Quarterly Report: AFC East

For better or for worse...it is time to hand out those report cards.

We begin in the AFC East, where the once flawless Patriots stood atop the standings with an unblemished 16-0 record. Those days seem far in the past, with Mark Sanchez and the Jets and Ronnie Brown and the Fins on the rise.

All is fair in love, war, and report cards.

The 3-2 New York Jets

Grade: B+

In the wins against the Bill, Patriots, and Titans, we saw Rex Ryan put on a defensive clinic, asphyxiating once high-powered offenses.

Let's not forget the production from the rookie product from USC, Mark Sanchez. Excluding the few bad decisions (three INTs and a safety) against the Saints defense, Sanchez has been sharp, even in his losing cause to Miami.

Look for Sanchez to use his newfound weapon, Braylon (Sick Hands) Edwards; what a debut for New York for the second-year wideout.

The reason for the B+ mainly goes for the lack of execution. What happened, Rex Ryan? Getting outworked by the Saints defense and then in Miami. I am not sure which game film the team is watching on the Dolphins, but did no one notice that Miami runs the wildcat?

With an easier schedule and a rematch with Miami before the bye week, look for the B+ to creep into the "A" range.

The 3-2 New England Patriots

Grade: B+

Tom Brady is starting to find his once lethal arm. Brady put his Pats in position to win in the last two games but was let down by the defense against Denver and was bailed out by a dropped pass to the numbers by Mark Clayton.

The Pats' "new-look" defense cannot rely on Brady and the offense to torch the opposition's defense week in and week out. However, the defense can rebound against 0-5 Tennessee and 0-5 Tampa Bay.

I expect the Pats to go into the bye week with a 5-2 record. The real test will be stopping the passing clinic Peyton Manning is putting on.

The 2-3 Miami Dolphins

Grade: C+

The Wildcat wizards, Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams, are still confusing defenses with their strength and agility after week five. Chad Henne is looking comfortable in the pocket and is very confident in his receiving corps. The offense is clicking.

I am not convinced by the defense yet. They have holes and lack pressure. Will Allen and Yeremiah Bell are the bright spots in the secondary, but the D-line needs to pressure the quarterbacks since Drew Brees and Tom Brady are on the horizon.

The 1-4 Buffalo Bills

Grade: D
Where shall I begin with this under-productive team? Can't stop the run, can't stop the air attack.
Okay, they held the Browns' offense to six points, but must I remind you that this is the Browns offense that has not scored a offensive touchdown since week one?

When Trent Edwards is in the top five for Interceptions and sacks allowed by all quarterbacks and is second in rushing yards on the team, you know there is a problem with the team. Marshawn Lynch needs to get back his 2008 form.