Honest Assessment of AFC East

[dryheat44]

Okay, after consulting each teams schedules, here's how each team shapes up -- barring catastrophic injury:

New England 13-3 (5-1 AFC East)
Miami 9-7 (4-2)
Buffalo 5-11 (2-4)
New York 4-12 (1-5)

You might want to clip this and save it for your gambling purposes. The Patriots have a very favorable schedule. Playing in Miami might be their toughest game.

With the schedules being almost identical (Denver/Cincinnati vs. Kansas City/Pittsburgh, or a wash), really the only case you can make with the Dolphins winning the division is that they are a better team. In other words, Miami is going to beat teams that New England is going to lose to. I just can't see that happening. Any team that Miami beats, New England will probably beat as well. And the Patriots figure to beat some teams Miami won't. I have them splitting head-to-head, which is probably the most likely scenario.

 

[Brady-To-Branch]

This is the time of the year when teams are overhyped, while others are mistakenly written off.

I think the Jets are going to surprise a lot of people this year. Their defense is only two years removed from handling the Steelers offense on the road after beating the heavily favored Chargers, also on the road.

They had a great draft that addressed their O-line. D'Brick will solidify the LT spot, Mangold was the best C in the draft and getting him enables the Jets to move Pete Kendall back to his natural guard spot.

As rookies...
Feruson grades out better than Matt Light at LT
Mangold grades out better than Dan Koppen at C

Moreover, with an improved line, the Jets might be able to eek out one last 1,000 season from Martin.

I don't think the Jets are anywhere near ready to challenge the Pats, but IMO, they can beat out Miami for 2nd place.

 

[dryheat44]

Well, let's see. The Jets don't have any running backs that are very good anymore. Neither of their three veteran quarterbacks are very good. They have one starting caliber reciever. Their only pass rusher of note is in Atlanta. They have a rookie HC with only one year of co-ordinator experience and has never run a team at any level in this country. And they're depending on two rookies to start and be productive immediately on the OL.

Besides that, they're in great shape.

The only way the Jets do anything this year is if Kellen Clemens comes in and pulls a Roethlisberger. (On the field.) Unfortunately, they have nowhere near the surrounding talent that the Steelers did in Ben's rookie season, or even Chad's first year starting.

 

[wockenbauss]

SPECIFICALLY WHAT has Miami added to the team that would support a high probability of a better team in 2006?

1.) Daunte Culpepper.

Culpepper vs. Dolphins QB's since 2000:

a.) Completion Percentage: 64.4 vs. 56.4
b.) Passing Yards Per Game: 252 vs. 197.6
c.) TD/INT Ratio: 135/86 vs. 111/112
d.) Passer Rating: 91.5 vs. 72.8

What more needs to be said?

2.) Joey Harrington.

Young backup with starting experience.

3.) Fred Beasley.

Prior to the last couple of years, Beasley was widely considered among the best blocking FB's in the league.

4.) Kelly Campbell.

Speed merchant WR with a couple of 350 to 500 yard seasons with Culpepper in Minnesota - (career 18.4 ypc average).

5.) Derek Hagan.

Rookie 3rd round WR, finished college career as the #1 receiver in Pac-10 history in receptions, and #2 in receiving yards.

6.) Devin Aromashodu.

Rookie 7th rounder out of Auburn. Deep route specialist with excellent size/speed numbers (6'2 202 4.38 40). Was a deep route specialist in a running offense in college.

7.) Justin Peelle.

Former Charger TE - solid blocker with some receiving skills.

8.) Keith Heinrich.

Former Pather/Brown TE.

9.) LJ Shelton.

Former Cardinal and Brown, Shelton has been a disappointment for the most part, failing to live up to his very high draft status. He made alot of headway in Cleveland last year (and CONTRARY to what many people assume, Cleveland DID try to resign him prior to moving on to former Falcon - Shaeffer). Shelton says his primary reason for signing with Miami was to work with OL coach Hudson Houck. At minimum this gives the Dolphins another starting LT comparable with 2005 starter Damion McIntosh and thus improves depth quite a bit... at best, lets just say I'm anxious to see what (if any) Hudson Houck can make out of a guy with legitimate 1st round physical talent.

10.) Mike Pearson.

Former 2nd rounder of the Jaguars was starter at LT for the Jags (started 36 consecutive games before suffering a knee injury). If Pearson has recovered fully from reconstructive knee surgery... he adds another OT with starter talent to the Dolphins OL.

11.) Bennie Anderson.

Massive (6'5 345lb) guard - former Raven and Bill. Reportedly is a very good run blocker but struggles in pass protection. Starter on the Ravens offensive line during Jamal Lewis' 2000 yard season.

12.) Joe Toledo.

Rookie 4th rounder G/T. Massive (6'6 335 lbs) former TE, until his senior year at Washington... retains amazing atheltic numbers and movement for a man his size.

13.) Kevin Vickerson.

6'5 310lbs DT/NT prospect. 7th rounder in 2005, IR-redshirt.

14.) Fred Evans.

6'5 307lbs DT/NT prospect, 7th rounder in 2006.

15.) Keith Newman.

Former Bill/Falcon/Viking OLB, who is a solid tackler and has pass rush capablity (23 career sacks).

16.) Sedrick Hodge.

Former Saint OLB, who has top measurables... likely a coverage specialist type OLB.

17.) Will Poole.

Good looking rookie CB for the Dolphins in 2004 out of USC. Played nickle for the Dolphins in 2004, and appeared to be on his way to being one of the successor's to the excellent Surtain/Madison duo. Injured his knee in mini-camp last year and sat out the season.

18.) Will Allen.

Much critisized former CB of the Giants. Excellent size/speed numbers.... considered good in run support. Known for bad hands, and being burned on occasion.

19.) Andre Goodman.

Former CB Detroit Lions. Registered three INT's in 2005.

20.) Shirdonya Mitchell.

IR redshirt, hurt his knee in pro workout prior to 2005 draft. Explosive athlete who was rated as a 4th/5th round pick prior to injury... top size/speed numbers for a CB (4.34 40) with all the phsycial tools to develop.

21.) Renaldo Hill.

Former Cardinal/Raider S. Has a good reputation for hard nosed football, and excellent speed.

22.) Deke Cooper.

Former Panther/Jaguar S.

23.) Jason Allen.

Rookie 16th overall pick in 2006, can play CB as well as S (working S exclusively with Dolphins so far). Size/speed numbers almost identical to 7th overall pick Michael Huff. Had a dislocated hip his senior year, which has apparently fully healed. Known as a hard nosed player who attacks running plays, and who should have more range than any Dolphin safety in recent memory.

Sans "ballyhooing"... there you are. Likely some of the guys listed above will NOT make the team in 2006, and just as likely one or two UDFA which I DIDN'T list above will. Most of these guys are not big name additions, but then as Patriot fans - you should know that doesn't always mean much.

I'm intruiged by the secondary additions - noting that every signing is a relatively young guy (6 years exp or less)... all have excellent size for their position.... and all of them are FAST. IMHO the weakest portion of the team in 2005 (outside of QB), was our secondary. Some of that was learning the new scheme's - but honestly in alot of cases our secondary was simply overmatched phsyically. Excellent up front pressure (2nd in the league in sacks) disguised some of that... but the secondary was definately a huge weak spot in 2005. With the size and speed added this year... I'm eager to see what Saban (originally a DB coach) can do with these guys.

The OL additions are a huge upgrade depth-wise if nothing else... but having witnessed a near miracle in 2005 with Houck's wizardry - I can't wait to see what Houck might accomplish with guys such as LJ Shelton - who despite being a disappointment thus far in his career, still has amazing physical talent. I've also noted that Houck/Saban have shown a preference for large road-grader type OL as well... we now have 3 or 4 different combinations of entire OL's that all weigh at LEAST 320 lbs!

At WR, both Campbell and Hagan look like they can be upgrades at their positions from last season (3rd, 4th, 5th WR), and as a former FB myself, I'm looking forward to seeing Beasley block for our backs in 2006.

I'm just not going to argue with anyone over what they think of Daunte Culpepper... because any way you slice it - and whatever you think of Culpepper, only a moron would argue that he isn't a huge upgrade from what Miami has had at the position since 1999.

We mostly added role players and prospects to the front 7 on defense (a front 7 that finished 2nd in the league in 2005 in sacks BTW with 49)... and it has been correctly pointed out here that we are aging in the front 7. However, there is a youth movement there as well... with Manny "baby" Wright in his 2nd season, Kevin Vickerson returning form his IR-redshirt year, prospects Fred Evans and Steve Fifita joining as rookies, and Rodrique Wright (whom some has rated as a top DT prospect in last years draft prior to his injury) who will likely enjoy a redshirt year on IR this season.

At LB two role players were added to the steady Donnie Spragan at OLB (one rush specialist Newman, and one coverage specialist Hodge)... to go with stalwart Zach Thomas, and exciting 2nd year guy Channing Crowder.

can R. Brown handle role as a full-time back without a good change of pace back-up?

Don't know. Can't see any reason why he shouldn't be able to do it, but its a question until he does. On the other hand don't underestimate Sammy Morris BTW... he more than earned my respect in 2004 by rushing for over 500 yards and a 4.0 ypc average behind without a doubt the WORST offensive line I've ever seen in Miami Dolphins uniforms. Kay Jay Harris and Gerald Riggs may also be able to add something as UDFA's. But your point is taken.... losing Ricky Williams to the CFL definately hurts.

can Chambers duplicate R. Moss?

I'm not sure any active receiver in the league can "duplicate" Randy Moss... but I'm also not sure Chambers HAS to do that. With another competent WR on the other side (with a couple 1000 yard seasons in his own right) in Booker... Randy McMichael at TE... a deep threat #3 in Campbell... a RB of Ronnie Brown's capability.... does he HAVE to "duplicate" Randy Moss?

I do want to make one point. Chambers has struggled over the last 5 years to reach that thousand yard plateu that differentiates the better WR's in the league, until finally geting over to 1100 yards in 2005. He got there with possibly the worst collection of QB's a receiver has ever had in his first five years! Regardless of what you think of Daunte Culpepper - he will undoubtably be the best QB Chris Chambers has ever played with.... and come to think of it he'll be the best that Marty Booker has ever played with as well.

As for the new coordinators, their experience and records speak for themselves. Dom Capers is one of the most respected defensive minds in the game, and he's run the 3-4 defense everywhere he's been. He and Saban have worked together before... and considering he's replacing two college level guys (Muschamp and Richards) who shared the title of DC in 2005... I simply do not see a reasonable question of a downgrade in defensive coaching this year.

There's a better argument for a possible downgrade with our new OC. It's a good point that Mularky will be running Linehans system in Miami... but I think Saban is correct in having a coach with years of experience make the change rather than asking every offensive player to do the same. One thing I did note with Mularky in Buffalo... was his teams penchant for scoring and moving the ball very well early in games. This is good game-planning IMO.

I see nothing in what the Dolphins have done this offseason that makes me concerned, as a Patriots fan.

Good. Because if/when it happens, and the Dolphins jump right up and bite you on the @ss.... it'll hurt more.

 

[PF1996]

Guess I should have included the word 'impact' in my statement. The addition of a bunch of rookies (i.e. untested in the NFL) and mostly unwanted free agents isn't a basis for predicting that a middling team will suddenly become a threat to the Patriots in 2006. Perhaps all of these additions will play at a Pro-Bowl level...as I stated previously, I guess you only read the title, but there's no history right now to suggest that they will...(i.e. these players have mostly not played at a Pro-Bowl level recently). I doubt my ass will be hurting this season.

 

[feelthepain]

Guess I should have included the word 'impact' in my statement. The addition of a bunch of rookies (i.e. untested in the NFL) and mostly unwanted free agents isn't a basis for predicting that a middling team will suddenly become a threat to the Patriots in 2006. Perhaps all of these additions will play at a Pro-Bowl level...as I stated previously, I guess you only read the title, but there's no history right now to suggest that they will...(i.e. these players have mostly not played at a Pro-Bowl level recently). I doubt my ass will be hurting this season.

But losing big time talent doesn't hurt the Pats?? You also say unwanted FA?? Just another Pat fan that thinks he doesn't have to respect a division rival. Remind me again about all the Rookies and superstar FA the Pats have signed in their three SB winning seasons??
I guess you don't remember that...right?

 

[CrazyDave]

Boy, you guys (Miami) sure have a lot of new guys on your team. I never heard of most of them. I suppose they might all turn out to be good for you.
Or a few at least. I dig your enthusiasm, but i'm just not buying into the "big leap" thing just yet.
Wher with NE, I think we are in a good position to "absorb" what ever talent loss we may (or may not) have had.
Nice to see you guy are all worked up though.

 

[wockenbauss]

The addition of a bunch of rookies (i.e. untested in the NFL) and mostly unwanted free agents isn't a basis for predicting that a middling team will suddenly become a threat to the Patriots in 2006.

Substitute Dolphins and 2001 in your statement, and you have my exact feelings 5 years years ago... all except the Patriots weren't even "middling" before that. LOL

I dig your enthusiasm, but i'm just not buying into the "big leap" thing just yet. Wher with NE, I think we are in a good position to "absorb" what ever talent loss we may (or may not) have had. Nice to see you guy are all worked up though.

Well personally, I've never predicted a "big leap", and my own opinion is the defending champ is the champ til someone proves different. No harm in reminding some folks here though, that you were one Chris Chambers - dropped four yard touchdown pass from a one game playoff for the division LAST year. Doesn't seem such a BIG LEAP to me.

 

[PF1996]

As much as I appreciate the idea of the Patriots being trendsetters, the implied claim that just because the Patriots were successful in 2001 after signing a bunch of unwanted players that this means that signing a bunch of unwanted players is a sure path to success/big improvement is illogical. Firstly, the Patriots front-office scouted those players...one cannot assume that the Dolphins' front office has similar talents. Secondly, and this is really the relevant point, not all of the Patriots signing of unwanted players have been successful. Is it possible that the Dolphins will strike gold with their players? Sure. Is there a high probability of that which would provide a reasonable basis for a claim that the Dolphins will improve significantly from their 2005 middling team performance? Absolutely not. Trying to make irrelevant comparisons between the Patriots of 2001 and the current Dolphins will not change that fact.

Wockenbauk...the "if/coulda" game re. Chambers "dropped touchdown" could be rehashed by just about every team for just about every game. However, if deluding yourself about the Dolphins' 2005 performance makes you sleep better at night...go for it.

The Patriots biggest loss is McGinest for his experience and because the Pats don't have an established back-up. Givens was a n.2 receiver who can be replaced in the offense. Vinetari's usefulness has primarily been in the playoffs, his kicks in the 2005 regular season were makeable by average kickers and were not particularly stressful (i.e. for a come from behind win). As useful as McGinest was to the Patriots, he was not THE essential piece for the defense to be successful as was demonstrated in 2005. The point is, the Patriots were a better team than the Dolphins in 2005 (even with the significant injuries) and even with the defections of those three players are still a better team, considering only the historical performance of the players on both teams.

 

[wockenbauss]

As much as I appreciate the idea of the Patriots being trendsetters, the implied claim that just because the Patriots were successful in 2001 after signing a bunch of unwanted players that this means that signing a bunch of unwanted players is a sure path to success/big improvement is illogical.

I agree... and thats why I never said it. It does however prove that it can be done. No?

Firstly, the Patriots front-office scouted those players...one cannot assume that the Dolphins' front office has similar talents.

Good point. But since were all just speculating anyway... I wonder (based on the Patriots vaunted scouting ability SINCE Nick Saban entered the league) if they lost their best scout when Huizinga made his fateful trip to Baton Rouge a couple of Decembers ago? We'll see how things turn out.

Secondly, and this is really the relevant point, not all of the Patriots signing of unwanted players have been successful. Is it possible that the Dolphins will strike gold with their players? Sure. Is there a high probability of that which would provide a reasonable basis for a claim that the Dolphins will improve significantly from their 2005 middling team performance? Absolutely not.

Your not seriously suggesting that all 23 players I listed HAVE to be successful for Miami to improve significantly in 2006 are you??? lol That would be nice.... but I think Miami will improve significantly if they can get a single QB to throw up a mid 80's passer average over a whole season - which hasn't happened in many moons.

Trying to make irrelevant comparisons between the Patriots of 2001 and the current Dolphins will not change that fact.

I made no such comparison. I simply remarked that I had similar thoughts regarding your statement - back in 2001 toward the Patriots. You asked from what additions Miami expected improvement in 2006... I gave you those (minus a few odd UDFA's). I even stated that the Patriots should definately be considered the favorites to win the division. But somehow even that isn't enough for you. Truth be told... you sound a little insecure.

Wockenbauk...the "if/coulda" game re. Chambers "dropped touchdown" could be rehashed by just about every team for just about every game. However, if deluding yourself about the Dolphins' 2005 performance makes you sleep better at night...go for it.

I don't have to delude myself PF. You are what you are, and in 2005 the Patriots were at least one game better - and thus the champs. But were I on your side, I also wouldn't need to delude myself that some deep chasm had to be crossed in a "big leap" before a 2nd place team could DARE hope to challenge for an East Title. You never know what each year brings... a few things go right in the south, a few things go wrong in the North... and maybe the "big leap" ends up being a 4 yard toss into the endzone.

The Patriots biggest loss is McGinest for his experience and because the Pats don't have an established back-up. Givens was a n.2 receiver who can be replaced in the offense. Vinetari's usefulness has primarily been in the playoffs, his kicks in the 2005 regular season were makeable by average kickers and were not particularly stressful (i.e. for a come from behind win). As useful as McGinest was to the Patriots, he was not THE essential piece for the defense to be successful as was demonstrated in 2005.

I don't pretend to know how the free agent losses will affect your team, and you'll find no post of mine where I claim those losses will be a detriment to your team in 2006. Maybe it won't hurt you at all - and you'll just keep rolling. On the other hand I've yet to see many fans (even Patriot fans)claiming that your team improved via the free agent period this year, and while the Patriots did have an excellent draft - you yourself remarked a little earlier about the folly of relying on a "bunch of rookies (i.e. untested in the NFL)".

On the other hand, I've seen PLENTY of non-Dolphin fans remarking on how the Dolphins should be improved, and some even say significantly improved, and *gasp* I've even heard a few Patriots fans say that.

Some people are saying it's enough to catch the Patriots... some say no way. As I said earlier... I'm one of those who say the champ is the champ til proven not to be on the field - and the Patriots are the current East champ.

The point is, the Patriots were a better team than the Dolphins in 2005 (even with the significant injuries)

Agreed.

and even with the defections of those three players are still a better team, considering only the historical performance of the players on both teams.

Well thats what the whole debate is about isn't it? You have your opinion, I have mine.... based on being the current champ I gotta think your view is given the benfit of doubt - but all will be revealed in time.

 

[5 Rings for Brady!!]

Wockenbauss:

I think the greater point in all this is 'How well does Culpepper do over the long run as a Dolphin?'

I've stated plenty of times that he can put up Pro Bowl numbers and he will start strong next year. I expect him to look good for a while, and eventually to be exposed by the Pats. Then he will go back to being an up and down QB, with predictable results. I see no reason for the Fins not to go 11-5 next year, but I think the Pats have a super easy schedule and will win one or two more games. They will also demonstrate to the league how to shut down Miami's offense by the second match-up of the season. This is the 'Belichick Factor.'

All B.S. aside, tell me straight up, have you followed Dante's career from the start? I used to cheer for the Vikings anytime they played, because I hate Green Bay and Bears. Culpepper always failed to impress me as a QB because he choked whenever the game was on the line. He doesn't play well with a lead, and makes mistakes from behind. That was my impression long before he became a Fin. I wanted to like him and wanted him to succeed. I think there is more to this story than Culpepper's stats, it is his ability to take a team thru the playoffs and win a superbowl. That is what I doubt more than anything else.

And as for Miami's Defense, it was the combo of Madison, Surtain, Taylor and also Ogunleye that gave Brady fits. It was straight up talent. I am not convinced that Miami has replaced that hardcore group. When you look at the scrubs that Brady used to have on offense in those match-ups, and look at some of the potential playas he has now, a Miami fan should be concerned that maybe Brady's offense will finally be the match of Fins D. That would really be a new twist to all of this.

At least you brought some facts that we can discuss instead of stupid generalizations.

 

[CrazyDave]

One team is trying, hoping, to get to the next level.
The other is firmly entrenched at said level.

 

[dryheat44]

No harm in reminding some folks here though, that you were one Chris Chambers - dropped four yard touchdown pass from a one game playoff for the division LAST year. Doesn't seem such a BIG LEAP to me.

Are you actually suggesting that if the Pats and Dolphins were tied going into week 17 that the Patriots would have still pulled all their starters after a couple of series?

Oh, and they don't have one game playoffs in football. That's baseball. In football they go to tie-breakers.

 

[SunnyDenmark]

Thanks Phins fans for helping to bring this back to the thread topic: AFC East instead of the other silly debate (better fantasy football QB: Brady vs Culpepper) several forgettable pages ago. My question to you Phins fans:
1) who do you see with the better record this year: JETS or Buffalo ?
2) hypothesize it is the last game of the season for MIA and you need a win to be the wild card team. Would you rather face AWAY (ie. not a home game): Bufalo or JETS. Further suppose both teams are out of the playoff hunt with approximately .500 win percentage (say 7wins - 8 losses).
For fun I could also ask the same of the PATS fans for question # 2 but I would say we (Pats) have secured a playoff spot and a win would secure a bye week.

 

[Welker83]

Terry Glenn had 90 receptions as a rookie for us. So far, I haven't seen any reason why Jackson wont contribute as a rook. Certainly, the attention he's getting from the head office and the media is generally reserved more for first rounders, not second rounders. The fact that BB was considering him at #21, to me, means that he's a special player.

How that works itself out over the season, we'll have to see. But let's not write off the entire Pats WR corp based on cup half empty theories. If you take the cup half full approach, we actually have a stunningly deep and dangerous WR corp with explosive upside.

Suppose that Jackson establishes himself as a Terrell Owens type of a talent. Even as an unpolished player, he could do a lot of damage.

Caldwell has been great in camp, getting called out in the media for a bunch of athletic catches. His troubles in San Diego were more related to his injury situation, than his ability. If he stays healthy, he could be a real weapon.

Branch is a known quantity, but has been held back because teams have doubled him. If Caldwell and Jackson achieve their potential, Branch becomes an even bigger threat.

Brown is a reliable veteran who always makes the big plays, and runs routes that make first downs... all the right things, the small things. Imagine the luxury of having him as our #4 receiver.

And Childress was activated for the playoffs last year, and ended the season playing the best football of his career. I always take it as a special sign when BB gives a young player field time. We saw Givens mostly on ST as a rookie, but he started beating David Patten out for playing time at the end of his first year-- that was a sign of things to come. Childress seems to be on the same path; earning playing time by executing during the week. I fully expect that he's going to be BB's newest "out of nowhere" project turned legitimate pro.

Personally, I think this may be the deepest WR corp we've had in the BB era. The next best would have been Brown, Patten, Branch and Dedric Ward... plus a very green Givens. Personally, I think this group is faster, bigger, more explosive than anything we've seen since Bledsoe was throwing to Terry Glenn and Shawn Jefferson.

I went to UF..i met and partied with Jackson... I have seen every one of his games as a gator...I love this guy and he will be a GREAT player...But not this year...He's not ready. He's unpolished and needs experience and work... He won't produce at a high level and the number overwhelmingly support this...

Wow..Terry glenn did it...Give me 50 more names...cause thats what you'll need to convince a person who's seen 300 wr's drafted and less than 10 of them have Superior rookie seasons...

 

[Welker83]

Thanks Phins fans for helping to bring this back to the thread topic: AFC East instead of the other silly debate (better fantasy football QB: Brady vs Culpepper) several forgettable pages ago. My question to you Phins fans:
1) who do you see with the better record this year: JETS or Buffalo ?
2) hypothesize it is the last game of the season for MIA and you need a win to be the wild card team. Would you rather face AWAY (ie. not a home game): Bufalo or JETS. Further suppose both teams are out of the playoff hunt with approximately .500 win percentage (say 7wins - 8 losses).
For fun I could also ask the same of the PATS fans for question # 2 but I would say we (Pats) have secured a playoff spot and a win would secure a bye week.

1. JETS...The bills Lines are bad...both of them..thats all you need to know.

2. Thats a toughie... Normally i'd want to face the bills...but end of the year it's real nasty weather in buffalo... Because of that i'de rather face the JETS...

 

[Welker83]

One team is trying, hoping, to get to the next level.
The other is firmly entrenched at said level.

Here's the real difference:
Pats fans say they are entrenched because they are biased...
Fin fans say they are ready to take pats because they are biased...

All the unbiased people say the fins had a good offseason and closed the gap while the Pats took a step back... Hmmmm.... I wonder who's really right?

 

[5 Rings for Brady!!]

I agree that Chad Jackson will probably be a typical WR as a rookie. He's not going to have 90 catches. But he could probably replace a good chunk of Given's production, and Caldwell can pick up some too. We need contributions from all our skill players to make this offense click. We seem to have 3 tight ends that can play, with Thomas having good hands. Also, we have two decent running backs for the first time in a while, and Maroney actually seems like he can catch.

I think we can't expect too much out of Jackson right away.

 

[5 Rings for Brady!!]

Welker:

Love to know who your unbiased media sources are. The national media has had a love affair going on with Miami since 1972. On the other hand, the national media ignored the Pats as a potential dynasty until AFTER the 2nd superbowl victory, and are only too happy to see us go away.

You would be very foolish to get into a discussion about who the national media is unbiased towards. I can easily go point for point with you on virtually every national media person that covers football, and talk about how much 'love' they have shown for the Pats since way back.

The media thinks we are sunk because we lost A KICKER and #2 WR and old Linebacker.

I'd love to know your unbiased sources, and how often they have been right about the Pats in the past, as well as how much love they gave Miami for not doing much since 1972.

 

[CrazyDave]

Here's the real difference:
Pats fans say they are entrenched because they are biased...
Fin fans say they are ready to take pats because they are biased...

All the unbiased people say the fins had a good offseason and closed the gap while the Pats took a step back... Hmmmm.... I wonder who's really right?

We may all be biased, that's true.
But the truth of the matter is anyone who thinks the Pats took a step back is on crack. The media sees the 3 players we lost, and goes on that.
McGinnest is a loss, but one we can certainly deal with.
Givens, big deal. Vinatieri, he's a freakin kicker.
Tales of our demise have been greatly exaggerated.