Training Camp Preview: AFC East

2012-07-16 10:15:58
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
RealTime Fantasy Sports

Tebow creates competition

This is the first of eight training camp previews that will be released before the start of camps. We'll give you a team-by-team look at some things to watch as camps get ready to open. We begin with the AFC East.

Jets

New York should have an interesting training camp with Tim Tebow around this year. You can expect tons of media there to watch every move that Tebow makes. The Jets seem to like all the attention but we aren't sure they are ready for all this. The Jets are a talented team, though, that should be in the mix for the playoffs if all the pieces come together. New York gets camp started July 26 at the Jets Training Facility in Florham Park, N.J.

Position battle: The Jets claim Mark Sanchez is their starter but you would have to think if Tim Tebow starts making waves in camp and the preseason, he could start for the Jets. Either way, it will be interesting to see how this all plays out in New York. If Tebow really starts stealing time from Sanchez, the value of Sanchez takes a big hit for the coming season.

Injury watch: Safety LaRon Landry is recovering from an Achilles' injury but is looking good for the start of the regular season. He should be able to participate in training camp but might be eased into action until it gets closer to the start of the season. It is an injury to watch, though, as Landry could be another impact player for the Jets on the defensive side of the ball.

Patriots

New England always has a team in contention for the Super Bowl and this season looks to be no different. The big story in camp will be their running back spot, which is far from settled. They have a host of players vying for playing time. And while the Patriots are very pass first these days, the running back spot does hold some value for fantasy teams. We get to see the Patriots in action starting July 26 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass.

Position battle: You never know how the running back situation in New England will shake out but expect Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley to be the top candidates to start this season. Vereen might be the favorite to start as he is the more versatile option but nothing is certain right now. Veteran Joseph Addai also has a chance to be in the mix but his best days are behind him, so the chances of him playing a big role are slim.

Injury watch: Tight end Rob Gronkowski had offseason ankle surgery. He played late in the season with the injury and performed but the surgery should get him back to 100 percent for this season. He might get eased into action a bit during training camp but all expectations are for Gronk to be full strength for the start of the season.

Dolphins

A new coaching staff is in place, so the Dolphins have a lot to cover during training camp this year. Plus, they have a quarterback battle to take place. The Dolphins also will be the featured team on the Hard Knocks televisions series on HBO. Needless to say, it should be an interesting camp in Miami. The fun begins July 27 in Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Fla.

Position battle: Ryan Tannehill is the future at the position for the Dolphins. He will be given a chance to compete with Matt Moore and David Garrard for the starting job but isn't likely to win the job. Tannehill is pretty raw at the position and probably would do well with sitting and watching for a year or two. Moore should be the starter from day one this season but Garrard isn't going away quietly, performing well in offseason workouts. And Tannehill could get in the mix if Moore or Garrard have any struggles.

Injury watch: The Dolphins have a relatively healthy squad heading into camp. The one injury situation to kind of watch is receiver Brian Hartline, who is recovering from a recent appendectomy. He should be just fine for the start of training camp but you never know. Hartline has a good shot to serve as starter for the Dolphins, which is why you'll want to watch his progress during camp.

Bills

Buffalo started out well last year but ended their season with a thud. They'll look to play a full season this year, hoping to get things straightened out during training camp. The Bills made several offseason moves, including signing defensive end Mario Williams. Buffalo seems to be a team on the rise. We'll get a better idea of their progress beginning July 26 at St. John Fisher College in Pittsford, N.Y.

Position battle:. We wouldn't really consider this a battle but look for Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller to compete for touches in this offense. Spiller showed a lot last season when given a chance to start and earned playing time for the coming season. Jackson should start but his touches should be reduced with Spiller starting to come into his own.

Injury watch: Receiver Stevie Johnson had surgery on his groin during the offseason. He hasn't done a whole lot during the offseason but started to do more and more of late. He should be close to full strength for the start of training camp. And he is obviously a player to monitor as he is the top receiver in a pretty pass-heavy offense.

If you have any questions or comments, please email Jeff Paur at jeff@rtsports.com

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