When you look at the AFC East division heading into the 2009 season, every team has a chance to not only win the division title but possibly wrestle the AFC crown from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Even with backup Matt Cassel, the New England Patriots finished 11-5 but failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2002, only the second team in NFL history since the 1985 Broncos. 

New England has gone 33-9 in the division since Brady took over in Week Three of the 2001 season and is eager to get back to the playoffs to finish what they started against the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII where they were denied a perfect season.

For the first time since 2000, the Miami Dolphins were crowned division champions after being left for dead during a 1-17 stretch that that went all the way back to the 2007 season.

The unveiling of the Wildcat (single wing) formation in week three began their 11-3 turnaround and the run to the division title.

After a sizzling 8-3 start the New York Jets faded to a 9-7 finish. This offseason, they have almost doubled their spending spree efforts in hiring a new head coach in Rex Ryan and reloading their defense.

The closest the Jets have gotten to the Super Bowl was the 1998 AFC Championship Game, falling to the eventual Super Bowl champion Broncos.

The Buffalo Bills also enjoyed a nice 5-1 start but faded to a dismal 7-9 finish.

Each team has improved in almost all fronts which makes the AFC East one of the "Fantastic Four" to watch heading into 2009, including the NFC East, AFC and NFC South.

This breakdown will focus on the offseasons of each team and how their acquisitions will impact both sides of the ball as well as their chances at the division and conference titles.

NOTE: Draft choices will be in parentheses with the letter D, round number and pick.

 

 

Buffalo Bills (2008: 7-9; 0-6 in division)

2008 in review: After a collapse following a 5-1 start, head coach Dick Jauron was given a contract extension.  Buffalo lacked the big play on both sides of the ball, even with the progression (or off-field regression) of second year RB Marshawn Lynch.

The Bills finished near the bottom in all offensive categories and even though QB Trent Edwards started hot (5 TD, 2 INT in first six games) he faded quickly (6 TD, 9 INT.) Playcalling by offensive coordinator Turk Schonert was also put under fire.

Key Additions: WR Terrell Owens (FA/Dallas), DE Aaron Maybin (D1/11/Penn State), C Eric Wood (D1/28/Louisville)

Key Losses: OT Jason Peters (trade w/PHI)

When offense has the ball: Though he did ruin three different franchises and three different quarterbacks, Terrell Owens was brought in for his playmaking ability. At 36, we all believe this is his last chance at glory, so Schonert will have to use him properly.

The Bills offense finished 22nd in passing yards per game (190.0) and 23rd in points per game (21.0) so the acquisition of Owens gives Buffalo some instant credibility, just check out the reception he got at the airport.

Litte fun fact: Owens had 10 receiving touchdowns last season, Bills wide receivers had six combined between Lee Evans, Josh Reed and James Hardy.

Owens gives third year QB Trent Edwards a vertical deep threat, although we know Owens has a propensity for not going over the middle unlike Larry Fitzgerald or Randy Moss.

His height and speed (or diminishing speed, according to Skip Bayless) will also open up passing lanes off of play-action for Josh Reed, Lee Evans and James Hardy as it will be difficult to double team Owens with a ton of speed coming from both the slot and the outside.

Re-signed RB Fred Jackson will also be key in certain situations as the backup to Marshawn Lynch who has proved to be a powerful runner between the tackles. Jackson was very serviceable in both the running game as well as the passing game, racking up 37 catches.

The loss of left tackle Jason Peters could ultimately hurt Edwards more than help him, although the drafting of Eric Wood is a very good start to rebuilding the offensive line.

Look for TE Shawn Nelson to be a possible wild-card in the Bills offense down the road.

When the defense is on the field:

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?