Transitions key in changing division (AFC East)

Forkboy

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Sat Sep-12-09 07:40 AM
Original message

Transitions key in changing division (AFC East)

The topic of discussion is the AFC East, and football analysts Brian Baldinger (Fox) and Rich Gannon (CBS) were letting it rip.

What do they think of AFC East football?

“For me, I’ve always felt Parcells and Belichick will be joined at the hip, almost like two brothers, and now they’re on the other side and the Dolphins and Patriots are going at it right now,’’ Baldinger said. “That’s where it starts.’’

“I immediately think of competitiveness,’’ Gannon added. “All the teams look like they’ve gotten better.’’

The Patriots have won six of the last nine division titles, and while both Baldinger and Gannon view the Patriots as the favorites this season, they see a division in transition. Each club chasing the Patriots has undergone change in key areas.

The Dolphins loaded up on defense this offseason, looking to tighten up against the pass, where they ranked 25th in the NFL last season. Second-round draft choice Sean Smith will start at cornerback, and free agent signee Gibril Wilson steps in at safety, representing a 50 percent overhaul of the secondary. Add in the return of Jason Taylor, and there should be more juice with the pass rush.

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2009/09/12/transitions_key_in_changing_afc_east/

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

trumad

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Sat Sep-12-09 07:57 AM
Response to Original message

1. yep---the Phins secondary and offensive line hut them last season...

They upgraded nicely this off season on defense and Jake Long has a full season under his belt.... Well see....

Also: Jason Taylor is very healthy and I'm curious to see how he and Porter work it this season.

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

Forkboy

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Sat Sep-12-09 08:05 AM
Response to Reply #1

2. My only real question with Miami is Pennington.

I'm just not sold on him, despite the fact that he played real well last year. My friend made an interesting point the other day when he said that Pennington has won Comeback Player of the Year twice now, but that means he had to have sucked pretty bad in each year previous to winning. That playoff game was the Pennington I think of, and the one that makes me wonder how far he can take Miami.

And I liked Taylor better in the NFC. ;)

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

trumad

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Sat Sep-12-09 09:24 AM
Response to Reply #2

3. Actually he was injured the season before hence his comeback award.

The dude was number 2 last year in the NFL and is healthy as ever...

Then again---who the fuck knows?

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

Forkboy

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Sat Sep-12-09 09:37 AM
Response to Reply #3

4. His biggest mistake with the Jets was trying to do it all himself.

He was a lot like Favre in that respect, with the same interception results. In Miami he seemed to not feel that pressure as much (or he just responded to it better). He doesn't have to be awesome, just consistent.

All I know is that it's good to have the Miami/Pats rivalry mean so much again, and while I think Miami may take a small step back this year, it's only due to the absolutely brutal schedule they have.

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

trumad

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Sat Sep-12-09 03:53 PM
Response to Reply #4

5. It's brutal...but they are much improved...

2nd year under Parcell's can't hurt.

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

DU AdBot (1000+ posts)

Wed Apr 24th 2024, 09:24 PM
Response to Original message

Advertisements [?]

Top

Powered by DCForum+ Version 1.1 Copyright 1997-2002 DCScripts.com
Software has been extensively modified by the DU administrators

Important Notices: By participating on this discussion board, visitors agree to abide by the rules outlined on our Rules page. Messages posted on the Democratic Underground Discussion Forums are the opinions of the individuals who post them, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Democratic Underground, LLC.