AFC East Preview

I’m going to start my 2007 NFL Preview with the division that is geographically closest to me. Why? Because the world revolves around me, so what better way to show it?

1. New England Patriots – This should be a surprise to absolutely nobody. The Patriots have done an excellent job of address their needs during the offseason, especially with their wide receiver corps. Last year’s leading receiver, Reche Caldwell, is projected to be 3rd string this year with the Patriots adding Wes Welker, Kelley Washington, Donte’ Stallworth, and some guy named Randy Moss. This will be the year that Tom Brady can show what he’s capable of doing with an excellent receiving corp. Let’s not forget that he also has Ben Watson, a TE with unbelievable potential.

Although the Patriots upgraded their receivers, their biggest offseason addition was Adalius Thomas. This guy is big, has loads of talent, and is extremely versatile. I’m sure Bill Belichick was like a little kid at Christmas time when he found out about Thomas. This guy will be a devastating weapon for the Patriots’ defense. There is a lot of talk about the hole that Asante Samuel’s holdout is causing in the secondary, but the Patriots have shown in the past that they are more than capable of putting it together.

I would have to be out of my mind to go against the general consensus that has the Patriots hoisting the Lombardi Trophy at the season’s end. A 12-4 record and their 4th Super Bowl ring is my prediction.

2. New York Jets – Last year Chad Pennington showed why the Jets have been willing to stick with him through all of the injuries. In his first full season at the helm, Pennington led the Jets to a 10-6 record. The addition of Thomas Jones in the backfield will give the Jets a solid running attack. This, along with the emergence of WR Jerricho Cotchery, should help take the pressure off of Pennington which will allow him to really showcase his talents.

The biggest weakness for the Jets is their defensive line. Luckily they have a solid secondary that should allow for some coverage sacks. The key is DE Shaun Ellis. He has the talent, but he can disappear for quite a few plays. The Jets desperately need him to step up in run support. If the line can hold their own, this will allow Jonathan Vilma roam the field the Jets could possibly sneak into the playoffs again.

Although the Jets are a playoff calibur team, I think the AFC has too much depth in the North and West for them to grab a wild card spot this year. However they are building toward the future and this should be a good season for the Jets. 9-7

3. Buffalo Bills – The Bills decided to change direction this offseason by trading away Willis McGahee and drafting a talented, but possibly injury prone, Marshawn Lynch out California. Lynch is a complete back when he’s healthy but he has been diagnosed with a congenital disc abnormality in his lower back. Time will tell if this will affect his career. Unfortunately for him, he’s coming to a team with a weak offensive line so he will need every bit of his talent to be productive. J.P. Losman is a talented QB and showed last year that he’s at the very least deserving of a chance to be the franchise quarterback for the Bills. Luckily for him he has a very talented, and underrated, wideout in Lee Evans. In order for this offense to really click, they need to add a solid #2 receiver as well as beef up the offensive line.

Although he was overpaid to go to the 49ers, Nate Clements was very productive for the Bills. His departure will be felt by the defense game in and game out. With a young and unproven secondary and a depleted linebacking corp, the Bills defense is going to need some players to step up if they are going to accomplish anything. Although the defense will be battered, look for some excellent play from Paul Posluszny at the MLB position.

The Buffalo Bills are slowly puttings some very good pieces together for the future, but for the time being they will be lucky to get to .500 this year. The Bills look like a 6-10 team this year.

4. Miami Dolphins – I’ve written enough about the Miami Dolphins to show how I feel about this organization. Trent Green is a solid addition and, if recovered from his concussion, should help the offense tremendously. Unfortunately he doesn’t have much in terms of a receiving corp and the offensive line is average at best. At 37 he’s not the quarterback of the future for the Dolphins, but he’ll do for now.

If the Dolphins are to stay competitive their defense will need to step it up. They have talented, veteran leaders in Jason Taylor, Zach Thomas, and newly acquired Joey Porter. The Dolphins are counting on their leadership to help bring along some of their young players.

Although the Dolphins have a lot of talent on their team, the organization is in shambles. Although they have leaders on the field, the coaching staff is severely lacking in that category. Until they decide what the future is going to look like, the Dolphins will be a sub-average team for the foreseeable future. 5-11 for the Miami Dolphins.

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