Mar 10, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy poses with a Bills helmet in the AD Pro training facility after a press conference at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
From bottom of the barrel, to legit threat
There finally seems to be hope for the perennial also-rans of the AFC this year.
From Houston, to Buffalo, spanning all the way to South Beach, the step-overs of the league emphatically put their foot down during the early goings of free agency.
The Dolphins landed (literally) the biggest name in this free agent class in defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, while the Jets were able to bring cornerback Darrelle Revis back to the big apple, the place where “Revis Island” originated. Their trade for Bears’ receiver Brandon Marshall wasn’t a bad touch, either.
Keeping with this AFC East trend, the Rex Ryan-led Buffalo Bills now have a versatile offense, thanks to the addition of elite back LeSean McCoy, to match their stingy defense and they should challenge for their division crown.
In all likelihood, there won’t be a 13-3, maybe not even a 12-4 record to speak of in the AFC come next season.
Down in Houston, the team that most viewed was only a quarterback away from the playoffs finally got their wish. They’re not the best signal-callers in the world, but it’ll sure be interesting to watch Ryan Mallett and Brian Hoyer duke it out for the starting job. If their offense can help out their stout defense, a defense that just added former Bronco safety Rahim Moore, than they’ll be in a good shape to make the playoffs next season.
Hell, even the Jacksonville Jaguars can say they honestly bettered themselves already this offseason after signing “No Longer Orange” Julius Thomas. Throw in a trio of potential All-Pros in right tackle Jermey Parnell, defensive tackle Jared Odrick, and cornerback Davon House, and the Jags don’t look so lowly after all.
When it comes down to it, a flurry of teams across the NFL have greatly improved. In all likelihood, there won’t be a 13-3, maybe not even a 12-4 record to speak of in the AFC come next season.