NFL 2015 Training Camp: AFC East preview

Jun 9, 2015; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets inside linebacker David Harris (52) pushes a sled during New York Jets minicamp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

NFL 2015 Training camp has opened up this week across the country as the AFC East is shaping up to be one of the more competitive groups in the league. Each team has made upgrades in hopes of taking the division crown.

The New England Patriots are awash in controversy with quarterback Tom Brady, but more on that later. The Miami Dolphins are the potential Wild Card team in the AFC with a shot to even take the AFC East crown as the only other team in the division with a reliable starting quarterback in Ryan Tannehill and a good defense with the addition of Ndamukong Suh.

The New York Jets and Buffalo Bills round out the division as the likely top two defenses. Both teams have made significant additions and look to challenge the Pats for the division title, however, neither have a proven or even a reliable quarterback heading into training camp.

Here is my full AFC East preview heading into training camp!

Next: New York Jets

Dec 21, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets center

Nick Mangold

(74) wears an NYPD cap in the tunnel during introductions before the first quarter against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

New York Jets

The Jets have seen a lot of change this offseason. Rex Ryan is out, Todd Bowles is in. General manager and offensive coordinator positions are also occupied by fresh faces. But what can we expect on the field at training camp?

First, and most importantly, is the quarterback situation. Bowles has made it clear the job is going to whoever the team feels is ready, putting incumbent Geno Smith on the hot seat during camp. He’s at the top of the depth chart ahead of veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick and rookie Bryce Petty. We’re fairly confident Smith ends up with the job, however, the plug will be pulled if he cannot perform.

Aside from quarterback, look out for competition at running back with new comers Stevan Ridley and Zac Stacy fighting for consideration with last year’s starter Chris Ivory. Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker lead a revamped wide receiver corps along with rookie Devin Smith and ten other receivers invited to camp.

On the defense, the secondary is solid at cornerback with Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie returning to New York. Marcus Gilchrist and Buster Skrine look to round out the secondary. Most intriguing on the defense will be the defensive line and rookie Leonard Williams who looks to replace the suspended Sheldon Richardson on the line.

Next: Buffalo Bills

Dec 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Kyle Orton (18) huddles with teammates in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos. The Broncos defeated the Bills 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Buffalo Bills

If there’s any other defense in the AFC to rival the potential of the Jets it’s the Buffalo Bills. The already stacked defense gets to play for former Jets coach and defensive minded Rex Ryan. As a matter of fact, the Bills and Jets can arguably be considered a mirror image.

The biggest question surrounding the team is as quarterback. The Bills drafted quarterback E.J. Manuel in the 2013 NFL Draft, but he hasn’t turned into the franchise QB many hoped he would. Veteran Matt Cassel and Tyrod Taylor will compete for the start. Look for Cassell to ultimately win the job; he’s already proven to be effective when he took over the job for the New England Patriots when Tom Brady was injured in Week 1 of the 2008 season and lead the team to an 11-5 record.

Other than that, the team is well stacked at virtually every position. The team welcomed star running back LeSean McCoy who leads a group including Fred Jackson and Bryce Brown. It’s one of the best groups around the league. This is a team on both sides of the ball fairly locked and loaded ready to head into the 2015 season.

Next: Miami Dolphins

Dec 21, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive end Terrence Fede (78) celebrates after blocking a punt for a safety during the second half against the Minnesota Vikings at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins won 37-35. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Dolphins

There’s a buzz around the Dolphins, especially on offense. It’s the only other team with a reliable quarterback in the AFC East in Ryan Tannehill. The news comes predominately from an all new cast of receivers.

Virtually the entire wide receiver corps was dumped in favor of new comers DeVante Parker, Kenny Stills and Greg Jennings. The only hold over is second-year Jarvis Landry, who had a good rookie season. Training camp for Miami will focus on building chemistry for an all new aerial assault for Tannehill. Lamar Miller and Jay Ajayi sit atop the chart in the running back position.

On defense the Dolphins welcome the star of 2015 free agency, Ndamukong Suh. He will anchor the ‘Fins defense along a line that is much improved with his addition. The team has eight cornerbacks vying for position atop the depth chart so watch out for competition in the secondary as well.

Next: New England Patriots

Feb 2, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady speaks during the Super Bowl XLIX-Winning Head Coach and MVP Press Conference at Media Center-Press Conference Room B. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

New England Patriots

Last, and certainly not least we have the New England Patriots. What an off season the team has had, celebrating a Super Bowl victory while also combating the accusations stemming from “Deflategate.” There is a battle brewing between Tom Brady and the league over a four game suspension. So far the battle is leaning in the league’s favor with NFLPA’s lawsuit against the NFL being transferred by a Minnesota judge to a Manhattan courtroom. The newest development is a boost for the NFL legal team.

Should Brady remain suspended, backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will take over the starting duties through the first four weeks of the season. It will be interesting to see how the Patriots prepare their offense given the uncertainty of the situation. Even so, the Pats have proven to be just fine without Brady, going 11-5 without him for the 2008 season.

The biggest question aside from the quarterback situation is on the defense which is nearly entirely new for New England. They lost Revis to the Jets along with Kyle Arrington, Alfonzo Dennard and Brandon Browner. Look for the Pats to move away from the tight man defense from last year to a more front heavy rush.

Next: New York Jets: Fans fly 'cheaters' banner on Patriots

More from The Jet Press

Home/Jets News