NFL 2006: AFC East Projections
Last year, the New England Patriots dynasty came to an abrupt culmination when the Denver Broncos defeated them in last season’s divisional playoff game. However, the Patriots are expected to win their fifth AFC East title in the last six seasons. The Patriots still possess some key weapons that gave them the edge.
It starts with quarterback Tom Brady. The always reliable Brady has rarely disappointed his teammates or his fans, so should his two-day absence from practice back in early August cause for any concern? Probably not, since Brady appears to be one of the most committed players in the NFL.
Corey Dillon will return at half-back, but his durability is in question. Last season, Dillon started only 10 games for the Patriots. If Dillon spends the 2006 NFL season battling injuries, it’s plausible that the Patriots will utilize their rookie running back Lawrence Maroney.
The Patriots lost a couple of key players this off-season. Wide receiver David Givens has a new home with the Tennessee Titans, and place kicker Adam Vinatieri will suit up for the arch-rival Indianapolis Colts.
Defensive end Richard Seymour and strong safety Rodney Harrison are returning from their 2005 injuries, and Tedy Bruschi is hoping to return to the field for the Patriots season opener after a broken wrist kept him on the sidelines throughout the pre-season.
2. Miami Dolphins (10-6)
The Miami Dolphins have finally caught up to the New England Patriots in the AFC East, but can they pass them?
Last year, the Dolphins ended 2005 with six consecutive victories, including a season finale triumph over the Patriots.
Head coach Nick Saban and the Dolphins made some noise this off-season after acquiring two former NFC North quarterbacks. Three-time Pro Bowler Daunte Culpepper is expected to lead the Dolphins offense in 2006, but his health could be a hindrance.
If Culpepper’s knee injury resurfaces, then former Detroit Lions quarterback Joey Harrington will fill the void. Harrington has displayed flashes of potential in the past, and it’s conceivable to believe that he could sneak away with the Dolphins starting quarterback job before the season is over.
Ronnie Brown will handle the majority of the Dolphins running game after Ricky Williams’ latest suspension. This will be Brown’s first opportunity to be the primary running back, so it may take a few weeks before we get a clear indication as to how productive he can be.
There were not many changes as far as the receivers are concerned and the core of the Dolphins defense remains familiar with Zach Thomas, Jason Taylor, and Kevin Carter. The Dolphins added the 1994 first overall draft pick Dan Wilkinson to the defensive lineup.
3. New York Jets (5-11)
If Chad Pennington can return to his 2002 form, the Jets may be closer to a .500 team, but few are counting on it.
The Jets will be better equipped at the quarterback position if Pennington does go down again, as they acquired former Washington Redskins quarterback Patrick Ramsey.
The running game could suffer in 2006 if Curtis Martin is unable to return to action. Martin, who is fourth on the NFL’s all-time rushing list, has spent the off-season recuperating from a knee injury that occurred in 2005, but it’s doubtful that he could start the season for the Jets.
It will be interesting to see how new head coach Eric Mangini interacts with his team as the season unfolds, especially if it’s a season of tribulations.
It’s likely that the Jets will have their hands full trying to stay out of the AFC East cellar.
4. Buffalo Bills (4-12)
As of the day this article was comprised, the Buffalo Bills have yet to announce who will be their starting quarterback for 2006. Last season, the Bills gave up 13 year NFL veteran Drew Bledsoe for an unproven J.P. Losman. The outcome from that decision needs no reminder. Kelly Holcomb eventually replaced Losman as the Bills quarterback, but the improvement was marginal. Once again, the quarterback battle will include Losman and Holcomb.
The Bills took a hit offensively when they lost their best receiver Eric Moulds after he rejected the notion of a pay cut. Moulds was traded to the Houston Texans.
Peerless Price returns to the Bills receiving core after shoddy tenures with the Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Cowboys. Price played for the Bills for four seasons before he was shipped off to Atlanta.
The Bills will also undergo a transitional period with their new head coach. Former Chicago Bears coach Dick Jauron was hired to lead the Bills in 2006 and beyond. Though many Bills fans would have preferred to see Marv Levy, arguably the Bills most successful coach, step back into the coaching fray. Instead, the 80-year old will continue on as GM.
The Bills are expected to be the AFC East’s weakest team.
