2007 NFL Predictions - AFC East
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by JMFlyer1454
New England Patriots - One of the favorites to win Super Bowl XLII before they acquired Randy Moss, the Patriots are the team to beat not only in the AFC but in the entire NFL. While not perfect, this team has few glaring weaknesses (if any). One red flag this offseason was their unusual addition of players with questionable character. Randy Moss, Mr. I Play When I Feel Like It, and 1st round draft choice Brandon Meriweather (known for kicking FIU players during the brawl while he was attending 'The U') are not your typical Patriots acquisitions. But their talent is indisputable. Perhaps the notion that he could win a Super Bowl will get Randy to play hard week in, week out. I doubt Belichick will have a problem keeping either player focused. Other causes for concern: an aging set of linebackers, sub-par CBs. The Patriots have the weapons to explode offensively. With the recent return of Asante Samuel the Patriots problems are few and far between.
Prediction: 1st, AFC East
New York Jets - They definitely surprised me last year. They've added Thomas Jones which will strengthen their offense. Not too much major movement otherwise. They were the last team to sign their 1st round draft pick (Darrelle Revis) but it doesn't look like the time he missed matters. Reports say he looks great and will be a dominant force in their secondary. I'd like to say that their season rests on Pennington's shoulders. But I can't. Kellen Clemens is more than an adequate backup. Some NFL 'experts' say he will push Pennington for the starting job. While I doubt that, I do agree that he is a potential NFL starter, a la Matt Schaub. If Pennington goes down, the Jets won't miss a beat. Plus, the Jets and former understudy Mangini will give the Pats 1 of their predicted 2 losses. They're on the Wild Card bubble, however.
- The Jets were actually the 2nd to last to sign their 1st round pick. JaMarcus Russell remains unsigned in Oakland. My bad.
Prediction: 2nd, AFC East
Miami Dolphins - Wow. A year does change a lot. Last year ESPN and Sports Illustrated had the Dolphins playing for Super Bowl XLI (and one even had them winning it). Not this year. In fact I've seen a lot of magazines and blogs out there saying the 'Phins will be one of the worst teams in the league this year. I don't buy that. In fact I believe they are improved. While I wanted them to give Culpepper one more chance, I think Trent Green is a viable starting QB for at least this year and maybe next. He is an upgrade over Gus Frerotte (2005) and Joey Harrington (2006). I know he was injured early last year but he has shown resilience in the past (see 1999 Rams - 2000 Chiefs). Ronnie Brown is vastly underrated and under appreciated in NFL circles (especially Miami). He broke 1,000 yards rushing last year and missed 3 games. He has at least 2 strong back ups (Lorenzo Booker, Jesse Chatman) that can spell him and Cam Cameron's new offense is much better than the Nictator's. The o-line is slowly coming together under the tutelage of the renowned Hudson Houck. Adding speed at WR with Ginn (promoted to 3rd WR) and his return skills will only help the offense and special teams. The defense is steady and may be slightly improved thanks to the signing of Joey Porter and the drafting of Paul Soliai and Abraham Wright. This team is going to surprise some people.
Prediction: 3rd, AFC East
Buffalo Bills - This team showed progress at the end of last year but they lost too much to continue the charge. Takeo Spikes and London Fletcher-Baker are gone from what was already a bad D. They added Paul Posluszny, who will start and be an instant star, but they have little d-line depth and none at linebacker. They lost Nate Clements. Their #1 corner is a former return specialist (Terrence McGee). The safeties are young and learning. If J.P. Losman is consistent and plays like he did in the final 6 games last year they won't be horrendous. But this team is not very good overall. Marshawn Lynch may be a future star but will experience growing pains behind a makeshift line. He will split carries with Anthony Thomas as well. It will be another long, cold winter in Buffalo this year.
Prediction: 4th, AFC East
