Since I consider my specialty with handicapping being player personnel, I figured I would do an 8 part series on each teams strength and weakness to look to attack during this season. If the community shows some interest, I'll do each division over the next two weeks or so, as it only takes me about 20 minutes per division to write up. Any input is appreciated
New England Patriots
Strength= Passing Game: This is a fairly obvious strength of the league’s best team. The Patriots have added dynamic WR Brandin Cooks and arguably the best tight end in history, Rob Gronkowski, to a team that won the super bowl without them. Cooks is the first Pats receiver that can take the top off of opposing defenses since Randy Moss, and I suppose he will be used as a decoy often, as Brady is the leagues most dominant short to intermediate range passer. The Patriots have a ton of depth outside of the big 3 of Cooks, Edelman, and Gronk. Malcolm Mitchell is a intriguing second year fourth round pick, and Danny Amendola is reliable. Dwyane Allen is a solid second tight end, and the Pats have a ton of pass catching backs. Rex Burkhead is a big time sleeper for this team, especially in the passing game, but he is also an underrated inside runner.
Weakness= Pass Rush: The Patriots pass rush finished 26th in football outsiders adjusted sack rate. Trey Flowers is a talented edge rusher but the team could use another edge rusher. They are counting on 33 year old Rob Ninkovich and Kony Ealy, who the Panthers gave away for cheap.
New York Jets
Strength= Defensive Line: This is the only strength of the entire roster. The Jets have one of the leagues premier defensive lines when it comes to run defense and pushing the pocket. Sheldon Richardson could become a mid season trade candidate, but Leonard Williams is an emerging star, and Muhammed Wilkerson would ideally have a better season after an average season last year, likely due to him coming off an injury.
Weakness= Entire Offense: The Jets have the leagues worst quarterback situation, the leagues worst playmakers surrounding their quarterback, and a bottom ten offensive line. Not much more needs to be said.
Buffalo Bills
Strength= Rushing Offense: Lesean mccoy re established himself as a top 5 back in the NFL last season, averaging 5.4 YPC. The dual threat aspect of Tyrod Taylor opens up a ton of lanes for this rushing offense. The Bills Oline was third in the NFL with 2.88 yards created before contact on rushing attempts, and they paid Falcons FB Patrick Dimarco big money as a lead blocker. This team will once again be committed to the ground game.
Weakness= Pass Catchers: The Bills defense is not that great either, but I selected pass catchers. Sammy Watkins has undergone two foot surgeries and a hip surgery since entering the NFL, and the Bills did not pick up his fifth year option, which shows concern about his health for future seasons. Second round pick Zay Jones and a bunch of average wideouts are behind Watkins. The team knows this weakness, as they tried to sign Jeremy Maclin just recently. Charles Clay has shown signs of a breaking down body during his tenure in buffalo and has not had a ton of production with Tyrod Taylor as his quarterback.
Miami Dolphins
Strength: Rushing Offense: The Dolphins became a slow paced, rushing offense last season with the emergence of Jay Ajayi, and that is when the team got hot and made a surprise playoff run. When the OLine is healthy, they have solid run blocking at LT, C, and RT. Adam Gase is committed heavily to the run and is said to be planning on giving Ajayi as many touches as he can handle this season
Weakness: Defensive Back: Byron Maxwell had a solid season at corner last season, but he’s had an inconsistent career. Reshad Jones is also a solid starter for Miami, but they lack a good option at free safety, and they also are weak at the other corner spots. The Dolphins are really hoping for a jump from second year second round pick Xavien Howard. Run defense, and offensive guard were also considerations.