My Wes Welker Blog

In preparation for the NFL season, in addition to revising my power rankings almost constantly, I am taking a look around the league, team-by-team. While up to now, I have only been looking at the teams as a whole, I will now, here and in upcoming posts, take a look at each facet of the team. (Quarterbacks, O-Line, etc.)

Let's start at the top, with a division very close to my heart (I live in Massachusetts), the AFC East. Here are the most comprehensive rankings you can find on the World Wide Web:

(# = Last year's rankings)

1) New England Patriots 12-4
Quarterback: Tom Brady (#1)
Running Back: Laurence Maroney (#24)
Wide Receivers: Wes Welker (#3), Randy Moss (#5), Julian Edelman (#53)
Tight Ends: Alge Crumpler (#31)
QB Protection: #2
Rush Protection: #19
Sacks (on opponent): #22
Run Defense: #23
Pass Defense: #19
Key Additions: WR Torry Holt (#68), TE Alge Crumpler (#31)
Key Losses: TE Ben Watson (#10), DE/DT Jarvis Green, DE/OLB Adalius Thomas
Notes: The downgrade at tight end should be minimal, given the two TEs the Patriots have in the wings (Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez), and the fact that in the Belichick system, tight ends are used as blockers.... You may not think that a team with such a shoddy defensive line could be expected to go 12-4, but look at the New Orleans Saints (#26) last year... Laurence Maroney, entering a contract year, must put up or be eclipsed by Sammy Morris, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, or another back on the roster... With Welker looking like he's made a full recovery, the passing unit looks like it can shoulder the brunt of the responsibility for this team.

2) New York Jets 11-5
Quarterback: Mark Sanchez (#38)
Running Backs: Shonn Greene (#30), Ladanian Tomlinson (#42)
Wide Receivers: Santonio Holmes (#11), Jerricho Cotchery (#22), Laveranues Coles (#44), Braylon Edwards (#49)
Tight Ends: Dustin Keller (#28)
QB Protection: #24
Rush Protection: #6
Sacks (on opponent): #16
Run Defense: #4
Pass Defense: #1
Key Additions: RB Ladanian Tomlinson (#42), WR Santonio Holmes (#11) DE/OLB Jason Taylor, CB Antonio Cromartie
Key Losses: RB Thomas Jones (#23), FS Kelly Rhodes
Notes: No surprise that the Darrell Revis-led pass defense is ranked #1... The addition of Santonio Holmes gives QB Sanchez a strong core to mask his inexperience... Don't be surprised if the running game takes a hit this year; time will tell whether RB Greene can lead the staff... Jason Taylor will provide depth and experience to what is already a fantastic defensive line... For Mark Sanchez to mature, the O-line has to step up and prevent sacks.

3) Miami Dolphins 9-7
Quarterback: Chad Henne (#17)
Running Backs: Ricky Williams (#8), Ronnie Brown (#16)
Wide Receivers: Brandon Marshall (#24), Brian Hartline (#30), Greg Camarillo (#37), Davone Bess (#41),
Tight Ends: Anthony Fasano (#37)
QB Protection: #14
Rush Protection: #8
Sacks (on opponent): #1
Run Defense: #15
Pass Defense: #32
Key Additions: WR Brandon Marshall (#24)
Key Losses: DE/OLB Joey Porter, DE/OLB Jason Taylor
Notes: The only better one-two punch than RBs Williams and Brown are Carolina's Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams... Without DE/OLBs Porter and Taylor, look for Miami's defense to quickly deteriorate... Don't be surprised if Miami is the #1 offense next year; they have all the tools to make it happen: A young, able quarterback; a stable of running backs; and 4 (count 'em) wide-recievers on the edge of breaking out.

4) Buffallo Bills 8-8
Quarterback: Trent Edwards (#32), Ryan Fitzpatrick (#34)
Running Backs: Fred Jackson (#22), Marshawn Lynch (#45)
Wide Receivers: Lee Evans (#64), Steve Johnson (N/A), Chad Jackson (N/A)
Tight End: Johnathan Stupar (N/A)
QB Protection: #32
Rush Protection: #10
Sacks (on opponent): #19
Run Defense: #30
Pass Defense: #2
Key Additions: None
Key Losses: WR Terrell Owens (#70)
Notes: This team will flop no matter the quarterback behind the rudder... There is so much to dislike about this team, but let's start with the fact that they have just one capable wideout... There is only one way this team can win 8 games, and that is to run down their opponents' throats, and keep their pass defense as steady as it was last year.

More to come!

Si
http://nobiassportscenter.blogspot.com/