AFC East could be best in conference

Mar 11, 2015; Davie, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh smiles while answering questions from reports at Doctors Hospital Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Dolphins

Ndamukong Suh is the biggest name in South Florida right now but the Dolphins have finally started investing in their own players. Big contracts to Ryan Tannehill and Mike Pouncey given the Dolphins something to build upon. The Dolphins didn’t lose much this off-season but added more than enough to make up for what they did.

The trade of Mike Wallace to the Vikings wasn’t all that unexpected and Miami replaced both him and Brian Hartline with a trade for Kenny Stills and the drafting of DeVante Parker. As insurance they added the still productive Greg Jennings. The Dolphins weren’t done there however as they added tight-end Jordan Cameron before losing Charles Clay to Buffalo.

Defensively the Dolphins look as though they are in the right place to make a serious run at the division despite youth at linebacker. In addition to Suh, they added C.J. Mosely and drafted Jordan Phillips to rotate with Earl Mitchell. While they lost Randy Starks and Jared Odrick the additions should more than make up for the production loss.

The Dolphins don’t have a quarterback issue but they do have questions on the Oline where guard is a serious issue despite the 4th round drafting of Jamil Douglas. Branden Albert may not be ready for the seasons start which will add another question mark to the left side of the line.

While the Jets and Bills made coaching changes, the Dolphins opted to stay the course for at least another season with Joe Philbin. How well Philbin can get this team to perform will go a long way in their success this season. The Dolphins have started strong under Philbin but their late season collapses are deplorable and the bulk of Miami’s toughest games on the schedule come in the 2nd half of the season.

Predictions

The New England Patriots should not find this years division title an easy one to win. All three of the other AFC East teams have a chance to contend for the division title. The Dolphins look as though they could be the best option given the positive changes and consistency of most of the roster as well as a second season under the same offensive system but they team will need to play at a high level throughout the season in order to knock off the Patriots and fend off the Bills and Jets.

The Jets I believe could be the most improved team in the division. They have the right coach and solid players across the board and could boast the best defensive unit in the league. Quarterback concerns however could derail their season but if the quarterback can manage the game the Jets could be in a good position to challenge Miami and New England.

1st: New England – I think the Dolphins and Patriots tie for the division this year in a very good battle. If New England wins the division it will be on tie-breakers which make every game head to head and every similar games all that more important.

2nd: Miami – Playoffs are a real possibility and the Dolphins could take the division if they can beat New England twice and win the games they are supposed to win. How they finish will decide the fate of this years squad.

3rd: New York Jets – The Jets are going to get better but I don’t think they will turn it around this year. They will contend and should be in the playoff race if not the division race until late in the season.

4th: Buffalo – They are ranked 4th here but all of that depends on what Rex Ryan can turn this team into. If Ryan can get the players to play above their current levels, then Buffalo could be the surprise team in the division and challenge Miami and New England for the title.

One thing is certain, the 2015 NFL season should be the start of the AFC East’s return to the top of division excellence.