32 Burning NFL Questions: AFC

By Mike DeMarco
Love of Sports Correspondent

--32 Burning NFL Questions: NFC

With the NFL season just around the corner, I figured I’d take a look at the biggest burning question each team around the league is dealing with coming into Week 1.

You know, there IS more news out there than Brett Favre, don’t you?!? (Predicted record in parenthesis.)

AFC EAST

NEW ENGLAND (13-3)

Burning Question: Will the Patriots suffer a drop off after failing to complete their quest for an undefeated season in the Super Bowl?

Mike’s Take: To expect the Pats to run through the regular season undefeated again would be downright foolish, but to see them representing the AFC in the Super Bowl again wouldn’t be unexpected. The Patriots will once again be the team to beat in the AFC, as Tom Brady, Randy Moss and Co. look to finish what they couldn’t in ‘07.

NEW YORK JETS (10-6)

Burning Question: Can Brett Favre adapt to a new offence quickly enough to turn the fortunes around of a team that finished last season 4-12?

Mike’s Take: Considering what this team had at the quarterback spot a season ago, it’s easy to assume there’s a major upgrade here. Although it might take a while for Favre to adapt to his new offense, it’s fair to say he’s good for at least four wins, which would give New York a .500 season. Add in the $125 million the front office tossed around at free agents, and the J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets will compete for a wild card berth.

BUFFALO BILLS (6-10)

Burning Question: Who’s it gonna be fellas? Trent Edwards or J.P Losman?

Mike’s Take: Edwards is the starter ... for now. But after last season’s inconsistencies from both quarterbacks, I predict the quarterback carousel hasn’t come to a complete stop just yet. Edwards needs to solidify himself as the starter with solid play right out of the gate to silence the inevitable rumblings that’ll come with each incompletion. Having said that, the Bills need another year of seasoning for all their young talent. They’ll need a ton of luck to make the postseason. I think they actually regress from a year ago.

MIAMI DOLPHINS (3-13)

Burning Question: Does Bill Parcells have the savvy to turn around the NFL’s worst team?

Mike’s Take: Even though the Tuna is in the front office and not on the sidelines, make no mistake; this is his football team. After an abysmal 1-15 campaign, Parcells definitely has his work cut out for him, and to think Miami has even the slightest of hopes this year, well you may as well re-invest in the Bre-X stock. Will they win more than a single game this year? I have no doubts. But with a new starting QB, coach and various other aspects, the Fins are going to need monster years out of running backs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams (who is trying to revive his once budding - no pun intended - career) in order to have any chance to compete. Miami will run the ball a ton, but it won’t be enough to avoid another last-place finish in the East. Parcells will definitely turn this team around, just not overnight.

AFC NORTH

CLEVELAND BROWNS (11-5)

Burning Question: Can newly acquired tackles Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams adapt to playing in a 3-4 scheme after spending their careers playing in a 4-3?

Mike’s Take: On the surface, you’d think playing defensive line is playing defensive line, but any scout will tell you the two schemes are totally different. A 4-3 usually likes to employ tackles who penetrate the backfield and disrupt plays, while a 3-4 likes their tackles to take on blocking offensive linemen, leaving space for the linebackers to make plays. I’m not sure if either of these two tackles are a great fit, but I feel both are a major upgrade over what they had last season. If both don’t mind playing unselfish football, which for Rogers is a major question mark, I think the Browns’ run defense will be much improved. Don’t look at sack or tackle totals to judge their performance, but instead look at what the Browns yield per game on the ground. That’ll be the true indicator of their value.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS (11-5)

Burning Question: With head coach Mike Tomlin installing a new spread formation offense, can the Steelers still be successful?

Mike’s Take: I think this is a very interesting development. On one hand, you have a Super Bowl winning quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger, who we’ve yet to see at full capacity. On the other hand, you have years and years of a running system that’s been very successful for this franchise. Bottom line comes down to how much the Steelers still plan on running the football. Willie Parker returns as the starter, but first round draft pick Rashard Mendenhall will be the new bruiser back. I think Big Ben has the attributes to put up much bigger numbers than he has in the past, and the Steelers must think the same way. The bigger question might be: do the Steelers have the weapons to run this offence? Prediction:  Roethlisberger passes for 4,000, and Santonio Holmes surpasses 1,200 receiving yards.

BALTIMORE RAVENS (5-11)

Burning Question: Who will be the eventual number one quarterback: Kyle Boller, Troy Smith or Joe Flacco?

Mike’s Take: I really think the answer to this is simple. Flacco’s the future for this franchise. He may not be the starter opening week, but he’ll be starting by Week 10, and you can quote me on that. You don’t trade up in the first round to select someone who won’t contribute early. The preseason will determine who, out of Boller and Smith, will start Week 1, but in essence, it’s just a prayer the Ravens have of hopefully making the postseason. I’ll end all the speculation for them. THEY HAVE NO CHANCE! Baltimore boasts zero in terms of offensive capabilities and are getting very old on the defensive side of the ball. So, my estimation is by Week 10, they’ll be all but out of it and insert their new quarterback of the future. Flacco has many tools previous Raven QB’s lacked, especially an arm. He can down right let it fly, and by seasons end the rest of the NFL will know it too!

CINCINNATI BENGALS (4-12)

Burning Question: Will the Bengals make it through the season without any issues off the field?

Mike’s Take: After an abysmal season where all of the Bengals’ weaknesses were exposed on the field, several were exposed off of it as well. Several Cincinnati players were arrested and/or convicted of various offenses, thereby putting an addition burden in the lockerroom for team leaders such as Carson Palmer. Coach Marvin Lewis sent a strong message in the offseason that this behavior isn’t acceptable and promptly released players such as promising LB Odell Thurman, who’s been suspended indefinitely by the NFL. WR Chris Henry was suspended for the season’s first four games and has also been released by the team. Even without any of the issues off the field, the Bengals are in for a very long season. This team has a ton of problems on the field too!

AFC SOUTH

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (13-3)

Burning Question: Do the Jaguars finally have enough of a complete team to overtake the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC South?

Mike’s Take: What we’re going to see with the Jaguars this season will be the most talked about story in the NFL. Yes, Jacksonville has the team to finally overtake the Colts in the South. They’ll finally show a passing attack to go along with that freakish running game they bring with them on Sundays. The acquisition of WR Jerry Porter may have gone unnoticed by many fans across the league, but it’s a name you’ll hear time and time again this season. Porter has tons and tons of ability, but was stuck in an abyss while he wasted away in Oakland. First, he was stuck behind legends Jerry Rice and Tim Brown. Then he was in another quagmire when the Raiders just didn’t have anyone to deliver him the football. He’s the type of downfield threat this team, and more specifically QB David Garrard, has lacked. The Jaguars, for the first time since the Mark Brunell days, have a very balanced offense. Defensively, the addition of coordinator Greg Williams will make an already good defense that much better. Williams has had defensive success everywhere he has gone. This is definitely the best chance Jacksonville will have to take over the South, and I’m going on record as saying they will.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (12-4)

Burning Question: Will Peyton Manning be affected by having his bursa sac removed so close to the start of the season?

Mike’s Take: We’re talking about one of the game’s all-time great quarterbacks in Manning, but anytime a player has a long layoff it can be a concern. He should be healthy for the opening game of the season, but how effective will he be without having any game reps in the preseason? When you consider the Colts offense is basically run on timing routes, it can become a factor. Having said that, he’s been running this offense for years and it won’t take him long to regain his timing, but the Colts first three opponents are the Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings and the Jaguars, who all boast one of the league’s better defenses and could cause a wary Manning many problems. Look for the Indy high octane offense to be fully running by Week 4.

HOUSTON TEXANS (9-7)

Burning Question: Can the Texans finally compete for a playoff berth?

Mike’s Take: Gary Kubiak’s done an admirable job turning around this once morbid franchise by assembling a group that actually competes game in and game out. Solid signings in free agency and some crafty drafting have helped turn this unit into one of the game’s most exciting. Matt Schaub’s brought a presence to the quarterback spot David Carr never could. And with Kubiak bringing in a myriad of ex-Broncos, either players or coaches, and implementing the same zone blocking scheme he executed for Denver’s two Super Bowl championships, the Texans have reason to believe. On defense, 2006 No. 1 pick DE Mario Williams developed into the pass rushing phenom the front office hoped for after leading the team with 14 sacks, good for third in the league. Their 2007 first round selection, DT Amobi Okoye, anchors the middle of the D-line, providing Houston with a presence on the other side of the ball. Kubiak and the Texans still have work ahead of them before they’re considered a premier team in the NFL, but it wouldn’t be out of the question to see the Texans fight for the final wild card berth this season.

TENNESSEE TITANS (6-10)

Burning Question: Which Vince Young will we see this year? Young from ’06, or Young from ’07?

Mike’s Take: To blame Young for all of Tennessee’s problems on offense last year would be down right wrong. But to totally abolish him from any wrong doing would be wrong as well. Young failed to grow on his fascinating rookie season, which earned him offensive Rookie of the Year honors. There were no late-game comebacks, thrilling runs or “how did he do that” plays. Was his rookie year a mirage? The truth of the matter is, Young was basically playing alone out there at times last season. I mean, who on the Titans offense really strikes fear into anyone? Aside from Young, of course. Their running game was at times non-existent, and the Titan receivers led the league in dropped passes last year. Surely you can’t blame him for that. All the great quarterbacks had players to play with them, but Young was left naked last season. Head coach Jeff Fisher’s done little to improve the weapons around him, so unless Vince can learn to carry this team on his shoulders, look for a season more along the lines of their last one. If I’m Fisher, I’m pounding RB LenDale White into opposing defenses all game long.

AFC WEST

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (12-4)

Burning Question: Is this team really a Super Bowl contender?

Mike’s Take: After watching the Chargers amass one of the league’s better records over the last three seasons, with zero playoff success it does become a question worth asking. In last year’s playoff loss in New England you definitely could argue it would’ve been a different game had RB LaDainian Tomlinson played more than one series, and had QB Philip Rivers not played on a torn knee. However, it’s the second consecutive season where the Pats have knocked the Chargers out of the postseason, and in order to become a Super Bowl team, you have to win playoff games. There isn’t much change for San Diego heading into this season, except that Rivers has another year of experience and LT has another year of wear and tear on his body. This team will definitely be the class of the AFC West again. They just have too many ways to beat you. I expect this team to make some noise in the postseason, but with all the very good teams in the AFC it really is tough to say how far they can go. Are they a contender? ABSOLUTELY!

DENVER BRONCOS (10-6)

Burning Question: Will Jay Cutler become an elite quarterback?

Mike’s Take: When the Broncos had an opportunity to trade up in the ’05 draft to get Cutler, head coach Mike Shanahan wasted no time in pulling the trigger. What he saw was a raw talent that comes into the league once a generation. Having played his college ball at lowly Vanderbilt, Cutler didn’t get the same recognition as draft mates Matt Leinart and Young, but believe this: he’s by far the best of the three. Entering his third NFL season Cutler is poised to take the Broncos by the reins and solidify his spot as Broncos quarterback. Not to say he’ll make everyone forget about ‘ole #7, but he will become the best Broncos QB since him, and possibly ever ... Yes, you read right ... no need to rub your eyes. I, for one, am the greatest John Elway fan ever, but having watched him in years one and two, and now watching Cutler in his first two seasons, I can definitely say Cutler’s ahead at this point in his careers. Number-wise it’s not even close, but that’s just the Shanahan factor. That’s why I think he has a shot to obliterate Elway’s records, having Shanahan as coach in a QB friendly system can do that for a player. The one thing that really stands out for me with Cutler is the fact he played very well for a second-year quarterback, despite playing with Type 1 diabetes that wasn’t even undiagnosed until after the season. He lost 36 pounds in three months, but still played well. Imagine what this kid can do healthy! As long as budding star WR Brandon Marshall can put his off-field problems to bed, Cutler and Marshall will form one of the game’s best duos. One more thing I see in Cutler: the “it” factor. Elway had it. Dan Marino had it. Joe Montana had it. And Brett Favre still has it. It’s the little feeling you get when your team needs a play, and you just know your QB is going to make it for them. Ah yes ... the “it” factor. Sit back and watch him this season. He alone gives Denver a shot at the postseason.

OAKLAND RAIDERS (7-9)

Burning Question: Can they finally climb out of mediocrity?

Mike’s Take: Fact of the matter is the Raiders are still owned by Al Davis, and when you’re owned by Davis, you’re run top to bottom by Davis. Oakland’s problems seem to resonate from the fact Davis just seems to refuse to change from his old school ways in order to catch up with how football is played today. Horrible free agent signings have plagued this team for years, and average drafting enhances the problem. But if you squint over the horizon, you just might see a glimmer of hope. Oakland may have finally found their franchise player in quarterback JaMarcus Russell. With only two career starts, it’s safe to say this will be another growing year, but some pieces are in place to at least make them competitive. Darren McFadden was drafted in the first round to give Oakland a rushing threat not seen since the days of Marcus Allen, and combined with Russell, may form a formidable duo on offense. With the signing of CB DeAngelo Hall, who will team with Nnamdi Asomugha to form one of the best cornerback tandems in football, the team is strong in the defensive backfield as well. Oakland has pieces, but it just seems that players who are promising seem to die in Oakland. Is it a Davis thing?

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (3-13)

Burning Question: Will RB Larry Johnson reclaim his spot as one of the league’s best backs?

Mike’s Take: Johnson definitely has the ability to again become one of the league’s better backs, but as you know, a good running back needs a good line and a good passing attack. When Johnson was shredding the league apart for consecutive 1,700-yard seasons in ’05 and ’06, he was the beneficiary of a solid offensive line. Pro Bowl players such as Willie Roaf and Wil Shields anchored a line that blew open gaping holes for him to run through. Now it’s a very different story in Kansas City. The passing game’s so poor under QB Brodie Croyle, teams will play eight man fronts in order to stop the run. Until Croyle can strike a little fear into opposing teams, they’ll continue to keep a safety in the box to eliminate Johnson. Head coach Herm Edwards has made some strides to once again build a dominating O-Line for the Chiefs (drafted OT Branden Albert first round ’08), but until Kansas City can bring a balanced attack on Sunday’s, Johnson will continue to struggle to find his old form. Look for 1,200-plus yards, but nowhere near his peak production.

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