NFL Eastern Division Outlook

To close out my divisional breakdown, I will be analyzing the AFC and NFC East. These are the two galmour divisions in the NFL. Most of the teams face pressure from the fans and their local media to produce in the playoffs. Games between these teams are always competitive and always interesting. So without further ado, let's take a look at some of the NFL's glamour boys.

AFC East

Buffalo Bills: 3-13

I'm not too excited about what the Bills bring to the table in 2011. They're a team that looks like they're in the Andrew Luck sweepstakes come next April. One thing I do like about the Bills is their rookie defensive tackle Marcel Dareus. In preseason dude looked like a beast. Buffalo also has a decent quarterback in Ryan Fitzpatrick. He's not the savior, but he's a good stop gap guy until they finally get the guy. All signs point to trouble in Buffalo and I'd be shocked if this team won more than five games.

Miami Dolphins: 6-10

The Dolphins should be a competitive team this season, but I don't see a team that has enough know how to pull out victories. They have a difficult schedule this season and have no quarterback if you ask me. I'm not a Chad Henne believer at all. I think he reads the game too slow to play the position at a high level. They're hoping the duo of Daniel Thomas and Reggie Bush can carry the running game. Defensively they have an average unit. I do love me some Cameron Wake and Vontae Davis though. Overall, this team just isn't good enough.

New York Jets: 13-3

I absolutely love me some Rex Ryan. The Jets head coach always has his players believing they're the best team on the league. He's instilled a tough ground and pound attitude within the locker room. That defense is an absolute beast. They know how to get pressure on the quarterback and disrupt any teams passing game. I have some hesitation about their front three, but I think Rex will have them ready. The big question with the Jets is the quarterback Mark Sanchez. Can Sanchez take the next step and lead them to a Super Bowl? I think he can make the next step, but it might not be enough. We'll see.

New England Patriots: 14-2

The season for the New England Patriots doesn't start until the playoffs. They haven't won a playoff game since they beat the San Diego Chargers in the AFC Championship game a few years back. Last year they were upset in the divisional round by their divisional rivals. To counter that, they went out and made moves like signing defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth and wide receiver Chad Ochocinco. My concern with this team is the offensive line and do they have the playmakers to beat the best teams. I think they'll figure it out because of how well coached they are. Look for this team to be right in the thick of things come January.


Now onto the NFC East

Dallas Cowboys: 10-6

It's always Super Bowl or bust when talking expectations for the Dallas Cowboys. America's Team at least gets their Pro Bowl quarterback Tony Romo back from a shoulder injury a year ago. I actually have high expectations for their offense. The moves they made up front should help their new zone blocking running game. They also have plenty of weapons outside. My big concern with this team is the defense. To sure up what was a terrible unit last season, they brought in defensive coordinator Rob Ryan to run the show. His scheme should make them an improved unit, but I still feel that they can't adequately stop the run. With that said, they'll be in the race to win the division at the end of the year.

Philadelphia Eagles: 10-6

Ever since the lockout ended the Philadelphia Eagles have been in the headlines all offseason. They have a ton of pressure on them since they self proclaimed themselves the "Dream Team." On paper there is a lot to like about this team. Quarterback Michael Vick is an early season MVP candidate, and he leads an explosive offense. The defense also looks good especially in the secondary. Their corner backs are flat out studs. They can be gashed in the running game though because they're small in the front seven. My major concern with this team is the offensive line. Can they keep Vick up right? We'll see if this season is dreamy as they say.

New York Giants: 9-7

The Giants are a hard team to gauge this season. Quarterback Eli Manning is the definitive leader of this team and that's what scares me. He's surrounded by some good talent on offense but makes questionable decisions. Last season he turned the ball over way too many times for a franchise quarterback. The Giants defense also has some question marks. They've always had a vaunted pass rush and still do, but the secondary is banged up before the season has even started. For some reason I feel like head coach Tom Coughlin is losing control of this team. If they start slow it could end ugly.

Washington Redskins: 7-9

Many people this summer have been down on the Redskins. I'm actually optimistic about them this season. I love what head coach Mike Shanahan has done this offseason. He picked up running back Tim Hightower who should be able to play well in that zone blocking running attack. The defense looks good in their second season under coordinator Jim Haslett. My big question about this team is quarterback Rex Grossman. He's the starter right now, but I think John Beck will win the job by season's end. Ultimately this team is on the rise and will be competitive throughout the season.