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AFC east

Sporting News, The, Sept 23, 2005

BUFFALO BILLS

The Bills won't be conservative in their play-calling with first-year starting QB J.P. Losman. Instead of simply relying on RB Willis McGahee, the team will make good use of Losman's strong arm and mobility by calling some deep passes. The coaches have confidence in Losman's ability to avoid mistakes that can lead to big plays for opposing defenses. ... Entering his fourth season. RT Mike Williams is poised to become the dominating force the team thought he would be. He has trouble with speed rushers at times, but his massive frame (6-6, 360) and wingspan should help him get better in that area as he improves his technique and footwork. YOUTH MOVEMENT: FS Jim Leonhard was undrafted because of his size (5-8, 190), but he has the quickness to cover a lot of ground. He always is around the ball because he has excellent instincts and anticipates well. Leonhard might never become an NFL starter, but he has the potential to make a contribution on defense and special teams.--Allen Wilson

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MIAMI DOLPHINS

ILB Zach Thomas has adapted quickly to the new 3-4 defense the team is employing regularly. He did a lot of offseason study of Tedy Bruschi (Patriots) and James Farrier (Steelers), smaller linebackers who have been successful in 3-4 systems that usually require bigger interior linebackers. Thomas (5-11, 230) hopes he can fit in well enough to finish his career as a Dolphin. ... The team appears to have cleared up some of the protection problems it had last season. The line didn't allow a sack against the Broncos, the first time that has happened since Thanksgiving Day 2003. The keys: extensive use of play-action and bootlegs by QB Gus Frerotte. YOUTH MOVEMENT: Rookie ILB Channing Crowder's outstanding progress continues. Though he played mostly on running downs in the preseason, Crowder showed good coverage skills in the opener. Even more impressive, Crowder has picked up the team's complicated schemes quickly. He has forced his way into the starting lineup despite veteran Donnie Spragan's strong play.--Jason Cole

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

TEs Ben Watson and Daniel Graham are going to be a handful. Their complementary talents--Graham is the better blocker; Watson the better receiver--will be a major headache for opponents. The two had three catches for 72 yards combined in the opener. ... WR Deion Branch's otherworldly quickness, precise route running and flypaper hands make him as tough as any receiver in the league to cover one-on-one. He sat out every preseason game in an attempt to stay fresh and healthy, but his timing with QB Tom Brady wasn't affected. Branch had seven catches for 99 yards and a touchdown in the opener. Branch, who didn't drop a pass last season, has Brady's absolute trust. YOUTH MOVEMENT: The team took two offensive linemen in the first three rounds of the draft--Logan Mankins and Nick Kaczur. Mankins showed enough in minicamps and training camp to become the starter at left guard, replacing veteran Joe Andruzzi. Kaczur subbed in at beth right and left tackle in the opener. He might challenge for the starting right tackle spot before long.--Tom Curran

NEW YORK JETS

One of coach Herm Edwards' biggest challenges is achieving balance between offense and defense. Last season, the offense was deliberate and controlled the ball, which kept the defense off the field. The offense didn't score much, but it didn't hurt the team with turnovers. Under new coordinator Mike Heimerdinger, the team wants to play faster and take risks. That's fine, but it could put the defense in some difficult spots unless QB Chad Pennington does a better job of protecting the ball. ... TE Chris Baker, who was underused in the passing game the past three seasons, is developing into a reliable receiver on short and intermediate routes. TE Doug Jolley, acquired from the Raiders, also could be a receiving threat, but he still is learning the system. YOUTH MOVEMENT: Second-year WR Jerricho Cotchery is one of the Jets' most versatile backups. Cotchery, the No. 4 receiver, is tough and physical and has good hands. He doesn't have great speed, but he plays fast. Cotchery might be the best receiver on the team at running after the catch; if he continues to develop, he could push Wayne Chrebet for the No. 3 spot.--Rich Cimini

AFC east

Sporting News, The, Sept 23, 2005

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