Posted on Sept. 5th, 2008AFC East Preview
The AFC East - The division has hit rock bottom with 3 teams rebuilding, in various stages. The Jets have chosen to rebuild on the fly through free agency, Miami has chosen to be completely out with the old and in with the new via the draft, and the Bills have been in the rebuilding process longer but haven't seemed to build up much via the draft or free agency.
1) New England (13-3)
New England is the obvious class of the division, but for how long? Tom Brady is in his prime, Maroney will be entering his prime shortly, and Moss will most likely have another 4 years of all-pro play, so this team can conceivably be atop of the division for quite some time. The defense is, and has been, on a down-swing as mentioned in my defensive rankings. The linebacking crew and the DB's are in dire need of an overhaul and though the process is already in the works, the decisions on who to target in the next few off-seasons will be crucial. The line is young and very, very good, so no worries there. Despite the numerous moves made by the Jets, I still don't see this team in any danger of losing the top spot.
2) New York Jets (9-7)
This team was never as bad as its record last year. Thomas Jones is a good back, Coles and Crotchery are better than average receivers, the offensive line was a huge problem that seems to have been addressed, and the defensive scheme they were using didn't match the talent of the players they had (that has been addressed this year as well). The Favre trade has invigorated the team, the fan base, and I can not conceivably think why anyone would consider this a negative move. Only a Superbowl appearance will cost the Jets a number one and if that's the case, he'd be well worth it. Pennington and Clemens were obviously not ready and may never be, and as far as the salary cap goes, Pennington's salary was more than half of Favre's. The Jets had a good draft and did even better in free agency (though they did overpay for some free agents - see Alan Faneca). I see this team fighting for a playoff spot till the end and it's going to be close.
3) Buffalo Bills (6-10)
I hate this team. Marshawn Lynch is good but not great. Trent Edwards is adequate but still in the latter half of qb's. Lee is really a number 2 receiver and it's a toss-up of who the number 2 receiver is. I can't name the TE and the line is suspect. The defense is average and there is just not a whole lot of excitement surrounding this team. Maybe they'd be better off handing Marv the keys to coach the team instead of sitting upstairs with GM responsibilities. In the long-run, they are actually worse than the Dolphins because I don't see this team going anywhere in the next 5 years.
4) Miami Dolphins (4-12)
This team may surprise with a 6 win season but that's about it. Too many new faces in critical positions, and other guys overcoming problems in one shape or another. The Pennington addition will pay immediate dividends. I think he starts for 2 years and then moves on, but in those two years he will give the mentorship that their plethora of young quarterbacks need. His leadership on this young team will be invaluable on and off the field. I look for Pennington to keep the team in close games and see guys like Ronnie Brown, Ricky Williams, and Ted Ginn Jr. really respond to his role as team captain. The Miami defense is in massive overhaul mode with the offseason losses of pro-bowlers Zach Thomas and Jason Taylor.
