History in the making: Tom Brady and the Patriots have everything they need to win their third NFL title in four years

Football Digest, Sept, 2004 by Barry Wilner

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO DONT believe it's possible for dynasties to exist anymore in the NFL, we present the New England Patriots. Amazingly, New England looks like it could be even stronger this year than it was in its Super Bowl-winning seasons of 2001 and 2003.

The Patriots fortified themselves in free agency and the draft, and also have a perfect blend of youth and experience. Their coaching staff also remains intact, even though offensive coordinator Charlie Weis and defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel were widely interviewed last January for head-coaching openings. What's more, head coach Bill Belichick and player personnel chief Scott Pioli work the draft superbly, finding the kinds of players who fit the Patriots' style.

Unlike last season, when the AFC East appeared to be a tossup among all four teams, the Patriots are runaway favorites. The Buffalo Bills had a second straight busy offseason; they tried to upgrade an offense that stagnated in 2003 while also adding some leadership to the defense. With new coach Mike Mularkey figuring to be a huge improvement over Gregg Williams, the Bills could contend for a wild-card slot.

SO might the Miami Dolphins, although new quarterback A.J. Feeley is untested and the offensive line is shaky. The Dolphins need their defense and running back Ricky Williams to carry them ... again. They also have a tough schedule, facing six teams that made the playoffs in 2003.

The New York Jets, meanwhile, had a disappointing offseason, failing to sign the free agents they had targeted. General manager Terry Bradway did not receive a contract extension--although coach Herman Edwards did--so the GM is on the hot seat.

Here's an in-depth look at the AFC East:

1. New England Patriots

Where they left off: In a position to set records. The Pats started the season 2-2, then reeled off 12 straight regular-season wins and three more in the playoffs, including their thrilling Super Bowl victory over the Carolina Panthers. They showed balance on offense and defense, and stars such as quarterback Tom Brady, defensive tackle Richard Seymour, and safety Rodney Harrison are ready to do it all over again.

New faces: It's not like the Patriots needed to make many changes, but they still went out and improved themselves. Although veteran running back Corey Dillon doesn't seem to be the team-oriented type of player the Patriots insist on, Belichick and his coaches believe he'll fit in and will be an improvement over Antowain Smith. Dillon certainly is more of a breakaway threat than Smith. Keith Traylor will take over for the departed Ted Washington at nose tackle until top draft pick Vince Wilfork is ready. Fourth-rounder Cedric Cobbs could be a kick-return demon.

X's and O's: While Belichick wants to give Dillon every chance to run the ball, he can't ignore the brilliance of Brady. And with a strong corps of receivers led by veteran Troy Brown and the emerging Deion Branch and David Givens, the Patriots will throw often. They'll go downfield plenty, too, if an offensive line that was so strong down the stretch last season measures up once more. The defense is deep everywhere, although age could be a factor at linebacker. The return of outside linebacker Rosevelt Colvin, who missed most of last season with an injury, adds more ammunition.

Coaching/management: This is the best staff in football, perhaps in all of sports, as it showed last season when the Patriots won games in a variety of different manners.

Why they'll finish first: The Pats are experienced, deep, and resourceful. That's an unbeatable combination.

2. Buffalo Bills

Where they left off: Down in the dumps after losing their last three games to go 6-10. Williams was fired in great part because his team underachieved.

New faces: The Bills were adventurous in the draft, selecting speedy wide receiver Lee Evans at No. 13 overall (a bit of a reach), then Wading back into the first round to select quarterback J.P. Losman, who probably won't take a snap this year. They also signed veteran guard Chris Villarrial to replace the disgruntled Ruben Brown, but that's a downgrade. An upgrade, particularly in the locker room, comes with the addition of cornerback Troy Vincent, one of the league's best leaders, in place of Antoine Winfield. And running back Willis McGahee is like a new face. After rehabbing from a knee injury for his entire rookie season in 2003, he may be ready to do something this year.

X's and O's: Mularkey should get the offense back on track, especially if quarterback Drew Bledsoe, who had a miserable season in 2003, is his old self. Tommy Maddox revived his career under Mularkey on the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the same might happen to Bledsoe, who has good weapons in Eric Moulds, Josh Reed, Evans, 1,300-yard rusher Travis Henry, and McGahee. The offense should be more adventurous than it was under Williams, as should the defense. Linebacker Takeo Spikes will be the one who will make that D go.

Coaching/management: The only new coach in the AFC East, Mularkey was a popular assistant in Pittsburgh who helped transform the Steelers from the dull into the dynamic. In addition to Maddox, wide receivers Hines Ward and Plaxico Burress flourished under Mularkey's tutelage. He'll communicate with his troops a lot better than Williams did.