2008 AFC East Best/Worst Scenarios
Will the Patriots Suffer a Superbowl Hangover
Let’s take a look at the order the east will finish, also the best and worst case scenarios for each team in 2008.
1) New England Patriots
Best Case Scenarios
- Quarterback Tom Brady and receiver Randy Moss continue to carve up NFL defenses (Moss 23 touchdowns, Brady 50 touchdowns in ‘07. Both NFL records).
- Running back Laurence Maroney remains healthy to contribute solid rushing attack.
- Receiver Wes Welker remains consistent and catches everything (112 receptions in ‘07).
- After losing cornerbacks Asante Samuel and Randall Gay, pass defense remains stout (6th versus pass in ‘07).
Worst Case Scenarios
- Lack of a rushing attack continues to push Brady to be perfect.
- The new additions to the secondary sinks pass defense ranking.
- Aging linebackers prove ineffective.
- Offensive line crumbles as in the 2008 Super Bowl versus the Giants.
2008 Patriots Prediction
The Patriots will win the AFC East hands down in 2008. They are coached to win and will remain the class of the AFC. Repeating last seasons regular season mark of 16-0 will be tough, but not impossible. Most likely they should win fourteen games, but don’t be surprised if they go undefeated…again. This time with a Super Bowl victory.
2) New York Jets
Best Case Scenarios
- Quarterback Brett Favre plays like he did last season (4,155 yards, 28 touchdowns).
- Running back Thomas Jones improves on last seasons 3.6 yards per carry.
- New offensive lineman Damian Woody and Alan Faneca help solidify unit.
- Additions on defense improve last seasons number 29th ranked run defense.
- Receiver Laveranues Coles has more productive season than in ‘07 (646 yards).
Worst Case Scenarios
- Favre plays like his age (39).
- Newly acquired defensive tackle Kris Jenkins still can’t stay healthy weakening D-line.
- Favre only has one target to throw to, Jerricho Cotchery, allowing defenses to double team and weakening pass attack.
- Running game proves ineffective.
2008 Jets Prediction
Both the offense and defense received big upgrades this off-season. Most notably quarterback Brett Favre in a trade with Green Bay. The future Hall-of-Famer will have to carry the Jets in 2008 to be competitive. A daunting task considering the Jets won only four games last year. With all the new pieces though, the Jets should be playoff bound in 2008. Look for ten wins this season in New York.
3) Buffalo Bills
Best Case Scenarios
- Second year quarterback Trent Edwards remains consistent all season.
- Receiver Lee Evans gets some help at the other receiver position allowing him to be more productive (55 receptions, 5 touchdowns in ‘07)
- Second year running back Marshawn Lynch continues to get better (1,115 yards 7 touchdowns as a rookie in ‘07).
- The defense plays up to expectations and improves 31st ranked unit of ‘07.
Worst Case Scenarios
- Musical chairs continues at quarterback position.
- Lynch is unproductive with lack of passing attack.
- Left tackle Jason Peters continues hold-out over contract.
- New additions on defense (linebacker Kawika Mitchell, defensive tackle Marcus Stroud) can’t improve unit.
2008 Bills Prediction
The Bills need one quarterback to handle the offense in 2008. The quarterback play and the defense will determine the Bills fate in 2008. They won seven games in 2007 and should only win eight in ‘08.
4) Miami Dolphins
Best Case Scenarios
- Running backs Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown reunite to be dangerous one-two punch.
- New quarterback Chad Pennington continues to be deadly accurate.
- Receiver Ted Ginn Jr. can be a number one receiving threat on an offense that ranked 24th passing the ball in ‘07.
- The defense can overachieve and actually stop opposing offenses.
Worst Case Scenarios
- Pennington continues to be plagued by injuries.
- Williams starts smoking marijuana AGAIN.
- The aging defense plays as sorry as it did in ‘07 (28th in NFL).
- No receiver steps up to replace departed Chris Chambers (San Diego).
2008 Dolphins Predictions
The return of Ricky Williams, and the signing of Pennington, make Miami much stronger than last year. Still a lot of work for Bill Parcells to do to reach the playoffs, but the franchise is heading in the right direction. The defense will have to step up for this team to be competitive. The duo of Williams and Brown will no doubt carry the offensive load. Miami won one game last season. This year’s squad should manage six or seven victories. A vast improvement.
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