A threepeat? Until further notice, Tom Brady and the Patriots are the favorites to win yet another Super Bowl title

Football Digest, Sept, 2005 by Barry Wilner

OK, WE ALL BELIEVE NOW. WE all know that these New England Patriots are among the most successful teams of the Super Bowl era. And if they win the championship again this season, they will be the first franchise ever to capture three straight Super Bowls.

Although there are chinks showing with the defection of both coordinators (Romeo Crennel from the defense to head coach of the Cleveland Browns, Charlie Weis from the offense to top man at Notre Dame), the release of veteran leader Ty Law, and the uncertainty of Tedy Bruschi's health, how can anyone pick against the Patriots? Until they are dethroned we will continue to believe.

Working strongly in New England's favor is the way Belichick's defensive schemes befuddle the offensive leaders of the New York Jets and the Buffalo Bills, the only remotely likely challengers in the AFC East. The Jets brought in a new coordinator, Mike Heimerdinger, and the Bills have a new quarterback, J.P. Losman. But does either team have a clue how to attack the Pats?

New York will be dangerous if quarterback Chad Pennington's shoulder is OK and running back Curtis Martin keeps on trucking. The return of Laveranues Coles at wideout gives back to Pennington his favorite receiver. But the Jets have some serious question marks on both lines and in the secondary.

Buffalo's defense was formidable enough last season, yielding 14 or fewer points in seven games. But it collapsed, along with the Drew Bledsoe-led offense, in the season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers' subs, costing the Bills a playoff berth. They need a spark from the untested Losman and emerging running back Willis McGahee.

The Miami Dolphins are starting over under new coach Nick Saban. They should be more competitive than in '04, but that doesn't mean they'll be a factor in the division.

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

1. New England Patriots

Where they left off: Carrying off yet another Vince Lombardi Trophy and setting their sights on an unprecedented four titles in five years. After establishing a ton of records early in the 2004 schedule, they lost at Pittsburgh to snap an 18-game winning streak over two regular seasons and 21 in a row counting the playoffs. A sloppy late loss to the Dolphins got them totally focused on the postseason, where they beat the Indianapolis Colts (as they always seem to do), avenged the regular-season loss to the Steelers, and then slipped past the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl.

New faces: It's not so much about the new players, but how they fit into the team's tried-and-true system. The Patriots look for a certain type of player--versatile, aggressive, and team-oriented--and usually find him. Seeking their first rings this year are the likes of Monty Beisel, who can play several linebacker positions; wide receiver David Terrell, a bust on the Chicago Bears; and, yes, Doug Flutie. The New England hero of bygone days likely will be the third-string quarterback. Perhaps top draftee Logan Mankins will slip in at guard with Joe Andruzzi gone.

X's and O's: Not much will change even with Crennel and Weis gone. Belichick will take a more active role in the offensive playcalling; he already is the mastermind of the defensive schemes that drive opponents crazy. Tom Brady's receiving corps has become dangerous and deep, and with Corey Dillon, he has one of the league's most reliable runners. Only the line is questionable on offense. The defense once again will center on Richard Seymour up front and a multitude of do-it-all linebackers.

Coaching/management: Belichick has little charm but exceptional coaching acumen. And three rings. Without his key assistants, he'll be challenged a bit more, but he can handle it.

Why they'll finish first: Because they are the Patriots, which is about all you need to know.

2. New York Jets

Where they left off: Hanging their heads after Doug Brien missed two chances to carry them to the AFC title game. The Jets started 5-0, then stumbled the rest of the season. After needing help to get into the playoffs, they resurrected themselves enough to upset the San Diego Chargers and nearly knock off Pittsburgh.

New faces: Not as many as in years past. Second-round draftee Mike Nugent of Ohio State is set to replace--and improve upon--Brien. Derrick Blaylock should be a happier understudy to Martin, but he won't provide the power LaMont Jordan did. Tight end Doug Jolley should catch lots of passes in this offense under Heimerdinger, and Coles should approach 90 receptions, more than Santana Moss could have been expected to total. Defensive tackle Lance Iaegree is under a lot of pressure as he tries to replace efficient Jason Ferguson, who was a clubhouse leader.

X's and O's: With Heimerdinger replacing the beleaguered (and often befuddled) Paul Hackett, fans and some of the players won't be scratching their heads as often with the play calls. The offense won't change much in design, but the willingness to open it up will be welcome, particularly if Pennington is healthy. But the Jets lost their steadiest offensive lineman, right tackle Kareem McKenzie, from a unit that is somewhat overrated. Guard Pete Kendall is the best of the holdovers and, like center Kevin Mawae and left tackle Jason Fabini, could have another good year left. New York's defense is built around linebacker Jonathan Vilma, the 2004 rookie of the year, and ends Shaun Ellis and John Abraham. The secondary is a major worry.