Here is how the AFC fared in the 1st quarter of the season. Next quarterly review will be after week 8 so keep on the look out.
AFC East
Buffalo 3-1 PF 133 PA 96 Div 1-0 Conf 3-1
Analysis: It's all looking good for the Bills at the moment. It looks like they have stability at the quarterback position with Ryan Fitzpatrick (92-145 1040 yds 9 tds). With the exception of a blow out win at the Chiefs (41-7) in week 1, the Bills should be grateful for not being 1-3 right now. Against the Raiders and Patriots, the Bills were outscored 42-13 in the 1st half. But they came back from behind to outscore them by a total of 59-24, winning each contest by a late field goal. Of course, the Bills got a taste of their own medicine last week (Bills 17-3 1st half + Bengals 20-3 2nd half= Bengals 23 Bills 20).
Next 4 weeks: PHI (1-3), @NYG (3-1), BYE, WAS (3-1)
What to expect: Hopefully that slip at Cincinnati doesn't set the table for a 4 game losing streak. But if they can continue to be resilient in the tough games like they were in Weeks 2 & 3, the Bills can put themselves in good position to win the division.
New England 3-1 PF 135 PA 98 Div 1-1 Conf 3-1
Analysis: This is what you expect of the Patriots at the beginning of the season. OK, maybe not tied with the Bills for 1st place with one loss...but still. Tom Brady is still Tom Brady (109-163 1553 yds 13 tds), even with 5 interceptions. Brady's main targets Wes Welker (40 rec 616 yds 5 tds) and Rob Gronkowski (18 rec 5 tds) have been very productive. But the pass defense is very suspect right now. They dead last in the league allowing an average of 368.8 yards. It's still early folks.
Next 4 weeks: NYJ (2-2), DAL (2-2), BYE, @PIT (2-2)
What to expect: With the Jets, Cowboys and Steelers struggling to find their identity right now, this looks like the Pats can go 3-0 easy. But the Jets could repeat their performance from last year's AFC Divisional game (28-21). The Cowboys might find a way to keep their momentum in the 4th quarter of games and the Steelers offensive line might find some chemistry. Don't want to take anything for granted at this junction in the season.
NY Jets 2-2 PF 100 PA 95 Div 0-0 Conf 1-2
Analysis: The Jets looked like they might be off to their typical fast start. But those first two wins were at MetLife Stadium winning on average by 16. Being away from home has proven to be a disaster losing by a combined 27 points in their last 2 games. It looks like this next quarter of the season won't get any easier. Stay tuned.
Next 4 weeks: @NE (3-1), MIA (0-4), SD (3-1), BYE
What to expect: Who knows what can happen after this quarter. We all are aware of the history between the Pats and Jets. The Dolphins come for a visit on Monday night. Could be another classic. And the Chargers could easily beat them bad if the J-E-T-S don't make adjustments and soon.
Miami 0-4 PF 69 PA 104 Div 0-1 Conf 0-4
Analysis: The way this season has gone for the Dolphins, it's not really a shock to see them winless. Except for the game in Cleveland, the Phins have lost by double digits to start off this season. Tony Sparano's job may be safe for now, but with the way things are trending, we could be seeing a new coach taking his talents to South Beach sooner rather than later.
Next 4 weeks: BYE, @NYJ (2-2), DEN (1-3),@NYG (3-1)
What to expect: Will the Monday Night game be enough to save Sparano's job? Time will tell if the Dolphins will make a significant enough of an improvement, otherwise, there will be an interim tag on someone after the 17th.
AFC North
Baltimore 3-1 PF 119 PA 57 Div 1-0 Conf 2-1
Analysis: With the exception of the Titans game, the Ravens have rolled over everyone by an average of 25 points. As Ray Lewis has said before, "defense wins championships". The Ravens are in the top 10 in 3 defensive categories. They are ranked 2nd in points allowed (57), 3rd in opponents rushing ypg (72.5) and 9th in opponents passing ypg (212). Their rushing attack hasn't been bad either with Ray Rice and Ricky Williams contributing to the 123.8 ypg (3rd best in NFL).
Next 4 weeks: BYE, HOU (3-1), @JAX (1-3), ARI (1-3)
What to expect: This looks like an easy win given three possibilities. 1) Andre Johnson should be in his second week out with an injury and the Texans secondary still has some issues. 2) Blaine Gabbert is almost a lock to get bullied by the Ravens defense. 3) The Cardinals offense could be facing the same issues as the Jaguars might. At any rate, the Ravens D is going to face an uphill battle.
Cincinnati 2-2 PF 80 PA 74 Div 1-0 Conf 2-1
Analysis: No Carson Palmer? No Chad Ochocinco? No problem. With the Steelers O-Line issues and the Browns being inconsistent, the Bengals can make a case for most improved team right now. Of course last year at this point, they were 2-2. Yet they closed out the season 2-10. If the Bengals can remain resilient like they were in their wins against Cleveland and Buffalo, then they can be the sleeper pick for a Wild Card.
Next 4 weeks: @JAX (1-3), IND (0-4), BYE , SEA (1-3)
What to expect: While the schedule looks easy and their defense can help keep games close, they still have a rookie quarterback. Andy Dalton has looked impressive so far, (72-124 868 yds ) he has just as many touchdowns as he does interceptions (4). Don't be surprised to see some dropoff in the upcoming schedule.
Cleveland 2-2 PF 74 PA 93 Div 0-1 Conf 2-2
Analysis: Colt McCoy is doing just fine (100-172 984 yds 6 tds). Their rushing attack could use a kick in the pants (27th in the NFL averaging 85.8 per game). The coaching drama with Eric Mangini is gone and the Browns should be fine with Pat Shurmur at the helm. The season's still young, and the Browns can still be that sleeper team experts claimed they'd be.
Next 4 weeks: BYE, @OAK (2-2), SEA (1-3), @SF (3-1)
What to expect: Assuming Josh Cribbs and Peyton Hillis get back on the mends after the bye week, this team could dominate this next quarter of the season. Otherwise, they'll have the same result as this past quarter.
Pittsburgh 2-2 PF 64 PA 72 Div 0-1 Conf 1-2
Analysis: If anyone can feel Jay Cutler's pain this season, it would be Ben Roethlisberger. If the offensive line can stay healthy, the Steelers could've been on top of the division by now. The Steel Curtain is still intact, but if the offense doesn't improve, there will be no playoff appearance this season.
Next 4 weeks: TEN (3-1), JAX (1-3), @ARI (1-3), NE (3-1)
What to expect: This looks like it has the potential of a 1st quarter repeat (loss to Baltimore, won against Seattle and Indianapolis, loss to Houston). But with the aforementioned issues that lie ahead, I'm not really sure what to expect.
AFC South
Houston 3-1 PF 107 PA 70 Div 1-0 Conf 3-0
Analysis: If the Texans know one thing, it's that they should not get their hopes up. Arian Foster has missed time with hamstring issues, but came back versus the Steelers with a vengeance (30 carries 155 yds and a touchdown). But now Andre Johnson has a hamstring injury that will sideline him for the next three weeks. As long as the new 3-4 defense introduced by new coordinator Wade Phillips can continue to work, the Texan fans can breathe a little easier.
Next 4 weeks: OAK (2-2), @BAL (3-1), @TEN (3-1), JAX (1-3)
What to expect: We'll have to see how the Texans can function without Johnson for the next 3 weeks. As long as they don't lose Foster again nor Matt Schaub and Owen Daniels at any point, the offense should be clicking. What really should be more worrisome than the Raiders and Ravens are the Titans and Jaguars. Momentum could shift sharply if the Texans don't take care of business.
Tennessee 3-1 PF 88 PA 56 Div 0-1 Conf 3-1
Analysis: The team formerly known as the Houston Oilers have done surprisingly well. While they are doing great on the defensive side of the ball, the offense needs improvement if they are going to keep the positive momentum going. The passing game has done well, but with Chris Johnson as the featured tailback, you'd think that they would fare better in rushing yards. But they're not (66.8 ypc (last in the NFL)).
Next 4 weeks: @PIT (2-2), BYE, HOU (3-1), IND (0-4)
What to expect: This could be a challenging stretch for the Titans over the next 3 games. That's assuming Matt Hasselbeck gets injured and Jake Locker will have a trial under fire. And if their rushing attack doesn't become more efficient, that 1st quarter success will be merely a flash in the pan.
Jacksonville 1-3 PF 39 PA 85 Div 1-0 Conf 1-1
Analysis: How is it that team averages under 10 points a game still be in the race for the divisional lead? A good defense is a starting point. The Jaguars are 14th passing defense (228.8 allowed) and 16th against the rush (107 allowed). But being last in passing (137.5 ypg) is not going to keep anyone in the race for long.
Next 4 weeks: CIN (2-2), @PIT (2-2), BAL (3-1), @HOU (3-1)
What to expect: The Jags are going to be facing some of the best pass defenses in the league during this stretch. But if Blaine Gabbert can get some more experience, the offense will be just as good as the defense.
Indianapolis 0-4 PF 63 PA 108 Div 0-1 Conf 0-3
Analysis: I wonder if there is a quarterback controversy with the Colts this season? We all know they miss Peyton Manning, but he may not be back this season. While Kerry Collins' number have looked good (48-98 481 yds 2 tds), Curtis Painter has looked better running the offense (18-41 341 yds 2 tds). At any rate, no Manning means that the offense needs adjustment. The defensive numbers don't look good, but if the offense can sustain some drives, it wouldn't be an issue.
Next 4 weeks: KC (1-3), @CIN (2-2), @NO (3-1), @TEN (3-1)
What to expect: There is no rest for the weary Colts at this juncture. If coach Jim Caldwell decides to stick with Painter, I could probably see the Colts splitting this upcoming quarter. But we'll have to see.
AFC West
San Diego 3-1 PF 91 PA 85 Div 1-0 Conf 2-1
Analysis: The Chargers are leading the division to nobody's surprise. Philip Rivers performance in the 1st quarter of the season (107-157 1286 yds 5 tds)has the denizens of San Diego thinking playoffs. Does it really matter if Nate Kaeding is on IR and Antonio Gates has not performed up to par (8 rec 74 yds ). Besides, things get more interesting in the 2nd half of the season anyway.
Next 4 weeks: @DEN (1-3), BYE, @NYJ (2-2), @KC (1-3)
What to expect: I really want to say this going to be easy for the Bolts, but given their history... not feeling it. Going on the road to your divisional rivals is a daunting task. And if going on the road to the Jets is going to be a walk in the park, then you might be right. It'll be a walk in the park in the bad part of town.
Oakland 2-2 PF 111 PA 113 Div 1-0 Conf 2-2
Analysis: Despite their record so far, the Raiders look like they're committed to excellence once again. Yes, Al Davis is still alive and doing well now that the Silver and Black are showing some promise. They are the best rushing attack in the league averaging 178.8 yards per game. But with a new coach (Hue Jackson) comes some of the pains of adjustment.
Next 4 weeks: @HOU (3-1), CLE (2-2), KC (1-3), BYE
What to expect: It's going to be easy to see how well the Raiders will fair over this next quarter. I could see them catching on, but not until the later part of the season.
Kansas City 1-3 PF 49 PA 126 Div 0-1 Conf 0-2
Analysis: Just because Charlie Weis is at the University of Florida doesn't mean the rest of the offensive schemes have to go there too. If it weren't for the Jaguars (39) and Rams (46), the Chiefs would be dead last in points scored. Not forgetting to mention they are 30th in passing yards (159.8). And the defense could do better too.
Next 4 weeks: @IND (0-4), BYE, OAK (2-2), SD (3-1)
What to expect: Even if the Chiefs have Thomas Jones, they will surely miss Jamal Charles (12 carries 6.9 ypc )who's on IR. Jones is averaging less than 3 yards per carry and has not scored a rushing touchdown. This coming quarter will really test the Chiefs' ability to sustain good consistency .
Denver 1-3 PF 81 PA 111 Div 0-1 Conf 0-3
Analysis: Like I said about the Steelers, if your O-Line isn't working correctly, then your offense isn't going to sustain drives. That is the case for the 2011 Denver Broncos as we speak. While they are performing better than some teams, being 24th in passing (224) and 26th in rushing (86.8) is nothing to cheer about either. Drafting Von Miller has turned out to be a blessing as many have predicted (16 tackles and 4 sacks).
Next 4 weeks: BYE, @MIA (0-4), DET (4-0), @OAK (2-2)
What to expect: Inserting Tim Tebow in for Kyle Orton may not solve the offensive woes. But there is that possibility that he can slow down many pass rushes and force defenses to abandon the blitz. If only Tebow can keep improving his mechanics. Then and only then will he actually have a chance. But until then, keep expecting the same thing with Orton (and possibly Brady Quinn too).
And you can follow both posts on Twitter. Follow @the_rtp_blog
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