Where is the respect? After winning four of the last five Super Bowls, the AFC (and its defending NFL champion New England Patriots) would like to see more favorable attention from the national media. With highest regard, here’s a look at this year’s pool of probable NFL champions.
AFC East
Dolphins – The Dolphins look to forget about their poor showing against Baltimore in last year’s AFC wildcard round and somehow revive a struggling offense to ensure it does not happen again. With the addition of RB Ricky Williams and offensive coordinator Norv Turner, look for this team to sit atop a tough AFC East by year’s end.
Patriots – Can Tom Brady and everybody’s favorite underdog match their dream 2001 season? They do return 86 percent of their starters and feel they have upgraded at a few other positions (namely TE), but this year they play with a bull’s-eye on their chest and expectations on their back. Look for the Pats to fall well short of last year’s prominence.
Jets – A productive, balanced offense on the Jets? Vinny Testaverde and his batch of young, short wideouts hope to make this a reality. While RB Curtis Martin certainly can carry his half of the offense, do not look for the J-E-T-S air attack to get off the ground anytime soon. Half of an offense will still be good enough to allow this team to fulfill its mediocre destiny.
Bills – Drew Bledsoe has the spark, but does he have the game to reinvent himself as an NFL superstar? He has two good wideouts (Peerless Price and Eric Moulds) at his disposal, but a spotty defense means Bledsoe may have to invoke the Frank Reich magic too often.
AFC North
Steelers – This franchise has an unhealthy penchant for the runner-up position in the AFC. This year, like every other year, they feel they’ve addressed the needs apparent during their flat performance in the AFC championship. The presence of more “slash” ability with the addition of Antwaan Randle-El and mediocre divisional counterparts will push the men from Steeltown over the hump.
Browns – Before the loss of LB Jamir Miller for the season, this team had unbridled optimism and the backing of several prognosticators to have a breakout season. Now, with guarded optimism, they go into the 2002 season with an improved running game and a young QB still looking to prove that he can win in the NFL. However, look for the life force of the Browns (the defense) to struggle without Miller.
Bengals – The Bengals will not finish in last place. Blasphemy, right? Well, consider this their lucky season. The team with the nation’s longest playoff-less streak continues to mature a young, deep defense that should secure a few wins without the help of the offense. With this offense, the defense may want to find a way to get even better.
Ravens – A guilty pleasure of most football fans is seeing the self-proclaimed offensive genius Brian Billick struggle. Offensive genius? Unfortunately it was the defense that carried the team through its recent prosperous years and this year’s defense’s only familiar face is Ray Lewis. It may be time for Billick to enact some of his wizardry schemes to save this season.
AFC South
Colts – Moving out of the AFC East into a division with two soft teams (Jaguars and Texans) will help the Colts reach their playoff aspirations. Also, a new head coach that emphasizes defense (the Colts’ glaring weakness from the 2001 season) will not hurt those aspirations. Look for the Peyton-Marvin-Edgerrin connection to carry this team, while the defense does little to stand in its way.
Titans – During the preseason, Eddie George showed no ill effects of the bum foot that hindered him throughout last season and asserted himself as an early MVP candidate. With the help of four games against the soft underbelly of the division, this team, like the Colts, should be headed for the playoffs where they could cause some trouble with a punishing rushing attack and a defense that forces mistakes.
Jaguars – The Jags were one of a number of teams torn apart by salary cap troubles. After losing key contributors to the expansion draft and free agency, they replenished their roster with “never-has-been-but-hopefully-will-be” low-priced veterans. Of course, this could be a masterplan to follow the Patriots blueprint from last year. Look for this to be a sub-par transition year for the Jags.
Texans – Compounding the fact that the Texans are an expansion franchise with a roster dealt primarily from the bottom of the deck is the fact that the thin roster was depleted further with injuries during the preseason. If David Carr is truly the franchise QB, they may not want to line him up behind this line this year. Look for a season full of growing pains in the land of the steers.
AFC West
Raiders – The Raiders lost fiery coach Jon Gruden during the off-season and will struggle to find their edge in the early season. Once they find it, they will quickly regain the stature of a team that possibly fell one obscure rule short of a trip to the Super Bowl. This may be the last shot for an aging offense to fulfill the lofty expectations of Raider Nation.
Broncos – Shannon Sharpe returns to Denver in hopes of another run at a league title. Fortunately, Brian Griese gets another opportunity to duplicate his 2000 performance and should be helped by a steady running game with carries being split between Olandis Gary, Clinton Portis, and Mike Anderson. However, due to a tough divisional schedule, the Wild Card entry will be just out of reach.
Chargers – Out with Doug Flutie, in with Drew Brees. The development of the Chargers’ franchise quarterback begins this year. An outstanding defense should help ease the transition for Brees, but this team can hope for little more than a break-even season. After six wins over the last two years, seven to eight wins will look good as an opener for Brees’s career.
Chiefs – While they appeared on an upswing at the end of last year, appearances certainly can be deceiving. Priest Holmes led the NFL in rushing last year, but this year defensive schemes will focus on stopping him until Trent Green realizes his potential as a starting quarterback. Although a team with no huge weaknesses, the 2002 Chiefs will do no better than challenge the Chargers to stay out of the basement in the rivalry-laden AFC West.