Quick Hit AFC Preview
AFC EAST
1. New England Patriots – It’s pretty simple – if Brady and Moss both stay healthy, no AFC East team will come within 4 games of the Pats. After dealing Richard Seymour to Oakland, it’s clear that getting younger on defense is a priority. But if you can put up 40 plus a game, does it really matter? Projected Record: 12-4
2. New York Jets – The 2009 Jets will be a poor man’s version of the 2008 Ravens. Play close, ugly games with a rookie quarterback and see how each week shakes out. Sexy Rexy has already called out opposing players and put the Patriots on notice - how could you not want to play for this guy? Projected Record: 8-8
3. Miami Dolphins – A team very similar to the Falcons - won a lot of close games in 2008 with a 4th place schedule. Not only do the ‘Fins have to play the NFC South this season, but sprinkle in games against the Titans, Chargers and the Super Bowl Champs. Sparano is one hell of a coach, but the talent in South Beach is average at best. Projected Record: 8-8
4. Buffalo Bills – One of three teams this preseason that’s already canned their OC. Their offense was putrid in August and even though they get T.O. back to start the regular season, they lose Beast Mode for the first three games. Oh, and they play the Patriots Week 1. Yuck. Projected Record: 6-10
AFC NORTH
1. Pittsburgh Steelers – Mike Tomlin may be the coolest coach in professional sports. He’s young, energetic, hard-nosed and demands respect. The Rooney’s always hit home runs so Tomlin’s success shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone. Plus, who did they lose this off-season? Until they get knocked off…don’t hate. Projected Record: 12-4
2. Baltimore Ravens – Joe Flacco has looked unflappable in August. But it’s a little puzzling that GM Ozzie Newsome didn’t go out and get a top-tier receiver this offseason. Talking Derrick Mason out of retirement isn’t my idea of working the phones Ozzie – get the kid a new toy!! Losing Rex Ryan to the Jets stings, but it’s certainly not the end of the world. Charm City has a pretty good track record when it comes to DC’s (Marvin Lewis, Mike Nolan, Rex Ryan, now Greg Mattison). Projected Record: 10-6
3. Cincinnati Bengals – Maybe it’s Hard Knocks, but I kinda find the Bengals endearing. It’s a snake-bitten franchise chock-full of veteran players looking for redemption. Honestly, check out this list of players who hope to prove their naysayers wrong: Roy Williams, Tank Johnson, Cedric Benson and Chris Henry just to name a few. Couple that with long time vets Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco trying to regain their Pro Bowl form and maybe this fascinating mix of misfits rally around each other and get it done…CHILD PLEASE. Projected Record: 7-9
4. Cleveland Browns – Has Eric Mangini finally realized that he ain’t Bill Belichick? Come on man, you can start acting like your mentor once you’ve won a few rings. Until then, pick a QB and suck up the fact that your team isn’t very good. Only bright spots this season for Cleveland include rookie runner James Davis and better production from Braylon Edwards (it’s a contract year, what do you expect?) Projected Record 4-12
NFC SOUTH
1. Tennessee Titans – We expect the Titans to be a little bit more dynamic on offense this season. Chris Johnson will be used effectively in the passing game and rookie receiver Kenny Britt looks legit. Plus LenDale White put down the Patron and lost 30 lbs! Defense will take a small step backwards without Fat Albert. Projected Record: 11-5
2. Houston Texans – Is this the year these fools finally make the playoffs? I think so, it’ overdue. Offense can put up 28 a game with ease and the Mario Williams led defense is finally ready to raise up. Remember when the Texans caught heat for drafting Williams and not Reggie Bush? Projected Record: 10-6
3. Indianapolis Colts – The first season ever Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison haven’t been on an NFL field together. Weird. I almost think it’s harder for a guy like Jim Caldwell to replace Tony Dungy because he’s been on staff for a number of years. Anything done out of the ordinary from Camp Dungy will raise some red flags with vets like Sanders, Freeney, Wayne and of course, Manning. But when you have #18 on your side, usually everything works out just fine. Projected Record: 10-6
4. Jacksonville Jaguars – I think it’s lights out for Jack Del Rio this season. His window to win in Jacksonville closed a couple years ago. Calling out John Henderson’s toughness through the media for missing an OTA tells me that guys aren’t catchin’ what Del Rio’s throwin’. I’m not saying Del Rio’s a bad coach, but it may be time to move on. David Garrard is just an average QB and it’ll be interesting to see how MJD holds up as the feature back. Plus, no one goes to games in Jacksonville anyway – come to LA. Projected Record: 6-10
AFC WEST
1. San Diego Chargers – If this division isn’t wrapped up by November, I’ll be shocked. The Bolts have been dominant in December over the past two seasons, posting and 9-0 record when their backs are against the wall. September’s been another story – just 3-5 under Norv’s watch. Projected Record: 11-5
2. Oakland Raiders – What in THE hell is going on in Oakland?? Mind-boggling personnel decisions to a point where it’s just comical now. But once you sift through all this BS, this team’s got some talent. Tom Cable better stick to the script – run the ball at all costs. Any other division (besides the NFC West) and Raider Nation only wins 4 games. Projected Record: 6-10
3. Denver Broncos – Another Belichick mini-me who feels he’s owed something. Josh McDaniels handled the Jay Cutler situation as bad as one possibly could and even though Brandon Marshall’s a little nutty, something tells me that McDaniels hasn’t necessarily been a choir boy behind the scenes. Pat Bowlen, the model owner when it comes to stability, has inadvertently created a monster. Projected Record: 6-10
4. Kansas City Chiefs – Todd Haley is another rookie head coach that doesn’t do it for me. Arizona’s offense caught lightning in a bottle last January and all of a sudden Haley’s the next big thing? Does Scott Pioli realize that Larry Fitz isn’t packaged into the deal? In fact, Pioli has to wonder if he didn’t strike out twice by also acquiring Matt Cassel, who’s looked shaky this preseason. Projected Record: 5-11
