IMPACT ROOKIES FOR 2013 NFL SEASON-AFC EAST

This doesn't look like it's going to be a banner year in the AFC east, but really, can anyone remember a year where at least one of these teams didn't stink?

On the bright side, the Bills and Dolphins look to be taking steps in the right direction and their fandoms have hope again. 

The Pats are going to be interesting, as they look like they are going to have to learn on their running game heavier than they did in past years.  That's not really a bad thing when you were known for passing last year and ended up with the #7 rushing attack in the league.

but, enough about last year...the question, which rookies are going to help out the most on their teams?

here we go, the AFC EAST Impact Rookies.

Hartline: We don’t want New York fans at Sun Life Stadium

At least once a year, when the Jets come to town, there’s an influx of opposing attendees that infiltrate Sun Life Stadium.

Brian Hartline is hoping to put an end to that.

Taking part in a teleconference with fans Tuesday, the Dolphins receiver said the team is sick of seeing New York fans in its house.

Are the Miami Dolphins legitimate AFC East contenders?

This offseason, the Miami Dolphins have been given a lot of attention for being one of the most aggressive teams in both free agency and the NFL Draft. Despite the loss of some veteran players such as Jake Long, the additions of potential difference makers on both sides of the ball have led some to believe that the Dolphins may be set for a break out year.

In the NFL, a quarterback-driven league, a large amount of a team’s success depends on the play of their quarterback. Ryan Tannehill, the Dolphins’ 2012 first-round draft pick, came in and played fairly well at quarterback last season; he threw for 3,294 yards, twelve touchdowns and thirteen interceptions. Tannehill seemed to improve every week and led the Dolphins to a 7-9 record, which was an improvement on the team’s 6-10 record in 2011. Tannehill was no RG3, Andrew Luck, or Russell Wilson, but he was solid.

This offseason, the Dolphins’ front-office added offensive weapons Mike Wallace and Brandon Gibson to their receiving corps in order to aid Tannehill’s development, as well as re-signing of Brian Hartline. Wallace is one of the best downfield threats in the NFL today and is a true speedster. His ability to take the top off a defence should enable the Dolphins’ run-game to flourish, whilst giving Tannehill a legitimate number one receiver. The addition of Brandon Gibson gives Tannehill another reliable receiver, despite the fact that he’s not a “big name”, unlike Wallace. Gibson had his best season for the St. Louis Rams in 2012, with 691 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Moreover, Miami also retained the services of Brian Hartline, their best receiver in 2012, who recorded a team-high 1,083 receiving yards. Clearly, their receiving corps is in good shape, thanks to some good offseason work by the Dolphins’ front office. With the help of these receivers, Tannehill’s play should continue to improve, which could result in the Dolphins being an aerial force in the AFC East.

Greg Jennings Interested in the Miami Dolphins

Greg Jennings is preparing for free agency this off-season. The almost 30-year old wide receiver has spent his whole career in Green Bay but when news broke that he put his home up for sale, many are assuming his time is up with the Packers.

If it is, the time comes for Jennings to decide where he will want to play next. And at least one destination makes a lot of sense.

NFL Players: Someone Needs To Help These Guys

Last weekend treated us to a nearly full slate of action-packed NFL playoff excitement.  From the opening game at Denver Saturday morning, to the Colin Kaepernick highlight reel that night, through the Seahawk heartbreak Sunday afternoon, the National Football League never let us down.  Sure, New England ended it on a sour note due to their domination of the Texans in Foxboro, but for the most part it was a home run for the league, and for the viewers another in the long line of memorable Divisional Weekends.  There were long runs and longer passes, fantastic plays and finer finishes, and those who made a difference and those who wish they’d hadn’t. 

But like most NFL games, there were also injuries on the field, but it’s the ones you don’t see that have me thinking now, and how they’re dealt with that has me thinking about later.

Half-way through my first cup of coffee Sunday morning, I dazedly stumbled into an article by the Miami
Herald’s Dan LeBatard. It was a piece about ex-Dolphin great and surefire Hall of Famer Jason Taylor, and his numerous bouts with injuries over the span of a 15-year NFL career.  Sure, I’ve seen my share of stories revolving around the toll the game of football takes on its participants and know people firsthand who speak to that very toll, but amidst today’s concussion debate and on the horizon of an unknown future for the game so many of us love, I was forced to think long and hard about the price these guys pay, and whether or not I should feel okay about them paying it.

It’s a free country, I know that.  I also know players such as Taylor are compensated nicely, aren’t directly forced to put themselves in harm’s way, and passionately love the very game that takes years from their lives. 

Reggie Bush Says He Should Have Been Benched, Apologizes To Fans

Reggie Bush was quietly having a very productive, prove the naysayers wrong type of season for the Dolphins up until this point.

Yesterday against the Tennessee Titans, Bush regressed to old Reggie, running soft and fumbling in the first quarter.

Dolphins coach Joe Philbin, still trying to prove to people, just how much of a hard ass he can be, bench Bush in the middle of the first quarter.