AFC East
1.) New England Patriots - People seem to forget that it was the Pats who won the division last year. I see no reason for them to not repeat. Brady's two years removed from his injury now, though Palmer was never the same after the same injury, I think Brady's poised for a big year. Not 40+ TDs, mind you, but mid 30s sounds about right. The emergence of Julian Eddleman last year bolsters their receiving corps. Their defense does worry me somewhat, but it's always better than the sum of its parts thanks to the HC.
2.) New York Jets - I don't see it. I don't see the greatness this team's supposed to have. They went 9-7 last year with their last two opponents laying down for them. They might've beaten the Bengals anyway, but not the Colts. In the playoffs they beat the Bengals again. Then in the second round beat the Chargers by three with Kaeding missing three field goals. The Jets will tell you they have an all time great defense. They don't. Their defense is among the best in the league right now, but is nowhere close to the pantheon of all time great defenses. No all time defense gets picked apart the way the Jets did in the second half of the AFC title game. It was like Peyton was calling their plays. As for their offense, it's okay. They have a really good o line. Shone Greene has to prove he can carry the load for an entire season and LDT's done, regardless of what LDT tells you. As for the Sanchize, he went 12-20 TD to int ratio. Flipping that is a solid season. Not great, but solid. Yet flipping it would mean going +16 in the ratio. That's asking a lot. Peyton between his first and second year managed to go +13 and he's among the greatest of all time. The only reason I'm picking the NYJ second and not third is that I'm aware of my dislike for the team and think it's possible I'm drinking too much haterade.
3.) Miami Dolphins - A really underrated team last year. They played tough against the best in the league. Marshall will be Henne what Burress was for Manning. I know there's an opportunity for an easy joke here, but I'm above that. The defense, with the addition of Dansby will be improved. If Henne tales the Sanchize jump, he'll go for 20-6 this year. I don't think anyone thinks that's happening. Still, the Dolphins will be contenders this year, so long as they don't shoot themselves in the foot. I couldn't resist.
4.) Buffalo Bills - Edwards is not the QB of the future, si I don't understand why they didn't draft one. The team's rebuilding, by the time they're ready to win, they're still going to need a QB. I don't get it.
AFC North
1.) Baltimore Ravens - They are who everyone thinks the Jets are. Strong defensive team with a young franchise QB, and great running game. Boldin, Mason, and Heap give Flacco great targets and the core D has one more year left in them.
2.) Pittsburgh Steelers - I think they are a year away from being great again. Ward and Randle El don't do it at receiver. I know they've got Mike Wallace and Miller, but is that enough? Their line's not great which gets me worried about Mendenhall. The D will be improved with Troy back.
3.) Cincinnati Bengals - The addition of Owens worries me. They were a running team last year, will they shift to a passing offense to pacify him? Owens and Ochocinco are playing nice right now with Ochocinco literally calling himself Robin to Owen's Batman, but how long will that last? I could see this team falling apart. They even have the potential to finish behind...
4.) Cleveland Browns - Played hard for Mangini down the stretch last year, then promptly got rid of the QB. Not a fan of Jake's. The sooner McCoy starts, the better. Had a great draft might as well get your QB of the future reps now so he'll be ready when the rest of the team is.
AFC South
1.) Indianapolis Colts - Peyton Manning is their QB.
2.) Tennessee Titans - Vince Young wins. They guy has a great record 26-13 QB record according to football reference. He didn't lose his job to Collins because of on field stuff, remember it was his attitude that got him becnched. Chris Johnson's great, but will not repeat last year's numbers.
3.) Houston Texans - Last year was the first in which Matt Schaub played all 16 ganes and he put up fantastic numbers. With a lack of a running game, teams will tee off on Shcaub and I don't see him playing the whole season.
4.) Jacksonville Jaguars - MJD is great, nothing else is on this team. There's quite a bit of good, but not great. Playing in a tough division and against the NFC East will hurt this team badly.
AFC West
1.) San Diego Chargers - Having a living person at running back will take loads of pressure off of Rivers, though the loss of Jackson hurts. The defense is good enough, not great. Being able to beat up on a bad division will keep this team rested and have them be fresh for the playoffs. This is key because they're going to the Super Bowl. Yep, you read me. The Chargers will be going to Dallas in February. I know it's Norv Turner, but still.
2.) Oakland Raiders - I'm losing a lot of credibillity with this division. Campbell will do wonders for this team. Not a fan of the coach's. Still, their defense and special teams is good and the offense will begin to catch up. Actually, with Lechler, Janikowski, and Higgins they may have the best special teams in the league.
3.) Denver Broncos - When you have three QBs, you have no QBs. They also have no Dumerville t or Marshall to boot.McDaniels is going to feel the heat this year.
4.) Kansas City Chiefs - Matt Cassell is not an NFL starting QB. Also, Weis and Cranell will not be able to duplicate the magic of the New England years.
NFC next week.
Limerick of the Week/ Offseason
McNabb cures the Skins' QB fear
The Jets think that they're upper tier
Ben's rep is in tatters
All that really matters
Is that guns will be slung for another year.
Peace
