Predictions for the 2009 AFC East Division

Quarterback Mark Sanchez and the Jets are Playoff Contenders

Sep 10, 2009

Rookie Mark Sanchez will try to help the Jets new coach Rex Ryan reach the playoffs in 2009. They may have to settle for a Wildcard berth since Tom Brady is back healthy.

The Patriots are favorites to reach Super Bowl 44 now that their leader is back, but the Jets, Dolphins, and Bills won't be as easy to beat like in their 16-0 2007 season.

The Patriots will need the defense to play at a high level after losing key players on that side of the ball. Richard Seymour (Raiders), Mike Vrabel (Chiefs), and Tedy Bruschi (retired) were all defensive leaders.

2009 Patriots Bottom Line

Say it loud, TOM BRADY IS BACK! Nobody could be happier than Randy Moss who caught just 69 balls with Cassel under center (98 catches, 23 TD in '07). With Wes Welker and Moss the passing game will continue to be one of the best in the NFL.

The ground game should be much better (6th in NFL ) as well with the addition of Fred Taylor. Taylor has had durability concerns in the past but won't be counted on to carry the load in New England. Taylor will be spelled by guys like Laurence Maroney, Sammy Morris, and BenJarvis Green-Ellis. A power running attack and a high powered passing game will put the Patriots back on top.

The defense ranked 8th overall last season but just 15th against the run. They added cornerbacks Leigh Bodden and Shawn Springs to hold down the pass defense with safety Brandon Meriweather and company.

They drafted a run-stuffer in 330-pound Ron Brace who figures to see a considerable amount of playing time with the trade of Seymour. Linebackers Jerod Mayo and Adalius Thomas are great but will need to provide a steady pass rush. The defensive line is now built to stop the run with little pass rush, this may pose a problem, but Bill Belichick will find a way to get it done.

The Jets have a rookie coach and a future star in rookie Mark Sanchez. Ryan's defensive genius and Sanchez's ability will carry New York to playoff contention.

2009 Jets Bottom Line

The Jets were 16th in overall defense last year but 29th against the pass. Ryan knew this and is the reason why he got a savvy safety in Jim Leonhard, and two-time Pro-Bowl cornerback Lito Shepard.

The pass defense should be much better especially if linebacker Calvin Pace (7 sacks in '08), and DE Shaun Ellis (8 sacks) can continue putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Linebacker Bart Scott was brought in to be a leader and help DT Kris Jenkins continue stuffing the run (7th).

Mark Sanchez has the ability to be a franchise QB in the NFL. Having workhorse Thomas Jones (AFC best 1,312 yards in '08) and the game-breaking Leon Washington to hand the ball off to allows Sanchez to progress without much pressure.

Wide receiver is an issue in New York though. Jerricho Cotchery led the team with 71 receptions last year but they need a true no.1 option. Maybe signing Marvin Harrison to help stretch the defense and bring along the younger receivers wouldn't be a bad idea for the Jets.

The Wildcat was a big reason why the Dolphins won their division in '08; defenses won't be surprised in 2009.

2009 Dolphins Bottom Line

Quarterback Chad Pennington was named Comeback Player of the Year in 2008 by being 2nd in passer rating (97.4). He also threw 7 INT against 19 TD in leading Miami to a division crown after a 1-15 2007 season. There is no reason to expect anything less from Pennington in '09 since he is well known for his accuracy and game managing skills.

Running back Ronnie Brown was great at running the Wildcat and the Dolphins added a duel threat QB in Pat White to help run the formation. White has the ability to run and pass on the run and will be used regularly to run the Wildcat.

The Dolphins can't expect another 17.5 sacks from linebacker Joey Porter in 2009. He is aging and so is Jason Taylor, 35, back after a year in Washington. With no other true pass rushers on defense, repeating as champs will be impossible with a weak secondary.

Will Allen returns at cornerback, but he is the only sure starter next to safety Gibril Wilson in the secondary. Rookies Vontea Davis and Sean Smith will battle Eric Green for playing time at the other corner spot. Another division title won't be likely in '09.

The Buffalo Bills are in trouble in 2009. The good news is they might not finish 7-9 for the 4th consecutive year; it could be worse.

2009 Bills Bottom Line

Coach Dick Jauron will have his hands full with Terrell Owens in Buffalo. If the team starts losing (which they will), look for Owens to start running his mouth.

The defense returns 10 of 11 starters on a unit that ranked 14th last season. Stopping opponents wont be the problem in Buffalo.

If 3rd year starter Trent Edwards and Terell Owens can get on the same page, the Bills might be fairly competitive. Unfortunately, running back Marshawn Lynch will serve a three game suspension to start the season, so running the ball will be difficult.

Look for Owens to start crying around week seven. It may also be Owens last stint in the NFL as nobody will want him at age 36 with all the whining. Jauron will be replaced as well as the Bills will start rebuilding in 2010.

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