FanPost

Analysis for the season and why this season is all about the division games

Now I'm sure most of you clicked on this and though "well duh, of course these are always crucial games!" They are always exciting games no doubt. It's always feels like division rivalries are so much better than the rest of the regular season games. Come on, don't tell me you don't circle you calendars when it's "Jets week" or "Pats week." It's fun and exciting. It's games we all look forward to each and every year because we all know these games at least seem like they are the most important on the schedule. Not only is it fun but the main thing is it has significant importance when you beat a team in your division. You move up in the division and that puts you one step closer to the playoffs. It all sounds fun and exciting thinking about the idea of Tannehill showing Geno how to be an NFL qb or showing Buffalo that nobody in the division takes them seriously anymore, and you know how good it felt to beat the pats last year. It's fun for us as fans but also crucial to how the team does the rest of the year and this year I honestly believe the Dolphins could be in for a really really bad year just based off this division and here's why.

To the average NFL fan, the AFC East is that patriots throne and it is. They seem to always win it and to the casual fan, that's the only thing they really will see about the East. They don't see a young Dolphins team that are a few players away from being a consistent playoff team. People don't seem Buffalo as a threat but they will surprise people this year. They don't see (they just talk about them on ESPN) a Jets team that has a top tier defense that finally has some weapons on offense to take that next step as a team. This division is better than people think and division games this year for the Dolphins are more crucial than ever because if you honestly think about it, Miami could go 0-6 in the division, which would be a nightmare for the team, the fans, and for the entire season. The season could be a disaster if Miami doesn't show up to play in these because it's not too far fetched when you actually think about it. The ramifications for division games are always huge, but this year with people's jobs on the line, it's even bigger than before. Let's take a look at each team and the realistic possibility of them sweeping them fins this year. Keep in mind, I'm a diehard Dolphins fan.

Buffalo- Doug_marrone_thad_lewis_h8bw93ymrrmm_medium

Two words… Thad Lewis. He single-handily torched the dolphins defense last year. Keep in mind, this is the BACKUP QB for the Bills. Manuel was injured both games and didn't play. The Bills have had a pretty decent offseason as well. Picking up Sammy Watkins in the draft was a huge pick and even though the Bills are without Stevie Johnson, Watkins is a play maker and will make an impact this year. Buffalo has a real solid defense, CJ Spiller is a very elusive back, but the only real question for them is at QB with Manuel. It seems like all Bills fans are saying "This is his make or break year!" If Manuel comes through as that Franchise QB that Buffalo is hoping for then look out. Joe Philbin for some reason cannot beat the Bills, even if they are bad. Imagine what Philbin's team does against a team that is hot like the Bills could get this year. I believe Philbin is 1-3 vs Buffalo, and it could very well be 1-5 after this year. If Miami picks up a win against them, I see it being in week 2 when we play them at Buffalo instead of in November when the Bills come down for Thursday Night Football. Buffalo's defensive line gashed our offensive line last year, (who didn't) and even though our offensive line has improved, you have to be at least a bit concerned that it doesn't happen again considering Pouncey is out the first 8 weeks and it seems like Miami didn't really upgrade the guards. Tannehill could be getting knocked down every play which would put Miami in for a long day. That's just Buffalo though, who is considered to be the "weakest link" in the division. If The Dolphins aren't able to produce a win against the Bills, how will they fare against the Patriots or Jets, who many would consider better teams than the Bills.

New York- Rex_ryan_medium

The Jets have always had a strong defense since Rex Ryan became their HC. It seemed though that for years the Jets didn't invest very much offensively though and that's come back to hurt them the past two years. Regardless of having a bad offense and a developing QB with no weapons, they still managed to finish 8-8 last year. This offseason it seems like New York finally turned its attention to it's offense to add some pieces in place for Geno Smith. They picked up Eric Decker, who was part of an historic offense last season. Chris Johnson, who just a few short years ago was considered the best RB in the league and even though he hasn't been able to put up the numbers he once did, he still is very solid compared to other backs in the league. CJ still puts up at least 1000 yards a year. It seems like they finally put some people in place for Geno but also they signed Michael Vick to give him that competition to break through the glass ceiling. Even if Geno struggles early, Vick will be breathing down his neck and even though he is past his prime, we all have seen what Vick can do. It seems as though the Jets are only getting better offensively, which could be a disaster for the Dolphins. Joe Philbin knows how to beat the Jets, but Rex Ryan knows how to beat the Dolphins. Week 17 of last year anyone? Seriously though, New York has potential to be a playoff team again. Miami has to beat them this year, if they want any shot at the postseason. Here's the thing though, while I could see Miami beating them on MNF on December 1st, I totally see The Jets pulling out a win. It seems like we never beat the Jets on MNF, and if the playoffs are on the line in week 17again like they were last year, how can you trust a Philbin coached team to not come out flat like they did last year with everything on the line. It's a strong possibility Miami goes 0-2 against the Jets and even if they split with the Bills, that's a 1-3 division record, and I haven't even got to the Patriots yet.

New England - Tom-brady-bill-belichick_medium

If you was to ask any football fan the past 12 years "who was going to win the East?" Everybody you asked would answer with "The Patriots, duh!" Bill Belichick will go down as one of the greatest coaches ever and Tom Brady will go down as one of the best QBs ever. As long as those two are around, they will always be considered Super Bowl contenders. Last year the Pats ran into a bit of trouble. Brady didn't have the weapons to push deep into the playoffs. Gronk was injured all year and so was Amendola. It was weird seeing the Patriots having a running game again but that's not who the Patriots are. They are team centered around Brady and although they only added Brandon Lafell and Jeremy Gallon in the offseason, I don't see them repeating the same problems they had last year. The team didn't have a huge upgrade but it is an upgrade nonetheless and if Gronk stays healthy, I don't see how you don't say the Patriots will be a better team than last year. Oh yeah, did I mention their already improving defense who signed DARRELLE REVIS this offseason! The patriots went 12-4 last year and they will be improved this year even if it's another win or two. Can you really see the Dolphins beating a 13-3 or 14-2 team?

In conclusion, I honestly believe that the Dolphins COULD go 0-6 in the division this year. I honestly predict we go 2-4 in the division and going 8-8 on the year but if Miami goes 0-6 that's two less wins. Which means we finish 6-10, which means Philbin and company are out. I hope I'm wrong and we come out in this new fast tempo offense and surprise people. I do believe our offense can be really good with an improved offensive line but my concern is with the defense and the first 4 weeks of the season. Resead Jones and Dion Jordan are both suspended the first 4 games and they are the most crucial. I think Oakland is the only game that is a lock for a win but the Patriots, Bills and Chiefs could go either way. Can the Dolphins rebound from a 1-4 start? What do you think? V7qjg.em.56_medium

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of The Phinsider's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of The Phinsider writers or editors.