As my preseason predictions come to a close, so does the NFL offseason. Just a little over a week away from real football games, the AFC East is a great division to talk about in post 8 of 8. The AFC East consists of Tom Brady, a team that went from 1 win to 11 wins, now Terrell Owens, and much more. Last year's division winner won just a single game in 2007, and the Dolphins had the highest win increase in NFL history. Everyone knows about Tom Brady's injury, but Matt Cassel filled in for him and the Pats still went 11-5. The Jets started off strong but ended the wrong way with Brett Favre playing worse as the season went on. And the Bills -- well, now they have Terrell Owens. The Dolphins went from worst to first, but do I think the Bills can do that as well? Here are my final preseason predictions.
Team on the Rise: Buffalo Bills
I think that Terrell Owens was a great addition for the Bills. Now Trent Edwards has not one, but TWO great receivers to throw to. T.O. had over 1,100 yards and over 13 touchdowns in his first season with the Eagles, and did the same with the Cowboys. Fred Jackson should play solid for the first four games, then when Marshawn Lynch returns from his suspension, he can pick up the pace.
Team on the Decline: Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins had an amazing improvement from 2007 to 2008. Unfortunately, I think this year is going to be a tough year to get back to 11-5. Non-AFC East opponents that face Miami this year include the Colts, the Panthers, the Chargers, and the Titans. And then they play the defending champions, the Steelers, in their last game of the season. I just can't imagine the Dolphins winning that many games again.
Biggest Impact Players: Thomas Jones and Trent Edwards
The Jets had a great start to the 2008 season, but unfortunately they lost four of their last five. Now, the Jets bring in rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez, and while he may end up having a great season, they cannot rely on a rookie. Jones quietly had 1,312 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns last year while making his first career Pro Bowl. If he can put up those types of numbers again, the Jets will be in the playoff race. Trent Edwards is entering his 3rd season in the NFL, and he finally has a great group of receivers. If Owens isn't open, Lee Evans might be, and he is another player I think is underrated. If Trent Edwards can have a strong season, this offense can strive, and the Bills could very well be in contention like the Jets.
Best Offense: New England Patriots
New England brings back Tom Brady from injury, and I think that he can go back to his normal form. Do I think he can go break records again? No. But with Randy Moss, Wes Welker and newly acquired Joey Galloway, the Patriots have a very strong passing game. I think Fred Taylor can help the running game as well, despite being 33 years old.
Best Defense: New York Jets
Now many of you may disagree with this, but I like what the Jets did in the offseason to bring in 2-time Pro Bowler Lito Sheppard and 1-time Pro Bowler Bart Scott. Bart Scott is extremely interesting for me because they now have the former Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan as their coach. Scott will feel comfortable playing under Ryan because he has played under Rex Ryan for all of the years he was the defensive coordinator in Baltimore. Also, Darrelle Revis and Lito Sheppard is a great combination at the corner back position.
Best Division Game: New York Jets vs. Buffalo Bills
This game is being played in Toronto. Yes, that's right, I said Toronto. This December 3rd game will be very important for both teams because it is close to the end of the season in Week 13 and, again, it's in Toronto. There is no home field advantage in this one. I think the Jets prevail because of their defense and because the crowd will be with the Jets.
Division Winner: New England Patriots
Last year, the Patriots went 11-5 without the quarterback that set the record for most touchdowns in a single season. Even though the Pats won eleven games, they didn't even make the playoffs! Now that Brady is back, I think the Patriots have a lot of expectations and feel very motivated to make the playoffs once again. Shawn Springs is a good substitute for Ellis Hobbs on defense, too.
5 comments:
you mentioned that fred taylor is 33. another good point is that joey galloway is 37! i was very surprised when i first heard this because galloway can still play like he's 30
no surprise about the patriots lol
How will the crowd be for the Jets in the game played in Toronto? Buffalo is geographically much closer.
I think he means because the Jets are in New York City, they are a popular team. Still, Buffalo is closer to Toronto.
Well, they are the New York team, near New York City
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