"Is it too early to crown the New England Patriots the 2012 AFC East champion?"
This, a question posed by ESPN's James Walker on Tuesday morning.
He has a point, citing the fact New England has won the division title nine out of the last 11 seasons.
But Walker isn't content to let the Patriots rest on old laurels.
"Offseason moves and coaching changes by the Buffalo Bills, New York Jets and Miami Dolphins have made the AFC East much more competitive in 2012," the author writes. "Last year only one team -- New England -- had a winning record. This season at least three teams are capable of making the playoffs."
Topping his list of teams to concern the Patriots is Buffalo. Walker believes no team in the league did a better job improving itself this offseason.
"At their best, the Bills can play with anyone. They proved it last season during their 5-2 start. Buffalo was the only AFC East team to split with the Patriots in 2011, which should get New Englands attention.
New England Patriots
"With a two-headed rushing attack, a versatile offensive line and a defense that could finish in the top 10, Buffalo has provided a lot of reasons for the Patriots and the rest of the AFC East to be concerned this season."
Walker has the Jets at one step behind. Though New York's offense is in flux, Gang Green has had New England's number in the recent past and will use the experience to its advantage.
Miami? Well, Miami is a mess. Walker writes the Dolphins off easily as not "a legitimate threat to the Patriots now." If you need more detailed reasoning on that (why do you need more details on that?) click here for the full story.