The AFC East in recent years has been pretty much all about the Patriots for the last several seasons with the lone exception of last year. In a very odd 2008 NFL football season, the mighty Patriots lost superstar quarterback Tom Brady and dropped to second place behind Miami via a tie breaker. This season, Brady is back but does that mean that the AFC East is a gimme once again? Let’s look into the crystal ball for 2009, and see what stares back at us.
While the Patriots are not the powerhouse they have been in previous seasons, they are still awfully good. This version of the Patriots has just as strong of a chance in winning the division as any, and I expect that Brady will return to form quickly and decidedly. Randy Moss, Brady, newcomer Fred Taylor, and many others will keep the Patriots near the top of the standings all season long. I expect them to reclaim the AFC East crown.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins sprung from nowhere to take the playoff spot in the AFC East last season and they will not sneak up on anyone this year. The Dolphins are a solid football team but they do have some question marks. Will Ronnie Brown be able to hold up this season? Will the wildcat be effective again? Can the Tuna work some more magic? I see second place in this talented division.
Buffalo Bills
The Bills are one of those teams that is really hard to figure out. They have some serious talent and that new guy…. Terrell Owens. They have a quarterback that might just explode now that the Bills have more than just Lee Evans to throw to. It should be fun to watch. The Bills will come in a strong third, and would not surprise me at all to go higher.
New York Jets
The Jets will struggle this season because they seem committed to rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez. He is a fantastic talent and I do see him succeeding in his rookie year, but there will be growing pains for sure. Expect that Sanchez will play alot, and the Jets will win a little. This will be a good thing in the long run for the Jets.
Make sure to check out my other predictions for the league found below:
