The AFC East is WIDE OPEN

[Brian Fein]

After watching last night's crap fest between the Pats and Jets, and Week 1's Pats vs Bills game, it occurs to me that, unless the Patriots can get some receivers on their team, the AFC East is ripe for the taking by anyone.  I don't think its a shoe-in for the Patriots this season.

If the Patriots played that game against any other team in the league, they likely lose. 

Get ready, Dolphins' fans, there's a chance the Fins could make a run at the division this year, this time no "Matt Cassel" excuses.

[EKnight]

I think you're optimistically, but vastly under rating the Jets front 7, which based on how Miami's OLine looks is going to be a problem, and also neglecting to take into account not having Amendola or Gronk there. Miami may overtake the Pats in two years, but I don't see the division nearly as tightly. -EK

[MikeO]

After watching last night's crap fest between the Pats and Jets, and Week 1's Pats vs Bills game, it occurs to me that, unless the Patriots can get some receivers on their team, the AFC East is ripe for the taking by anyone.  I don't think its a shoe-in for the Patriots this season.

If the Patriots played that game against any other team in the league, they likely lose. 

Get ready, Dolphins' fans, there's a chance the Fins could make a run at the division this year, this time no "Matt Cassel" excuses.

I agree. The Pats were brutal last night. They are a mess on offense right now after 2 games. The Jets are terrible, no excuse for that performance by NE.  Amendola and Gronk are 2 very injury prone players (Amedola the most injury prone in the league probably) and they need them back ASAP! It will take the Pats a while to "get it right" on offense this year. But even Brady will struggle with that group around him on offense. NE has to make a move somehow to improve their WR's.

If Fins can work on/improve their oline play they will be in the thick of it all year.

[masterfins]

...and yet some were predicting that week #1 was a "must win" for the Fins or the season was over.  I predict no less than three more "must win" games for the Fins this year.

[masterfins]

NE has to make a move somehow to improve their WR's.

enter Randy Moss.

[fyo]

The Patriots will look like a completely different team down the home stretch. I wouldn't be surprised if they won 7 of their last 8 games.

[MyGodWearsAHoodie]

Receivers will make or break NE this year. 

Upside - the rookies should improve as the season goes on.  Gronk will come back at some point.     Amendola is great if he is healthy.     Edelman is better than I thought he could be.

Downside - the rookies might no improve.  Gronk and Amendola may have injury issues that last the entire season off and on.  Edelman can't effective if he is the only WR. 

On a positive note for NE this might be the best defense they have had in a decade.  If the offense can improve NE could win the SB. But if it doesn't they could miss the playoffs.   

[Landshark]

The Patriots will look like a completely different team down the home stretch. I wouldn't be surprised if they won 7 of their last 8 games.

That's what they usually do. 

[MikeO]

I wouldn't be surprised if they won 7 of their last 8 games.

 Late in the year they got the Broncos, Texans, Ravens, Dolphins, and Panthers. Don't see that happening

[MyGodWearsAHoodie]

Late in the year they got the Broncos, Texans, Ravens, Dolphins, and Panthers. Don't see that happening

Funny how you group the Dolphins in the "tough" category with Bronco, Texans, and Ravens.  Most people who stick them in the Bills & Browns category as part of "easy" part of the schedule.

NE should grind out a win against the Bucs. If they lose that one I will be concerned about their prospects. @Falcons will be a real test for the team, if they can win that game it means they are a playoff caliber team.   

[MikeO]

Funny how you group the Dolphins in the "tough" category with Bronco, Texans, and Ravens.  Most people who stick them in the Bills & Browns category as part of "easy" part of the schedule.

NE should grind out a win against the Bucs. If they lose that one I will be concerned about their prospects. @Falcons will be a real test for the team, if they can win that game it means they are a playoff caliber team.   

Obviously Miami isn't as tough as those other 3 but its not  "gimmie" game for the Pats. That's the point.

[phinphan]

they played rivals those are always big games.I can't wait till we play them,I think we will stomp em.
GO DOLPHINS

[Pappy13]

Funny how you group the Dolphins in the "tough" category with Bronco, Texans, and Ravens.

After watching a bit of that game last night I'm inclined to put New England in the "gimme" category.

[Tenshot13]

I wouldn't put the Ravens in the elite category.  Defense is a shadow of last year and they have no offensive weapons.

[yuppi]

I wouldn't put the Ravens in the elite category.  Defense is a shadow of last year and they have no offensive weapons.

Ray Rice?
Anyways I agree with you that they fell off hard...