AFC east

BUFFALO BILLS

The team is considering moving CB Troy Vincent to free safety, which is a sign the Bills are encouraged by the play of second-year CB Terrence McBee. McGee is not as technically sound as Vincent and has given up several big plays. But McGee has the athletic skills and upside to become a solid starter.... Trey Teague isn't a physically dominant blocker, but he's one of the league's more athletic centers. His exceptional quickness and agility allow him to get downfield and make blocks at the second level of the defense. He can be overpowered by big, bull-rushing defensive tackles, but he's tough and rarely loses individual matchups. PROBLEM SPOT: Pass protection was a problem early in the season because injuries prevented the five best blockers from being on the field. But the line is playing better overall. The interior blockers are anchoring themselves against bull rushers, and the tackles are using proper hand placement and footwork to redirect outside rushers. Recognition of blitzes also is much better than earlier in the season.--Allen Wilson

MIAMI DOLPHINS

Dave Wannstedt's resignation was more a relief to the team than anything. The biggest issue remaining is the presence of G.M. Rick Spielman; many people around the league think the team will have a hard time getting a top-quality coach if he stays.... Arturo Freeman gets the first chance to replace FS Antuan Edwards, who was cut, but expect Yeremiah Bell and practice squad player Quintin Williams to get a look at some point. Freeman has had problems because his concentration fluctuates.... With Wannstedt gone, QB A.J. Feeley might be more comfortable. Wannstedt thought Feeley had a bad attitude and fought the urge to play him. Feeley has a tendency to get frustrated rather than finding a way to solve problems. PROBLEM SPOT: C Seth McKinney has plenty of talent, but his inexperience at making line calls is showing. His mental mistakes have hurt those around him, particularly RG Taylor Whitley. McKinney hesitates until the last second, causing confusion and missed assignments. if he can't fix this issue, rebuilding the line could take even longer.--Jason Cole

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

TE Ben Watson's season-ending knee injury and injuries at tackle have greatly reduced the role of the tight ends in the passing game. Daniel Graham and Watson's replacement, Christian Fauria, have been doing much more blocking than receiving, which in Graham's case makes sense because he has developed into an excellent run blocker and pass protector.... MLB Ted Johnson is like a running back who needs a lot of carries to get into the flow of the game. The more Johnson plays, the more impact he has. Johnson has been a big factor against the run on first and second downs. He also appears to be quicker this year. PROBLEM SPOT: Expect the injuries in the secondary to catch up to the team at some point. CBs Randall Gay and Earthwind Moreland have filled in capably for Ty Law (ankle) and Tyrone Poole (knee), but offenses eventually should be able to figure out how to exploit the situation. The team has given the youngsters help with Ss Rodney Harrison and Eugene Wilson, but Harrison is far more effective near the line of scrimmage.--Michael Felger

NEW YORK JETS

QB Quincy Carter, starting for Chad Pennington (shoulder), has a strong arm and excellent mobility. The Jets can use more rollouts and bootlegs with Carter, but he isn't an accurate thrower, which makes him a bad fit in the West Coast offense. He also struggles when opponents disguise coverages and fronts, taking away his first reads.... With injuries at safety, the Jets are playing less dime and more nickel. Previously, they used dime almost exclusively on passing downs. CB Terrell Buckley eventually could be replaced at nickel back by rookie CB Derrick Strait, who has returned from a foot injury. PROBLEM SPOT: The tight ends aren't producing enough in the passing game. Anthony Becht and Chris Baker have only 25 receptions combined and have dropped passes in key situations. To make matters worse, Baker, the better receiver, has a broken hand. Even if he plays, he won't be a factor as a pass catcher. Because the Jets encounter so much cover 2 defense-in which opponents key on the wideouts--it's imperative they establish an over-the-middle presence. That isn't happening. Third-string TE James Dearth strictly is a situational player. FB Jerald Sowell is versatile enough to play tight end if needed.--Rich Cimini

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