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AFC east

Sporting News, The, Nov 15, 2004

BUFFALO BILLS

The Bills' secondary is playing with more confidence since SS Lawyer Milloy's return from a broken forearm. Milloy is an intelligent player with great toughness and instincts. He is exceptional in run support, and his range in pass coverage gives coordinator Jerry Gray more flexibility. Most important, Milloy's experience has been a stabilizing force in a young secondary that had been susceptible to big plays. ... RB Willis McGahee's success has made Travis Henry's departure after this season a virtual certainty. ... Terrence McGee has become one of the league's best kick returners. He is decisive when he finds a seam and has an explosive burst. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: Backup DT Justin Bannan is being used as a pulling left guard on sweeps and counter running plays. He has the size (6-3, 305), speed and agility to turn the corner and the power and leverage to deliver solid blocks at the point of attack. The team plans to make him a permanent part of its offensive package.--Allen Wilson

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MIAMI DOLPHINS

The team is expected to name QB A.J. Feeley the starter for the remainder of the season, though it has the open week to decide. With the 1-8 Dolphins staring at a good chance to land the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, the personnel department desperately wants a full evaluation of Feeley. If Feeley pans out, it could save G.M. Rick Spielman's job.... The team has tried to use screens to make up for poor pass protection, but the success rate has been poor to horrendous. Quick slants have worked on occasion but are a short-term solution until linebackers and cornerbacks start jumping those routes. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: With injuries to run-stuffing DTs Tim Bowens and Larry Chester, the Dolphins likely will use eight men in the box more often and bring SS Sammy Knight closer to the line. The team prefers to use Knight in coverage, but new starting DTs Jeff Zgonina and Bryan Robinson rely more on quickness than strength and need help to anchor the line.--Jason Cole

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

The run defense continues to run hot and cold. Last week, the team held Marshall Faulk to 66 yards and the Rams to 81 yards. The week before, it gave up over 221 yards to the Steelers. What was the difference? One factor is NT Keith Traylor reclaimed the starting job over rookie Vince Wiltork. Wilfork doesn't always show the gap discipline needed in the 3-4 scheme.... With RT Tom Ashworth (back) out for the season, the team will turn to little-used Brandon Gorin. He's a big, powerful player who is solid in one-on-one situations but can get lost when he has to switch assignments at the last second. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: How do the Patriots succeed without a true fullback? They get creative. Mostly, Patrick Pass, who is a tailback by trade, lines up in front of RB Corey Dillon and clears a hole. The team also likes motioning a tight end into the backfield, then having that player "wham" into the line. In goal line sets, the Patriots usually rely on a big body from the defense.--Michael Felger

NEW YORK JETS

WLB Eric Barton has been overshadowed by rookie MLB Jonathan Vilma, but Barton still is having a superb season. Barton brings much-needed speed to the linebacking unit, and he's a powerful tackler, adding a physical dimension to the defense.... After a slow start, Justin McCareins is coming on strong. He is a big, physical receiver who can make tough catches in traffic. QB Chad Pennington likes to hit him on quick slants and in routes. McCareins is a good blocker, which helps the outside running game. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: Coordinator Donnie Henderson has a unique way of preparing his defense for games. Each Thursday, he leaves the meeting room for 90 minutes, letting the players run the meeting. They analyze tape of the upcoming opponent, calling out audibles and coverages as they watch. Players yell back and forth--just as they would do on Sunday. In essence, they play the game in the classroom before they play it on the field.--Rich Cimini

AFC east

Sporting News, The, Nov 15, 2004

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