scarletbuckeye's Blog
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I will be doing an NFL preview of all the divisions, projected records, and playoffs.
AFC East

(Projected Record: 14-2, First in AFC East, #1 Seed In AFC Playoffs)

Key Additions:RB LaMont Jordan, OLB/ILB Victor Hobson, CB Fernando Bryant,S John Lynch, S Tank Williams.
Significant Losses:WR Donte' Stallworth, WR Troy Brown,DE/OLB Rosevelt Colvin,ILB Junior Seau,CB Asante Samuel, CB Randall Gay,
Draft:QB Kevin O'Connell, DE/OLB Shawn Crable, OLB Bo Ruud, ILB Jerod Mayo, CB Terrence Wheatley, CB Jonathan Wilhite, KR Matt Slater.
Offensive Overview:
Last Year The Patriots were the undisputed best team, rolling through the regular season, and advancing to the Super Bowl before being upset by the Giants. Well the key reason for their success was the high powered offense. Well the key to the Pat's offense is the best player in the NFL, Tom Brady. Last year Brady threw for 4,806 yards, and 50 TD's against only 8 picks, with a passer rating of 117.2 in what many consider the best season for a QB in NFL history, I expect Brady to continue to put up big numbers this year, but it will be very hard to duplicate last years success. Brady's strong arm and poise allows him to almost always have a big season. Behind Brady is QB Matt Cassell, who is a decent backup, though little is know about him. Watch for the Pat's draft picks Kevin O' Connell to take over the starting job, as he has plenty of potential. Next to Brady in the backfield is a stable of talented backs, led by RB Lawrence Maroney. Despite missing time last year due to injuries Maroney had 835 yards and 4 scores on the ground and really stepped it up in the playoffs running for 280 yards and 3 TD's in 3 games, (though he struggled against the Giants). If healthy Maroney can be a great compliment to Brady and easily eclipse 1,000 yards in a season. Behind Maroney Kevin Faulk is a great back, especially on third down. Last year Faulk was a great option for Brady running for 265 yards and catching 47 passes for 383 yards. Faulk has great hands and is always a solid option for Brady and this high powered offense. After Faulk Sammy Morris should have an impact this season as well. Morris only played 6 weeks, but still had 384 yards and 4 scores. I think that even if health a lot of carries may not be in the works as signing LaMont Jordan, and the development of Maroney may take away some touches from Morris. Jordan was signed as Free agent, but really struggled as the feature back in Oakland. Last year Jordan ran for 549 yards, but this season should be used for little more than short yardage, and in order to spell Maroney.


At WR this team is loaded, though losing Donte' Stallworth didn't help. Randy Moss returned to his old form last year and had one of the best seasons of any receiver in the history of the NFL. Moss had 98 catches for 1,493 yards and 23 TD's, while being named an all-pro. Moss' domination helped allow Wes Welker to quietly develop as the best slot receiver in the game. Welker broke out last year and recorded and NFL leading 112 catches for 1,175 yards and 8 scores. I expect both to continue to dominate and put up big numbers this year as this offense will be high powered this season as well. Jabar Gaffney is back after recording 36 catches and 5 TD's last year. I think Gaffney is a good weapon as he is yet another option Brady can go to when Welker and Moss are covered. This year though the breakout player on the Pat's may be WR Chad Jackson. Jackson is a former 2nd round draft pick who has been often injured and will now finally get his chance to shine. Jackson is very talented and if he garners the #3 WR spot over Jabar Gaffney he may see some big numbers. Over the offseason this team also added Sam Aiken from Buffalo. Aiken may see time, but has never gotten more than 13 catches in a season so don't expect much. At TE this team returns Ben Watson. Watson is a great receiving TE who had 36 catches and 6 scores last year. Watson has great hands and will be a solid checkdown option for Brady. The Pats also acquired Marcus Pollard over the Offseason. Pollard can also catch the ball very well from the TE position and should see some playing time as well.

The Pat's offensive line was absolutely dominant in the regular season, and even up until the Super Bowl, but the line was exposed against the Giants. Brady was constantly pressured, and was unable to have time to throw, while the running game had little success either. Regardless, the Line is still among the top 5 in the NFL, and the best at pass protection. Guard Logan Mankins, is among the best in the game , and last year received Pro Bowl, and all-pro honors. Tackle Matt Light is also a Pro Bowler, and among the best at his position as well. Light does a great job protecting Tom Brady's blind side, and really understands how to stop the pass rush. Center Dan Koppen is also a pro Bowler, and one of the top centers in the game. The Right side of the line is also solid, but nowhere near as good as the left. Both Steven Neal and Nick Cazcur are very good, but neither are all-pro level lineman and at times seem to make mistakes. Neal missed the Super Bowl, but Kazcur was nothing special when he played in it as well. This unit would have been much improved had the Pat's selected Brandon Albert over Jerod Mayo, but nonetheless is a top 5 "O" line in the NFL.

Offensive Grade:A
Best Player: Tom Brady, QB
Strength:Skill Positions
Weakness: Right Side of Offensive Line
Projected Starters:
QB-Tom Brady
RB-Lawrence Maroney
FB-Heath Evans
WR-Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Chad Jackson
TE-Ben Watson
OT-Matt Light, Nick Kazcur
OG-Logan Mankins, Steven Neal
OC-Dan Koppen

Defensive Overview:
Last Year the Pat's defense was very good, but down the stretch last year they disappeared struggling against the Eagles, Ravens, Dolphins, and Giants. Despite this the Pat's did have one of the best defenses in the game, though they are aging. The Pat's play a 3-4, and the line is still among the best in the game. Nose Tackle Vince Wilfork may be the best in the game, and has great size, and clogged up holes at the line consistently. Wilfork had 48 tackles last year, but numbers don't tell the whole story. Next to Wilfork the Pat's have a pair of dominant ends in Ty Warren and Richard Seymour. Last year Seymour was injured and only had 23 tackles and 2 sacks, but when healthy is one of the top 3-4 ends in the game, as evidenced by his 5 pro bowls. Ty Warren may be the most underrated end in the game. In fact I consider Warren a better end then Seymour. Last year Warren had 53 tackles and 4 sacks, and Warren should soon become a perennial pro bowler. Jarvis Green played well last year when Seymour went down recording 40 tackles and 6.5 sacks, so this team has a solid backup up front as well.

The LB corps for the Pat's may be old, but are very talented. Mike Vrabel starts on the outside with Adalius Thomas, and both are Pro Bowl caliber LB's .Vrabel is lacking in pass coverage big time, but is a great pass rusher, who recorded 77 tackles and 12.5 sacks a year ago. Thomas is the better all around LB, though last year he struggled a bit. Thomas had 79 tackles 6 sacks and a pick, but in year 2 under Bill Belichick I expect a big time season from Thomas, who is the best LB on the team. Inside 1 starter has basically been set as Tedy Bruschi will be starting. Bruschi is getting old though, and soon may retire, though he continues to play well. Last year he had 92 tackles, but seems to be going downhill. The last spot will come down to a battle between rookie Jerod Mayo, and newly signed Victor Hobson. Hobson has more experience, but I think Mayo will be the starter. Mayo was incredible in college recording 142 tackles, and I have no problem with the pick, I just don't understand why the Pat's didn't trade down to 14 or 15, because no way Mayo was going before 15 to Detroit. Anyway I expect both to see playing time but Mayo to start. Depth wise rookie Shawn Crable has impressed in training camp and should see some playing time as should whoever doesn't start Mayo or Hobson.

The secondary is the weakness of the Pat's and if this steps up, I see little aside from injuries, and the right side of the line keeping New England from a Super Bowl win. The loss of pro bowl corner Asante Samuel, and solid corner Randall Gay hurts this team, and players will have to step up. Ellis Hobbs was solid in the secondary last year and should retain one of the starting spots at CB, after his 64 tackles campaign a year ago. On the other side the corner position is undecided between rookie Terrance Wheatley, and offseason signings Jason Webster and Fernando Bryant. I feel that Bryant will get the job as he has the most game experience, but Wheatley has impressed everyone at camp big time, and should see significant playing time. At Strong Safety Rodney Harrison returns, but needs to stay healthy in order to have a full impact. Harrison is among the best in the game, and is a punishing hitter, but needs to improve his pass coverage, as he is very mediocre in th at area. The last time Harrison was healthy he had 141 tackles, and was arguably the best player in the NFL defensively. Behind Harrison is newly acquired Tank Williams. Williams is decent and will be an adequate replacement if Harrison's injury problems continue. At free safety either Brandon Meriweather or James Sanders will start. Meriweather is much more talented, but is yet to beat Sanders out for the starting job. I expect both to play, but unless Meriweather shows up much improved Sanders looks like he'll be the starter. Anyway Sanders was solid a year ago with 70 tackles, and 2 picks.

Defensive Grade:A-
Best Player: Adalius Thomas, OLB
Strength:Defensive Line
Weakness: Cornerbacks
Projected Starters:
DE-Richard Seymour, Ty Warren
NT-Vince Wilfork
OLB-Adalius Thomas, Mike Vrabel
ILB-Tedy Bruschi, Jerod Mayo
CB-Ellis Hobbs, Fernando Bryant
SS-Rodney Harrison
FS-James Sanders


Special Teams Overview:
The Kicker will be Stephen Gostowski, who went 21-24 last year and was one of the top kickers in the NFL. At Punter is Chris Hansen, who averaged a mediocre 41 yards per punt. Returning Kicks will be the explosive Ellis Hobbs, and returning Punts will be Wes Welker.




(Projected Record: 10-6 Second in AFC East, Wild Card Spot in Playoffs)


Key Additions:QB Brett Favre, FB Tony Richardson,TE Bubba Franks, OT/G Damien Woody, G Alan Faneca, OLB Calvin Pace, NT Kris Jenkins,
Significant Losses:QB Chad Pennington,WR Justin McCareins,DT Dewayne Robertson, OLB/ILB Victor Hobson, ILB Jonathan Vilma, CB Andre Dyson
Draft:QB Erik Ainge, WR Marcus Henry, TE Dustin Keller, OT Nate Garner, DE/OLB Vernon Gholston, CB Dwight Lowery.
Offensive Overview:
Without a question the Jets had the best offseason in the NFL. Starting with the moves made at QB. The Jets acquired Brett Farve, in one of the best moves of the offseason. Then they dealt the incumbent QB Chad Pennington to Miami. So that leaves the Jets with this QB situation. Brett Farve, Kellen Clemens, and Erik Ainge. Farve. though is obviously a bit over the Hill showed last season he can get it done, and well. I expect Farve to have a solid 27 or 28 TD 14 or 15 picks, 3,500 yard season. Anyway behind Farve is Clemens who impressed me during his stint as the starter, though he looked very average, I fell he can be a very good backup in the NFL. Ainge is a sleeper who I really like coming out of the draft. In fact I had him pegged as a top 5 QB in that class, and I think he can be a great 3 QB. At RB Thomas Jones returns after running for over 1,000 yards but Jones only had 1 TD and averaged a paltry 3.6 yards per carry. IMO, Jones will improve and have a much better season behind a much improved offensive line, and a consistent passing game. Behind Jones is the explosive return man Leon Washington. Washington ran for 353 yards and 3 scores a year ago, but was a dynamite receiver with 36 catches. Washington's speed is a great compliment to Jones' power between the tackles style of running. The accusation of FB Tony Richardson was vastly underrated. Richardson allowed Priest Holmes to break out, and led Adrian Peterson to his big year last season.


At WR this team is surprisingly good. Last year was a down one for Laverneous Coles, as he was nicked up and ended the year with only 55 catches for 646 yards and 6 scores. Though Coles has been complaining about the trading of his good buddy QB Chad Pennington, I think if healthy Coles will enjoy as big a season as he ever has, with a better QB especially for the deep ball in Farve throwing him the football. Coles is a great receiver, but last year a star emerged on the team in Jericho Cotchery. Cotchery had 82 catches and 1,130 yards yards last year, and developed into a star WR. With Coles healthy I expect Cotchery to become one of the best #2 receivers in the game, and enjoy another big season. After those pair this team has depth with the multi talented Brad Smith. Smith is still learning the receiver position, as he was a QB in college, but has taken to it well recording 32 catches and a pair of TD's. Once Smith gets a complete grasp on the position, watch out he could become a great #3 WR. Drafted Marcus Henry is an interesting player, who could prove to be a solid red zone threat at 6-4 and contribute right away for the Jets. Henry had a great season at Kansas last year, and may end up being a steal in the draft. At TE this team has the solid, steady Chris Baker. Baker had 41 catches for over 400 yards, but he has the ability to be a great receiver. In the draft the Jets traded up to acquire Dustin Keller in a pick that I like. Keller has great speed for a TE, and though he is undersized, was one of the best pass catching TE's at Purdue, and has the hands to develop into a star receiver for the Jets at TE. Next is the acquired Bubba Franks. Franks is aging, but in his prime was a great TE target for Farve, who he will now be reunited with in New York. Franks is another good receiver, but is also a solid blocker, better than Keller for sure.

The Jet's went out and retooled their offensive line during the offseason. At LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson returns, but last year he was not very good allowing 10 sacks. Ferguson is a talented player, but needs to step it up and show he is worthy of his high selection a couple of years back. Next to him is the newly acquired Allan Faneca. Faneca is a driving, big time blocker, and one of the best guards in the league. His signing should really improve this offense in both the run and the pass. The only downside is Faneca is getting old, and may soon start declining, but as off right now this was a great signing of one of the top guards in football. At center this team has one of the best center's in the NFL, in Nick Mangold. Mangold was dominant as a rookie, and continued to play well last season, though some feel he didn't play as well. Anyway Mangold is a top 8 center in the NFL, and is another great player on the offensive line. At RG, Brandon Moore returns after another solid season. Moore is very good and one of the more underrated guards in the NFL. He is a good leader, and a solid pass protector. I expect another consistent season from Moore. The Right Tackle slot will go to the newly acquired Damien Woody. Woody struggled last year in Detroit and ended up not starting all the games, due to his bad play. Still Woody is an adequate tackle, who will be an upgrade over Anthony Clement.

Offensive Grade: B+
Best Player: Brett Farve, QB/ Allan Faneca, OG
Strength:Interior Offensive Line (Centers, and Guards)
Weakness:Right Tackles
Projected Starters:
QB-Brett Farve
RB-Thomas Jones
FB-Tony Richardson
WR-Jericho Cotchery,Laverneous Coles
TE-Chris Baker
OT-D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Damien Woody
OG-Allen Faneca, Brandon Moore
OC-Nick Mangold

Defensive Overview:
The Jet's "D" really struggled last season, but the Jet's have gone out and really improved it. At NT this team signed Kris Jenkins from Carolina. Jenkins has had problems last year with his weight but I think people are giving him to hard of a time. He still had 37 tackles and 2.5 sacks, and while he is not in his form when he was the best NT in the NFL, he seems to have gotten his act together. At 6-4 335 Jenkins has great size to play NT and the ability to take on more than one blocker. I feel Jenkins will return to old form, or at least closer to it this season, but the Jet's better hope he does, because behind him is a pair of unknowns in Sione Pouha, and CJ Mosley. At the Ends this team has solid players, but nothing earth shattering. Last year end Kenyon Coleman surprised everyone by developing as a great run stuffing end, and a decent pass rusher as well. He had a whopping 83 tackles, and I think that he is among the best 3-4 ends in the game. On the other side is Shaun Ellis. Ellis is a good pass rusher who had 49 tackles and 5 sacks last year.

At LB this team is much improved this season. In the 3-4 the 2 starting linebackers appear to be Calvin Pace, and Vernon Gholston. Pace was a big offseason signing, and though many feel he was overpaid, I don't. Last year Pace had 98 tackles and 6.5 sacks, and may be one of the top LB's in the game. Pace is also solid in pass coverage, but I feel that if he doesn't step up and continue to perform at a high level, the Jet's will be overpaying him. The other OLB spot should be the first round pick Gholston's, but I have heard Gholston has not been impressive in camp so don't rule out that Bryan Thomas last years starter ends up playing plenty as well. 2 years ago Thomas had 8.5 sacks, but had a down year last season. Gholston is a great pass rusher, but needs to improve against the run and in coverage. Either way I feel Gholston starting or not will have an impact on this team as will the newly acquired Pace. In the middle the starting backers will be David Harris and Eric Barton. Harris is one of the top up and coming LB's in the game and last year despite only starting 9 games he had 127 tackles, five sacks, three passes defended, and two forced fumbles. Very impressive numbers for a Rookie, and I think that by the end of the season Harris will be considered one of the top 10 LB's in the NFL. Next to Harris is another solid LB in Eric Barton. Barton is an adequate LB who had 73 tackles and 2 sacks last year. He is solid all-around,and I think is very underrated in pass coverage. Still, he may end up sharing time with another player in Brad Kassell, who is a solid player, but not as good in coverage as Barton.

The Jet's secondary will be very good this season. At 1 CB spot last years First round pick Darrelle Revis. Revis was very impressive last year recording 87 tackles, 17 passes defended and 3 picks. IMO, Revis with another season like the last will be a lockdown corner. As is I think he is in the top 12 in the league. The other CB spot appears to be a competition between Justin Miller, Hank Poteat, and David Barrett. My guess is that Barrett will win as he has played decent in the past as evidenced by his 63 tackle campaign last year, but Barrett is nothing special. I wouldn't be surprised to see Miller win as he is very athletic, and has the potential to be a great CB. Regardless of who wins the job all 3 and rookie Dwight Lowery should see playing time and make significant contributions. At Strong Safety this team has maybe the top safety in the league in Kerry Rhodes. Rhodes has been a playmaker each of the past 2 years and should on a much better team garner defensive player of the year honors. Last season he had 68 tackles 2 sacks, 5 picks, and 6.5 tackles for loss. As you can see Rhodes is one of the more complete safeties in the NFL, as he can stop the run, but also make plays in the secondary. Next to Rhodes is a decent safety in Abram Elam. Elam missed time last year, but still played well recording 53 tackles and playing decent in coverage. Still, Elam is not a great safety and this may be a position the Jet's look into in a trade or the draft. Watch for Eric Smith to challenge Elam for his starting job as Smith is continually improving and had 40 tackles a year ago.

Defensive Grade:B+
Best Player: Kerry Rhodes, SS
Strength:Linebackers
Weakness: #2 Corner
Projected Starters:
DE-Shaun Ellis, Kenyon Coleman
NT-Kris Jenkins
OLB-Vernon Gholston, Calvin Pace
ILB-David Harris, Eric Barton
CB-Darrelle Revis, David Barrett
SS-Kerry Rhodes
FS-Abram Elam

Special Teams Overview:
At Kicker Mike Nugent returns after making 29-of-36 attempts, and Punter Ben Graham was solid after averaging 43 yards per punt. This team also has some of the best returners in the NFL in Leon Washington, and Justin Miller.

(Projected Record: 8-8, Third in AFC East)

Key Additions:DT Marcus Stroud,OLB Kawika Mitchell,
Significant Losses:RB Anthony Thomas,WR Peerless Price,TE Teyo Johnson, DT Larry Tripplett,CB Jason Webster,
Draft:RB Xavier Omon, WR James Hardy, WR Steve Johnson, TE Derek Fine, OT Demetrius Bell, DE Chris Ellis, OLB Alvin Bowen, CB Leodis McKelvin, CB Reggie Corner, CB Kennard Cox.

Offensive Overview:
Last year the Bills were undecided at the QB position. Now it appears they have settled on Trent Edwards. Edwards is a promising QB, but I don't think he is a good enough QB to get this team to where they want to be: The Playoffs. Last year Edwards threw for 7 TD's and 8 picks, and 1,630 yards. He had a passer rating of 70.3. Not to shabby, but nothing special. While I do think he is a serviceable QB, I feel that a better QB is needed for Buffalo to be able to reach 9 or 10 wins. Behind Edwards is J.P. Losman. Losman last year threw for 1204 yards, and only 4 TD's against 6 picks, but was more accurate than Edwards completing 63% of his passes. As a backup Losman is very good, but I wouldn't expect him to be on the Bills by the next offseason. At RB this team has one of the best up and coming backs in the game, in Marshawn Lynch. Despite missing 3 games Lynch ran for 1,115 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie, very impressive numbers. With another season, I think Lynch will be considered a top 12 back in the NFL, a great blend of power and speed, and a player you can build a Franchise around. In the second half of last season Fred Jackson came on strong and ended the year with 22 catches and 300 yards rushing, in only 8 games. This team also has the little used Damien Wright who should see the field a little this season.

At WR this team has a set of Playmakers with great potential. The leader of the group is big play WR Lee Evans. Evans is one of the more underrated receivers in th NFL, and though he had a down season with only 55 catches for 849 yards, he should this season return to his form of 2 years ago when he had over 1,000 yards, and was among the NFL's best. Next to him this team has a pair of proven targets in Josh Reed, and Roscoe Parrish. Parrish is a lightning quick receiver who is dynamite in the return game, but also contributed as a receiver with 35 catches last year. Josh Reed figures to make more of an impact as last year he had 51 catches. Neither excel at receiver, but both are serviceable targets, especially Reed. The 2 players who could bolster the receiving group are a pair of rookies James Hardy, and Steve Johnson. Hardy was the second round pick, and some thought he would go to the Bills in round 1. A big receiver with great hands, Hardy should be the perfect red zone threat for Trent Edwards, and be a solid player. Steve Johnson, the 7th round pick could be a real sleeper. I have heard little about him, but at Kentucky he really impressed me, and I feel he can contribute to this team at least on third and longs. Robert royal is a decent TE, but not a great receiver, more of a blocker. Maybe rookie Derek Fine can have an impact, as he was good in college for Kansas.

The offensive line was solid last year, but one player really stood out. Left Tackle Jason Peters is among the best in the game, and was named to the Pro Bowl last year. He is a great pass and run blocker, but his athleticism is impressive considering he was originally drafted as a TE. With one more great season Peters may be considered the best tackle in the game. Right Tackle Langston Walker returns after a decent season, but not anything special. He is average at best, and they may need to get an upgrade over him soon. At Right Guard, Brad Butler stepped up and had a big time season last year. I was very impressed at his performance, and feel that he deserved his new contract. At Left Guard Derrick Dockery, is among the more underrated guards in the NFL, and I feel he was almost Pro Bowl worthy last season. At center this team returns Melvin Fowler. Fowler was solid last season, though he is small in stature. He is very mobile, and has the ability to be a solid center for the Bills, as he played very well for them last season. Adding depth will be Jason Whittle, and Duke Preston, both very able starters, and great bench players.

Offensive Grade: B-
Best Player: Jason Peters, LT
Strength:Running Back
Weakness:Tight End
Projected Starters:
QB-Trent Edwards
RB-Marshawn Lynch
FB-Darian Barnes
WR-Lee Evans, Josh Reed
TE-Robert Royal
OT-Jason Peters, Langston Walker
OG-Derrick Dockery, Brad Butler
OC-Melvin Fowler

Defensive Overview:
Last year the Buffalo defense was average, but expect them to improve. A big reason for the mediocre season from the "D" was the down year from the "D" line. A talented "D" line the team only recorded 26.0 sacks, and the Bills will need to improve that number. At 1 DE spot is Aaron Schobel. Schobel is one of the more underrated DE's in the game who consistently records 9 pr 10 sacks, though last year was a down season recording only 57 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and 5 forced fumbles. Knowing that was a down season shows how good Schobel is as that is a great season. Expect a regular season from Schobel and 9 or 10 sacks. The other end is up and coming star Chris Kelsay. Kelsay had 44 tackles 2 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss. Though he needs to improve as a Pass Rusher, Kelsay is solid against the run, and is a good end in the NFL. The tackles will also be improved this season. With the release of Larry Triplett, young up and comer John McCarg o will take over. McCargo is a bit unproven, but last year had 29 tackles, 2 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss. If McCargo can continue to develop especially as well as he has against the rush, he can become a viable defensive tackle for the Bills. Next to him will be the newly acquired Marcus Stroud. At one point Stroud was considered one of the best DT's in the game, but injuries have hampered him. Last year he had 22 tackles and 3 sacks in 9 games, but if he stays healthy he should significantly improve the teams run stopping. Adding depth is Ryan Denney, Kyle Williams, and Rookie Chris Ellis. All especially Williams, have great skills,and should contribute this season.

In the LB's Buffalo is pretty well set. The LB's are led by OLB, Angelo Crowell. Crowell is one of the NFL's most underrated players and last year he played at a Pro Bowl level, recording 126 tackles, and 2 sacks. Crowell flies all over the field, and should with another big season garner more respect around the league. At the other OLB spot is new signing Kawika Mitchell. Mitchell played very well for the Giants in their run to the Super Bowl, and the Bills want him to be a key player for them. Last season he had 76 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 4 passes defended, 1 interception, so he can male plays, but Buffalo is going to need a lot from him. In the middle Paul Posluszny, should regain the starting job he had before getting injured. Poz was great at Penn State, but he needs to prove he can play well in the NFL. Anyway don't be surprised of Poz break's out for a 120+ tackles season, as he is a great LB. Behind him is John DiGiorgio. DiGiorgio played well is Poz's absence recording over 100 tackles, so the Bill's know they have depth at LB to lean on.

The Bills secondary is one of the more underrated secondaries in th NFL. At CB Terrance McGee returns after a 78 tackle 4 pick, 21 passes defended season. McGee is one of the best corners in the NFL, and is very tough to move the ball on. Next to him should be the rookie, Leodis McKelvin. McKelvin has great speed, and should make an impact for the Bills right away, if he can adjust to the game. Depth at CB is solid as Jabari Greer returns after recording 46 tackles and 2 picks last year. Next to him is Ashton Youboty, who had 21 tackles a year ago, and newly signed William James. At Strong Safety this team can rely on Donte Whitner. Whitner was considered a reach at pick 8 in the draft, but has really panned out. Last year he had 89 tackles and a pick, and Whitner continues too be one of the NFL's best strong safeties, especially in run support. Next to him is Free Safety Ko Simpson. Simpson had only 1 tackle, as he missed almost the entire season last year, but expect him to return to his rookie form when he had 77 tackles, and was a good safety. Behind him is George Wilson who had 37 tackles a year ago, and showed flashes of great potential.

Defensive Grade:B
Best Player: Angelo Crowell, LOLB
Strength:Secondary
Weakness:Pass Rush
Projected Starters:
DE-Aaron Schobel, Chris Kelsay
DT-Marcus Stroud, John McCargo
OLB-Angelo Crowell, Kawika Mitchell
ILB-Paul Posluszny
CB-Terrance McGee, Leodis McKelvin
SS-Donte Whitner
FS-Ko Simpson

Special Teams Overview:
At Kicker The Bills have Rian Lindell, who was solid at 24-27 last year and a good punter in Brian Moorman who had 30 punts inside the 20. Returning kicks should be Terrance McGee, and Punts should be Roscoe Parrish, both are among the best.

(Projected Record: 4-12, Last in AFC East)

Key Additions:QB Chad Pennington, QB Josh McCown,WR Ernest Wilford, TE Anthony Fasano,G Justin Smiley,ILB Akin Ayodele.
Significant Losses:QB Cleo Lemon,WR Marty Booker,G Rex Hadnot,DE/OLB Jason Taylor,DT Keith Traylor,ILB Zach Thomas,K Jay Feely,
Draft:QB Chad Henne, RB Jalen Parmele, RB Lex Hilliard, OT Jake Long, G Shawn Murphy, G Donald Thomas, DE Phillip Merling, DE Kendall Langford, DE Lionel Dotson.

Offensive Overview:
With the signing of Chad Pennington, I think the Dolphins QB situation is clear. Pennington has looked mediocre the last few years, but I think people forget just a little while ago he was considered one of the top 10 QB's in the NFL. I f he can stay healthy, and really improve big time, Pennington could have another season like 2004. Behind him I think John Beck will end up as the backup. Last year Beck looked solid at times, and has impressed in training camp, and Beck has a much higher ceiling than Josh McCown. Still the #2 spot could go to either Beck, or McCown. Maybe the wild card for #2 is rookie Chad Henne. Henne is a good QB with good arm strength, and I think he will start at least 1 game this year.At RB this team has one of the top backs in the NFL, in Ronnie Brown. Brown missed much of last season due to injury, but in half a season still had 600 yards rushing, 39 catches, and 5 total TD's. I expect a big time season from Brown, with possibly 60 receptions and 1,200 yards. Behind Brown will be Ricky Williams, who many people think can have a big season, as he is in good shape, and has reportedly got his old form back. Expect Williams to see about 125 touches over the season behind Brown as the #2 back.

At WR this team is full of talent, but not production. The #1 receiver appears to be Ted Ginn. Ginn is a blazer who showed great potential last season with 420 yards and 2 TD's. Ginn has reportedly bulked up, and learned to play fast throughout. I expect a breakout season from Ginn, and possibly him to emerge as a young star in the NFL. With Ginn will be newly acquired Ernest Wilford. Wilford is big, but never had great success in Jacksonville. I expect Wilford to play well in his #2 role, and be a great redzone threat with his size and ability. After those 2 the group is a mess. Derek Hagan was impressive last season and should see some significant playing time, and rookie Davone Bess has been impressing the Dolphins in camp and may also see playing time. At TE this team returns David Martin, who was average last year with 34 catches. Maybe offseason signee Anthony Fasano can improve the TE core, but he was stuck behind Jason Witten in Dallas and proved little to me.

The Offensive line should be the strength of this team. It will all start with the #1 pick and starting Left Tackle Jake Long. Long was a good selection at number 1 and he has the potential to be great. Expect a big year from Long and him to significantly help this line. At Michigan he allowed 2 sacks in his career, but was still a great run blocker as well. With Long being drafted, Vernon Carey gets to move back to Right Tackle his natural spot. Carey was great at Left Tackle, so I expect him to be even better at Right Tackle, and set the Dolphins up with 2 great bookend tackles to build around. Over the offseason the Fin's went out and signed Justin Smiley. Smiley appears to be the starter at Left Guard for this team. Smiley was injured some last year for the 49er's but was still a good signing who should contribute to this team right away. The Center will be one of the best in the game, Samson Satele. Satele was very good last year, and Pro Bowl honors could easily come his way this season if he continues to improve. The last Guard spot is basically up for grab's, but rookie Shawn Murphy may have a shot at it, though I expect Steve McKinny to get the starting job.

Offensive Grade:C-
Best Player: Sameson Satele, C
Strength:Offensive Tackles
Weakness:QB, though they can prove me wrong
Projected Starters:
QB-Chad Pennington
RB-Ronnie Brown
FB-Boomer Grigsby
WR-Ted Ginn Jr., Ernest Wilford,
TE-Anthony Fasano
OT-Jake Long, Vernon Carey
OG-Justin Smiley, Steve McKinney
OC-Sameson Satele

Defensive Overview:
The loss of 2 long time dolphins Zach Thomas, and Jason Taylor, will give this team a vastly different defensive look, but I still feel this team will be solid overall on defense. Matt Roth and Vonnie Holliday should be the starting ends in the Dolphins 3-4. Last year Roth was very average, recording 43 tackles, but only 1 sack. If he wants to keep his starting job he will have to play better and hold off rookie Phillip Merling. I would be surprised if Merling won the job, but if Merling impresses, you never know. Vonnie Holliday was also a bit average, but he did miss 4 games yet still had 2 sacks and 42 tackles. At nose tackle the loss of Keith Traylor leaves a whole at NT, but I expect newly acquired Jason Ferguson will fill that hole. Ferguson, was nicked up last year, but Miami hopes he can return to his form of 2 or 3 years ago, when he was among the best NT's in the game.

AT LB this team will be led by Channing Crowder. Crowder had 77 tackles last season, despite missing 4 games. Expect him to have another 100 tackles season this year, as he will be counted on to perform well with Thomas gone. Crowder is one of the best young LB's, but he needs to be careful to not injure his knee again. The other inside spot will go to the offseason signee Akin Ayodele. Ayodele was solid throughout his career, and I expect him to be solid next to Crowder in the 3-4. The outside LB's will be the outspoken Joey Porter, and Reggie Torbor. Porter didn't live up to expectations last year only recording 5.5 sacks, but he did have 66 tackles and 2 picks. I wouldn't expect to much from Porter, as he is playing with little talent around him, and is clearly not the top 5 LB everyone though him to be. Torbor was a good offseason signing for the Fins, and should contribute right away.

The Fin's secondary only has 1 spot already decided so a lot may be determined during the preseason. Cb Will Allen returns and will start for this team. Allen had 62 tackles, 14 passes defended, 2 sacks, and 2 picks, along with being the best and most consistent player in the Fin's secondary last year. I expect big things from Allen, though he is not a #1 corner, more of a #2. The other corner could either be Michael Lehan or Travis Daniel's. I expect Lehan to pull through as he played more last year, and I think was not half bad. While not great in coverage he still had 59 tackles. Daniels and Andre Goodman should still see time on the field though. At safety both spots are uncertain, though it is pretty easy to guess who will start. At Free Safety Jason Allen, is going against Renaldo hill for the starting Job. I expect Allen to easily win as he was good last year with 62 tackles 3 picks and 1 forced fumble despite only starting 10 games. Hill should also see the field though as hee has plenty of game experience. Yeremiah Bell should get the Strong safety spot, but he missed all of last year with injuries, and it is unclear how long he can stay healthy for. Behind him both Keith Davis, and Chris Crocker, should see playing time.

Defensive Grade:C
Best Player: Channing Crowder, ILB
Strength:Linebackers
Weakness:Secondary
Projected Starters:
DE-Matt Roth, Vonnie Holliday
NT-Jason Ferguson,
OLB-Joey Porter, Reggie Torbor
ILB-Channing Crowder, Akin Ayodele
CB-Will Allen, Michael Lehan
SS-Donte Whitner
FS-Yeremiah Bell

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