Misconceptions of the AFC this season

[RumpleForeskin]

New England

- 2007 was oh so close to being perfect, but they walked away with nothing to show for with that ridiculous regular season they turned in. 2008 shouldn't be much different although the little Giants did breathe hope into Pats' 2008 opponents. The secondary can be exposed and I really do think teams took a long, hard look at the spread the Pats run and will make the adjustments needed to compete against them. I'm not saying this will translate to Ws for Pats' opponents, but it will lessen the gap during the game. Think about it 4 out of their last 6 games last season were close games which tells me teams were starting to figure that offense out. New England will crush their division as per usuallum, but I think the Pats are more likely to finish 13-3 or 12-4 this year.

Pittsburgh

Last year was basically your cookie cutter season for the Steelers. Division win and another playoff game at home. If you look a little closer though, 4 out of their last 5 games (including the playoff game against J-ville) resulted in losses and Big Ben was on his back 31 times during that span. Steelers lose Fanneca and Big Ben is faced with taking snaps from his 3rd center in as many years. Sure, they got deep at RB by drafting Mendenhall and the receiving core is healthy and added more depth with Ward coming back and the draft of Sweed, but lots of sacks usually translates to big fat Ls. They are in trouble if the o-line can't keep Ben upright.

Cleveland

10-6 and no playoffs leave such a bitter taste in the mouth of Cleveland fan. Anderson had a great year and so did Jamal Lewis. Two surprises I must say. Should we expect the same output from these guys? I don't know. Anderson didn't light the world on fire towards the end of last year by throwing more picks than TDs, so has he really proven himself over the course of a full season? I would argue that he hasn't. Still, the Browns have improved on paper, but their preseason looked very sloppy. I don't think it would be crazy to suggest them taking a small step back this season with the tough schedule they have when facing the NFC East and AFC South this season.

Indianapolis

Manning is hobbling, but will get healthy. Jeff Saturday is a huge loss for them for the first 6 weeks. Harrison is coming off knee surgery, but everything looks good for him so far. Sure, Freeney is back and so is Sanders. The defense will be better this season, but the progression of other AFC South teams doesn't make Indy the shoe in for another division title. They are still the favorites, but J-ville, Houston, and Tennesse are no longer playing second fiddle.

Jacksonville

I really can't find a misconception with this team except Collier's recent shooting incident playing with their emotions to start things off. I do think Gerrard will throw more interceptions than he did last season, but not a lot. Porter has to stay healthy and I am not sold on Williamson yet. Reggie Williams will continue to improve, but I think Del Rio's defense will slide just a little on that front four. Overall, Jacksonville is going to be strong this season. Count on it.

Tennessee

I keep telling myself every year, "Don't EVER underestimate a Jeff Fisher coached team!" But for some reason I always do and I am going to stay with that trend this year. Vince Young is terrible. Crumpler is past his prime but will help some as a safety valve for Young. Johnson and White are this year's thunder & lightning, but I think the tougher schedule and the improvement within the division will translate to the Titans turning in a losing season. I'm probably wrong, but I just don't see it.

San Diego

San Diego beat up on a very bad division last year, but their division foes are better this season with the exception of Kansas City. Outside their division, the Chargers were only 6-5 and one of those wins came off two missed field goals from sure thing Adam Vinitieri. Also, Merriman is hurt and is making a stupid decision in playing on those torn ligaments. Olshansky, Phillips and Cromartie will be good, but we can’t count on Cromartie turning is the season he did a year ago. The offense will be better, but the defense will come back to earth a little bit. Could be another 11-5 season, but it will be a much tougher 11-5 with a much improved NFC South and a much improved AFC East.


In other words, a whole lotta parity in the AFC this season.

[PSUFAN]

The Steelers will probably struggle this season. I have not been impressed by the starting OL squad or the LB defense - two areas where they have been solid in most recent years.

[BSmack]

The Steelers will probably struggle this season. I have not been impressed by the starting OL squad or the LB defense - two areas where they have been solid in most recent years.

I have to say I'm more than a little baffled by the many prognosticators who are picking the Steelers to do well. I'm seeing a lot of 35-31 games in their future. They may win their division by default, but I'd be amazed at anything better than 9-7 this year.

[RevLimiter]

San Diego beat up on a very bad division last year, but their division foes are better this season with the exception of Kansas City.

The Chiefs were a worse team last year and still went into Qualcomm Stadium and bitch-slapped the Blots. These two teams always play relatively close regardless of record compared to other matchups.

[RumpleForeskin]

First week preview thread I presume?

While I think the Giants are going to struggle this year after losing both Urineyora and Strahan, I think they're going to be too much for the hapless Skins who are installing yet another system under yet another coach.

21-10 Gints

Nice mimic you pathetic dolt.

[Goober McTuber]

First week preview thread I presume?

Gee, I don't know. Does it SAY first week preview thread?!? No? Then why in the fuck would you think this is a first week preview thread?

Whatever it was it is now a kick CrumpledShitstain in the teeth for being a such thick cunt thread.

[poptart]

I basically agree with your takes on Pittsburgh, Rumps.
And nice to see PSU and Bri more-or-less agree too.
Pittsburgh struggles this year.

You're right about not wanting to underestimate a J. Fisher team, because they almost always end up playing tough and competetive.
Credit to him.
BUT, as you said, V. Young blows, and they've got some other issues.
I think they will prolly run the ball well enough, but that ain't enough.

NE and SD are both in for a bit of a rude-awakening this year, IMO.