2009 AFC East Outlook:The Struggle for Power

Though much maligned, the Buffalo defense finished in the middle of the pack in most major categories: 14th in points allowed, 14th in yards allowed per games and 13th in passing yards per game allowed.

The biggest thing going against them is that they could not generate enough turnovers via pass rush, finishing third worst in the AFC with 22 total takeaways (10 INT, 12 recovered fumbles) and 24 sacks.

Their defense could get much better with the drafting of hybrid DE/OLB Aaron Maybin out of Penn State. The 3-4 defense is coming back to more NFL teams and Maybin's presence along with the return of former teammate Paul Posluszny from a knee injury could help a dreadful pass rush.

Though he may not be what Patrick Willis or Jerod Mayo were in their rookie seasons, Maybin's size and quickness off the edge is something that defensive coordinator Perry Fewell needs to use as a weapon in certain situations.

The secondary also gets a boost with the drafting of Hawaii CB Jarius Byrd, whom is very physical at the line of scrimmage with good hands and explosive hip rotation technique which is desperately needed in the AFC with the caliber of receivers in the conference.

Biggest concern(s): Is Trent Edwards the answer at quarterback?

The Bills have not had a real capable signal caller since Doug Flutie in 1999 and even with Flutie's production, Buffalo still lost to Tennessee in that postseaon. 

Edwards still has trouble with his "mental clock" in knowing when to get rid of the ball under pressure and the loss of Jason Peters could add to his troubles.

Injuries as well as the lack of the big play really hurt the Bills down the stretch of last season but the addition of Owens on offense as well as a two-headed monster at running back should make Buffalo's offense more productive in 2009.  

You also have to factor in Owens' tendency to split up the locker room so Edwards must take more of a leadership role in year three if he wants to get on T.O.'s good side.

2009 prediction: Buffalo has made a lot of nice additions but as long the football gods continue to make the rich richer, Bills fans can only hope for a wild card berth.

Again, Trent Edwards must be more of a leader if Buffalo is to take the next step.

2009 record: 8-8

 

Miami Dolphins (2008: 11-5, division winner)

2008 in review: Apparently, Bill Parcells didn't get the memo that he was supposed to "stay down" in 2008. Instead, he cleaned house and brought in the Coach of the Year in Tony Sporano and plucked QB Chad Pennington from the scrap heap who was dumped from the Jets like a bad prom date.

No one saw the "Wildcat" coming (just ask New England) and with the drafting of OT Jake Long with the first overall pick in 2008 combined with Pennington's precision passing and leadership, the Dolphins engineered the greatest single season turnaround in NFL history.

Key Additions: DE Jason Taylor (FA/Washington), C Jake Grove (FA/Oakland), CB Vontae Davis (D1/25/Illinois), QB/WR Pat White (D2/44/West Virginia), WR Patrick Turner (D3/81/USC), WR Brian Hartline (D4/108/Ohio State)

Key Losses: none

When the offense is on the field: The Wildcat formation was key to Miami's turnaround last season as they could run or throw out of many different variations of it.

To expect another big season out of Chad Pennington is asking a little much as he has had trouble piecing good seasons back to back. The drafting of Pat White gives the Wildcat a new, dangerous element to it in addition to the slash and dash backfield of Ronnie Brown and a rejuvenated Ricky Williams.

The biggest weakness in this offense is the wide receiving corps and their ability to stretch the field given Pennington's limited arm strength.

Though that part of the offense was addressed through the draft, none of them really scare opposing defenses so offensive coordinator Dan Henning will have to gameplan week to week as to how to attack down the field if the Wildcat is ineffective.

Miami also set an NFL record by committing only 10 total turnovers (7 INT, 3 fumbles lost) so they are fundamentally sound on this side of the ball.

Defenses were more prepared for the Wildcat so if that fails as well as Pennington's production, could we see second year QB Chad Henne who is slated to be the 2010 starter?

The offensive line is still solid and gets a true veteran presence in former Raiders center Jake Grove while Long gives them toughness on the outside edge.

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