After a frustrating lockout and a historically hectic August, the 2011 season is nearly here. With the Saints-Packers opening game kickoff less than 24 hours away, it's time for some predictions for the 2011 season. I'll go division-by-division, starting with the AFC East.
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| The Pats will once again outlast the Jets in the regular season. |
1. New England Patriots
Why They'll Be Better - The Patriots have lacked a pass rush ever since they traded Richard Seymour in 2009. Finally, it appears that Bill Belichick has taken some serious steps to mend it. Albert Haynesworth, Shaun Ellis and Andre Carter will join Vince Wilfork to apply more pressure to opposing quarterbacks.
Why They'll Be Better - The Patriots have lacked a pass rush ever since they traded Richard Seymour in 2009. Finally, it appears that Bill Belichick has taken some serious steps to mend it. Albert Haynesworth, Shaun Ellis and Andre Carter will join Vince Wilfork to apply more pressure to opposing quarterbacks.
Why They'll Be Worse - Although I think the investments in Haynesworth and Chad Ochocinco are more legitimate upgrades than previous veteran signees like Joey Galloway and Fred Taylor, Belichick is still relying on castaway veterans and inexperienced youngsters to come up big when it matters. As we saw in the playoff game versus the Jets, that could be a risky gamble.
My Prediction - People worry whether Belichick will stay in a 3-4 defensive system or move to a 4-3, but it's never that black-and-white with him. The bottom line is that the Patriots coach will constantly alter his system to fit his players, not the other way around. Over a 16-game season, few teams can keep pace with New England.
2. New York Jets
Why They'll Be Better - This time last season, Darelle Revis had held out all of August with a contract dispute and Santonio Holmes was facing a four-game suspension for substance abuse. Now, the Jets have their two most dynamic players fully-prepared and ready to go.
Why They'll Be Worse - For almost the same money that they could have used to resign Braylon Edwards, the Jets instead brought in Plaxico Burress to be their second starting wideout. Basically, Gang Green exchanged a 28-year-old receiver with a big ego and off-field legal issues for...a 34-year-old receiver with a big ego and off-field legal issues. I fail to see the upgrade.
My Prediction - Like last year, the Jets are coming off a surprising run to the AFC Championship. But unlike last year, they didn't do much in the offseason to improve their team. The Jets will make some noise in the playoffs, but I don't think Mark Sanchez can take the leap forward to keep them from again stumbling before the finish line.
3. Buffalo Bills
Why They'll Be Better - If he lives up to the third overall draft pick that the Bills used on him in April, then defensive end Marcell Dareus could team up with the underrated Kyle Williams to anchor the Bills defense for years to come. Linebacker Shawne Merriman will never again be the All-Pro that he was in San Diego, but he looks healthier than he has in years.
Why They'll Be Better - If he lives up to the third overall draft pick that the Bills used on him in April, then defensive end Marcell Dareus could team up with the underrated Kyle Williams to anchor the Bills defense for years to come. Linebacker Shawne Merriman will never again be the All-Pro that he was in San Diego, but he looks healthier than he has in years.
Why They'll Be Worse - Linebacker Paul Posluszny, a tackling machine, left in free agency, and I don't think the oft-injured Nick Barnett can adequately replace him.
My Prediction - Last year, Buffalo was a much better team than their 4-12 record indicated. Three of their losses were in overtime, including the season-altering Stevie Johnson drop. They're returning many of their skill players and have a young nucleus to build around. They could make the playoffs in another division, but the AFC East is too stacked for them to contend this year.
4. Miami Dolphins
Why They'll Be Better - Miami's defense is the most underrated in the league. Cornerbacks Vontae Davis and Sean Smith are not the best tandem in the league right now, but they could be by the end of the season. On offense, Brandon Marshall will most definitely improve on his uncharacteristically-low three touchdowns in 2010.
Why They'll Be Worse - As promising as their defense is, the Miami offense is just as shaky. The running back committee of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams had run its course, but Reggie Bush is an inadequate alternative. Coach Tony Sparano is taking a big risk if he relies on Bush to be a feature rusher.
My Prediction - It's put up or shut up time for Chad Henne. The inconsistent quarterback had a good preseason, but the Dolphins would have gladly traded for Kyle Orton if the price were right. If the Miami coaches don't have faith in Henne, then why should we?
Up next, the AFC North.
Image found here.
My Prediction - Last year, Buffalo was a much better team than their 4-12 record indicated. Three of their losses were in overtime, including the season-altering Stevie Johnson drop. They're returning many of their skill players and have a young nucleus to build around. They could make the playoffs in another division, but the AFC East is too stacked for them to contend this year.
4. Miami Dolphins
Why They'll Be Better - Miami's defense is the most underrated in the league. Cornerbacks Vontae Davis and Sean Smith are not the best tandem in the league right now, but they could be by the end of the season. On offense, Brandon Marshall will most definitely improve on his uncharacteristically-low three touchdowns in 2010.
Why They'll Be Worse - As promising as their defense is, the Miami offense is just as shaky. The running back committee of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams had run its course, but Reggie Bush is an inadequate alternative. Coach Tony Sparano is taking a big risk if he relies on Bush to be a feature rusher.
My Prediction - It's put up or shut up time for Chad Henne. The inconsistent quarterback had a good preseason, but the Dolphins would have gladly traded for Kyle Orton if the price were right. If the Miami coaches don't have faith in Henne, then why should we?
Up next, the AFC North.
Image found here.
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