AFC East Preview

Last Year’s Predictions
New England 13-3
Buffalo 11-5
Miami 10-6
NY Jets 8-8

What Really Happened
New England 10-6
Miami 9-7
Buffalo 5-11
NY Jets 4-12

Balance was given back to the AFC East last season with the resurgence of the Miami Dolphins who ended the season on a six game winning streak and finished just one game behind first place New England.

This season the division race will still be between those same two teams and while I think the Patriots will win it again they had better stay healthy and get off to a better start than they did last season (going 4-4 over their first eight games) or the Dolphins will win the division.



Buffalo Bills – Projected Finish 9-7 (3rd)
Big Question Mark: Offensive Line
The Bills don’t have a proven coach or a proven quarterback but it is their offensive line that should have everyone associated with this team worried. Last season the Bills offense set a franchise record in futility gaining just 4,122 yards and even better the same tackles and guards are back this season.

Free agent center Melvin Fowler (Minnesota) will be the newest addition to the line and he must find a way to anchor it in order for quarterback J.P. Losman to have an opportunity to improve.

Key Losses:
DT Sam Adams
TE Mark Campbell
SS Lawyer Milloy
WR Eric Moulds

Key Additions:
WR Andre’ Davis
WR Peerless Price
TE Anthony Thomas



Miami Dolphins – Projected Finish 11-5 (2nd)
Big Question Mark: Defensive Backs

Last season opposing quarterbacks enjoyed an 82.4 passer rating against the Miami secondary, and that was with Sam Madison. Now that Madison is gone Will Poole and Will Allen will try to solidify the corner spots.

The departure of safety Lance Schulters creates an absence of leadership that appears will be filled by rookie Jason Allen. Free Agents Renaldo Hill and Deke Cooper will bring much needed experience to the secondary which will no doubt require Nick Saban’s defensive expertise.

Key Losses:
CB Sam Madison
S Lance Schulters
LB Junior Seau

Key Additions:
CB Will Allen
FB Fred Beasley
QB Daunte Culpepper
QB Joey Harrington



New England Patriots – Projected Finish 13-3 (1st)
Big Question Mark: Specialists

To be more specific how much will the loss of Adam Vinatieri hurt this team? The Patriot could be one of the most solid teams in the NFL at every position but a lapse in special teams can cost even the best of teams a game. Trying to fill in for the sure footed Vinatieri are Martin Gramatica and fourth round draft pick Stephen Gostkowski. No doubt clutch kicks will be more intense this season for Pats fans.

Also gone in 2006 is punt return specialist Tim Dwight.

Key Losses:
PR/WR Tim Dwight
TE Christian Fauria
LB Willie McGinest
K Adam Vinatieri

Key Additions:
K Martin Gramatica
S Tebucky Jones



New York Jets Projected Finish 7-9 (4th)
Big Question Mark: Quarterback

Anyone who can tell you who will be the opening day starter will be much less who will end the season as quarterback for the Jets needs to be elevated to guru status. Chad Pennington’s season is still up in the air because of two shoulder surgeries. Vinny Testaverde is gone to retirement. Patrick Ramsey is the next best choice should Pennington not be able to play but he somehow lost the ability to make quick decisions and throw and accurate pass while in Washington making him expendable to the Redskins and landing him in the Big Apple.

Key Losses:
WR Wayne Chrebet
CB Ty Law
QB Vinny Testaverde

Key Additions:
WR/PR Tim Dwight
CB Andre Dyson
QB Patrick Ramsey

2006 AFC East Predictions
New England 13-3
Miami 11-5
Buffalo 9-7
NY Jets 7-9