The NFL season is just over a week away and part one of JOE’s preview begins with a look at the AFC.
By Sean Nolan
AFC East:
Buffalo Bills: It is over a decade since the Bills were any good and it is not going to change this year. They have a new G.M. in Buddy Nix and coach in Chan Gailey and the changes they are making will take time to work. Neither of their two QB options, Trent Edwards or Ryan Fitzpatrick, are from the top rank and they are in a brutally tough division. In short, another losing season.
Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins have a good young quarterback in Chad Henne. They have one of the best wide receivers in the game in Brandon Marshall and the enigmatic Ricky Williams is still going strong. They are also adept at deploying the wildcat offence. Defence is their problem, but if new defensive co-ordinator Mike Nolan can tighten it up, they could spring a few surprises.
New England Patriots: The entire future of the team rests on Tom Brady. One of the top three active QBs, he should have Wes Welker fit again to throw to, which is a massive boost. Randy Moss has also looked motivated in pre-season and coach Bill Belichick is one of the smartest men in football. Solid play-off contenders as always.
New York Jets: The buzz team of 2010. Last year’s beaten AFC finalists have added Antonio Cromartie, LaDainian Tomlinson and Santonio Holmes to an already formidable roster. QB Mark Sanchez had a breakout year last year and if he can keep it up they have a great chance of going all the way. Leading them is coach Rex Ryan, the NFLs version of Jose Mourinho in that he takes all the pressure off his team and onto himself with his outspoken views. Great bet to win the AFC at 6/1.
AFC North:
Baltimore Ravens: Always solid defensively, the Ravens attempted to address their offensive shortcomings by adding Anquan Boldin and Donte’ Stallworth. If Joe Flacco can find them regularly, they should be hard to stop in this division. After that, they need to perform if they face the Colts again.
Cincinnati Bengals: Hard to know what to make of the Bengals. Their roster is full of explosive characters, and they added Terrell Owens to the mix this year. Antonio Bryant has been cut as his knee injury failed to heal and they needed an extra dimension. Cedric Benson is a great running back but Carson Palmer will have to throw to Owens and Chad Ochocinco. They should win this division again if they can keep all the egos in check. It’s a big if.
If Owens and Ochocinco perform, it could be a big season for the Cincinatti Bengals
Cleveland Browns: They won their last four games of 2009, giving hope to a beleaguered city. President Mike Holmgren is a winner and owner Randy Lerner is determined to return to the play-offs for the first time since 1994. Could be one of the sleeper teams to watch.
Pittsburgh Steelers: A byword for excellence in recent years, the Steelers have been dragged through the mud by Ben Rothlisberger’s off-season problems. Suspended for the first four games, where they are when ‘Big Ben’ returns will dictate their season. Two Superbowl wins in the last five seasons mean they are experienced and with Troy Polamalu now fit (for more on Troy, click here), they have the games most effective safety back in harness. Definite play-off contenders.
AFC South:
Houston Texans: A best ever 9-7 season last year means the Texans are seen as a progressive side. Defensive Rookie of the Year Brian Cushing misses the first four games with a drugs ban and the Texans face the Colts and the Cowboys in that period. Add in the fact that they share a division with the improving Tennessee Titans and another 9-7 season will be a challenge.
Indianapolis Colts: The best team in the NFL over the last decade, they were desperately close to winning last year’s Superbowl. Peyton Manning is one of the all-time great quarterbacks and his team is well balanced and experienced. A losing pre-season can be ignored, when the time comes, they will win and win a lot.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Maurice Drew-Jones got 15 touchdowns last year and the Jags will rely on him again to get the crucial scores. QB David Garrard is under pressure and he needs a fast start to stop the chatter becoming unbearable. Defensively, they were a mess last year and though they drafted well in that area, it will be a tough year.
Tennessee Titans: Taking until week seven to get a win killed the Titans last year. 8-2 for the final 10 weeks of the season is a sign that they have a formula now. In Vince Young and Chris Johnson they have a two of the most exciting players in the league and they protect their prized assets well. A relatively benign schedule, including playing the Colts on the final day when the Colts will surely be easing up mean they could make the play-offs.
AFC West:
Denver Broncos: All eyes are on Denver thanks to drafting college star QB Tim Tebow. He is unlikely to start the season but Kyle Orton needs to perform with back-up Brady Quinn and Tebow eager to step in. Coach Josh McDaniels is a tough nut and all three could be taking snaps if he is not happy. That indecision will hamper the team and a sense of chaos does not make winning teams in the NFL.
Kansas City Chiefs: Arguably the worst team in the AFC but hope springs for the Chiefs. Matt Cassell has to improve his completion rate and the defence has to toughen up and the signs are they have. Coach Todd Halley has added some good young talent in the off-season too but another season at the bottom of the AFC West beckons.
Oakland Raiders: New QB Jason Campbell replaces the disaster that was JaMarcus Russell so that is already an improvement. The Raiders are always tough and a winning record may not be out of the question if they can channel their undoubtedly talented roster into football activities.
San Diego Chargers: Second favourites for the AFC title behind the Colts, another AFC West title seems certain. It is how they perform after that that matters. Packed with talent, they should have won a Superbowl by now and this could be their last chance. Phillip Rivers is at his peak as a QB but clambering past the Colts, Jets, Patriots and Ravens in the AFC is a tall order.
