In 2013, we saw the New England Patriots win the division and to be fair they were never really close to losing it. The New York Jets outplayed expectations winning 8 games in a "Rebuilding Year". The Miami Dolphins had an encouraging season despite all the off-field issues. Unfortunately, they lost on the final day of the year to the New York Jets. The Buffalo Bills, well were the Buffalo Bills again they started Jeff Tuel and Thad Lewis and oddly enough those two were more consistent than their first round draft pick.
This offseason all four teams seemed to help themselves out. The New York Jets made quality signings to produce some much needed depth and finally created an “Actual Offense”. The Dolphins finally got there guy in Brandon Albert who they have wanted for two years now while adding some nice players. The Buffalo Bills mortgaged their future while trading up for Sammy Watkins. The Patriots well did Patriot things signing some high profiled free agents.
Top Newcomers
Darrelle Revis, Cornerback, New England Patriots: The Patriots made an early splash going out and signing Revis to a two year deal. He will be an upgrade over Aqib Talib but will certainly shut down some of the games top receivers.
Eric Decker, Wide Receiver, New York Jets: Decker is an immediate upgrade for the New York Jets. Many will say he is a product of Peyton Manning which is true but has its flaws. Decker did perfectly fine under a certain quarterback for University of Florida. Look for him to outperform expectations.
Sammy Watkins, Wide Receiver, Buffalo Bills: Watkins was looked at as a must have for the Buffalo Bills on draft night. He will have a tough job having to face Revis twice a year, but I believe he will be an explosive talent.
Branden Albert, Offensive Tackle, Miami Dolphins: Albert and the Dolphins have had mutual interest for two years now. It was just a matter of him becoming an FA to get the deal done. Albert is an immediate upgrade over any one else they had last year. Hopefully Moreno can run behind him well.
Training Camp Battles
Geno Smith vs. Michael Vick, New York Jets: I don’t think this is going to be as much of a battle as it is made out to be. I think Mike Vick knows his place and Geno knows his place as the starter.
Ryan Mallett vs. Jimmy Garoppolo, New England Patriots: The battle for the back up quarterback; Will Mallett even be on the roster? I think so, and I also think he will be the number two on the depth chart. Nevertheless, the plan is when Brady retires Jimmy G will be the starter.
Keith Rivers vs. Preston Brown vs. Nigel Bradham, Buffalo Bills: This will be the competition for the injured Kiko Alonso’s position. I think Bradham has to seem like the favorite but Keith Rivers was a first round pick.
Division Rankings
1. New England Patriots: The Patriots are still the best team in this division. But, it could end up being close than expected. Health will be huge for this slightly aging team.
2. New York Jets: The Jets could be a surprising team this year. They have built a very deep team and wouldn’t be surprising to see them win 10 games this year.
3. Miami Dolphins: I don’t think the Dolphins take a step up from last year. It relies on Tannehill taking that jump and I don’t feel he can.
4. Buffalo Bills: Losing Kiko Alonso for the year and not knowing what your going to get out of Manuel is really scary.