Content provided in partnership with

AFC East

Sporting News, The, Dec 23, 2005

BUFFALO BILLS

The play of the defense has declined, but MLB London Fletcher still is playing at a Pro Bowl level. He is a tackling machine with great instincts and toughness, and he shows good range in pass coverage. Since WLB Takeo Spikes (torn Achilles') was injured, Retcher has been used more as a pass rusher. He has pressured quarterbacks consistently and has caused some turnovers.... FB Daimon Shelton (6-0, 262) is an ideal lead blocker-big, strong and tough. He excels on isolation plays and can push past the defensive line and finish plays.... Rookie FS Jim Leonhard (5-8, 190) is undersized, but he is smart, physical and instinctive. He has good ball skills and range and is getting playing time in the dime package. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: The offense's play in the red zone has been embarrassing. The Bills have scored touchdowns on 32.4 percent of their red zone possessions, down from 45.9 percent last season. Assignment breakdowns, particularly by the offensive line, have resulted in sacks and turnovers, and Q8 J.P. Losman has struggled with decision making and accuracy near the goal line. RB Willis McGahee has found little room to run; he has just four rushing touchdowns.--Allen Wilson

Most Popular Articles in Sports: The first family: Archie, Peyton and Eli are incredibly famous, immensely ...; The growing gap: driving distances are skyrocketing on the PGA Tour. So why ...; Which pistol caliber for self defense? Four different people come to four ...; Drag racing - National Hot Rod Association; The world's most popular .22: the Marlin Model 60 just keeps on ticking; More »

MIAMI DOLPHINS

DE Matt Roth, a second-round pick, has lagged behind the test of the team's draft class, playing exclusively as a backup and on special teams. Roth is a high-motor type who should be at least a solid contributor in the future. But he has very short arras and can't play with much leverage. The team wants him to get stronger so he can keep opposing tackles from latching onto him. He might have to remake himself into an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.... Second-year LB Derrick Pope is a sure tackler against the run, and he makes big plays because he constantly is moving toward the ball and doesn't let up. He functions best inside but is a bit undersized (6-0, 232) for that role. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: The offensive line has improved dramatically since last season but still is a long way from being top-notch. The biggest issue is handling defenses that can blitz frequently, as they do when the Dolphins are down by two or more scores. The line is not good at recognizing multiple blitzers from the same side or up the gut.--Jason Cole

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

DL Richard Seymour and OLB Rosevelt Colvin have revived the team's pass rush. Seymour has been getting a good push up the middle, and Colvin has been applying pressure from the edge, forcing quarterbacks to abandon the pocket. The increased pressure has helped cover for some of the secondary's shortcomings.... RB Corey Dillon has not broken as many tackles this season, and when he has, he hasn't been able to accelerate quickly. Dillon, 31, has been battling a calf injury, but the team will watch him closely during the final weeks to try to determine if he is nearing the end of his career. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: K Adam Vinatieri establishes his range for each game by attempting kicks with different trajectories during warm-ups. The team then knows where it must get on the field to ensure Vinatieri can make a field goal. The Patriots establish a range from which they would make an attempt at the end of each half. These marks then are passed around the coaching staff, so everyone knows when the team will kick a field goal, punt or go for a first down.--Tom Curran

NEW YORK JETS

RB Curtis Martin, 32, looked old and slow this season, but he played 10 games with cartilage damage in his right knee and had to run behind a patchwork line. Now he's out for the season. Rookie Cedric Houston and B.J. Askew will replace him. The Jets probably will draft a back in the first round, and they'd like to have Martin groom him.... Rookie CB Justin Miller has improved enough to compete for a starting job in '06. Ty Law likely will be a salary cap casualty, which will open the spot opposite David Barrett. Miller's tools show up in bump-and-run coverage--he's fast and strong and has good ball awareness. He still is learning how to play zone coverage. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: The coaches tried to make Brooks Bollinger a pocket passer, then realized mobility is his best attribute. They now have designed plays where he can throw on the move. Their favorite is a play-action bootleg, usually to a fullback or tight end. The 6-1 Bollinger's passes are batted down on three-step drops but not on rollouts. He also is encouraged to run if nothing is open downfield.--Rich Cimini

AFC East

Sporting News, The, Dec 23, 2005

Find Research Guides for:

Find Featured Titles for: Health

Most Popular Articles in Sports

Most Popular Publications in Sports