Pre Training Camp Preview- AFC East
Jun 11, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady at the practice field during Minicamp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
The AFC East could be renamed Tom Brady’s Playground because that’s what it’s been ever since he became the starter in the 2001 season he’s won the division 10 out of 12 times. It should also be noted that in 1 of those seasons he didn’t win he missed 15 games due to injury but this year is different and the division could be up for grabs.
New England Patriots-The Patriots have lost 4 of their 5 top pass catchers from last year and the one they have left, Rob Gronkowski, is coming off surgery and might not be ready for the start of the season. To replace those receivers they signed guys like the oft injured Danny Amendola and journeyman Michael Jenkins. Not to mention the constant change to a defense that wasn’t bad but also wasn’t great especially considering that Bill Bellichick is a great defensive coach. The Pats look weak but of course they have something that can possibly cover all of those weaknesses…Tom Brady! This might be his toughest season with the lack of talent he has but if anyone can get through it, its Tom Terrific.
Miami Dolphins– The winners of the off season super bowl are primed to take over the top spot if the Pats slip. Usually the winners of the off season super bowl don’t follow that with immediate success but the pieces that Miami added were needs and could translate into wins. They needed weapons for young Ryan Tannehill so they added Dustin Keller and Mike Wallace. They needed help with their secondary so they added Brent Grimes and 2 cornerbacks high in the draft. They got younger and faster with their linebackers with Phillip Wheeler and Dannell Ellerbe. If Ryan Tannehill goes a step further in his development after a pretty good rookie season then watch out!
Buffalo Bills-The Buffalo Bills are in a transition period. They have a new head coach and coaching staff. They also have a QB competition between Kevin Kolb and EJ Manuel. After a really good draft they are on the right track. They have improved receiver depth and they are talented but they are extremely young. They still have a two-headed monster in the backfield in CJ Spiller and Fred Jackson. Those two and what should be an improved defense, although switching from a 4-3 to a 3-4, should be able to get them some wins but with such a young roster the fans should be excited about the future not this year. Although I will say they could surprise some people if everything clicks and they get above average QB play from whoever starts.
New York Jets-There has been a lot of talk about the Jets this offseason and it’s not good. The Jets don’t look very talented, they lost several key pieces of a decent defense and that have a QB controversy. Not to mention that whoever wins the QB battle doesn’t have any receivers to throw to outside of Santonio Holmes whose coming off an injury. Mark Sanchez is not the answer. He can’t carry the team by himself and he doesn’t have the running game to compliment him. Geno Smith has talent but he’s a rookie and he’s not Andrew Luck or RG3 so I don’t see him leading them to the playoffs now. Rex Ryan has his work cut out for him this season.