Notes from the Sports Desk by Tyler Julson

 

The final week of offseason is here as all the area sports teams are holding tryouts and practices for their respective seasons. It’s just a matter of days before games start taking place.

Until then, we’ve got the Twins and preseason football. The Twins are barely hanging on to a (at the moment) one-game lead in the AL Central.

But speaking of preseason football, how about another installment of my division predictions? This week, the AFC East, otherwise known as probably the least competitive division in the league.

Let’s start with the inevitable champions, the New England Patriots. They’ve got the best quarterback to ever play the game in Tom Brady behind center, and for some reason, it doesn’t matter who’s on the field with him — he’s going to win games. The defense is stacked with extremely talented players. However, the one hiccup I might see is being without Gronkowski. Paired with a lackluster group of wide receivers, excluding Julian Edelman, it could be a spot of weakness in the defending champions. But then again, it’s Tom Brady, so it’s likely a moot point.

Next, we’ll move on to the Miami Dolphins. The team just doesn’t have a viable quarterback and that is not going to get you anywhere in a pass-centric league. The supporting offensive cast has massive potential, but I don’t think Ryan Fitzpatrick has enough to make them shine, which is a shame — Fitzpatrick has one of the nicest beards in the league. The once-dominating Dolphins defense of two or three years ago has fizzled and isn’t much to speak of these days. An above .500 record is possible for the Dolphins, but I don’t see a spot for them in the playoffs.

Finally, the Bills and the Jets — take your pick for dumpster fire of the year. The Jets added running back Le’Veon Bell to the roster, but with a year off and a rough looking offensive line, how much is he really going to be able to do by himself?

The Bills are in the same boat — a young, unproven quarterback with a decent backfield and sub par line. Neither of these teams are going to make noise this season.

 

Final AFC East predictions

1. New England 11-5

2. Miami 9-7

3. Buffalo 5-11

4. New York 4-12

 

Tyler Julson is the Tribune sports reporter. Contact him at tyler.julson@albertleatribune.com.