AFC East preview
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Prediction: First.
Coach: Bill Belichick, 12th season (overall 177-100).
Coordinators: Off., Bill O'Brien; Def., Belichick
Outlook: Belichick is back and looking for more hardware to add to his three Super Bowl trophies in New England. His roster remains loaded with talent, from QB Tom Brady, WR Wes Welker and LG Logan Mankins on offense, to LB Jerod Mayo, NT Vince Wilfork and CB Devin McCourty on defense. The Pats also traded for WR Chad Ochocinco and DT Albert Haynesworth and signed former Jets DE Shaun Ellis. The Pats were stunned in the divisional playoffs at home by the Jets -- New England's second straight home playoff loss.
Last word: Pats are loaded for another run, but there's plenty of competition in the AFC.
Three-year trend (2008-10): 11-5, 10-6, 14-2.
JETS
Prediction: Second.
Coach: Rex Ryan, third season (24-14).
Coordinators: Off., Brian Schottenheimer; Def., Mike Pettine.
Outlook: The Jets come off back-to-back appearances in the AFC Championship Game, and Ryan isn't about to stop his Super Bowl-or-bust approach. They did a good job in free agency by retaining WR Santonio Holmes and CB Antonio Cromartie, and adding WRs Plaxico Burress and Derrick Mason. Gone is Shaun Ellis and in comes rookie Muhammad Wilkerson on the defensive line. The defense figures to be just as good as last season, and another year's experience for QB Mark Sanchez will help.
Last word: The Jets are bent on winning the division to secure at least one home game. A tough schedule and a tough Patriots team won't help that plan. Even so, the Jets are still a playoff team.
Three-year trend: 9-7. 9-7, 11-5.
MIAMI DOLPHINS
Prediction: Third.
Coach: Tony Sparano, fourth season (25-24).
Coordinators: Off., Brian Daboll; Def., Mike Nolan.
Outlook: Only after team owner Stephen Ross failed to lure Jim Harbaugh to South Florida did Sparano get a reprieve after last year's disappointing season. Lame-duck coach? Just about. Unless the Dolphins pull off a major surprise -- which doesn't seem likely -- there figures to be a new coach next season. Chad Henne is the QB, but there needs to be mega-improvement from the fourth-year passer for Miami to even think about a wild-card berth. RB Reggie Bush adds some punch, but not enough.
Last word: Another mediocre season for the Dolphins, another coach -- and maybe a QB -- next season.
Three-year trend: 11-5, 7-9, 7-9.
BUFFALO BILLS
Prediction: Fourth.
Coach: Chan Gailey, second season (22-29).
Coordinators: Off., Curtis Modkins; Def., George Edwards.
Outlook: The Bills haven't had a winning season since 2004, and it appears they're not much closer this year. A lack of talent, questions at QB, an inexperienced offensive line . . . need we go on? The Bills did sign Jets all-purpose player Brad Smith, who will play some QB, WR and returner, and they'll have recently acquired LB Shawne Merriman on the field to start the season. But because they play in a tough division, and because they're still wanting in terms of talent, it figures to be another disappointing season.
Last word: Seems like forever since the Bills went to four straight Super Bowls (1990-93 seasons).
Three-year trend: 7-9, 6-10, 4-12.
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