AFC East: SportsNation
Earlier Wednesday, we wrote a column on the New England Patriots' likely future struggles without Tom Brady. The Hall of Fame quarterback is set to retire in a few years, which will bring the Patriots back to earth with the rest of the division.
In our latest AFC East poll, we want to know which quarterback has the best chance to be Brady's heir in the division. There are several players to choose from on the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets and even the Patriots.
The Jets have two quarterbacks age 25 or under. Is Mark Sanchez or Tim Tebow the next dominant quarterback in the AFC East? Both have won playoff games early in their career and are competing to lead the Jets to the next level.
How about rookie first-round draft pick Ryan Tannehill? He's young and has all the tools to be a viable NFL quarterback. But the Dolphins must spend the next couple of years developing Tannehill and getting him ready for the pro game. Will he become the best quarterback in the AFC East after Brady retires?
Will it be Ryan Fitzpatrick? He's 29 and in the best years of his career. Fitzpatrick recently signed a $59 million contract extension with Buffalo, which means he will be the starter for at least the next two or three seasons.
Or is Brady’s heir also on New England's roster? Young but inexperienced quarterbacks Ryan Mallett and Brian Hoyer are both waiting and learning behind Brady. Does either player have what it takes to keep the Patriots in title contention when Brady retires?
Using our SportsNation poll, vote on the top quarterback of the future in the AFC East. You can also share your thoughts in the comments section below.
The Jets have two quarterbacks age 25 or under. Is Mark Sanchez or Tim Tebow the next dominant quarterback in the AFC East? Both have won playoff games early in their career and are competing to lead the Jets to the next level.
How about rookie first-round draft pick Ryan Tannehill? He's young and has all the tools to be a viable NFL quarterback. But the Dolphins must spend the next couple of years developing Tannehill and getting him ready for the pro game. Will he become the best quarterback in the AFC East after Brady retires?
Will it be Ryan Fitzpatrick? He's 29 and in the best years of his career. Fitzpatrick recently signed a $59 million contract extension with Buffalo, which means he will be the starter for at least the next two or three seasons.
Or is Brady’s heir also on New England's roster? Young but inexperienced quarterbacks Ryan Mallett and Brian Hoyer are both waiting and learning behind Brady. Does either player have what it takes to keep the Patriots in title contention when Brady retires?
Using our SportsNation poll, vote on the top quarterback of the future in the AFC East. You can also share your thoughts in the comments section below.
We have another interesting poll this weekend in the AFC East blog. The Buffalo Bills made an interesting quarterback addition Friday by singing former first-round pick Vince Young. It adds depth to Buffalo’s duo of Ryan Fitzpatrick and Tyler Thigpen.
With that said, who has the second-best quarterback situation in the AFC East? Tom Brady and the New England Patriots obviously lead the way, so we are (again) taking the reigning AFC champs out of the equation.
Do you like the Bills’ trio of Fitzpatrick, Thigpen and now Young? Fitzpatrick is the unquestioned starter, and Thigpen and Young will battle for the No. 2 role. Both can move well in the pocket and have starting experience.
What about the New York Jets? They have starter Mark Sanchez and popular backup Tim Tebow. Both have won in the playoffs. Greg McElroy is the developmental No. 3 quarterback.
Finally, the Miami Dolphins have an interesting trio of Matt Moore, David Garrard and Ryan Tannehill. Moore and Garrard are expected to battle for the starting job this year, while Tannehill, a first-round pick, is the quarterback of the future. Is this the most talented trio?
Using our SportsNation poll, vote on the second-best quarterback group in the division. You can also share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Do you like the Bills’ trio of Fitzpatrick, Thigpen and now Young? Fitzpatrick is the unquestioned starter, and Thigpen and Young will battle for the No. 2 role. Both can move well in the pocket and have starting experience.
What about the New York Jets? They have starter Mark Sanchez and popular backup Tim Tebow. Both have won in the playoffs. Greg McElroy is the developmental No. 3 quarterback.
Finally, the Miami Dolphins have an interesting trio of Matt Moore, David Garrard and Ryan Tannehill. Moore and Garrard are expected to battle for the starting job this year, while Tannehill, a first-round pick, is the quarterback of the future. Is this the most talented trio?
Using our SportsNation poll, vote on the second-best quarterback group in the division. You can also share your thoughts in the comment section below.
We have another interesting "Poll Friday" question in the AFC East. The division had five first-round picks this year, and we want to know who will make the biggest rookie impact in 2012.
Let's start with the highest pick in the division: Ryan Tannehill of the Miami Dolphins. The former Texas A&M quarterback has two veterans ahead of him. But Tannehill has all the tools to eventually become a starter. Will he get a chance to make a splash in Miami?
Buffalo Bills rookie corner Stephon Gilmore is a solid player who will contribute immediately. He's going to be a Week 1 starter in Buffalo's secondary and was taken No. 10 overall. Can Gilmore make the biggest impact with the Bills' defense?
Or will it be defensive end Quinton Coples of the New York Jets? New York head coach Rex Ryan loves Coples' athleticism and versatility and plans to use Coples at different positions. Will Coples improve his motor in the pros and produce?
Finally, the New England Patriots took two defensive players: defensive end Chandler Jones and linebacker Dont'a Hightower. Will either rookie make the biggest impact this year?
Using our SportsNation poll, vote on which AFC East rookie will make the biggest splash in 2012. You can also share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Buffalo Bills rookie corner Stephon Gilmore is a solid player who will contribute immediately. He's going to be a Week 1 starter in Buffalo's secondary and was taken No. 10 overall. Can Gilmore make the biggest impact with the Bills' defense?
Or will it be defensive end Quinton Coples of the New York Jets? New York head coach Rex Ryan loves Coples' athleticism and versatility and plans to use Coples at different positions. Will Coples improve his motor in the pros and produce?
Finally, the New England Patriots took two defensive players: defensive end Chandler Jones and linebacker Dont'a Hightower. Will either rookie make the biggest impact this year?
Using our SportsNation poll, vote on which AFC East rookie will make the biggest splash in 2012. You can also share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Anything can happen in the NFL. There are surprises, injuries, etc. that can change the annual landscape.
However, let's be honest: Only the biggest AFC East homers would pick against the reigning AFC champion New England Patriots winning the division next year. The Patriots have by far the best quarterback, the best head coach, the easiest schedule in the NFL and were within a drive of winning the Super Bowl. Plus, New England was the only AFC East team with a winning record in 2011. The gap is just too wide.
With that said, that brings us to our latest poll question: Who should be the preseason favorite to finish in second place in the division?
Is it last year's second-place team: the New York Jets? They were 8-8 in 2011, which was a disappointment for this talented group. The Jets are a team built to win now and expect a bounce-back year. Is second place in their future?
What about the upstart Buffalo Bills? They had a great offseason that included additions like defensive ends Mario Williams and Mark Anderson and first-round cornerback Stephon Gilmore. The Bills are trying to make it a big year in Buffalo. Can they make the jump?
Finally, will the Miami Dolphins finish in second place? The Dolphins will try to be competitive under first-year head coach Joe Philbin and starting quarterback Matt Moore or David Garrard.
Using our SportsNation poll, vote on which AFC East team most likely will finish in second place. You can also share your thoughts in the comment section below.
However, let's be honest: Only the biggest AFC East homers would pick against the reigning AFC champion New England Patriots winning the division next year. The Patriots have by far the best quarterback, the best head coach, the easiest schedule in the NFL and were within a drive of winning the Super Bowl. Plus, New England was the only AFC East team with a winning record in 2011. The gap is just too wide.
Is it last year's second-place team: the New York Jets? They were 8-8 in 2011, which was a disappointment for this talented group. The Jets are a team built to win now and expect a bounce-back year. Is second place in their future?
What about the upstart Buffalo Bills? They had a great offseason that included additions like defensive ends Mario Williams and Mark Anderson and first-round cornerback Stephon Gilmore. The Bills are trying to make it a big year in Buffalo. Can they make the jump?
Finally, will the Miami Dolphins finish in second place? The Dolphins will try to be competitive under first-year head coach Joe Philbin and starting quarterback Matt Moore or David Garrard.
Using our SportsNation poll, vote on which AFC East team most likely will finish in second place. You can also share your thoughts in the comment section below.
We have another interesting poll this week in the AFC East, and it's on one of the hottest topics in the division.
The question: What kind of career will Miami Dolphins first-round pick Ryan Tannehill have in the NFL? Tell us what you see for Miami's newest franchise quarterback.
Is Tannehill a future bust? Many scouts wondered about his lack of experience and just 19 career starts. His stock skyrocketed in the offseason after showing his physical abilities in workouts. But that's always dangerous. Miami's track record drafting quarterbacks hasn't been great. They haven't had a franchise player at the position since Dan Marino retired.
Will Tannehill be an average starter? The AFC East already has two average starting quarterbacks in Mark Sanchez of the New York Jets and Ryan Fitzpatrick of the Buffalo Bills. Will Tannehill have a career comparable to those two?
Or Will Tannehill rise above that level and become a solid franchise quarterback? That would be great for Miami to have their long-term solution and a player who can hold the position for the next seven years. This is for quarterbacks like Tony Romo, Joe Flacco and Jay Cutler, who are all solid starters at the position.
Finally, will Tannehill become an elite quarterback? Is he a future Pro Bowler at the position?
Using our SportsNation poll, vote on Tannehill's NFL future. You can also share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Is Tannehill a future bust? Many scouts wondered about his lack of experience and just 19 career starts. His stock skyrocketed in the offseason after showing his physical abilities in workouts. But that's always dangerous. Miami's track record drafting quarterbacks hasn't been great. They haven't had a franchise player at the position since Dan Marino retired.
Will Tannehill be an average starter? The AFC East already has two average starting quarterbacks in Mark Sanchez of the New York Jets and Ryan Fitzpatrick of the Buffalo Bills. Will Tannehill have a career comparable to those two?
Or Will Tannehill rise above that level and become a solid franchise quarterback? That would be great for Miami to have their long-term solution and a player who can hold the position for the next seven years. This is for quarterbacks like Tony Romo, Joe Flacco and Jay Cutler, who are all solid starters at the position.
Finally, will Tannehill become an elite quarterback? Is he a future Pro Bowler at the position?
Using our SportsNation poll, vote on Tannehill's NFL future. You can also share your thoughts in the comment section below.
You've heard from the analyst. You've heard from your AFC East blogger. Now, it's your turn to cast your vote.
Who had the best draft this year in the AFC East? All four teams patched holes for this season.
Was it the New England Patriots? They uncharacteristically traded up twice in the first round to land pass-rusher Chandler Jones and linebacker Dont'a Hightower. New England picked all defensive players until the seventh round in an effort to fix its 31st-ranked defense.
What about the Buffalo Bills? They took a solid cornerback in the first round: Stephon Gilmore. The Bills also helped their offensive line by drafting two offensive tackles (Cordy Glenn and Zebrie Sanders).
Did the New York Jets have the best draft? New York took two talented players in defensive end Quinton Coples and receiver Stephen Hill. Will these two picks be home runs and future centerpieces in New York?
Or did the Miami Dolphins pick the best prospects? Miami got its potential quarterback of the future in Ryan Tannehill. The Dolphins also plugged a big hole at right tackle (Jonathan Martin) and added depth at tight end (Michael Egnew) and running back (Lamar Miller).
Using our SportsNation poll, vote on which AFC East team had the best draft. You can also share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Was it the New England Patriots? They uncharacteristically traded up twice in the first round to land pass-rusher Chandler Jones and linebacker Dont'a Hightower. New England picked all defensive players until the seventh round in an effort to fix its 31st-ranked defense.
What about the Buffalo Bills? They took a solid cornerback in the first round: Stephon Gilmore. The Bills also helped their offensive line by drafting two offensive tackles (Cordy Glenn and Zebrie Sanders).
Did the New York Jets have the best draft? New York took two talented players in defensive end Quinton Coples and receiver Stephen Hill. Will these two picks be home runs and future centerpieces in New York?
Or did the Miami Dolphins pick the best prospects? Miami got its potential quarterback of the future in Ryan Tannehill. The Dolphins also plugged a big hole at right tackle (Jonathan Martin) and added depth at tight end (Michael Egnew) and running back (Lamar Miller).
Using our SportsNation poll, vote on which AFC East team had the best draft. You can also share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Our latest SportsNation poll in the AFC East obviously focuses on the NFL draft. Day 1 is in the books, and we want your take.
Which division team had the best first round? There were five picks total on Thursday night, and four picks were used on defense.
Was it the Miami Dolphins? They drafted first at No. 8 and took former Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill. He is one of the biggest mysteries in this draft. Did the Dolphins land the next prolific quarterback or another draft bust?
Did the Buffalo Bills have the best draft? The Bills played it safe with cornerback Stephon Gilmore at No. 10. He is a solid player with the ability to start right away.
What about the New York Jets. They stood pat at No. 16 and drafted former North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples. There are questions about Coples’ motor but not his ability. Was he the best draft pick in the AFC East?
Finally, the New England Patriots made two shrewd moves to land defensive prospects Chandler Jones and Dont'a Hightower. The Patriots traded up twice, which was unconventional for them. Did New England have the best Day 1?
Using our SportsNation poll, vote on which team had the best first day of the draft. You can also share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Was it the Miami Dolphins? They drafted first at No. 8 and took former Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill. He is one of the biggest mysteries in this draft. Did the Dolphins land the next prolific quarterback or another draft bust?
Did the Buffalo Bills have the best draft? The Bills played it safe with cornerback Stephon Gilmore at No. 10. He is a solid player with the ability to start right away.
What about the New York Jets. They stood pat at No. 16 and drafted former North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples. There are questions about Coples’ motor but not his ability. Was he the best draft pick in the AFC East?
Finally, the New England Patriots made two shrewd moves to land defensive prospects Chandler Jones and Dont'a Hightower. The Patriots traded up twice, which was unconventional for them. Did New England have the best Day 1?
Using our SportsNation poll, vote on which team had the best first day of the draft. You can also share your thoughts in the comment section below.
We have another interesting poll in the AFC East blog. This week we ask which division team is most likely to pull off a first-round trade during Thursday’s NFL draft.
There is expected to be some moving and shaking. Monday’s blogger mock draft was a good example of all that can happen on draft day. But which AFC East team is most likely to trade up or down in the first round?
Will it be the Miami Dolphins? Miami holds the No. 8 pick and is interested in Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Will Miami trade up to the No. 3 pick to secure Tannehill?
What about the Buffalo Bills at No. 10? It’s an odd spot to be in, considering Buffalo’s needs. Will the Bills consider trading up or down to get a franchise-caliber player they covet?
The New York Jets have 10 picks in this draft. That’s a lot of draft capital to make a move up. Will Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum move up to get a pass-rusher like Melvin Ingram of South Carolina or safety Mark Barron of Alabama?
Finally, the New England Patriots are known for their draft-day trades. The reigning AFC champs hold two picks (No. 27 and No. 31) in the first round. Will the Patriots move up to get a better prospect or trade out the first round, which is what they’re known for?
Using our SportsNation poll, vote on which team is most likely to make a first-round trade. You can also share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Will it be the Miami Dolphins? Miami holds the No. 8 pick and is interested in Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Will Miami trade up to the No. 3 pick to secure Tannehill?
What about the Buffalo Bills at No. 10? It’s an odd spot to be in, considering Buffalo’s needs. Will the Bills consider trading up or down to get a franchise-caliber player they covet?
The New York Jets have 10 picks in this draft. That’s a lot of draft capital to make a move up. Will Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum move up to get a pass-rusher like Melvin Ingram of South Carolina or safety Mark Barron of Alabama?
Finally, the New England Patriots are known for their draft-day trades. The reigning AFC champs hold two picks (No. 27 and No. 31) in the first round. Will the Patriots move up to get a better prospect or trade out the first round, which is what they’re known for?
Using our SportsNation poll, vote on which team is most likely to make a first-round trade. You can also share your thoughts in the comments section below.
New York Jets starting quarterback Mark Sanchez is hard at work with his receivers and tight ends. Sanchez and No. 1 receiver Santonio Holmes recently helped organize workouts in Florida, in addition to being there for Monday's opening of the Jets' voluntary offseason program.
But how well will Sanchez play in his fourth season? And how much will the Tim Tebow factor help or hurt Sanchez? These are among the hottest topics in the AFC East, and the subject of our SportsNation poll.
Will Sanchez play poorly? The last three games were atrocious during New York's late-season implosion. Is this a sign of things to come? If so, Tebow will be New York's starting quarterback early next season.
Or will we see more average play from Sanchez? His first three seasons have been inconsistent -- some good, some bad. Sanchez is entering his fourth season, and many question if his ceiling is higher than what we've seen.
Finally, is Sanchez on the upswing? Will the competition of Tebow bring the best out of Sanchez? Will he get the Jets back to the playoffs and produce a career year?
Using our SportsNation poll, vote on Sanchez's performance in 2012. You can also share your thoughts and statistical projections in the comment section below.
Will Sanchez play poorly? The last three games were atrocious during New York's late-season implosion. Is this a sign of things to come? If so, Tebow will be New York's starting quarterback early next season.
Or will we see more average play from Sanchez? His first three seasons have been inconsistent -- some good, some bad. Sanchez is entering his fourth season, and many question if his ceiling is higher than what we've seen.
Finally, is Sanchez on the upswing? Will the competition of Tebow bring the best out of Sanchez? Will he get the Jets back to the playoffs and produce a career year?
Using our SportsNation poll, vote on Sanchez's performance in 2012. You can also share your thoughts and statistical projections in the comment section below.
The Buffalo Bills have done a great job this offseason. But one huge hole that remains is Buffalo's starting left tackle spot.
Left tackle is one of the most important and highest-paid positions in the NFL. Buffalo tried to get away with playing three players at the position last year and it didn't work. The Bills need a stable, long-term solution at left tackle for the betterment of their offense and starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. One option, former Bill Demetrius Bell, was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles on Wednesday.
So what will Buffalo do to protect Fitzpatrick's blindside next season? Pick an answer in our latest SportsNation poll.
The Bills have two possibilities on their roster: Chris Hairston and Andy Levitre. Hairston is raw and inexperienced, but he has all the measurable. Levitre can do the job, but Buffalo would be taking one of the top guards in the AFC out of his natural position.
There is also the NFL draft. Buffalo holds the No. 10 overall pick and could consider a left tackle in the first three rounds. There isn't much left in free agency, but the Bills still have cap room.
Using our SportsNation poll, vote on what Buffalo will do next season at left tackle. You can also share your thoughts in the comments section below.
So what will Buffalo do to protect Fitzpatrick's blindside next season? Pick an answer in our latest SportsNation poll.
The Bills have two possibilities on their roster: Chris Hairston and Andy Levitre. Hairston is raw and inexperienced, but he has all the measurable. Levitre can do the job, but Buffalo would be taking one of the top guards in the AFC out of his natural position.
There is also the NFL draft. Buffalo holds the No. 10 overall pick and could consider a left tackle in the first three rounds. There isn't much left in free agency, but the Bills still have cap room.
Using our SportsNation poll, vote on what Buffalo will do next season at left tackle. You can also share your thoughts in the comments section below.
We spent a lot of time this week talking about the quarterback situation between Tim Tebow, Mark Sanchez and the New York Jets. But there is another interesting quarterback debate in Miami, where veteran David Garrard will battle incumbent Matt Moore in training camp.
In our latest edition of "Poll Friday," vote on who will be Miami's starting quarterback in 2012. The Dolphins have explored a few (Peyton Manning, Matt Flynn, Alex Smith) in free agency but wound up with Moore and Garrard on the roster.
Is Moore good enough to win the job again? He was solid at the end of last season, going 6-3 in his last nine games. Moore has been a backup most of his career but has a chance to win the starting job in Miami for a full season.
What about Garrard? He was once a Pro Bowler, but it's hard to gauge what the 34-year old has left in the tank after missing all of last season with a back injury. Garrard signed with Miami for the chance to compete, and he got it.
Miami also could draft a top quarterback prospect. Ryan Tannehill is a possibility at No. 8. Could a rookie win the job if given the chance to compete in Miami?
Using our SportsNation poll, vote on who will be under center in Week 1 for the Dolphins. You can also share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Is Moore good enough to win the job again? He was solid at the end of last season, going 6-3 in his last nine games. Moore has been a backup most of his career but has a chance to win the starting job in Miami for a full season.
What about Garrard? He was once a Pro Bowler, but it's hard to gauge what the 34-year old has left in the tank after missing all of last season with a back injury. Garrard signed with Miami for the chance to compete, and he got it.
Miami also could draft a top quarterback prospect. Ryan Tannehill is a possibility at No. 8. Could a rookie win the job if given the chance to compete in Miami?
Using our SportsNation poll, vote on who will be under center in Week 1 for the Dolphins. You can also share your thoughts in the comment section below.
The Miami Dolphins traded Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall Tuesday to the Chicago Bears. Vincent Jackson, Reggie Wayne, Robert Meachem and Pierre Garcon were all taken off the market quickly on the first day of free agency.
So who, exactly, will be the No. 1 receiver for Miami next season?
The Dolphins had two months to craft their offseason plan to build a title contender in 2012. But after one day of free agency, their plan looks confusing, particularly at wide receiver.
Miami is reportedly interested in Dallas Cowboys free-agent receiver Laurent Robinson. He had a career year replacing Miles Austin last season. Can Robinson be the No. 1 receiver for the Dolphins?
Or will Miami look to the draft? Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon is a top-10 pick. The Dolphins hold the No. 8 pick and now have a huge need at receiver. Should this be Miami’s next target.
What about Dolphins receiver Brian Hartline? He’s been decent opposite Marshall in the starting lineup. Is Hartline ready to take his game to the next level in Miami’s new West Coast offense?
Using our SportsNation poll, predict who will be Miami’s No. 1 receiver next season. You can also share your thoughts in the comments section below.
The Dolphins had two months to craft their offseason plan to build a title contender in 2012. But after one day of free agency, their plan looks confusing, particularly at wide receiver.
Miami is reportedly interested in Dallas Cowboys free-agent receiver Laurent Robinson. He had a career year replacing Miles Austin last season. Can Robinson be the No. 1 receiver for the Dolphins?
Or will Miami look to the draft? Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon is a top-10 pick. The Dolphins hold the No. 8 pick and now have a huge need at receiver. Should this be Miami’s next target.
What about Dolphins receiver Brian Hartline? He’s been decent opposite Marshall in the starting lineup. Is Hartline ready to take his game to the next level in Miami’s new West Coast offense?
Using our SportsNation poll, predict who will be Miami’s No. 1 receiver next season. You can also share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Poll: Mark Sanchez's contract extension
March, 12, 2012
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By
James Walker | ESPN.com
The AFC East Twitter feed was buzzing when the New York Jets signed quarterback Mark Sanchez to a five-year, $58.25 million contract Friday night. The reaction from Jets fans ranged from disappointing to some fans liking the move.
In our latest poll, we want to know what our AFC East community thinks about Sanchez’s contract extension.
Or was this a bad idea? Sanchez is guaranteed to be the starter for at least the next two seasons, based on the guaranteed money in his contract. Sanchez did not inspire that level of confidence with his play last year, but the Jets were willing to jump. As I wrote Friday night, this is probably the biggest decision Jets general manager Mike Tannebaum and coach Rex Ryan will make for a while. If they're wrong on Sanchez, everyone's job will be in jeopardy.
Using our SportsNation poll, vote on whether Sanchez's contract extension was the right or wrong move for the Jets. You can also share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Poll Friday: Best Manning supporting cast
March, 9, 2012
Mar 9
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By
James Walker | ESPN.com
There is a lot of debate in the AFC East blog about which division team is the better fit for free-agent quarterback Peyton Manning. The future Hall of Famer is available, and is expected to choose a new team within the next week.
But in our latest edition of "Poll Friday," we want our community to play the role of Manning. If you were the quarterback, which AFC East team has the best supporting cast: Miami or New York?
The Dolphins are considered one of the favorites, and have several good pieces on offense. They have a Pro Bowl receiver (Brandon Marshall), a Pro Bowl left tackle (Jake Long), and a 1,000-yard running back (Reggie Bush). The defense also is solid and would work well with a high-scoring offense.
Or do the Jets provide Manning with better players? New York has three Pro Bowlers on the offensive line, and a good receiver in Santonio Holmes (when he's not disgruntled). Dustin Keller is certainly an upgrade at tight end over Miami, and the Jets' defense ranked fifth in the NFL last season.
Using our SportsNation poll, vote on which team provides the better supporting cast for Manning. You can also share your thoughts in the comment section below.
The Dolphins are considered one of the favorites, and have several good pieces on offense. They have a Pro Bowl receiver (Brandon Marshall), a Pro Bowl left tackle (Jake Long), and a 1,000-yard running back (Reggie Bush). The defense also is solid and would work well with a high-scoring offense.
Or do the Jets provide Manning with better players? New York has three Pro Bowlers on the offensive line, and a good receiver in Santonio Holmes (when he's not disgruntled). Dustin Keller is certainly an upgrade at tight end over Miami, and the Jets' defense ranked fifth in the NFL last season.
Using our SportsNation poll, vote on which team provides the better supporting cast for Manning. You can also share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Poll: Starting running back for Patriots?
February, 22, 2012
Feb 22
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By
James Walker | ESPN.com
The New England Patriots are a pass-first team to set up the run. But the team still needs an effective rusher to take some of the pressure off quarterback Tom Brady and the passing game.
In our latest poll question in the AFC East, we ask who will be the starting running back for the reigning AFC champion Patriots? Keep in mind that 2011 starter BenJarvus Green-Ellis is an unrestricted free agent.
Will the Patriots re-sign Green-Ellis? He's rushed for 1,675 yards and 24 touchdowns the past two years and could be looking for a payday. Will New England spend enough to retain one of its biggest free agents?
What about 2011 draft picks Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen? If Green-Ellis doesn’t return, both will have larger roles in the offense next season. Ridley has shown more flashes and could be the early favorite.
Finally, will the underrated Danny Woodhead get a shot? Woodhead is more of a third-down back, but he seems to produce in most opportunities. Woodhead scored a touchdown in New England’s Super Bowl XLVI loss to the New York Giants.
Using our SportsNation poll, vote on New England's starting running back next season. You can also share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Will the Patriots re-sign Green-Ellis? He's rushed for 1,675 yards and 24 touchdowns the past two years and could be looking for a payday. Will New England spend enough to retain one of its biggest free agents?
What about 2011 draft picks Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen? If Green-Ellis doesn’t return, both will have larger roles in the offense next season. Ridley has shown more flashes and could be the early favorite.
Finally, will the underrated Danny Woodhead get a shot? Woodhead is more of a third-down back, but he seems to produce in most opportunities. Woodhead scored a touchdown in New England’s Super Bowl XLVI loss to the New York Giants.
Using our SportsNation poll, vote on New England's starting running back next season. You can also share your thoughts in the comment section below.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
James Walker
Walker joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the NFL and NBA for the Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch. He's a Temple graduate and Hyattsville, Md. native who lives in Miami.
