Moving on to one of the more exciting conferences, the AFC East. Home of The J-E-T-S Jets, the Patriots, The Bills, and The Dolphins. These teams have put together quite the offseason respectively but who will come out on top? Most people think that it’ll be the Patriots, but others feel that some of the moves that the other teams have made could put them in position to take on the perennial AFC East Champs. ‘Phins Up first!!
Offseason Recap: After a slightly disappointing, drama riddled 2013 season, the Dolphins made some offseason moves that will hopefully get them back where they want to be. One of the more notable signings was Louis Delmas, safety from the Lions. If he can stay healthy, he will help improve their free safety position. He’ll be a great playmaker, if he stays healthy. Another great addition to the team was free agent Branden Albert from the Chiefs. He’s a great left tackle, which is a position that has been of need to the Phins since Jake Long left. They also signed Cortland Finnegan. I know, I know. Why? Hey, who knows….maybe the 3nd time is a charm, and he can get back to his old form. I guess the Dolphins feel that way. They are giving him a pretty penny. They also signed Knowshon Moreno, who most felt was on his way out, but thanks to Peyton Manning, had a great year last year. But apparently, he’s coming to camp up a few pounds. But, for what it’s worth, he may be a good improvement over last year. They also drafted Ja’Wuan James OT from Tennessee. Much needed. The Dolphins needed help on that O Line, since Tannehill was the most sacked QB in 2013. Player Who Will Surprise: Mike Williams. I think that he will come around and be the player that they hoped he would be. He and Ryan Tannehill hopefully have worked on their chemistry, and will make this team pretty fun to watch. Prediction: You know, looking at it, I’m probably being a little optimistic, but their schedule is rather favorable. If all goes well with this team, I think they could finish 9-7. Let’s take a peek at the Jets. 
Offseason Recap: This team had a pretty interesting year last year. They had some potential, but still kinda putting the pieces together. They made some pretty big moves in their offseason. Bringing in such names like Mike Vick, Chris Johnson, Eric Decker. They also brought in Dimitri Patterson to replace Cromartie. So, overall, they had a pretty decent offseason free agent wise. I think it’ll help get them back to where they need to be, but with some questions at the QB position, it may not get them all the way to the top. They also drafted a tight end Jace Amaro from Texas Tech, who can give some much needed talent to that position. Cause….well….we all know how it ended with a one Kellen Winslow, Jr. Yeah….moving right along Player Who Will Surprise: Chris Johnson. I think he maybe just needs a change of scenery. And sometimes that’s all it takes to help improve a player. He’ll be in a different system, and OC Mornhinweg will be able to use him in that offense, to hopefully became the CJ2K that we all know and loved. 
Prediction: I think this team is going to be hard to predict. Their schedule is kind of iffy, but I honestly think that there may be a few surprises in there, but I’m going to say that they will go 8-8 again this season. Moving on further north brings us to the “darlings” of the NFL, the Patriots. 
Last year, this team figured out a way to make it do what it do and found itself right back in the AFC Championship game. They dealt with a lot of injuries during the season, but finally, it was just too much for them. Offseason Moves: They had a pretty good offseason. Darrelle Revis, and Brandon Browner? Umm, yes please. That right there makes things a lot more interesting. The Seahawks showed us that defense wins, so that’s a pretty good move. They also added Bandon LaFell from Carolina, to their receiving corps. Their run game will also be something to keep an eye on this year as well, with the loss of LeGarrette Blount. One of the more interesting moves in the draft was getting Jimmy Garoppolo. Preparing for the departure of Tom Brady is a great move on their part. They can do it “old school.” You know…draft a QB, let him sit and learn, and then when/if needed, he can assume the reigns of the team. Good move. Player Who Will Surprise: You heard it here folks. Danny Amendola will NOT get injured this year until week 10. He’ll tweak a groin. 
Prediction: I’m just gonna say 12-4. I think that the Broncos, Packers, possibly the Jets and the Dolphins could cause some trouble for Belichick’s team. But other than that, I think they are in prime position to win the division yet again. Saving the best for last brings us to the Buffalo Bills. 
This team is going to be interesting to watch this year. Last year’s 6-10 was a disappointment. The loss of EJ Manuel to injury didn’t make things easy for first year coach Doug Marrone. But they are looking to rebound a possibly challenge for a playoff run. Offseason Moves: They made some key off-season moves by bringing in Brandon Spikes and also Corey Graham to help bolster their defense. They also resigned Scott Chandler, and with Stevie Johnson getting traded to San Francisco, that opened up the roster for Sammy Watkins. The WR out of Clemson, was possibly going to come to Detroit, but wound up being drafted by Buffalo (Yay!!) I kinda like bringing him in because I think that will help give the team something to build around. Player Who Will Surprise: I’m going to go ahead and say that the players who will surprise will be their defense. I think that Buffalo’s defense surprises people this year. They were 10th in the league last year, and I do believe that they’ve improved. So, I’m going to say that their defense this year will turn a few heads. Prediction: I think these guys will go a respectable 9-7 this year. Slightly optimistic again, but I think you’ve got a decent 2nd year QB, he’s got offensive support, a good defense, they could be pretty good this year!!! Next week, we discuss the NFC South Follow Sonja on Twitter (@Mom23RN)
