4 Down Territory: Links to the Absolute Best in AFC East Coverage, February 8

Every morning, the B/R AFC East blog brings you all the day's best stories and articles in one, easy-to-access compendium. This is 4 Down Territory, linking you to today's top writing in the division.

New England Patriots

If the pain of the loss wasn't enough, please allow Ben Stockwell of Pro Football Focus to pour some statistical salt on your wounds. He reminds us that although the Patriots were able to control the line of scrimmage on defense, they just couldn't get the big play when they needed it. Oh, and that the Patriots offensive line got owned on Sunday night.

Meanwhile, B/R featured columnist Wes Stueve doesn't waste any time getting into draft analysis and gives us a seven-round Patriots mock draft. He has the Patriots going back-to-back on defensive and offensive linemen respectively in the first round and focusing on depth in the secondary and at receiver. These would be smart moves by the Patriots from a personnel perspective if they follow Stueve's instruction.

Finally, Grantland and ESPN's Bill Simmons tries to console Patriots fans (and his not-so-inner Patriots fan) by finding 15 silver linings in their loss to the Giants. A long read, but a good read.

New York Jets

Pump the breaks on the Peyton Manning talk, Jets fans. B/R contributor Ryan Alfieri breaks down five reasons why Manning will not join the Jets. Cold weather definitely isn't attractive for Manning, who has played his entire career in a dome.

And even though things ended poorly for the Jets, there are some positives to take away from this season. B/R Jets featured columnist David Allison says that running back Shonn Greene and the cornerbacks were building blocks, and he also finds a positive in the Jets' lack of talent at receiver.

Buffalo Bills

Jerry Sullivan of The Buffalo News points out that Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick played through as many as four cracked ribs and a cracked sternum in 2011. Fitzpatrick isn't making any excuses for his poor play, but Sullivan explains:

"

Before the Fletcher hit, he had completed 67 percent of his passes for 7.6 yards an attempt. After the injury, he completed 59 percent and his average per pass dipped to 6.2 yards. He had 13 touchdown passes and seven interceptions beforehand, 11 TDs and 16 picks afterwards.

"

Meanwhile, B/R Bills featured columnist Robert Quinn lists the five biggest needs for the Bills in the 2012 NFL Draft. Not surprisingly, a majority of those needs are on defense. That unit ranked 30th in the league in scoring, allowing offenses to crack 27 points per game on them. Some pass protection and playmaking receivers are in order, as well. 

Cracked ribs or no, Fitzpatrick can't do it on his own.

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins defense may have been their strong unit in 2011, but it's far from perfect. B/R featured columnist Scott Altman has five Dolphins who should be on the trade block in 2012, and four of the five just happen to be defensive backs. Think that's a position of need?

And, not surprisingly, Manning Watch continues in South Beach, and Brian Biggane of the Palm Beach Post has the San Francisco 49ers and the Dolphins as the front-runners for Peyton Manning's services. That has to be good news for a franchise that has spent nine of the past 11 years looking up at the Patriots in the division.

AFC East

Finally, PFF has more for you stat freaks, as they break down the players that are trending upward and downward for each team.

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