AFC East Primer

Over the nest few days, I thought it would be a nice change and bring everyone a bit of a primer on the upcoming NFL season. With training camps now in full swing, what better time than now, right?

I'll break it down by division. I'm throwing a bit of a different look than in most "previews". I'm going to introduce three questions pertaining to each team and answer that question.

Let's get rolling and take a look at the AFC East.

Edwards gets the nod under center for
Bills new head coach Chan Gailey.

Buffalo Bills
2009 record: 6-10, 4th in division
Head coach: Chan Gailey
Key Losses: DE Aaron Schobel, OLB Chris Draft, WR Josh Reed, OT Jonathan Scott, WR Terrell Owens
Key Additions: DE Dwan Edwards, LB Andra Davis

1. Why didn't the Bills go after a quarterback either in the draft or in free agency?
If you're a Bills fan, you ask yourself this question every single day...and night...and the following day and the cycle repeats. Buffalo had shots at Jimmy Clausen, Tim Tebow and Colt McCoy and passed on them. It has to all come down to dollars. Quarterbacks, especially if they're drafted, receive the "QB premium" and Bills owner Ralph Wilson most likely didn't want to spend the funds there.

2. Another draft question: Why C.J. Spiller?
As much as people harped on the Bills for this pick, I kind of liked it. Spiller was, by far, the best pure athlete in the draft. I think there was an ulterior motive here, attempt to trade Marshawn Lynch. With Spiller, Fred Jackson and free agent acquisition Chad Simpson, the need for Lynch in Buffalo was gone. Since Spiller is still a holdout, Lynch is still a Bill and he most likely will remain a Bill.

But make no mistake about it. Spiller can change a game with one play. Buffalo hasn't had that type of a threat in a long, long time.

3. Will the offense struggle as bad in 2010 as they did in 2009?
Yes, but it won't be because of lack of effort. New head coach Chan Gailey won't accept that attitude. If Buffalo can rediscover the rush, the passing game might be plausible. I stress might. Having Trent Edwards named as the starter might create flashbacks and most of those can't be good.

You'll notice I didn't address the defense. I think it will be all right. Signing Edwards and Davis are positives. Beyond that, the Bills are most likely to, at best, duplicate their 2009 record.

Keeping Henne healthy could keep the
Dolphins in contention in 2010.

Miami Dolphins
2009 record: 7-9, 3rd in division
Head coach: Tony Sporano
Key Losses: WR Ted Ginn, Jr., ILB Akin Ayodele, S Gibril Wilson, OLB Jason Taylor, OLB Joey Porter
Key Additions: WR Brandon Marshall, LB Karlos Dansby

1. How long will have have to wait for a Brandon Marshall blow-up?
I'm not referring to a doll either. We saw Marshall act extremely adolescent during his days in Denver. That won't happen under the watch of one Bill Parcells. He won't only be gone, he'll be booted to Guatemala with former Dolphins coach Jimmy Johnson.

2. Is this the year Chad Henne "breaks through"?
Despite what those in Dolphins organization think of the former Wolverine, he's not even close to Dan Marino. That being said, Henne could be on the verge in Miami. Strong rushing attack and the addition of Marshall could be all Henne needs.

3. Why is there so much talk about Miami?
Excellent question. Can't really grasp that concept myself except to say that they did make the playoffs in '08. Getting Dansby and drafting Jared Odrick did provide for upgrades on the defense, but I felt they didn't do enough on the offensive side despite getting Marshall.

No, I'm not big on the Phins, but they could prove to be a thorn in the side of all their opponents.

Holt could be a bigger signing than we think.

New England Patriots
2009 record: 10-6, 1st in division
Head coach: Bill Belichick
Key Losses: DE Jarvis Green, TE Benjamin Watson, TE Chris Baker
Key Additions: TE Alge Crumpler, WR Torry Holt, DT Gerard Warren

1. Will Randy Moss dump the season?
All of the previous cases of Moss being unhappy in his surrounding point that way. We actually saw a bit of that during last season. That's why bringing Torry Holt was so crucial. Holt is a professional ad he will view this as a chance to get another ring.

2. Will the loss to the Ravens in the playoffs affect how the Pats approach 2010?
Yes, it will. They saw that the Ravens pounded them senseless and a call for toughness and focus will reverberate throughout camp. And the fact that Belichick has made it a priority to remove all remnants from the previous Pats success will make this squad anxious to prove it is still a winner.

3. Can the Patriots "get by" without Logan Mankins?
Not completely. He's Brady's security blanket and you best believe Brady knows that. I know the contract for Brady needs worked out, but he and Mankins pretty much go hand-in-hand. If you have Brady and no Mankins, it could be a long season for Brady no matter how good he is.

People are thinking the glory days of the Patriots are behind them. As far as the roster goes, that's true, but there's no reason to doubt these guys. They will be ready to play. Would you expect anything less from a Belichick coached team.

Sanchez again will have to manage the game
instead of playing the game in 2010.

New York Jets
2009 record: 9-7, 2nd in division
Head coach: Rex Ryan
Key Losses: RB Thomas Jones, G Alan Faneca, CB Lito Sheppard, RB Leon Washington
Key Additions: WR Santonio Holmes, RB LaDainian Tomlinson, CB Antonio Cromartie, OLB Jason Taylor

1. Will the J-E-T-S, Jets! Jets! Jets! live up to the hype?
I think it's been overblown. Do I think they're good? I sure do, but I don't think they're the AFC favorite to go to Dallas. There were some personnel moves made that I question.

2. Which moves?
Releasing Faneca was nothing more than a money purge. Faneca may be getting long in the tooth, but he can still deliver a pancake. I strongly disliked not keeping Thomas Jones. How can you let one of the most productive running backs in the NFL just walk out of town? Sure, the Jets have Shonn Greene, but you need two high quality backs in the NFL now. Getting LT doesn't provide that. And couldn't there have been better receivers to snag than Santonio Holmes? I know he's a Super Bowl MVP, but he's missing the first four games this season and there's no other quality receivers on the roster. None.

3. How will Mark Sanchez fare in 2010?
I believe he's the one aspect of the offense I like the best. He's got a year under his belt. We saw at the end of last season that a light bulb finally went off over his head. I hope he decides to slide correctly because I like this kid.

Am I down of the Jets? Not really, but I don't see how they improved so much compared to all the shaking up the roster underwent. And I didn't mention the missing "island"...

It's that time. Who's finishing where?

1. New England. Until someone else steals the title, I'm sticking with Brady, Belichick and Company.
2. New York. They'll battle the Pats to the end and come up a game short...again.
3. Miami. Not seeing anything above 8-8.
4. Buffalo. Sorry, Chris Berman. They won't be circling the wagons.

Mashall Sent to Dolphins; Ginn, Jr. on the Move?

Update (4/16/10): Ginn was dealt today to the San Francisco 49ers for a fifth round pick. Ginn should be a returner and a possible #3 or 4 WR.

Marshall also brings toughness to position

Two-second round picks. That would have landed you Brandon Marshall. And the Miami Dolphins did just that.

ESPN's Adam Shefter reports that Brandon Marshall will still don orange on 2010, but a different shade to go with it as Marshall lands in Miami. The deal comes on the heels of a report in The Palm Beach Post that Miami is shopping Ted Ginn, Jr.

Immediately, many will recall the Dallas days when Bill Parcells was the head coach and there was a receiver dubbed as "the player", aka T.O. This is different.

Parcells won't have to answer questions about getting Marshall the ball. Parcells won't have to answer questions about why Marshall was on the sideline screaming at his QB. Parcells won't have to answer the questions about how Marshall is possibly a locker room cancer. Those questions are in the past.

No one doubts Marshall's football ability. In fact, I say he's the best receiver in the league. But Marshall and Jay Cutler were escorted out of Denver due to the new guy running the show. And Josh McDaniels is running the show in Denver now as he wishes. Make no mistake about it. The Marshall deal just further entrenches McDaniels as the sheriff.

Miami receives a physical and athletic freak. With the running attack Miami displays, Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown (if healthy), Marshall will make their lives even better. Having opposing D-coordinators concentrating on another offensive weapon is a guarantee that bigger running lanes will develop.

Ginn, Jr. was never received well in Miami

Regarding Ginn, Jr. He received the "Donovan McNabb" welcome in Miami...to a chorus of boos. You remember the Philly faithful booing McNabb's selection when Ricky Williams was still available? That's how Ginn, Jr's selection was viewed in Miami.

Ginn, Jr. was relegated to #3 receiver and return specialist toward the end of a disappointing 2009. While no one can question Ginn, Jr's return ability or his speed, the rest of his game can be. Ask former Parcells receiver Keyshawn Johnson. He knows a thing or two about Parcells and his expectations.

"I think if they can get something for him, he's probably a guy they would rather do without," said Johnson, now an ESPN analyst. "I don't know, I haven't really been talking to Bill about it.

"I just know based on the past that this is a real problem: dropping balls, not looking like a football player. It may be something he has put on himself."

"Bottom line he was drafted too high and he's not giving him what he should for his draft status, so it's time to maybe move him,"

So, the Fins send two picks for Marshall. They are hoping to recover at least one of those by sending Ginn, Jr. In the long run, this is a steal for Miami, especially if Ginn, Jr. can be dealt.

Chad Henne is happier than Williams and Brown.

Williams Leads Way to Dolphins Win

The Miami Dolphins kept their playoff hopes running. And Ricky Williams (left) kept running, too. Williams had 22 carries for 119 yards and 2 TD. Williams also has a receiving TD to pace the Dolphins to a 24-17 over the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night.

Williams had to be the centerpiece of the Dolphins offense with fellow RB Ronnie Brown out for the remainder of the season with a foot injury. And Williams must be that central figure for the remainder of this season. At 32, will Williams be able to take up the slack for the rest of the year?

There's no reason (or sign) that Williams can't. Thirty used to be looked at as the age when the game for running backs started to deteriorate. Not quite so anymore, but the position is primarily fielded by younger players. The main 30+ year old running back other than Williams is Thomas Jones of the New York Jets. He's 31 and he has 170 carries for 781 yards and 8 TD. Williams currently has 127 carries for 677 yards with 8 TD. Jones is 8th in rushing while Williams is now 10th after last night's game.

Even though Williams came into the league in 1999, he's truly only played eight and a half seasons. The New Orleans Saints traded their whole 1999 draft to get Williams. He played for three years and was dealt to Miami.

Williams played for two seasons in Miami when his "troubles" began. He did not play at all during the 2004 season. It was a "retirement" thing. Sort of. Williams came back for the 2005 season but was suspended for the first four games due to violation of the league's drug policy.

Williams would miss yet another entire season (2006) due to another violation of the drug policy. He played in the CFL for the Toronto Argonuats, but Williams did miss two months due to multiple injuries. It's almost like he missed half a season. Williams rejoined the Dolphins (again) in 2007, only to lose that season with a pectoral tear in his first game of the season. So in playing years, Williams is about 29 and a half.

Williams does have enough in the tank. He is known as a fitness nut and for keeping his body in excellent shape. And after watching the last handful of Dolphins games, he doesn't look like a player that's on a downward trend. Ricky is holding a slight resemblance the Ricky of 2002 when he led the NFL in rushing with 1,800+ yards.

One thing for sure, the Dolphins are looking to Williams to lead the way.

If you think about it, it's come full cycle for Ricky.

For all those years, Williams was looking to the Dolphins.

NFL Thursday Night Preview - Dolphins/Panthers

The NFL Network gets another shot to deliver a good game. Last week's Bears/Niners matchup...not memorable by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, it was about the worst game last week and I am taking the Monday night game into consideration.

I'm not totally sold on this week's game either, but both teams sure can run tote the rock! If you like smashmouth football, this just might be your kind of game.

  Miami (4-5) @ Carolina (4-5)

Dolphins: The bulk of Miami's offense was stolen by a foot injury to RB Ronnie Brown. Brown was placed on IR for the second time in his career. Brown's absence will put more of the offensive load on RB Ricky Williams...or will it? One thing to consider is will this be the opportunity to insert QB Pat White more in the offense? Interesting thought. I do think Williams will have more carries, but I also look for White to be more involved. The Dolphins strength (4th in rushing) is the Panthers weakness (25th against the run), and the absence of Brown may not be as striking for this particular matchup.

LB Joey Porter will be active this week after a coach's decision shelved him last week. How much will Porter play? Who really knows since LB Charlie Anderson played in Porter's position last week and had 6 total tackles, 2 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. Porter's action may be somewhat limited.

Panthers: T Jordan Gross' season has been shortened due to surgery on his ankle. QB Jake Delhomme will have to check his backside a bit more now as Gross was the charge to protect it. Speaking of Delhomme, it seems the INT bug has left his system...and it must stay away for Carolina to have a chance in this game and any game going forward. But we all know the RB tandem of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart (right) are the Panthers offense. The issue is the health of both Williams (knee) and Stewart (Achilles), who both are listed as questionable. It's been a short work week and their recovery time was severely limited.

This game will be determined by how well the Panthers D plays against the Dolphins rushing attack. DE Julius Peppers should be good to go this week, and he may play a huge role in stopping the run. We all know Peppers for his pass rush (7.0 sacks this season), but if he can force the run to the inside, the Panthers could actually contain the Fins rush.

A must win for both teams. The winner is 5-5 and still in the playoff picture. The loser is 4-6 and is looking at a real possiblity of having to win out for a chance to make the postseason.

NFL Monday Night Recap/Jets & Dolphins

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I'll say this. ESPN has pretty much received a ton of luck on its Monday Night games so far. There hasn't been a real stinker. The closest would be the week 3 game between the Panthers and Cowboys. Even if the game wasn't quite that good, at least we caught a glimpse inside of the Cowboys palace.

When I first saw this game on the schedule, I thought it might be a yawner. It would most likely be the Jets defense dominating the Dolphins offene and final being something like 14-3. Was I ever wrong! Here's a few observations from the tilt.

1. Despite having rather pedestrian numbers, Jets QB Mark Sanchez performed well (12-24, 172 yards, 1 TD). His new "toy", WR Braylon Edwards, also had an impact of the game (5 catches, 64 yards, 1 TD). That could be a lethal combination down the road.

2. I referred to the Jets defense above. It didn't show up in the 4th quarter. Who could have imagined that the Dolphins would have accumulated 262 passing yards and 151 rushng yards? No one. The famous Wildcat of the Dolphns had the Jets D off balance the majority of the evening. Head coach Rex Ryan even said it was embarrassing. But that was all set up on the Dolphins first drive. RB Ronine Brown took a direct snap, faked a handoff to RB Ricky Williams, rolled to his left, and hit TE Anthony Fasano with a pass. It was on from there. In the eventual winning TD drive in the 4th, Dolphis offensiver coordinator Dan Henning send QB Pat White in to run the Wildcat. White was thrust into the game with a little over four minutes remaining...his first action of the game. Now, Ryan's D had to be concerned about White. Gutsy move.

3. I know it was only his second start, but have the Dolphins already discover their future QB in Chad Henne? His stats don't lie: 20-26, 241, 2 TD. Rayn himslef stated the Jets D made Henne look like Dan Marino. Don't go overboard there, Rex. He's not Marino, but Henne did show some extreme poise for a guy who was starting oly his second NFL game.

4. What's with the 5 TDs in the 4th quarter? It was almost like observing 7-on-7 drills. No pass rush from either team.

5. In his postgame press conference, Ryan referred to not calling any timeouts when the Dolphins were driving to their game winning TD. He didn't think the Fins would score on his vaunted defense. So he left his timeouts in his pocket and on the scoreboard. After Miami scored, there was not anywhere near enough time left to mount a potential game winning TD drive. Only a Hail Mary.

6. One last thing about last night. Once again, Jon Gruden couldn't resist a Brett Favre reference (or should I actually say reverence). Enough already, Coach! Do you think you might be able to get him when you're possibly in Washington or something?

Bonehead of the Week!
Could it be anyone else but San Francisco 49ers CB Dre' Bly? Click the link and watch the video.

Dre' Bly's "pick"

I know you agree with me on this. Shades of Deion? Not quite, but Bly has since apologized for his actions and remarks following the 49ers drubbing at the hands of the Atlanta Falcons, 45-10. If you were wondering if Mike Singletary had control of this team, don't even doubt it for a second.