The Hoochie Llamas have won three straight AFC East division titles behind the arm of 2 time defending MVP Drew Brees, but have yet to break through with a Super Bowl title. With the defending champion Refugees and improving Bear Poop and Asian Orangutang teams coming on strong, the window may be closing for the Llamas to not only win a championship, but also their division. Kevin Sansone looks at what's in store for the AFC East this season.
Team Capsules
Cuban Refugees
For the second time in four years, the Refugees went 7-6 during the regular season, took the Wild Card spot, and then won the YFFL Super Bowl. Once again the rest of the league was left shaking their heads and asking four questions: How? Why? Really? Aceto? It's no secret that the duo of Chris Johnson and Maurice Jones-Drew are the best running back tandem in the game. These two are going to get their points week in and week out, and except for bye weeks and when Aceto forgets to plug in his roster, these two are automatic lineup fill-ins. But it's savvy drafting and trading of players like Hakeem Nicks, Johnny Knox, and Donovan McNabb that will put the Refugees on top of the division this year. Aceto also has luck on his side in terms of scheduling, as his big three (Johnson, Drew, McNabb) all have the same bye week (9). Who comes to town that week? The Apple Eaters, who many project to be a Stupor Bowl participant this season. Someone pass me the gin.
Projected Record: 9-4
Hoochie Llamas
The big question facing the Hoochie Llamas going into the 2010 season is can new GM Ryan Gibbons handle the pressure of the YFFL? Gibby steps into an intriguing situation with a team coming off three straight division titles but no championships. Two-time defending YFFL MVP Drew Brees will make the GM's transition easier; as will veterans Andre Johnson and Nate Kaeding. In order for the Llamas to take that step, Joseph Addai and Visanthe Shiancoe must repeat their Pro Bowl seasons of 2009. Without consistency from these players, the Llamas will not be able to repeat as division champs in the AFC East. I think the Llamas take a step back this year as Gibby begins to search for replacements for aging and declining players Donald Driver and Marion Barber (III).
Projected Record: 7-6
Bear Poop
The other day I asked myself a typical question that I am sure many other people ponder as well: "What YFFL team is Jermichel Finley on?" I couldn't believe it when i checked the new YFFL "Players" page and saw that Finley is a Poop. Bri Davidson quietly got himself the best tight end in the league last season and no one is talking about it. For years i have been telling myself that the Bear are a one-trick pony, with no hopes of winning unless Brady score 24 points or more. The reality is that Bri has a few veterans that will put up some points and Finley is going to be a mainstay in the lineup for the foreseeable future. A solid draft will keep the Poop in contention in 2010.
Projected Record: 7-6
Asian Orangutangs
The rebuilding process for the Orangutangs enters year five as Jon hopes that things start to come together for this young team. Strong drafts in 2008, 2009, and 2010 have landed Jon with key players Jonathan Stewart, Percy Harvin, and Dez Bryant. The quarterback position has been a wasteland the last few year as no one has stepped up under center to take hold of the position. Chad Henne will look to change that as Jon finally has hope for the future. The Tangs aren't quite ready to contend in the division, but it wont be long before this team will be fighting for a playoff spot.
Projected Record: 4-9
Preseason Superlatives
Division MVP
Drew Brees, Llamas
If the Llamas make the playoffs, it will be because Drew Brees is scoring 15+ points a game. That is the definiton of MVP. Brees will look to make it three straight in 2010.
Most Underrated
Jonathan Stewart, Orangutangs
All "J-Stew" does is score touchdowns. And in the YFFL, that is everything. If Stewart could figure out a way to get rid of DeAngelo Williams, multiple Pro Bowls would be in his future.
Most Overrated
Greg Jennings, Poop
Aaron Rodgers loves to throw to Jermichael Finley in the red zone, and no one will be affected more than Jennings. Look for his numbers to rebound slightly in 2010, but he wont exceed 60 points again.
Breakthrough Player
Zach Miller, Poop
Every quarterback needs a safety net, and Miller will be Jason Campbell's. Bri Davidson will showcase many two-TE sets this season as he has two of the top players at the position.
All-Division Team
| POS | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| QB | Drew Brees | Llamas |
| RB | Chris Johnson | Refugees |
| RB | Maurice Jones-Drew | Refugees |
| WR | Andre Johnson | Llamas |
| WR | Percy Harvin | Orangutangs |
| TE | Jermichael Finley | Poop |
| K | Nate Kaeding | Llamas |
| UT | Jonathan Stewart | Orangutangs |