngsters. The QB Shuffle is a mess, as they will turn to Matt Moore at first, but at some point we'll wonder if Tannehill or Garrard will step in, or at what point they will. Their defense swapped from a 3-4 to a 4-3, which could really hinder the production of Cameron Wake. The Dolphins are in for a long year, and may find themselves picking in the Top 5 by the end of it all. Games of interest: @Houston, Oakland, @Arizona, @San Francisco
Don't look at me Miami fans, blame Stephen Ross for running it into the ground.
Buffalo Bills (6-10, 1-5 Division, 4-8 Conference)
Noteworthy Arrivals: Vince Young, Mario Williams, Mark Anderson
Noteworthy Departures: Demetress Bell, Reggie Torbor, Drayton Florence
2012 Predicted Record: 10-6
Ball first, everything else second. Fundamental Football 101.
Noteworthy Arrivals: Vince Young, Mario Williams, Mark Anderson
Noteworthy Departures: Demetress Bell, Reggie Torbor, Drayton Florence
2012 Predicted Record: 10-6
Perhaps the team to watch for in 2012. I don't look for them to go all the way, or be a high seed in the playoffs. I'll bank on them being a Wild Card, however. HEALTH is the huge concern for the Bills, which I should remind you this team started 2011 at 5-2, and averaged 30 points/game before the injuries did them in. The addition of Mario Williams & Mark Anderson will make their pass rush that much better. Only the Titans & Buccaneers finished worse in 2011 for Sacks. They'll need Ryan Fitzpatrick & Stevie Johnson to re-kindle that Jim Kelly to Andre Reed like connection this season, and stay HEALTHY. Fred Jackson had an impressive start, but went down with a fractured right fibula. He's back, and has to remain HEALTHY. If you don't see the common theme for the Bills this season, then I can't help you. Games of interest include: Kansas City, @San Francisco, @Arizona, @Houston, Seattle (That's in Cananada, yes I know the typo is there for a reason). It's worth noting this, come Week 11 here is their opponent list: Miami, @Indy, Jacksonville, St. Louis, Seattle, @Miami, Jets.
Ball first, everything else second. Fundamental Football 101.
AFC East- 2012 Bold Predictions
- The Patriots will repeat as division winners, again.
- Mark Sanchez will yield his starting QB job to Tim Tebow by Week 7
- The Bills will finish as a Wild Card this season, getting back into the playoffs for the first time since 1999
- The Dolphins will finish with a Top 5 Draft Pick this season (My bet is #4 Overall)
No comments:
Post a Comment