Spoiler Alert! Why eight division expectations won't pan out
1 reply
Colorado DolfanNew MemberOPAFC East
Expectation: Tom Brady returns to Patriots, throws for 4,000 yards, leads team to Super Bowl. Harps play in New England, choirs sing.
Spoiler alert: Brady, for all his talent and grit, is returning to a much more feisty division than the one he left. Playoff experience made Miami tougher. First-year coach Rex Ryan and the Jets have promised wave after wave of pressure and mayhem. Even Buffalo beefed up its pass rushing by drafting defensive end Aaron Maybin in the first round. Brady won't have to rely on his rebuilt ACL the way running backs coming off injury do, but he'll still need to move, glide, drift and motor around the pocket. Brady may still get his yards and the Patriots their wins, but a year without reps, timing and optimum health can disturb even the most elite athletes. Just ask Tiger Woods.
This is definitely one of the "expectations" I see being a possible let down. For Patriots fans, at least. All three of the Patriots' division rivals have beefed up their defense, and maybe, just maybe, Brady's knee won't quite do what he needs it to...
AFC South
Expectation: The Colts and the Titans will once more battle for divisional supremacy.
Spoiler alert: The Houston Texans, seemingly always a year away, could challenge for the division title. It's been a steady climb for the expansion franchise (two wins in '05, six in '06, eight in '07 and '08) and the pieces are finally in place for a postseason berth. Not only does pass rusher Mario Williams possess defensive player of the year ability, but also the Texans' offense features skill position players among the league's best. Receivers Andre Johnson and Kevin Walter and tight end Owen Daniels are the most underrated pass-catching group in the NFL. Running back Steve Slaton proved he can use a mix of speed and punishment to carry the load. Matt Schaub will benefit from gaining another year of experience in Gary Kubiak's offense. If Schaub can cut down on the turnovers, a beautiful season should be in store in Houston.
Interesting thought... Sure would hate to be playing a Texans' team in the hunt for the playoffs later in the season, though...
Check it out, pretty interesting read, overall...
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/damon_hack/06/05/spoiler-alerts/index.html?eref=T1
Get dirty, get bloody, get sweaty...
...get happy.
-Cam Wake
sking29Forum VeteranI love the Texans team and with the Colts possibly beginning a downturn (honestly how long has it been since anyone heard the Colts having the problems they've had this offseason?-they have had a lot of turnover) and the Titans pinning their hopes on Kerry Collins who let them down last season in the playoffs, why couldn't the Texans win or at least get a Wildcard birth?
The Texans have strong offense with Schaub, Slaton, Daniels, and Johnson (plus they have really good WRs to compliment him). Then their defense has really come along as well. To me the Texans can be the surprise team of the year like the Fins were last year.
"No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it." --Albert Einstein