4thAndLong
01-13-2003, 05:39 PM
Let's take a look at the division...
Buffalo Bills -
A team one offseason away from being a legimate playoff team. We expect big things this offseason to straighten out some weaknesses, and the things Modrak and Donahue have done is outstanding. O is a top 5 unit, and the D has improved leads and stepsfrom the beginning of the year. Below average coaching, average special teams.
New York Jets -
We've seen what this team can do with Pennington. Pennington's insticts got the Jets where they are. He spreads the ball out to everyone and they have one of the best RB Duo in the NFL, have big play receivers in Coles and Moss. The D improved tremendously at the end of the year. Good coaching, great special teams, will be a force next year.
Miami Dolphins -
Have become the choke artists of December. They have two different Ds...The away one, and the home one. 7-1 at home compared to 2-6 on the road I believe. Ricky is the lone bright spot on an IMO, average O. Fiedler cant hit the clutch passes and the offense relies on Ricky way too much. Horrible coaching, below average special teams.
New England Patriots -
They've had one problem all year - stopping the run. The front 7 obviously isn't doing their job, will probably bring in a LB like Colvin to be a pass rush specialist to take pressure off the DL. Secondary is very solid....The O runs the screen pass to perfection, and has great playcalling by Weiss. Great coaching, good special teams.
Now...Many believe the AFC West is the best division in football. Let's take a look it at...
Oakland Raiders -
About 50 mil over the cap next year...Which will obviously be a problem. They'll have to get rid of some of their talent, although about 3/4 of the team will probably retire next year ( :rolleyes: ).
Gannon and Garner are studs...But Garner needs to have the passing game effective to run good....Rice and Brown have lost alot of steps the past years...But Porter looks to be coming up. But IMO, is average (7-9 to 9-7) next year. Good coaching, average special teams
Kansas City Chiefs -
D cant stop the run...Or the pass. Although they showed signs of improvement, some drastic changes will have to be made to handle the defense. The O is perfect...Roaf, Holmes, Gonzalez, what more can you ask for. Holmes and Gonzalez are the #1 RB/TE combo. Average team without a D, but they probably will try and address that with Free agency and the draft. Average coaching, good special teams.
San Diego Chargers -
They're turning into the Dolphins! Choke-artists-of-the-end-of-the-year-Jr. are get off to a hot start every year then play horribly at the end. Tomlinson will be one of the best, but defensive star Jr. Seau is getting older and Harrison will probably be gone next year. Average coaching, average special teams.
Denver Broncos -
Interesting what they'll do at QB, Griese is probably gone...But is Buerlein (sp) capable of being a starter again? Or will they go after Plummer or someone else...Defense was good but that can change without Rhodes....OL is as solid as ever with its 4th 1,000 yard back in as many years...
Ok, with that being said I would have to say that the AFC East is alot more tough than the AFC west, and the best division in football. Should be a dogfight next year.
Buffalo Bills -
A team one offseason away from being a legimate playoff team. We expect big things this offseason to straighten out some weaknesses, and the things Modrak and Donahue have done is outstanding. O is a top 5 unit, and the D has improved leads and stepsfrom the beginning of the year. Below average coaching, average special teams.
New York Jets -
We've seen what this team can do with Pennington. Pennington's insticts got the Jets where they are. He spreads the ball out to everyone and they have one of the best RB Duo in the NFL, have big play receivers in Coles and Moss. The D improved tremendously at the end of the year. Good coaching, great special teams, will be a force next year.
Miami Dolphins -
Have become the choke artists of December. They have two different Ds...The away one, and the home one. 7-1 at home compared to 2-6 on the road I believe. Ricky is the lone bright spot on an IMO, average O. Fiedler cant hit the clutch passes and the offense relies on Ricky way too much. Horrible coaching, below average special teams.
New England Patriots -
They've had one problem all year - stopping the run. The front 7 obviously isn't doing their job, will probably bring in a LB like Colvin to be a pass rush specialist to take pressure off the DL. Secondary is very solid....The O runs the screen pass to perfection, and has great playcalling by Weiss. Great coaching, good special teams.
Now...Many believe the AFC West is the best division in football. Let's take a look it at...
Oakland Raiders -
About 50 mil over the cap next year...Which will obviously be a problem. They'll have to get rid of some of their talent, although about 3/4 of the team will probably retire next year ( :rolleyes: ).
Gannon and Garner are studs...But Garner needs to have the passing game effective to run good....Rice and Brown have lost alot of steps the past years...But Porter looks to be coming up. But IMO, is average (7-9 to 9-7) next year. Good coaching, average special teams
Kansas City Chiefs -
D cant stop the run...Or the pass. Although they showed signs of improvement, some drastic changes will have to be made to handle the defense. The O is perfect...Roaf, Holmes, Gonzalez, what more can you ask for. Holmes and Gonzalez are the #1 RB/TE combo. Average team without a D, but they probably will try and address that with Free agency and the draft. Average coaching, good special teams.
San Diego Chargers -
They're turning into the Dolphins! Choke-artists-of-the-end-of-the-year-Jr. are get off to a hot start every year then play horribly at the end. Tomlinson will be one of the best, but defensive star Jr. Seau is getting older and Harrison will probably be gone next year. Average coaching, average special teams.
Denver Broncos -
Interesting what they'll do at QB, Griese is probably gone...But is Buerlein (sp) capable of being a starter again? Or will they go after Plummer or someone else...Defense was good but that can change without Rhodes....OL is as solid as ever with its 4th 1,000 yard back in as many years...
Ok, with that being said I would have to say that the AFC East is alot more tough than the AFC west, and the best division in football. Should be a dogfight next year.