Next year we play 7 out of the 11 other teams that were in the playoffs last year! Because we play the Jets twice that means that we play 8 games against teams that were in the playoffs the year before.
Not only that, we also have to play teams that had a down year but always among the best in the league, like the Steelers and the Bengals. They both finished 8-8 but have good QB's as well as talented teams, so they are very capable of rebounding from last year.
Another team I would not discount are the Bills. They have a QB who finally started to play like a first round pick at the end of last year, have added to their offensive line, and despite their losses they still have some good young players on defense. Plus it seems like their pass rush always gets to Brady. I wouldn't say I'm scared of the Bills but they are capable of making our lives harder.
And then of course there are the Dolphins who are always tough for us and even though their offense has a lot of holes they have a good defense. Even when they ave terrible teams they often find ways to beat us, and it seems like most have come to expect a split with them each season.
Honestly, its too early to tell what is going to happen because so many things can happen. But here is my preliminary run down:
JETS (x2): Well, the Jets acquired Thomas Jones and let go Barlow and Derrick Blaylock. The Jets also let go BJ Askew and have their starting RT up as a UFA as well. Leon Washington should be a good change-of-pace back for them opposite Washington and Houston looks to be a good compliment. However, then still have Noodle arm as their QB. This will, as always, be a tough divisional foe, but, at worst, the Pats will split.
BILLS (x2): Look to be solidifying their O-line. They have some good receivers, though they are lacking a bonifide other than Anthony Thomas. Their defense has taken hits with the losses of Clements and Baker. Whitner and Simpson stepped up big for them last year. I see them as the surprise of the division. Again, I see, at worst, a split.
DOLPHINS (x2): This is a team that needs to rebuild. And its going to take more than 4 years to do it. Why? Because they are missing so many pieces now and in that time, they will probably also lose Taylor and Thomas to retirement. Cam Cameron has been given a thankless job and really has an uphill battle. I think the Pats take both of these.
COLTS (A): They lost Domenic Rhodes who was a huge part of their offense. They kept Freeney, but released Reagor. They haven't re-signed Cato June and they lost Nick Harper. There is rumors out there that they are planning to release Corey Simon as well. It remains to be seen whether the champs will be able to repeat. Too early to tell what will happen.
CHARGERS (H): Had a full coaching change-over. This usually isn't a good thing even with the amount of continuity the coaches are claiming there will be. The coaches have different personalities and they have to get used to the players as much as the players have to get used to them. Turner doesn't have a great record as an HC.
BENGALS (A): They have a very potant offense when they can field Rudi Johnson, Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzedah, and Chris Henry. Unfortunately, Chris Henry is one of the "bad boys" of the NFL and of the Bengals specifically. The defense is the issue here. Deltha O'Neal came back to earth last season and was mediocre. They've lost a key player in Kevin Kaesviharn and another in Eric Steinbach. I expect some growing pains for them and their defense to be an issue again. Especially since word out is that Justin Smith didn't take kindly to being Franchised.
STEELERS(H): Another team with a full coaching change-over. However, they have suffered some pretty key player losses. Jeff Hartings was an ALL-PRO center and his loss will be hard to cover. Big Ben never looked comfortable back in the pocket last year. Joey Porter is gone from their defense and with the Phins now. He was one of the leaders back there and it will be interesting to see how the players respond.
BROWNS (H): Poor Romeo. The Browns big splash last year could be done for his career. The Browns have some talent on offense and defense, but not enough to challenge.
RAVENS (A): The McNair to Mason magic was never re-kindled. The Ravens have added McGahee to replace Jamal Lewis. The Ravens took a huge hit to their versatile defense when they lost A.D to the Pats. However, they will be looking for Jarrett Johnson to replace him the way he replaced Ray Lewis last year when Lewis was out.
EAGLES (H): McNabb was injured again. Though his legs aren't his lively-hood anymore, it was yet another knee injury and it remains to see how much of his athleticism he will regain. However, he's without his best receiver in Stallworth. However, Hank Baskett is no slouch and was really a steal for them. The defense has questions at LB and in the secondary. Michael Lewis is gone and there were complaints about Constadine's play as well.
COWBOYS (A): The 2nd Era of Parcells and Bledsoe ended much more civilly than the 1st era did. The Tony Romo era has begun. There aren't many holes on this team, though there is some on the O-line. Depth at CB is also a concern.
GIANTS (A): Tiki Barber is gone. Rueben Droughns is in. Eli Manning hasn't developed the way many would like. Plaxico Burress is proving to be Alvin Harper Redux. Great complimentary receiver. Lousy #1. The Giants have holes at LB that LaVar Arrington didn't fill. They let go Luke Petigout, arguably their best OT and they have a hole at RG. Will Demps and Sam Madison didn't solidify their secondary the way they'd hoped.
REDSKINS (H): This team seems to be in perpetual turmoil and seems to have been that way since Snyder took over. However, they don't seem to be spending money this year so maybe they finally figured out something. Well, except for signing London Fletcher-Baker. They lost Derrick Dockery to the Bills. Adam Archuleta isn't the player he was and is a liability in passing situations. They wasted a 1st rounder 3 years ago to take Patrick Ramsey, then they wasted one last year on Jason Campbell. They have some very good offensive weapons in Cooley, Portis, Betts and Moss.
All in all, I believe the Pats will be in every game and I believe they will win their Division. What the exact record will be and who they will win to and lose to, its way to early to tell.
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