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AFC east

Sporting News, The, Dec 6, 2004

BUFFALO BILLS

DT Sam Adams has been virtually unblockable, using his size (6-3,340) to overpower blockers and remarkable quickness to disrupt plays in the backfield. His ability to occupy blockers allows the linebackers to got to the ball and puts the defensive ends in more one-on-one situations.... TE Mark Campbell's three TDs in a November 21 win over the Rams show what a threat he is in the red zone. He is good at finding soft spots in the secondary and has the size (6-6, 255) and hands to make plays in traffic. His receiving skills are too good to be ignored. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: Special teams coach Bobby April has devised a system that uses military jargon. The punt coverage unit is Delta Force, the kickoff return unit is the Seals, and the punt return unit is the Rangers. April's objectives: substitute perfectly, be free of penalties, maintain 100 percent ball security, allow no big plays and score or set up a score. There's no denying results. April's forces are among the NFL leaders in punt return and kickoff return average and in kickoff coverage.--Allen Wilson

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MIAMI DOLPHINS

LT Bryan Robinson (6-4, 296), who was signed after being cut by the Bears at the end of the preseason, has proved to be an excellent find. He lacks the bulk and strength the team likes to have at tackle, but he plays smart against the run and is a good pass rusher.... At coach Jim Bates' request, offensive coordinator Chris Foerster has made a change in his routine on game day, moving from the coaches box to the field. Foerster says the move has helped improve efficiency and his ability to get input from players on what routes might work best as the game unfolds. Against the Seahawks, for example, TE Randy McMichael came off the field and immediately told Foerster which patterns he thought would succeed. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: Losing QB Jay Fiedler (back) could be a blessing in disguise. The injury removes Fiedler as an option if QB A.J. Feeley falters down the stretch. Fiedler is a known quantity. But the Dolphins must gauge Feeley and need him to feel as secure as possible to get the best results from him.--Jason Cole

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

WRY Deion Branch doesn't have outrageous speed, but he is extremely fluid and explosive in and out of breaks. Branch's ability to find openings over the middle is equaled only by Trey Brown among the team's receivers, and Branch's hands are outstanding. Branch is one of QB Tom Brady's favorite targets, particularly on third down.... One key to the team's success is its ability to dictate the tempo. The Patriots got on top and stay on top. Against Baltimore, they scored first for an NFL-record 16th consecutive regular-season game. The Patriots aren't a quick-strike offense, so gutting behind by a couple of scores presents problems. With the lead, they can work their game plan to the max. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: What did secondary coach Eric Mangini see in Brown that led him to try out Brown in the secondary? Mangini thought Brown's experience as a slot receiver would serve him well on defense because Brown would know those receivers' tendencies. Mangini also noticed Brown bad fluid hips like a defensive back's. Most of all, Mangini knew Brown was tough, smart and dedicated, which made him a perfect candidate to learn a new position.--Michael Felger

NEW YORK JETS

David Barrett, who got his first interception of the season last Sunday, is a physical cornerback who excels in run support. He won't hesitate to sacrifice his body in outside containment, forcing runs back to the inside. He lacks top-end speed, which hurts his man-to-man coverage ability. He's better suited to a cover 2 scheme. Barrett simply doesn't have the acceleration and hip turn to stay with the best receivers.... Signing LE Shaun Ellis to a six-year contract extension shows two things: The team believes he's a strong player who can anchor the line against both the run and pass: and the team has no confidence in E Bryan Thomas, a 2002 first-round pick. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: After a slow start, Santana Moss has re-emerged as one of the best young receivers in the NFL. In the past four games. he has 366 receiving yards. Moss' resurgence has coincided with QB Quincy Carter replacing Chad Pennington (shoulder). Few people, if any, will say that Carter is a better quarterback. But he has a stronger arm. which works better with Moss' deep speed.--Rich Cimini

AFC east

Sporting News, The, Dec 6, 2004

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