2010 Season Prediction (continued)

Hey everyone!

So I hope you all enjoyed my thoughts on the NFC. Again, I realize this is all premature, but there’s nothing wrong with a little bit of speculation eh?

And boy oh boy, only 3 days until training camp! Where has all the time went? I’ll be sure to have something up before the Eagles head off to Lehigh in terms of players we should keep an eye on throughout camp and throughout the pre-season.

Will LeSean McCoy take the next step in becoming a franchise halfback?

In fact, that was the article I was going to write, but of course, I have to finish off my NFL prediction right? So let’s hear it for the AFC.

AFC

AFC North: Ravens. The AFC North is a very interesting story heading into 2010. Ben Roethlisberger is suspended for 6 games, which could be reduced to 4, and could be extended to 8, leaving Byron Leftwich to man the ship in his absence. The Cleveland Browns, despite the optimism from acquiring Mike Holmgren and Colt McCoy, are, alas, still the Cleveland Browns, for at least a few seasons. Holmgren’s got a lot of work to do if he is to right the ship. They won their last 4 games last season to finish 5-11, but don’t expect much from them in 2010. The Bengals are a good team, but their franchise quarterback, Carson Palmer, seems to have lost a step last year. Only the Ravens seem to be truly looking up next season. Joe Flacco is a very talented young QB who will do wonders for his team if he takes his game to the next level, which is a certain possibility, as the addition of Anquan Boldin will ease the process tremendously. They also have one of the best and emerging star runningbacks in the league in Ray Rice. Add in one of the league’s best defenses and we’re looking at a team that I believe will not only secure this division, but have a legitimate shot at the Vince Lombardi trophy next season.

Is Anquan Boldin the final piece of the puzzle for Baltimore?

AFC South: Colts. Two words: Peyton Manning. Need I say more? The man is not just a quarterback, he’s a machine. In my eyes, the best player in the NFL, and arguably the best in all sports today. With the ability to carry a whole team with his play, the Colts will be all but guaranteed another post-season run, as Manning has showed no sign of slowing down, having just come off his 4^th MVP award last season, and done without Marvin Harrison. This team will go as far as Peyton Manning will take it. With that being said, things are looking up for Indianapolis.

AFC East: Jets. You know what they say, defense wins championships. And the Jets had the best defense in the league last season. Similar to the situation with the Ravens, if Mark Sanchez can live up to his potential, then this team may exhibit a more balanced offense. Santonio Holmes should also help to solve the void left at wide receiver by the departure of Laveranues Coles. They are also led by a great coach in Rex Ryan. It is my belief that the Giants are no longer the best team in NYC and that the Jets have all the potential to edge out the Patriots for AFC East supremacy.

AFC West: Chargers. The Chargers are a good team, with a great quarterback in Philip Rivers. What helps even more is that they are in a very weak division. The Chiefs and the Raiders are a mess. The Broncos lack an answer at quarterback for the time being, as Kyle Orton is likely not the answer and Brady Quinn has had an inconsistent career so far. Tim Tebow may have a fine career but he is also a question mark, as it remains to be seen if he can equal his success in college at a professional level. He will likely need at least a year or two to develop either way. Therefore, San Diego rules this division for yet another season.

Wildcards: Bengals, Patriots

Bengals. I know I’ve been stressing the QB position very much this article, but in the AFC that simply appears to be the case, as the playoff hopes of the Bengals will also rest solely on the play of Carson Palmer. Last season, Palmer was a decent quarterback, but simply did not look himself. He did not have a single game where he threw 300 yards and looked simply abysmal in that playoff loss to the Jets. He will get some help this season, as Antonio Bryant will be an adequate replacement for Chris Henry, and Chad Ochocinco is still a dangerous offensive weapon. However, while I am a fan of Carson Palmer, it is my belief that his best years are behind him. Still, the addition of Bryant, the quagmire that the AFC North is in, and the team becoming a much stronger defensive team than in the past, should be enough to secure a wild-card spot for Cincinatti. Also, the team had a 6-0 record within the division last year, so the Bengals are certainly still in the game for the time being.

Patriots. Yes, I am calling it right now, the Patriots will lose control of the AFC East. It is my belief that the team’s dynasty era is over. Losing key veterans on defense, such as Richard Seymour, Tedy Bruschi, Asante Samuel, and Ellis Hobbs, is taking an enormous toll on the Patriots defense, which was a shell of its former self in 2009. And let’s face it, future first ballot Hall of Famer Tom Brady was certainly a shell of his former self last season. He certainly looked it in the playoff loss to Baltimore. Don’t get me wrong, Brady’s career is far from over. He threw 28 TDs last season, and threw for 4,398 yards. He is clearly still one of the best quarterbacks in this league. However, his inconsistency last season really struck me by surprise. And losing Wes Welker will prove costly to this team. Randy Moss has shown indication that this will likely be his last season with New England and, if history repeats itself, whenever Randy Moss is unhappy, his production drops drastically.

Of course, I know what many of you are thinking. They are still being led by Bill Belichick, one of the greatest coaches the league has ever seen. If anyone can prove me wrong, it’s him. But the way I look at things now, the Patriots are in a bit of trouble. He’s got a lot of work to do to right this ship.

In fact, I was originally going to list Tennessee as securing the 6^th seed, however I am not yet sold on Vince Young. Therefore, I believe that the Patriots will take a step back, but still have enough juice to get into the postseason.

Well that’s what I have down for the state of the AFC. Again, anything could change. Who thought the Bengals would emerge as a contender last season? Or that the Broncos would stumble from 5-0 to finish 3-8 and miss the postseason? Let’s see how the season unfolds and see things go in the AFC.

And training camp is getting here faster and faster. Be sure to look at my article for who to keep an eye on, which should be up within a few days.