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//  Saturday, July 31, 2010

Offseason WIll Bring Change in AFC East

Monday, March 1, 2010
Posted by Cedric Harmon

In the AFC East, the Jets, Patriots, Bills, and Dolphins all are looking to add depth to their teams. Despite the Jets success in the playoffs, they still can improve their team so that next year they can hopefully make it to the big game.

The New York Jets:

The Jets stunned the entire NFL with their success in the 2009-2010 NFL season and pleased a rookie head coach, Rex Ryan. Their secondary stood strong and their linebacker core held their ground throughout the entire season. The Jets defense ranked 1st in the league in total defense, passing defense, and rushing defense. Head Coach Rex Ryan was completely domination opposing offenses. However, The Jets were eliminated last weekend by the Indianapolis Colts in their second playoff game after being shredded by quarterback Peyton Manning. The Jets offense also faired pretty well through the season, with the leading rushing average in the league, but their passing game may look to improve throughout the post-season. Many critics and fans are comparing the Jets team to an older Baltimore Ravens team. The Jets are playing good defense and run-game but their passing is still average or below. This off-season fans can definitely expect some upgrades to the Jets offense. The changes may come in the wide receiver position due to inexcusable dropped passes throughout the year.

New England Patriots:

The New England Patriots had a pretty good season but then made it to the playoffs to lose to the Baltimore Ravens in the wild card round. They faced their first ever loss at home in the playoffs in the decade. The Patriots did however rank 3rd in overall offense in the league. The Patriots welcomed back quarterback Tom Brady this year from injury in the 2008 season. Brady returned, but to some, was declared not the same Tom. Some people believed that Brady was a little shaken up from his injury that it made him hold back on certain opportunities. He didn't seem comfortable in the pocket at times. Against the Ravens in the playoffs, Brady was completely shut down from the beginning of the game. He never seemed to be comfortable. In the off season, The Patriots may look to fix some screws in their offensive line and also add depth to their secondary. The Patriots secondary was dismantled by teams in the season probably due to the retirement of both Tedy Bruschi and Rodney Harrison. They also loss defensive lineman Richard Seymour to the Oakland Raiders after trade. The Patriots are definitely going to change some things around in the off season.

Buffalo Bills:

Another team in the AFC East that may be looking for some changes is the Buffalo Bills. The Bills have already made movements toward a new coaching staff and may soon be looking for new team personal to add depth to the various positions. The addition of Terrell Owens last year hasn’t provided the outcome that the team was looking forward to. So far this off season, it is rumors that they will release him to the free agency and that the Baltimore Ravens may sign him. After a 6-10 season last year, it is definite that the Bills will seek some change. The Bills secondary seemed to be doing well this past season gathering for a combined 28 interceptions. They also combined for 13 forced fumbles. The problem with the team seemed to lie with the play-calling and offensive push. The leader in receptions was Terrell Owens and the quarterback time was split between Ryan Fitzpatrick and Trent Edwards. They threw for a combined 7 interceptions.  On paper, the Bills look like a playoff caliber team, but their efforts need to be developed on the field in a better manner, and hopefully next year will be a better year for them.

Miami Dolphins:

Ranked third in the AFC East, the Miami Dolphins have a lot of work to do this off season. The team so far has already released linebacker Joey Porter. They have also had numerous issues with players breaking the law recently. The Dolphins last season ranked 15th in points and 17th in yards. They ranked 20th in pass yards, yet 4th in rushing yards. The team looks to be well rounded and may have a great comeback season this year. One of the Dolphins biggest issues last year was defense. Their defense ranked 25th out of 32 teams. The Dolphins need to improve on that if they plan on making and playoff berths anytime soon. Defenses indeed win championships. Chad Pennington may return this season after suffering from injury last year. He was replaced last year by quarterback Chad Henne, who threw for 2,878 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. Running back Ricky Williams rushed for 1,121 yards and Ronnie Brown rushed for 648 yards. The two combined for 19 touchdowns. The Dolphins indeed need to find their team once again this off season and need to find a way to defeat the Pat’s, Jets, and Bills in the AFC East. 

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