Patriots have stuff to rule AFC again
Let’s get it out of the way immediately: If there’s a team good enough to stop the Patriots from winning the AFC again, we don’t see it.
Of course there aren’t any locks in pro sports, especially in the NFL, where teams rise and fall annually. Well, except for New England, which appears even more stacked than last year.
At 40, Tom Brady might still be in his peak years. That’s a scary proposition for the rest of the league.
At least the conference should feature some tight races in the other divisions, particularly the AFC West and South.
AFC EAST
Brady needed a deep threat, so the Patriots brought in Brandin Cooks. They lost rushing TD machine LeGarrette Blount in the backfield, but are plenty deep there. Stud TE Rob Gronkowski is healthy again. The offensive line is among the best in football.
And now the defence, which probably doesn’t get the credit it deserves, has added key ingredients in cornerback Stephon Gilmore and linebacker David Harris. Watch for developing end Trey Flowers.
The schedule isn’t daunting, particularly intradivision. Miami has had the worst pre-season imaginable with all its injuries; Jay Cutler as the answer at quarterback? Buffalo can’t seem to figure out who is staying and who should go, and its best receivers (Sammy Watkins, traded to the Rams) and Anquan Boldin (retired) are gone.
The Jets are odds-on to be the worst team in the NFL.
AFC SOUTH
The Texans have a terrific defence that gets back the incomparable J.J. Watt and could be enough to overcome a mediocre offence with an unproven QB and suspect passing game. They are well coached and rarely beat themselves — until the playoffs, that is.
No team appears more ready to make the next big step in the AFC than the Titans. They are deep at running back, secure at quarterback and on the offensive line, and have a developing D with playmakers such as Jurrell Casey and Brian Orakpo.
Indy is a far bigger question mark because of the uncertainty of Andrew Luck’s right shoulder. Just as uncertain is the O-line charged with protecting the franchise quarterback.
Jacksonville will be tougher with Tom Coughlin in the executive offices. Better? A bit.
AFC WEST
Oakland appeared headed for a showdown with New England until Derek Carr went down late in December. Should he stay healthy, the Raiders are the favourites to hold off the Chiefs, who sneaked past them to win the West last season, and the Broncos.
Kansas City will be stout on defence, somewhat dull but effective enough on offence, and well coached.
Denver is the wild card out West. Its defence could carry it very far, as it did in winning the Super Bowl two seasons back. There are standouts at receiver and a deep backfield, but the quarterbacking is precarious.
AFC NORTH
Everything in this division depends on whether Baltimore rebounds from a mediocre season. If the Ravens don’t — and their need for QB Joe Flacco to remain healthy is paramount — the Steelers will romp.
Baltimore added talent in the secondary with safety Tony Jefferson, but needs to revitalize the pass rush, as well as its pass protection.
Cincinnati coach Marvin Lewis enters his 15th season in charge and needs a turnaround from 6-91, plus, at last, a post-season victory to secure his status.
Cleveland won’t go 1-15 again. That doesn’t mean the always-rebuilding Browns won’t contend for the top overall draft selection.