I’m so excited for football I may wet myself. With the NFL turning the corner toward Week 3 of the Preseason, teams are starting to take shape. Rookies are becoming acclimated with the speed of the NFL, while most veterans are simply going through the motions, attempting to avoid injury. Injuries, however, continue to mount, potentially changing the landscape of each division. Over the final 2 weeks of the Preseason, I will be dissecting each division, giving predictions for every team in the NFL. Today, we start with the most predictable division in the NFL; the AFC East.
Last Season’s Standings:
New England Patriots: 14-2
Miami Dolphins: 10-6
Buffalo Bills: 7-9
New York Jets: 5-11
Let’s start with my least favorite team in the NFL:
New England Patriots
I can respect and appreciate their dominance, even though they have been a thorn in my side for the past 16 years. Yes, I am a Jets fan. A dejected Jets fan who is impatiently waiting for Tom Brady and Bill Belichick to retire. Everyone will have to wait AT LEAST 1 more year for that. 2017 will be no different than 2016, and 2015, and 20…well you get the point. The last time the Patriots didn’t win the AFC East was 2008 (they went 11-5 that year). Despite being 40 years old, Tom Brady will be at the helm, driving on cruise control to another AFC East Division Title.
Key Additions: Brandin Cooks, Stephon Gilmore, Dwayne Allen
Key Losses: Martellus Bennett, Chris Long, Rob Ninkovich (retirement)
Miami Dolphins
The revolving quarterback door is at it again in Miami. After Ryan Tannehill went down with a knee injury, the Dolphins pulled Mr. Jay Cutler out of retirement to call plays under center. Hey, Miami, just because Cutler will be reuniting with Adam Gase, doesn’t mean this will end well. Expect Cutler and the Dolphins to do what they do best, define mediocrity.
Key Additions: Jay Cutler, Lawrence Timmons, T.J. Mcdonald
Key Losses: Dion Jordan, Earl Mitchell, Jordan Cameron
Buffalo Bills
It’s not a good sign when a kicker headlines your offseason additions. The Bills decided it was time to part ways with oft-injured, wide receiver Sammy Watkins, as they traded him to the Los Angeles Rams for cornerback E.J. Gaines. I’m sure this didn’t have quarterback Tyrod Taylor jumping for joy. The Bills did sign Anquan Boldin on August 7th….only to watch him retire 13 days later. Good stuff!! Maybe Bills and Jets’ fans will get along this season. Misery does love company — right??
Key Additions: Steven Hauschka, Vlad Ducasse, Micah Hyde
Key Losses: Sammy Watkins, Stephon Gilmore, Mike Gillislee
New York Jets
Boy, oh boy!! Where do I begin?! Taking this season in a vacuum, this will be the longest, most frustrating season Jets’ fans have ever endured — ever!! And that’s saying a lot. The offense the Jets will be running onto the field every Sunday is the result of a Tank Job for the ages. See, the Jets are like a car you want to rebuild. Any old, rusty parts that can be scrapped are taken to the junkyard. And any new, shiny parts will replace the old ones..only the new parts are on back order..for a YEAR. Buckle up Jets’ fans, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
Key Additions: Demario Davis, Josh McCown, Kelvin Beachum
Key Losses: Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker, Darelle Revis, Nick Mangold, David Harris, I could keep going, but let’s just agree the Jets are TANKING
This Season’s Predictions:
New England Patriots: 12-4
Miami Dolphins: 7-9
Buffalo Bills: 5-11
New York Jets: 2-14
How do you think the AFC East will play out?? If you see it differently than I do, you may want to change your prescriptions. Just sayin’.
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