The NFL's AFC East: New York Jets to the Top

As the NFL offseason continues to unfold, the AFC East has emerged as the most intriguing division in football. The top three teams in the division, the New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, and New York Jets continue to separate themselves from the Buffalo Bills. While the Patriots weren't as busy in free agency as the Dolphins and Jets, they did add 12 players via the draft, including two much needed tight ends, and two linebackers. With Wes Welker likely out for the season, recovering from last years injury, the Patriots signed Tory Holt, and drafted Taylor Price to replenish New England's receiving corp.

Meanwhile, the Jets and Dolphins have greatly improved their teams this off season. The Dolphins acquired top receiver Brandon Marshall, for two second round draft picks. The Jets now possess arguably the best cornerback tandem in football, with Revis, and Cromartie, and added highly rated cornerback, Kyle Wilson from Boise State in the draft. The Jets also obtained pro-bowl running back Ladainian Tomlinson via free agency, and traded for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holmes. Holmes, a former Super Bowl MVP, will be suspended for the first four games of the season, but that didn't detour the Jets from getting a player that will eventually improve their passing game.

Based on off season moves, the Jets seem the early favorite to finish atop the AFC East. With a defense that was already good, getting better, and an offense with a second year quarterback with new weapons, the Jets have positioned themselves at the top of the AFC East. The Dolphins greatly improved their passing game with the addition of Brandon Marshall. To be totally successful, the Dolphins will need one of their other receivers to step up, and be productive, to keep double coverage off Marshall. On the defensive side of the ball, the Dolphins used the draft to restock, picking all defensive players, with the exception of guard, John Jerry.

The Buffalo Bills will find it difficult to keep up in the East. If their quarterback situation remains unsettled, Buffalo, and newest Bill, CJ Spiller, will both struggle to find success. The AFC East will once again be one of the most competitive divisions in football, and early in the off season, the New York Jets look to be the favored with, the Patriots, and Dolphins also vying for the title.

Sources:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/2010/draft/teams/dolphins.html
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/miami-dolphins/transactions.html
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/2010/draft/teams/patriots.html