All right, I did this last year and am killing some time before I get nice before the Sabres game. :wink: Obviously, there are still some question marks but it's always interesting to see a breakdown and get some opinions.
Quarterbacks
NE 4
NYJ 3
BUF 2
MIA 1
If anyone argues against Brady, they are ******ed period. I was very tempted to put Losman ahead of Chadwick because he statistically had the edge in head to head games and for the season, but Chad is a playoff QB. As for the Fins, Green, C-pep, Lemon, Beck, Grape, or Orange, they are the bottom of this group until proven otherwise.
Running Backs
NYJ 4
MIA 3
NE 2
BUF 1
Very tough. I gave the edge to the Jets because Jones is a good pickup and has had slightly more productive seasons than Brown (while sharing the carries). Washington and him are a solid duo. Brown would be up there but injuries are always a concern. Maroney is a best but like Brown, has never had to carry the load by himself. Personally, I think Lynch will be offensive rookie of the year but I will be realistic (unlike Fin fans :wink: ).
Wide Receivers
NE 4
NYJ 3
BUF 2
MIA 1
NE went from one of the worst receiving cores to the best. Scary talent on a team with Brady throwing to them. Nasty. Crotchey and Coles turned out to be a very productive combo. Evans is the best wr in the division and in the top 10 of the league. If our #2 was better, he would be even better. Chambers was a huge bust, who has shown that besides one last season run, he slightly above average who makes sick catches. Ginn has to prove it like Lynch.
Tight Ends
NE 4
BUF 3
NYJ 2
MIA 1
Probably the least talented position in the division. NE with Watson & Brady (he sucks but is a good blocker) is pretty solid. Royal really started to come on last year (3 games in a row with a td, one against some team with the Piano man starting) and is a great blocker. Baker is a good receiving te. And honestly, I'm not really even sure who MIA's TE is. But at leat you got rid of a pregnant pass dropping wife beater. That's an improvement I guess. :wink:
Offensive Line
NE 4
BUF 3
NYJ 2
MIA 1
NE has a very unrated group. BUF & the Jets was close. But even if the Bills overspent a little bit, Dockery is a good young guard who will help from one of the best left sides in football. NYJ have the foundation of a very good oline for years to come, but Brick struggled at times. MIA's line isn't vey good right now. Hopefully for you guys, the draft picks will pan out.
Defensive Line
NE 4
MIA 3
BUF 2
NYJ 1
I kept this the same from last year. NE has one of the best d-lines in football. MIA took some losses but anytime you have Taylor, you have a really good d-line. Buf has a very underrated d-line with Schobel and Denney/Kelsay. The Jets aren't bad, but this is a pretty good group in the division.
Linebackers
MIA 4
NE 3
NYJ 2
BUF 1
Tough one. I respect Thomas but I think him and Crowder are overrted. But they still are the foundation of a really good defense. NE is getting really old at LB but Thomas is a huge pickup. The Jets got run over by pretty much everyone but getting harris is a solid move. The Bills LBs are very young.
Secondary
NE 4
NYJ 3
BUF 2
MIA 1
Close one. NE, assuming Samuel plays, are the class. The Jets added a 1st round cb and Rhodes is a playmaker. Buf has the best safties in the division but our corners are questionable. MIA has question marks all over their secondary.
Special Teams
BUF 4
NYJ 3
MIA 2
NE 1
Buf is one of the league's best on special teams for the last 5 years. Jets have a great returner and their kicker is getting better. Mia's rating totally depends on Ginn. NE's only major question mark.
Obviously, this isn't an exact science but these are my final scores:
NE 30
NYJ 23
BUF 20
MIA 17
What do you think???
