2011 NFL Preview: AFC East
The AFC South and the AFC West are two solid divisions, but neither one has a rivalry quite like the Patriots and Jets in the AFC East. Most of the national media attention the AFC East gets revolves around New York and New England and for good reason. They are both two of the best teams in the league and their rivalry is one of the most intriguing in all of football. The division does have two other teams, Miami and Buffalo, even though it is easy to forget they even exist. New England and New York will dominate the division again in 2011, but Miami and Buffalo are not going to go down without a fight.
AFC East
Buffalo Bills: 4-12 (in 2010)
Buffalo had another disappointing season in 2010 and being in a tough division, they are just hoping to improve on last season. They only had four wins, but the Bills did have some bright spots to last season. Buffalo finally has a decent quarterback, the defense was very stout against the pass and their are playmakers at the skill positions. Improvements still need to be made to fill very obvious holes on both sides of the ball though.
The offense will once again be led by QB Ryan Fitzpatrick who threw for 3,000 yards and 23 TD. Buffalo hasn't had a solid quarterback since Jim Kelly retired and even though Fitzpatrick is not an elite player, the Harvard grad is very smart and a very solid football player.
RB Fred Jackson will be the featured back in 2011 and look for second year RB C.J. Spiller to get more touches as well. WR Steve Johnson had a breakout season for the Bills with 82 rec, 1,073 yards and 10 TD. WR Lee Evans was traded to Baltimore, so Johnson will need to have an even bigger year for Buffalo with Evans departure. QB/RB/WR Brad Smith is over from the Jets and look for the Bills to have a package of plays for him built into every game.
Defense was the main focus for the Bills this off-season as they were dead last at stopping the run (169.6 yards/game) in 2010. The Bills drafted DT Marcell Dareus (Alabama) with the third overall pick hoping his size and skill can upgrade the rush defense right away. Other rookies CB Aaron Williams (Texas) and LB Kelvin Sheppard (LSU) also could see some playing time for Buffalo this season and both should help stop the run.
Buffalo did lose LB Paul Posluszny (Jacksonville) and S Donte Whitner (San Francisco), but newcomers LB Shawne Merriman (San Diego) and LB Nick Barnett (Green Bay) could really make a dramatic impact on the Bills defense, if they stay healthy.
Whether America knows it or not, the Buffalo Bills are one of the NFL's rising teams in my opinion, but it's still going to be tough playing in the AFC East. The Bills should be better in 2011 than they were in 2010 and could be a playoff team in a few years. Good times are coming, but for now, a schedule with the Patriots, Jets and Dolphins on it twice, combined with games against San Diego, Kansas City and the very tough teams in the NFC East will result in another losing season of Bills football.
Miami Dolphins: 7-9
RB Reggie Bush is bringing his talents to South Beach, but will it be enough for Miami to overtake New England and New York in the division? Probably not.
Dolphins fans have booed QB Chad Henne in training camp and have been pleading the front office to trade for Denver QB Kyle Orton. I'm not a big Henne fan, but he is still young and worth another look in 2011, however he will have a very short leash. Former Carolina Panthers QB Matt Moore could see the field if he struggles.
The Miami offense has had a two headed rushing attack the last few seasons, but no more as RB Ronnie Brown signed with Philadelphia and RB Ricky Williams signed with Baltimore. As a result, the Dolphins made a trade with New Orleans for RB Reggie Bush. Bush was primarily used as a return man and receiver out of the backfield in New Orleans, but Miami will be hoping he can carry the majority of the load this season.
Miami also drafted RB Daniel Thomas (Kansas St.) to backup Bush, but it is going to be hard to replace Brown and Williams and their combined 1,400 yards on the ground and 8 TD. Center Mike Pouncey (Florida) and tackle Marc Colombo, over from Dallas, are new additions to the offensive line, which should open up holes for Bush in the ground game.
On defense the Dolphins have a very solid unit returning. Miami ranked in the top ten in the NFL against the run and pass and all their stars return. LB Karlos Dansby does a great job against the run, LB Cameron Wake led the Dolphins with 14 sacks and is one of the league's best pass rushers. Leading tackler S Yeremiah Bell is also back and these guys will be the leaders for Miami on defense once again in 2011. Former Dolphin LB Jason Taylor also returns to Miami for his 15th season.
Miami will be an interesting team to watch in 2011 especially with all the pressure on Reggie Bush and Chad Henne to perform. Bush isn't use to losing from his days at USC and being with the Saints the last five seasons, but he better be ready for it. New England, New York Jets and an improved Buffalo team are tough divisional opponents for the Dolphins to get past. In addition to their divisional games, Houston, Philadelphia, Dallas, New York Giants, Kansas City and San Diego on the schedule will ultimately result in a losing season for Bush and the Dolphins.
New England Patriots: 14-2
It's hard to do much better than 14-2, but somehow head coach Bill Belichick will find a way to make the New England Patriots and even better football team in 2011. New England comes in as one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl, when aren't they, and I seriously think they could bring home their fourth Lombardi Trophy this season.
QB Tom Brady may be 34 years old and entering his 12th season, but he hasn't lost anything and is prime for another MVP type season. Brady threw for 3,900 yards and 36 TD last season and he will have lots of talent to throw to again this season. Wide receivers Wes Welker and Deion Branch, running backs BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead, tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, and number 85, Chad Ochocinco.
The Bengals finally gave in and traded number 85 and now Ochocinco finds himself on one of the league's best teams, the New England Patriots. There's not a chance in hell that Bill Belichick and Tom Brady will allow Chad to get away with his usually antics and this season will be a whole new experience for the former Bengals receiver. Trading for Chad is risky for New England, but if Chad can put his personality aside and focus on the team aspect of the game, he could really have a nice season for the Patriots.
On defense the Patriots added another disgruntled player this off-season, DE Albert Haynesworth. The $100 million man never got off on the right foot in Washington, which led to him being traded to New England. Like Ochocinco, if Haynesworth can get along with head coach Bill Belichick, he really could boost a defense that was ranked 30th against the pass last season. LB Jerod Mayo led the league with 174 total tackles, CB Devin McCourty had seven interceptions in his rookie season and DE Shaun Ellis is over from the rival Jets. Along with DT Vince Wilfork and safety Patrick Chung, the Patriots defense could be much better in 2011.
Will the additions of Ochocinco and Haynesworth turn out to be a bad idea in Foxborough? It is a lot to take on, but if there's one team that can handle an Albert Haynesworth and a Chad Ochocino, it's the Patriots. Bill Belichick runs the show in New England and if they get on his wrong side, Chad and Albert won't be around much longer. I think the addition of Haynesworth and Ochocinco will benefit the Patriots and both could have great seasons if they put the team before themselves.
Brady, Belichick, weapons on offense, a very good offensive line and an improved defense will mean another good season for New England in 2011. San Diego, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, New York Giants, Dallas and two dates with Rex Ryan and the New York Jets will test the Patriots, but that won't stop them from another double digit win season and possible trip to Super Bowl XLVI.
New York Jets: 11-5
LB Bart Scott can't wait to get the season under way and why not. His head coach, Rex Ryan, guaranteed a Super Bowl in the off-season, but first they have to get pass arch rival New England and they have the team to do it. After going to the conference title game the past two seasons, the Jets are hoping that 2011 is the year they finally get over the hump and reach the Super Bowl.
The offense lost wide receivers Braylon Edwards (San Francisco), Jerricho Cotchery (Pittsburgh) and Brad Smith (Buffalo) to free agency, but they did resign Santonio Holmes, they also signed Derrick Mason (Baltimore) and Plaxico Burress became a Jet this off-season. Burress suffered an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound in a New York City nightclub in 2008 and has spent the last two years in prison, but he now finds himself back in the NFL. If he can still play, he will bring a huge lift to the Jets passing attack.
QB Mark Sanchez is in his third year and will need to have his best season as a pro. Sanchez has great talent around him from a very good offensive line, great receivers including TE Dustin Keller, to running backs LaDainian Tomlinson and Shone Greene. The Jets had one of the league's best rushing attacks last season and Rex Ryan will continue to run the ball a lot. However, with the addition of Burress and Sanchez being in his third season in the NFL, look for the Jets to use the passing game more often this season.
As for the defense, Rex Ryan may have the most aggressive defense in the league. New York was ranked in the top ten in almost every defensive category last season and they will have to do that and more in 2011 if the Jets are to reach the Super Bowl. Stars like LB Bart Scott, CB Antonio Cromartie, shut down CB Darrelle Revis and rookie DE Muhammad Wilkerson (Temple) will look to dominate opposing offenses much like they did last season.
The New York Jets have a head coach who believes they will win the whole thing and he's not afraid to let the world know what he thinks of his team. The talent in New York is outstanding, the coaching is very good, they have a manageable schedule, but there's still that team up the road in Foxborough. New England has gotten the best of the Jets in the regular season, but the Jets did beat them in the playoffs two years ago. Rex Ryan may believe his team is better, but Bill Belichick knows he has the better team, you just will never hear him say it. The Jets will reach the playoffs, but Rex will come up empty on his guarantee.
Predicted Standings
Last season the AFC East was a two team race and the same will happen in 2011. Miami and Buffalo will be improved teams, but as an overall team neither can compete with New York and New England. I think New England, even if Haynesworth mopes and Ochocinco tweets his displeasures, will come out on top in the AFC East and will advance further in the playoffs than Rex Ryan and the Jets.
Predicted 2011 AFC East Standings
New England: 12-4
New York: 11-5
Buffalo: 6-10
Miami: 6-10
AFC East
Buffalo Bills: 4-12 (in 2010)
Buffalo had another disappointing season in 2010 and being in a tough division, they are just hoping to improve on last season. They only had four wins, but the Bills did have some bright spots to last season. Buffalo finally has a decent quarterback, the defense was very stout against the pass and their are playmakers at the skill positions. Improvements still need to be made to fill very obvious holes on both sides of the ball though.
The offense will once again be led by QB Ryan Fitzpatrick who threw for 3,000 yards and 23 TD. Buffalo hasn't had a solid quarterback since Jim Kelly retired and even though Fitzpatrick is not an elite player, the Harvard grad is very smart and a very solid football player.
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| WR Steve Johnson shirt might say, "Why so serious?" but he and the Bills will need to be serious if they are to compete in the AFC East. His performance was worth a "C'mon Man." (AP Photo) |
Defense was the main focus for the Bills this off-season as they were dead last at stopping the run (169.6 yards/game) in 2010. The Bills drafted DT Marcell Dareus (Alabama) with the third overall pick hoping his size and skill can upgrade the rush defense right away. Other rookies CB Aaron Williams (Texas) and LB Kelvin Sheppard (LSU) also could see some playing time for Buffalo this season and both should help stop the run.
Buffalo did lose LB Paul Posluszny (Jacksonville) and S Donte Whitner (San Francisco), but newcomers LB Shawne Merriman (San Diego) and LB Nick Barnett (Green Bay) could really make a dramatic impact on the Bills defense, if they stay healthy.
Whether America knows it or not, the Buffalo Bills are one of the NFL's rising teams in my opinion, but it's still going to be tough playing in the AFC East. The Bills should be better in 2011 than they were in 2010 and could be a playoff team in a few years. Good times are coming, but for now, a schedule with the Patriots, Jets and Dolphins on it twice, combined with games against San Diego, Kansas City and the very tough teams in the NFC East will result in another losing season of Bills football.
Miami Dolphins: 7-9
RB Reggie Bush is bringing his talents to South Beach, but will it be enough for Miami to overtake New England and New York in the division? Probably not.
Dolphins fans have booed QB Chad Henne in training camp and have been pleading the front office to trade for Denver QB Kyle Orton. I'm not a big Henne fan, but he is still young and worth another look in 2011, however he will have a very short leash. Former Carolina Panthers QB Matt Moore could see the field if he struggles.
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| Reggie Bush will be the primary ball carrier for the Dolphins in 2011. (Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) |
Miami also drafted RB Daniel Thomas (Kansas St.) to backup Bush, but it is going to be hard to replace Brown and Williams and their combined 1,400 yards on the ground and 8 TD. Center Mike Pouncey (Florida) and tackle Marc Colombo, over from Dallas, are new additions to the offensive line, which should open up holes for Bush in the ground game.
On defense the Dolphins have a very solid unit returning. Miami ranked in the top ten in the NFL against the run and pass and all their stars return. LB Karlos Dansby does a great job against the run, LB Cameron Wake led the Dolphins with 14 sacks and is one of the league's best pass rushers. Leading tackler S Yeremiah Bell is also back and these guys will be the leaders for Miami on defense once again in 2011. Former Dolphin LB Jason Taylor also returns to Miami for his 15th season.
Miami will be an interesting team to watch in 2011 especially with all the pressure on Reggie Bush and Chad Henne to perform. Bush isn't use to losing from his days at USC and being with the Saints the last five seasons, but he better be ready for it. New England, New York Jets and an improved Buffalo team are tough divisional opponents for the Dolphins to get past. In addition to their divisional games, Houston, Philadelphia, Dallas, New York Giants, Kansas City and San Diego on the schedule will ultimately result in a losing season for Bush and the Dolphins.
New England Patriots: 14-2
It's hard to do much better than 14-2, but somehow head coach Bill Belichick will find a way to make the New England Patriots and even better football team in 2011. New England comes in as one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl, when aren't they, and I seriously think they could bring home their fourth Lombardi Trophy this season.
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| WR Chad Ochocinco is hoping that QB Tom Brady can help him get his first Super Bowl ring. (Jim Rogash/Getty Images) |
The Bengals finally gave in and traded number 85 and now Ochocinco finds himself on one of the league's best teams, the New England Patriots. There's not a chance in hell that Bill Belichick and Tom Brady will allow Chad to get away with his usually antics and this season will be a whole new experience for the former Bengals receiver. Trading for Chad is risky for New England, but if Chad can put his personality aside and focus on the team aspect of the game, he could really have a nice season for the Patriots.
Will the additions of Ochocinco and Haynesworth turn out to be a bad idea in Foxborough? It is a lot to take on, but if there's one team that can handle an Albert Haynesworth and a Chad Ochocino, it's the Patriots. Bill Belichick runs the show in New England and if they get on his wrong side, Chad and Albert won't be around much longer. I think the addition of Haynesworth and Ochocinco will benefit the Patriots and both could have great seasons if they put the team before themselves.
Brady, Belichick, weapons on offense, a very good offensive line and an improved defense will mean another good season for New England in 2011. San Diego, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, New York Giants, Dallas and two dates with Rex Ryan and the New York Jets will test the Patriots, but that won't stop them from another double digit win season and possible trip to Super Bowl XLVI.
New York Jets: 11-5
LB Bart Scott can't wait to get the season under way and why not. His head coach, Rex Ryan, guaranteed a Super Bowl in the off-season, but first they have to get pass arch rival New England and they have the team to do it. After going to the conference title game the past two seasons, the Jets are hoping that 2011 is the year they finally get over the hump and reach the Super Bowl.
The offense lost wide receivers Braylon Edwards (San Francisco), Jerricho Cotchery (Pittsburgh) and Brad Smith (Buffalo) to free agency, but they did resign Santonio Holmes, they also signed Derrick Mason (Baltimore) and Plaxico Burress became a Jet this off-season. Burress suffered an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound in a New York City nightclub in 2008 and has spent the last two years in prison, but he now finds himself back in the NFL. If he can still play, he will bring a huge lift to the Jets passing attack.
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| The Jets are hoping WR Plaxico Burress can still play after being in prison the past two years. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) |
QB Mark Sanchez is in his third year and will need to have his best season as a pro. Sanchez has great talent around him from a very good offensive line, great receivers including TE Dustin Keller, to running backs LaDainian Tomlinson and Shone Greene. The Jets had one of the league's best rushing attacks last season and Rex Ryan will continue to run the ball a lot. However, with the addition of Burress and Sanchez being in his third season in the NFL, look for the Jets to use the passing game more often this season.
As for the defense, Rex Ryan may have the most aggressive defense in the league. New York was ranked in the top ten in almost every defensive category last season and they will have to do that and more in 2011 if the Jets are to reach the Super Bowl. Stars like LB Bart Scott, CB Antonio Cromartie, shut down CB Darrelle Revis and rookie DE Muhammad Wilkerson (Temple) will look to dominate opposing offenses much like they did last season.
The New York Jets have a head coach who believes they will win the whole thing and he's not afraid to let the world know what he thinks of his team. The talent in New York is outstanding, the coaching is very good, they have a manageable schedule, but there's still that team up the road in Foxborough. New England has gotten the best of the Jets in the regular season, but the Jets did beat them in the playoffs two years ago. Rex Ryan may believe his team is better, but Bill Belichick knows he has the better team, you just will never hear him say it. The Jets will reach the playoffs, but Rex will come up empty on his guarantee.
Predicted Standings
Last season the AFC East was a two team race and the same will happen in 2011. Miami and Buffalo will be improved teams, but as an overall team neither can compete with New York and New England. I think New England, even if Haynesworth mopes and Ochocinco tweets his displeasures, will come out on top in the AFC East and will advance further in the playoffs than Rex Ryan and the Jets.
Predicted 2011 AFC East Standings
New England: 12-4
New York: 11-5
Buffalo: 6-10
Miami: 6-10
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