In the AFC East there has been a battle going on behind the scenes.  For the last couple of years there has been a struggle between the the Jets and the Dolphins head coaches.  Not only to topple the long dominant New England Patriots from the top spot but also seemingly how much pie they can hide away before and after their touchline tangles.

Both coaches have bought a new way of thinking and playing to their respective teams, but both left fans feeling that they didn’t want to see their coaches in too much stress, because, well, the stress looked like it might kill them.

Fear not Jets and Phins fans, this years off-season has not only been a training ground for new talent, but also for the emergence of a couple of familiar but slightly healthier looking top men.  Rex T-Rex Ryan opted for (or maybe was told to have) a band fitted to help end his obesity and has lost over 40lbs.  Sparano on the other hand took the natural path, and though I am not sure how much he has lost, I would estimate the same amount after seeing him at recent press conferences.  Impressive weight loss figures for both of the big men

So, it seems like there is a new physiological war between two great coaches this year.  Yards on the field and inches around the waist.  By the end of this season we may see less of the blood red faces on the touchline.  Good for them I say, a geat example for the rest of us.  Lets just hope none of their power is hidden within their ample guts and it is not a case of  you need a big hammer to drive a long nail (as my Dad used to say )

Aside from the weight loss, this is going to be one of the more interesting battles to watch this season.  Both the Dolphins and the Jets are growing fast, even if their coaches are heading in the opposite direction.  If I were a Pats fan I would be worried, the AFC East is becoming a hard fought property and there is plenty of skill in every team both on and off the (reinforced) bench.

I am looking for reports of Bill Belichick shopping for Mens Health mag and Slimfast, but nothing has come up yet.  If he wants to keep up with his counterparts than he is going to have to start embracing the salad bar sooner rather than later!

These are based on what we’ve been watching, what we’ve been following, some blind faith and our guts. These are are our predictions for the 12 post-season teams of the 2009 season.

This topic and tables will be locked and not edited once it is published. It will then be used for mocking, gloating, fighting (and probably crying) throughout the course of the season. We’ll come back to this every few weeks to carry out at least one of the above acts.

Andrew’s Predictions

NFC
If you’ve been following my First and Second look articles, then there shouldn’t be any surprises here.

In the NFC, I have the Giants topping the east. I’m hoping that the Redskins can surprise me here and edge a playoff spot, but I don’t really see it. In the west, I’m calling Seattle after a lot of deliberation. I’m also giving a wildcard spot to the Arizona Cardinals, in one of the divisions I’ve struggled with the most. The North is just as bad, I’m going with Green Bay. I’d really have liked longer to make a call on the Vikings’ prospects but here we are…

Finally from one of the hardest to one of the easiest: The Panthers to win in the south.

The final NFC wildcard is very tricky. It’s between the Falcons and the Eagles and as much as I hate to go against the Falcons, I can’t see the NFC East not sending at least two teams. So I’m going with the Eagles.

AFC
Things are easier in the AFC. A little bit, anyway – I see all four divisions as two-horse races

The Pats to take win the AFC East. I’m taking a gamble here (of a sort) that Brady is back to something like his best, but I’m confident with it. I see the Titans edging out the Colts in the south, though I’m putting the Colts in the wildcard mix and they can never be counted out.

The north will see the Ravens as winners, beating the Steelers into second – this will be a close division though. Finally the west will crown the Chargers, because… well, because there’s really no-one else there who can mount a serious challenge.

The wildcard spot is a three-way battle (sorry Denver) between the Steelers, Dolphins and Colts. Like last year, I see a valiant AFC East team being left out – the Steelers and the Colts going into the post-season. I’m sorry Graham, I don’t see the Dolphins there… but at least the ‘Skins won’t be there either!
I wish there was room for the Texans, but I don’t see it this year.

Graham on Andrew’s Predictions…
Not much to disagree with here (other than the Dolphins not making the play offs). I have gone with some different choices, but it is difficult to predict at this early stage.  It will be interesting to see what our readers think, I am sure there are a few who could beat us hands down.

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Graham’s Predictions

NFC
In the East I can see the Dallas Cowboys being bouyed by their new home and looking for a good season to overcome the tragic events at their practice facility. Can they beat the NY Giants in the NFC East? Well I don’t think so, but I do see them taking one of the wildcard spots.

Heading to the North I am going with the Green Bay Packers.  I also think the arrival of Jay Cutler at the Bears will bring some improvement, but not enough for a wildcard.

In the south I have to agree with Andrew on the Panthers.  I am hoping for a good season from Tampa Bay though as I am hoping for a great game at Wembley Stadium this year.  It is a Bucs’ home game so – sorry Pats fans – I will be supporting them.

Finally to the NFC West.  I am going with Arizona.  I am looking for some 49ers improvement this season and was tempted to pick them as my second wildcard, but I think it will be out of reach this time.

With the above in mind, my second wildcard pick goes to the Atlanta Falcons.

AFC
Starting in the East, I am going to upset Pats fans again here.  I would agree that Tom Brady is the best, but he is not Superman.  A year off will leave him hungry but maybe a bit rusty.  Miami will be looking to build on last years amazing improvement and now have a team strong enough to do even more damage.  Yes they have a tough schedule, but I still see them taking the AFC East again with the Pats in a wildcard spot.

In the North I am also going with the Ravens. I also think the South will be as Andrew predicted with the Titans winning and the Colts taking the second wildcard.

In the West the Raiders should storm it… only joking. Sadly I can see the Raiders taking the Lions’ place as also-rans this season, things seem far from settled in Oakland.  The Chargers should wrap the West up without too much trouble.

Andrew on Graham’s Predictions…
I think you’re letting your heart rule your head re: Miami and I think the Steelers won’t make the mistakes of a few years ago and will be in the post-season in some way.

I’m glad you’ve picked Atlanta though. I only just left them out

I have Dallas battling the Washington for 3rd place in the NFC East too, so I’m not sure about that. Otherwise it’s hard to argue with your picks. Like you said: I bet there are readers who could beat us. They should be writing these articles!

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Seymour should give the Raiders defence a much-needed boost with his ability and experience.  He has played in three Super Bowls with the Patriots and been selected for five Pro Bowls.

Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles have dropped quarterback A.J. Feely and filled the roster hole with defensive tackle Antonio Dixon off waivers after being cut by the Washington Redskins.

Houston Texans
Houston and cornerback Dunta Robinson have signed a one-year deal.  Robinson was unhappy with the franchise tag and the $9.9m that came with it.

“I did what I felt I had to do,” he said. “I didn’t get what I wanted, but I’m here and I’m ready to go. Things don’t always work out in your favor. But you can let people know that this is how it’s going to be. I didn’t get what I wanted, but now I just have to prove it on the field.” Said Robinson.

News of another coach without a job this morning,  as offensive coordinator Turk Schonert was fired by the Buffalo Bills.  Thoughts are the same as yesterday, an odd time to do it and the Bills have no time to recover.  Tampa Bay suffered last night and I think we will see the same when the Bills face the New England Patriots on the 14th (though it could be said that there was not much hope to begin with).

Brett Favre

More Favre news.  Sorry, I don’t look for it, but it is always there!  Favre was fined $10,000 for his block on Houston Texans defensive back Eugene Wilson.    It had been thought that Favre might get a one game ban, but it seems he got off lightly with a small dent in next years retirement fund….or is that the year after?  We just can’t keep up.

Pre-Season

It was the last of the pre-season games last night. Results as follows…

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How about some background to start you off. First really got into the NFL about 10 years ago after being introduced by a friend in the States. He’s a Pats fan as well, so he sort of coached me into the role of supporting them. Wasn’t the best season to do it, as we were awful – coming bottom of the AFC East with a record of 5-11. I wasn’t having the most fun to be honest. Being introduced into a sport where your new team lose more than they win is never great. However, the effect it had on me was one which had me supporting for them as the underdog. By the end of the season I was converted! My team was confirmed and I was going to do my bit to help them move up the table. Enter Tom Brady…

What followed was 3 Super Bowls in the space of 4 years and the Pats becoming one of the most well known teams in the UK due to their success and their exposure. Don’t get me wrong, I loved all the wins. It’s always better to win a Super Bowl than…not. However, as I met other NFL fans I would get the same response. “Who do you support?” “The Pats!” “Glory Hunter!” It did hurt a little bit as it seemed they thought I was into them for the wrong reasons. I imagine it’s how genuine Manchester United fans felt in 1999.

Just to get one thing straight – i’m not the biggest NFL fan you’ll find. I do love the sport and watch my team whenever I can. I recreate games on Madden and prove that we CAN win every game. You won’t find me watching all the analysis shows or visiting NFL.com every single day though. I like to think i’m a few steps up from ‘casual fan’ and a couple down from ‘hardcore’. I’m at a stage where i’m more than happy to spend over £100+ for a ticket to watch an NFL game at Wembley every year. Would have happily spent far more than that on the game taking place this year though. In October, a dream of mine finally comes true. I am going to see the Pats live and playing a regular season game. A couple of years ago, had you asked me, I would have said the only way of that happening would have been to buy a plane ticket. I’m so thankful that the NFL have decided to go down this route of showcasing their sport to a wider audience. I’m also thankful that it’s only taken until the third year to bring the Pats over!

This October then, for the third year running, the four of us (including the two you see regularly posting here) are descending on Wembley to have ourselves a great time! How did it all come about though? I wish I had some exciting tale about me having to sell my first edition copy of The Beano #1 in order to be allowed in. Nothing like that though. Andrew sorted it all out. All I did was wait for the text to confirm that the tickets were ours. I’ll be honest though, that wait was pretty tough. Knowing that it’s not in your hands (I was at work) and that you’re not able to do anything about it. It reminded me of when a friend was trying to sort us out tickets for Glastonbury 2004 and spent all day trying to get through on the phone. I even tried for a bit on my break, but to no avail. In the end, we got lucky with getting tickets from those who had cancelled in the second ticket sale. So many different emotions, from excitement to dispair to joy. That was just to get into Glastonbury. This time it’s to watch my team.

If you’ve not been to an NFL game at Wembley before, it’s something you should do. It’s a brilliant stadium with great facilities. You only have to walk a couple of metres to find your next bar or toilet.. Very useful. The event itself is done as close to a real game as you can hope for. They know that the majority of people who go are fans, who know how the game works and just want to experience it as it normally is. Sure, we get some celebrities down to toss the coin and a rock/pop band to play us in, but after that it’s down to the regular game. All the ‘well you’re new to the NFL, are you?’ can be sorted out on the TV coverage. From what I understand, these games are helping to bring in new fans who have never seen a game before. As long as that’s the case, I hope they continue. No, forget that. I hope they continue anyway, even if it’s doing nothing to help the sport. I’m selfish like that!

So we’ll be having fun then. Who cares about the result! Well…me. It’s always nice to leave with a win. It certainly helps prevent any moments of getting laughed at. What do I think about our chances? I’m going to go down the conservative route of saying ‘ask me nearer the time’. I’m also going to go down the basic response route of saying ‘it depends on Tom Brady’. It does, simple as that. He seems to be almost there, despite a slight shoulder injury picked up in a recent pre-season game against the Redskins. It may well be that it was due to having been out the sport for a while. We’re all rusty when we start back, so hopefully he’ll be back to his usual self as the season starts. Would have quite liked to have kept Cassel, as he was damn useful for us last season. In fact, his usefulness seems to have worked against us but I wish him the best at the Chiefs. Simply put, as long as Brady remains fit and does what he does best, along with a solid performance from the defence, we should finish top and head into the playoffs. Will we go all the way? Far too early to say, but we have shown many many times that we’re a constant force in the NFL.

So there we go then. A new season starts and for the next few months I have to go through the usual rollercoaster routine we all do. Whoever you support, I wish you the best of luck in your upcoming season…unless you’re Eli Manning and there’s less than a minute left…

In the QB battles…

Matthew Stafford struggled against Cleveland, being out-performed by Daunte Culpepper and also by Drew Stanton. On the other side of the field, Derek Anderson was given more attempts and moved the ball well but threw an interception. Brady Quinn only had a handful of attempts, so it’s hard to judge him.

So Culpepper moves in front in Detroit, but probably still too early to call in Cleveland yet.

The Indianapolis Colts did well against an under-strength Eagles. The question of how they’d adjust to the coaching changes seems to be being answered with “Just fine, thanks.”

Matt Cassel looked like a starter again against the Vikings, but most people were watching for another new QB: Brett Favre didn’t play much, but just seeing him in purple was strange. Tarvaris Jackson had a great game, and with rumours circulating that he could be released he reminded everyone out there that sometimes, he’s a decent option.

Elsewhere…

Miami looked good all around against the Carolina Panthers too. Our favourites Ronnie Brown and DeAngelo Williams both did well.

San Diego looked very good against the Cardinals, besting them on both sides of the ball. Of course it’s hard to read too much into these games, but our predictions looked true from this game. The same could apply to the Seahawks who also looked very nice against the Broncos. Kyle Orton looked better – a lot better – than he did last week. So did Jay Cutler in his Soldier Field debut.

The Redskins looked better, but still not great. The 17-13 win over the Steelers papers over the cracks a bit but still… no panic yet.

Chad Ochocinco is the star this week. The frankly bonkers receiver performed some kicking duties this week against the Patriots. He converted a PAT, and also kick-off that went at least a par distance. Watch it at nfl.com.

It’s great to see him enjoying himself.

Refresh your memory with our First Look, and consider: Is there enough information to affect our predictions though?

The most obvious issue here is how is Tom Brady‘s knee. He says it’s good to go, but we’ll wonder about his mobility until we’ve seen proof it’s fine. There’s no reason to assume that mentally he won’t be ready, or that he’ll be rusty. This guy’s a pro, and he’ll bring it come camp and then gameday.
The Pats look to continue with running the ball by commitee, with a good variety of running styles ready to use. Whilst I’d like to see a ‘lead’ back, you have to expect that the coaches will use these guys wisely to get the best out of them.

Defensively, they’ll miss Mike Vrabel (now in Kansas) at Linebacker. And who can beleive that Teddy Bruschi is still playing? He surely hasn’t got 16 games in him. Shawn Springs comes in from Washington, and I’ve talked about him more here. As ever though, the Pats have drafted wisely and are slowly supplementing the squad with younger players to replace those who retire or move on.

Dolphins' quaterback Chad Pennington

They’re still the team to beat in the East, and arguably in the entire AFC.

The Dolphins aren’t doing much, but have made a few key acquisitions which should see them right. Jason Taylor is back at linebacker, and will backup an already strong unit that features everyone’s favourite wind-up merchants Joey Porter and Channing Crowder. Mactalksnfl favourite Will Allen will lead the corners, which includes two intriguing draft picks in Vontae Davis and Sean Smith (neither of whom have signed yet).

Chad Pennington will be looking to build on last year’s terrific performance and it’s really good to see him doing well after he was pretty shoddily treated by the Jets. The ‘Fins could use more depth at receiver, but Pennington will make the best of what he’s got.

This team has a tough schedule, and I can’t see them taking the division again. They’ll be a respectable second though.

The T.O camp is in town! The Bills’ training camp opened this weekend, but I’m not yet up to date with anything coming out of Rochester. Most people will be watching to see how Terrell Owens can contribute and how he’ll affect the team and players around him. On the other side, Lee Evans had a great year last year, and was a major deep threat – he must be pleased that there’s another real threat the opponent has to cater for.

The Bills were 0-6 in division last year, and that alone cost them a playoff place as they tumbled from 5-1 to 7-9. Getting results in the AFC East must be a priority for them this time: improving defensive output will be a factor towards that. Though a solid unit last year, they didn’t produce turnovers.

The Jets will have grumpy running backs Thomas Jones and Leon Washington in camp. They’ll either be motivated to earn the contracts that they want, or unhappy at the whole affair and therefore not productive.
There’s open competition at quarterback between Mark Sanchez and Kellen Clemens, and I’d have to fancy Sanchez to get the nod at this time, but the chances are we won’t know until the pre-season. Whoever it is, they’re going to need the backup receivers to step up to play with Cotchery.

I can’t put my finger on it, but I don’t fancy this team for much this year. It’s not as simple as the fallout from the Brett Favre experiment, but like I say… I can’t pin it down.

Summary
I still can’t look past the Pats here. But that’s with the assumption that Brady is fully fit and ready to go. If he’s not, or is injured again, then the Dolphins would look to capitalise.
The Bills are intriguing to say the least, but I’m waiting to see how things shape up out of their camp and early pre-season.

So as with so many other divisions… no change at this time.
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We can’t vouch that these will be the best players in absolute terms, have the biggest fantasy upside or even be any good (though they might be)… but they’re players that we like to watch.

From Miami, we move to Massachusetts with Shawn Springs.

The one time - probably - that he's got away

Yes, another player who’s spent many years in burgunday and gold. You’re gonna have to get used to that from me I’m afraid.

Springs was a college standout at corner, and was selected 3rd in the 1997 Draft by the Seahawks. Orlanda Pace and the tragic Darrell Russell were picked ahead of him. (Mac favourite Renaldo Wynn was also from this year’s draft) This year that was pretty strong draft class overall.

He enjoyed a good few years in Seattle, including his Pro-Bowl sophomore season. He joined the Washington Redskins as a free agent in 2004.

Even if he wasn’t an exciting corner to watch, and even if he wasn’t a Redskin alumni and therefore worthy of my attention anyway, there’s one great additional reason to watch Springs: He keeps Terrell Owens in his pocket. Over the years, at every matchup, it’s been a real battle between these guys. Whilst Owens has had his moments – the infamous ‘Sharpie’ TD celebration was against Springs, among others – but playing man-to-man, he has done as well as every other corner out there. And as things have turned out it’s something you’ll be able to enjoy twice this season too, injuries permitting.

Upon hearing Owens had signed for his new division rivals the Bufallo Bills, he text his old adversary the message “Stop following me around”. TO should have responded “Now you know how I feel!”… he may have done for all I know.

Shawn Springs deflects away from Bryant Johnson

Springs is 34 now, and suffered with injuries last year: missing 7 games with nagging injuries. That’s not the first time he’s missed a large portion of a season, even as a ‘Skin. But with a three year deal in his pocket, and a coach who can get the best of the older players you’d have to think he’s got at least one more good year in him.

Previous favourite defensive backs:
Will Allen

February 5, 2009. That was the day the Patriots told us that Brady would be back and ready to go for the start of the 2009 season, as they tagged Matt Cassel. He was traded later that month after a flurry of deals were offered.
The Pats were seriously unlucky to miss out on the post-season last year, missing tie-breakers twice by one game (Dolphins and Ravens). This year, you can expect Belicheck to put his marker down early and hard. This is a team that wants, even needs, the post-season. If Brady is healthy, then he’ll be hungry too.
They’ve made the usual steady free-agent and draft signings. Shawn Springs, in particular, will get two more games to keep Terrell Owens in his pocket… something he had considerable success with when they were both in the NFC East. (Caution, Redskins’ bias evident)

The Dolphins had a fantastic year last year. Not just with the Wild Cat, but their overall improvements all across the park. Pennington came to town with a lot to prove, and just all over the place they improved their game from the dismal 1-15 season before. This season, despite Pennington’s good showing last, it looks like the other Chad (Henne) will be starting behind centre. Henne has a good college record, but apparently scored just 21 on the Wonderlic. I don’t know much else about him, but will have to find out.
As division winners they have a tough schedule this year, and I can’t see them going into the post-season this season. One advantage is closing the season at home with what might be two of the easier games this season: The Texans and the Steelers in week 17.
(Graham is free to respond to this as he sees fit, of course!)

The Bills had a great start, but tailed off quite horribly. It’s a shame as they played some great football at times. Their big signing this year is T.O. Lining up with Lee Evans, they are going to be a real threat. They have let JP Losman go, which doesn’t seem like a great loss at this time but he did have some moments where he connected well with Lee Evans. I think most of us would agree that Trent Edwards, when fit, is a better player.
The Bills close the season playing the Pats, the Falcons and the Colts… 0-3 there will put an end to any post-season hopes they’ve got. Seriously though, who’d call anything other than 7-9 for the Bills again this year?

The Jets‘ gamble with Brett Favre didn’t pay off in the end as he, and they, simply ran out of steam last season. This year sees a new coach who has already boosted some players from the Ravens. Lito Shepperd has also come in, in an expensive move. Coles has left, and I think it was time for him to go (incidentally, Santana Moss for Coles a few years back looks like a great deal for the Redskins today).
QB for the Jets will be between Kellen Clemens and Mark Sanchez. Sanchez sure has style and charisma, but as with all rookies it’s an unknown how quickly he’ll become an NFL-calibre player. That same question could be put to Clemens too, as his 3-5 records is currently unremarkable though he’s shown promise in key situations. Still… too much of an unknown at this point.

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Can the Dolphins dust this robot off?

Dolphins Head Coach Tony Sparano said in a radio interview with WAXY 790 AM yesterday that they were indeed thinking about resigning Jason Taylor.

Today the rumour became fact as Taylor signed the deal.  “My heart has always been in Miami, and so I’m truly excited to call myself a Dolphin once again” – he said in a statement.