AFC east

BUFFALO BILLS

RB Travis Henry's foot injury might allow Willis McGahee to challenge for the starting job. McGahee was impressive in his first start, running 26 times for 111 yards. He hasn't fully regained the explosive burst he had before a major knee injury nearly two years ago, but he is effective because of his physical style. He gains a lot of yards after contact and works hard to finish runs.... The surprise release of WR Bobby Shaw last week moved Sam Aiken into the No. 4 receiver spot. Aiken (6-2, 204), who is in his second season, has good size, hands and quickness. DEFENSIVE SYSTEM CHECK: The team is doing more with its linebackers this season because of their versatility. OLB Takeo Spikes and MLB London Fletcher are outstanding against the run because of their quickness and instincts, and their range and athletic ability are assets in coverage. They also are dangerous blitzers. OLB Jeff Posey is stout on running plays and can be a rush end on passing downs.--Allen Wilson

MIAMI DOLPHINS

RE Jason Taylor has been limited to two sacks through the first six games, in large part because he has constantly received double-teams. The team needs someone else to step up. Beyond that, the defense could use a lead or two. The Dolphins have had the lead only twice this season (3-0 at Cincinnati and 10-7 at Buffalo), accounting for why opposing teams are averaging a league-low 24.1 passes per game.... FB Sammy Morris put together the best overall rushing game the team has had this year in the loss to Buffalo. Morris ran hard, giving excellent second effort on several plays. The team needs Morris to run consistently well. DEFENSIVE SYSTEM CHECK: The Dolphins' run defense continues to regress as it gets challenged. Even the return of DT Tim Bowens hasn't helped. Opponents are content to wear Miami down. The club has allowed at least 135 yards rushing in four of six games this season. Last season, the Dolphins allowed that much only once.--Jason Cole

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Though the team has been called for its share of illegal contact penalties, it remains the best in the league at disrupting pass routes near the line. Not only can CBs Ty Law and Tyrone Poole play the physical game, but OLBs Willie McGinest and Mike Vrabel and Ss Rodney Harrison and Eugene Wilson get involved as well.... OLB Rosevelt Colvin has begun to show glimpses of the pass-rushing ability that was part of his game before he suffered a broken hip last year. Colvin hopes to make up for a lost step through anticipation and technique, and he's starting to beat opponents off the line. DEFENSIVE SYSTEM CHECK: The defense is getting to the quarterback at an impressive clip--an AFC-leading 19 sacks. The team isn't calling any more blitzes; the sack results stem from good work by the pass rushers and the involvement of Harrison near the line. Coach Bill Belichick's 3-4 scheme has so many natural disguises that it doesn't have to send extra rushers very often.--Michael Felger

NEW YORK JETS

The team has turned dink-and-dunk passing into an art form, making RBs Jerald Sowell and Curtis Martin the leading receivers. The wideouts haven't been able to get open against a variety of zone coverages designed to neutralize the perimeter passing game. Instead of forcing it, QB Chad Pennington is patiently throwing to his checkdown options.... RT Kareem McKenzie is trying to work his way out of a slump. He already has allowed three sacks, the same number he gave up in all of 2003. He must do a better job of using his hands in pass protection. DEFENSIVE SYSTEM CHECK: The 3-4 scheme hasn't been eliminated from game plans, but the team is using it sparingly after realizing RE/OLB John Abraham is more effective as a down lineman in a 4-3. Smart move. The team also is blitzing more. To slow the pass rush, offenses are using three-step drops and throwing quickly. But the secondary--CB David Barrett, in particular--has been too soft in coverage.--Rich Cimini

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