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AFC East

Sporting News, The, Oct 11, 2004

BUFFALO BILLS

The anticipated 1-2 punch of RBs Travis Henry and Willis McGahee hasn't materialized. That's because Henry clearly has established himself as the superior ballcarrier. McGahee, who has rushed only 11 times for 28 yards, still is trying to regain the explosive burst he had before his major knee injury two years ago.... LT Jonas Jennings has the tools to be one of the top players at his position. He is an excellent run blocker with the size (6-3, 320) and strength to overpower defenders at the point of attack. He plays with a nasty streak and works hard to finish blocks. If there's a downside, it is that Jennings is prone to injury. FIRST QUARTER GRADES: Offense: D. QB Drew Bledsoe and the running game have lacked consistency. Defense: B+. Has been stout against the run but isn't generating turnovers. Special teams: B+. P Brian Moorman is a stud, and Terrence McGee and Nate Clements are big-play return threats. Coaching: D. The offensive play-calling has been too conservative at times.--Allen Wilson

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MIAMI DOLPHINS

The team is unlikely to fire coach Dave Wannstedt at midseason despite an 0-4 start--the Dolphins' worst since 1966. Wannstedt can't be blamed for the retirement of RB Ricky Williams or the injury to WR David Boston, but he hasn't been able to overcome many problems.... The Dolphins committed four more turnovers against the lets (two interceptions and two fumbles by QB Jay Fiedler), giving them 14 for the season and overtaxing a solid defense. That puts the team on pace for 56.... RB Leonard Henry is running lower to the ground while still remaining explosive. He has a chance to be, at the least, a good backup. He'll get the rest of the season to prove himself. FIRST QUARTER GRADES: Offense: F. It's the team's most inept group since the AFL days, if not ever. Defense: A. Nothing to complain about--it has allowed three TDs in four games. Special teams: C+. Coverage has been OK; K Olindo Mare is solid. Coaching: D. Planning has been awful.--Jason Cole

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

RB Corey Dillon has proved to be far more explosive and productive than predecessor Antowain Smith, but the team hopes his fumbling problems don't become chronic. Dillon has fumbled in the past two games and was saved from a third against Buffalo by a quick whistle.... MLB Ted Johnson is his old self as a designated run stuffer, and he also has begun to show up on pass plays. Johnson has shown good awareness on slant patterns in the middle.... Speedy WR David Patten can stretch defenses when he's not getting the ball. The only knock is his size. At 5-10, he's not going to outjump many cornerbacks. RRST QUARTER GRADES: Offense: B+. Too many penalties and turnovers prevent a higher grade. Defense: A-. Hardly dominant but still strong situationally. Special teams: B-. Kicking and punting are outstanding; the rest has been shaky. Coaching: A. Every week, Bill Belichick seems to have the advantage over the opposing coach.--Michael Felger

NEW YORK JETS

QB Chad Pennington's ball placement and timing have improved, and he's completing more deep passes than a year ago. He has been working on long balls in practice and is becoming more comfort able throwing deep to small receivers such as Santana Moss (5-10, 185).... Coordinator Donnie Henderson evaluated RE J0hn Abraham during the open week and determined Abraham wasn't getting enough pass-rush opportunities. The Jets had been using him as a linebacker in the 3-4, dropping him into pass coverage. Against the Dolphins, Abraham was an end in the 4-3 and had two sacks.... Rookie FS Erik Coleman doesn't have blazing speed, but he reacts quickly when the ball is in the air. He's also an aggressive tackler, especially near the line. FIRST QUARTER GRADES: Offense: A. RB Curtis Martin is on a roll. Defense: B-. Ten takeaways so far have helped. Special teams: C. No big plays in the return game. Coaching: B, Horman Edwards finally has the team off to a fast start.--Rich Cimini

AFC East

Sporting News, The, Oct 11, 2004

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