[MIJB#19]

Divisional Reviews: Northeast Division
A strong division where the rushing game seems to rule, despite that this division has some of the most talented quarterbacks.

Boston Rhinos
Wins: 6
Rank: 4
Star Player: QB Fabian Parker, more a name then a talent player, tossed 2922 yd, 19 td and 24 int.
Offensive Hero: TE Manuel Erickson, performed on every down, had 46 catches, 5 td and 6 key run blocks in 12 starts.
Defensive Hero: OLB Stephen McNamara, helps out where he can, made 92 tackles, 4 sacks and 2 int.
Top Rookie: LT Jake Griffith, #15 pick, started 10 games and allowed just 4 sacks, but harldy improved his skill.
Bummer: DE James Lederman, again got injured and has now played just 13 games in 2 seasons. So much for being a stud.
Storyline: The Rhinos had two losing streaks that wasted the season. The team changed quarterback and seemed to struggle a bit.
2006: The Rhinos have an expensive roster, yet their stars all seem to struggle or get injured. Maybe 2006 will be better.

North Plainfield Plague
Wins: 11
Rank: 1
Star Player: QB David Conti, a young and promising guy, who had 3078 yd and 12 td vs 11 int.
Offensive Hero: RB Shannon Fitzhume, traded in from Astoria, fitted into the system, ran for 1374 yd and 9 td.
Defensive Hero: CB Jimmie Strawn, a terrific man marker, had 54 tackles, 9 int, 21 defended passes and allowed 24 catches.
Top Rookie: ILB Ben 'Furby' Tompkins, #43 pick, had a good year with 62 tackles and 3 sacks.
Bummer: TE Brendon Drumm, the star receiver of the team, went out injured after 9 games, replaced well by Robert Cox.
Storyline: The Plague defended their division title with success, but lost a defensive battle in the AOC semi finals to Bordeaux.
2006: The Plague are young and should be expected to fight for a third consecutive title, yet salary cap woes are coming forward.

Rochester Lake Monsters
Wins: 9
Rank: 2
Star Player: G Gene Simmons, an all round good blocker, made 35 key run blocks and allowed 1 sack in 13 games.
Offensive Hero: WR Amos Collins, missed 5 games but still managed to score a team high 5 td, had 40 catches for 588 yd.
Defensive Hero: WLB Truman Hudson, both rushed and covered receivers, made 8.5 sacks and 2 int.
Top Rookie: DE Earnest Sanford, #10 pick, emerged as a defensive rookie of the year, had 13 sacks and 43 tackles.
Bummer: CB Antoine Hall, key man marker, went out after 11 games and will miss most of 2006.
Storyline: The Lake Monsters had a good start, like in 2004, but again choked. They lost out on tiebreakers for the playoffs.
2006: The Lake Monsters improved 3 wins from 2004 to 2005 and look capable of making a playoff appearance in the coming season.

Syracuse Mohawks
Wins: 9
Rank: 3
Star Player: ILB Joe Teeters, the linebacker enmassed 28.5 sacks and 153 tackles to stop offenses on his own.
Offensive Hero: RB Arthur Curran, traded in after 3 weeks to improve the offense, totalled 1368 yd and 9 td.
Defensive Hero: S Ralph Koziol, played again on a high level, made 81 tackles, 4 int and defended 9 passes.
Top Rookie: FB Alfred Dingle, #13 pick, struggled and never won the starting job, will start in 2006 for salary cap reasons.
Bummer: QB Brent Peterman, hyped as a top prospect, yet doesn't show the numbers to prove it. 16 td versus 17 int, ouch.
Storyline: The defense rocks, the passing game sucks. As top talent Brent Peterman plays so-so, Joe Teeters steps in.
2006: The Mohawks hardly improved in 2005 and Teeters can't do it alone. If Peterman finally breaks out, this could be a top team.