New York Jets
Patrick Says: Disclaimer: I think Mark Sanchez is horrible. I cannot write an objective analysis of this Jets team. Between Rex Ryan’s douchebaginess and Sanchez’s inability to throw the ball more than 4 feet off the ground I cannot take them seriously even though they have somehow been in the AFC Championship 2 years in a row. So even though I do not believe in them at all I assume they will win at least 10 games and declare themselves to be the greatest 10 win team of all time, etc, etc. Whatever.
Pete Says: Disclaimer: I also think Mark Sanchez is horrible...but the rest of the team is really damn good. Many expect regression from LT coming into the season. He has regressed the past two years, that's true, and so the expectation isn't unwarranted. But Shonn Greene is there to spell that load. The mix and match of talent on a run-heavy team is a great thing. Moreover, I absolutely love the Plaxico Burress signing. I don't care that he's been out of football for the past two years. I believe that the lockout is going to result in resurgent performances from veterans all over the league and this will benefit teams such as the Jets who have not changed their makeup much. Even noodle-armed Sanchez is going to have a tough time not increasing his performance with Burress on the field in place of Drop Everything It's Braylon Edwards. New York's consistency should see them to the top of the East once again.
New England Patriots Patrick Says: While Philadelphia has made waves this past couple weeks as the NFLs “Miami Heat” the Patriots have made a few veteran signings as well. Bill Belichick is not a young man any more[1], and neither is Tom Brady. The Patriots defense has been a liability since their core (Vrabel, Bruschi, Samuel, Seymour, et al) left/was cut/etc. a few years ago to save money, and this has prevented them from being a serious threat in the playoffs. They resemble the not too distant Dallas Maverick teams (pre-championship, of course): regular seasons studs and postseason flameouts. I do not see Belichick/Brady going out this way. They know their window is closing. Haynesworth, Ochocinco and everyone else will be motivated, and should lead the Pats to a division title.
Pete Says: Tom Brady has the greatest hair in pro sports and I would be happy to spend serious amounts of time with initial Mrs. Brady castoff Bridget Moynahan. But enough about my best friend Tom Brady. The Patriots have such a balanced attack it's almost not fair. Bill Belichick has bred a ruthless culture of performance and anti-egoism that has allowed New England to be a place to shine for miscreants like Corey Dillon and Randy Moss. There's no reason to think the same won't happen for Ochocinco and Albert Haynesworth. What the Pats lack in the run game they make up for in their pass attack, sporting every possible type of receiver and two top notch tight ends. If New England can get a full-ish healthy season out of Kevin Faulk, they could do some serious damage all the way through. Unlike Patrick, though, I believe the Jets will win the East. My predictions for this year place value on team consistency, especially on the offensive end. Ochocinco and Haynesworth are both veterans who address needs for the Patriots, but eventually Belichick's faith in his abilities will fail to pan out and this might just be the year. It'll be close at the top, but I think New England falters a bit this year.
Miami Dolphins
Patrick Syas: Well, here’s another team with a lousy QB situation. Chad Henne? Please. If the goal in the NFL was to throw more interceptions than TDs and have a rating of 75 (oh, I’m sorry I’m not using ESPNs stupid new QBR metric yet) then he would be good. But those numbers suck. Henne sucks. Davonne Bess? Brandon Marshall? Please, those guys together combined for 165 rec. and 1800 yds last year. Marvin Harrison practically did that himself in the early 00s. Defensively, they have Cameron Wake. Beast. That is all.
Pete Says: I agree that Miami is going to be pretty awful this year. They pass on quarterbacks in a draft that had a decent number of prospects to take a center? Mike Pouncey definitely has the ability to become a Pro Bowl center, and with fellow linemates Jake Long and Richie Incognito Pouncey could help solidify a formidable offensive line. The problem is that the offensive line might be the most formidable part of the Miami team. Sadly for south Floridians Miami's frequent mismanagement of teams and drafts is starting to chute their organizational rating into the basement. Five years from now when Jake Locker, Ryan Mallet, and Colin Kapernick (that's right I said it) are legitimate starters Dolphin fans will still be making Matt Moore jokes. At least they'll still be able to stream aging and underperforming running backs behind their highly drafted offensive line. Yes, I'm looking at you Reggie Bush.
Buffalo Bills
Patrick Says: Another tough QB situation up in Buffalo. Ryan Fitzpatrick didn’t suck last year, and a lot of people thought the Bills could have won a few more games, but this is not going to be their year. The real question will be “Will Ralph Wilson die and will this team move to LA?” I give the Bills credit, they used a lot of picks on up front positions, and didn’t give in to idiot analysts who insisted they draft an overrated QB (a la Gabbert, Ponder, Locker, etc.) But honestly, it will be another tough year in western New York.
Pete Says: I'm high on the Buffalo Bills this year. I really like Ryan Fitzpatrick, who has succeeded every time he's had an opportunity. If Fred Jackson can stay healthy Buffalo also has the potential for a great pairing at running back. But the Bills lack sorely in the receiving game and on defense. Running a 3-4 may now be the vogue in the NFL, but when you're relying on the washed up shell of Shawne Merriman and the black belt of overpursuit Nick Barnett you could be in some serious trouble. Especially against Tom Brady. But somehow Buffalo managed to stay in games late last year and if they end up in a last play situation the Ryan Fitzpatrick to Stevie Johnson combo is more than enough to help Buffalo luck into a few wins. They'll fight with Miami for the division cellar though.
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