Strong AFC East Could Pose Problems For Jets in 2009

Last season, the four teams in the AFC East combined for 38 victories, tied with the NFC East and AFC South and behind only the NFC South's 40 wins. The division looks to be improved this year as well, making life difficult for the new-look New York Jets.

New England Patriots (11-5 last season): The Patriots lost All-Pro quarterback Tom Brady in the first week of last season and struggled through a few weeks of the Matt Cassel learning curve. Once Cassel got acclimated to starting in the NFL, the Patriots were again a force to be reckoned with.

New England won their last four games of the season, but Miami won their final five to take the division title based on tie-breakers. The Patriots also lost the Wild Card tie-breaker to the Ravens and were left on the outside looking in to the playoff picture.

With Brady returning in 2009, New England will look to pick up right where they left off at the end of last season. They went undefeated in the 2007 regular season and broke multiple offensive records, and that offensive unit will be back with a vengeance with receivers Randy Moss and Wes Welker still around.

The Patriots are the best team in the division and should make the playoffs again this season. They won't go undefeated, but their talent is undeniable.

Miami Dolphins (11-5 last season): Behind Comeback Player of the Year Chad Pennington, the Dolphins went from 1-15 in 2007 to 11-5 last season, winning the division title in the process.

The Dolphins took the NFL by storm with the Wildcat formation last season, and while Ronnie Brown was magnificent running it, Miami used a second-round draft pick on West Virginia quarterback Pat White.

White should make the formation even more dangerous. His speed and ability to run the option is a perfect fit for the Wildcat, and his ability to throw, particularly on the run, will give defenses fits this season.

Ted Ginn is improving every season at wide receiver, and Brown and Ricky Williams give the team a dynamic backfield duo to complement Pennington offensive abilities.

The Dolphins used the draft to upgrade their secondary, one of their few weaknesses from last season. While they may not win the division again in 2009, they should have no trouble finishing over .500 and potentially grabbing a Wild Card spot.

Buffalo Bills (7-9 last season): While the Patriots and Dolphins finished strong, the Bills lost eight of their final 10 games after a 5-1 start. Their defense and special teams were solid all year, but they struggled with consistency on offense.

With Marshawn Lynch suspended for the season's first three games, that offense will rely even more on quarterback Trent Edwards. The Bills signed controversial receiver Terrell Owens to a one-year contract in the off-season to give Edwards a true number-one receiver, and Lee Evans will be an excellent second option.

If Owens stays out of trouble and gives the Bills the legitimate top receiver they've been missing since Eric Moulds left town, this could be a much improved Bills offense. With continued progression from Edwards, the 2009 Bills will look more like the team that started 5-1, not the team that finished 2-8.

The AFC East was difficult enough in 2008 and with the improvement of the other three teams, the Jets may find themselves staring at last place in the division. The learning curve with a new coach and a rookie quarterback will be steep and if the Jets stumble out of the gate, they will spend the 2009 season looking up at their division rivals in the standings.