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Justin in Bend, Ore., writes: If the Miami's wildcat offense was called the Wildhog where it came from at Arkansas, then shouldn't we be calling it something more exciting and appropriate like the Wildfish or the Wildfin in Miami? Just a thought...

Tim Graham: What about the Wildflower?

What? No good?

Tony from Lowell, Mass., writes: Let's be honest here: the only reason the AFC East (and for that matter, the entire AFC) is competitive this season is because Tom Brady is out for the season. The Bills are becoming a very solid team (and I had them winning the AFC East the second Brady went down), but are not in the Patriots league when #12 is under center. I wish the media would stop acting like this is some monumental changing of the guard instead of what it truly is: a single season long window of opportunity brought about by an unfortunate injury to the best player in the NFL.

Tim Graham: While it's likely Brady will return to normalcy, there's a chance he won't once he comes back. When assembling teams under a salary cap, teams have only a finite period of time to win. The Patriots will suffer more injuries, free-agent departures, coaching staff changes. And there's no guarantee Brady will be the same player. Some players come back as good as new. Others don't. Ask Dan Marino.

Matt in Orchard Park, N.Y., writes: Why in your own opinion did Tony Gonzalez not want to come to buffalo? didn't he want to come to a good team? I'm a big buffalo fan and would like to know why he didnt want to come to are great city.

Tim Graham: People who have lived or spent significant time in Buffalo realize what an underrated place it is, but many can't get past its reputation as a municipal rust bucket with two months of sunshine.

Reports have stated the Packers were close to a deal for a third-round draft choice, although the Bills were offering a pick and additional, undetermined considerations. I'm guessing if Gonzalez were given the simple choice of staying in Kansas City or going to Buffalo, he would be wearing a Bills uniform on Sunday. But I think he had his heart set on other options that didn't happen.

Curtis in Simpsonville, S.C., writes: Sad to see my chiefs with this sorry coaching staff and GM sorry Petersen,but they will fire herm soon I hope.I hope GM petersen and pick up Dante Culpepper with all that cap room.

Tim Graham: I don't know about that last part, Curtis.

Skip from Parts Unknown writes: tim--> the dolphins first TD vs texans, the singlewing, handoff to williams, pitch back to penningto, then his pass for the td...wasnt that play ILLEGAL ???...it involved TWO forward passes !!!...which is ILLEGAL...one forward "pass" was the FORWARD handoff to williams by the wingback brown, then penningtons pass was of course, Forward !!!

Tim Graham: A forward handoff is permissible if the ball changes hands directly. As the NFL rule book says, there must be "no daylight" during the exchange and it must occur behind the line of scrimmage.

Simon in Brooklyn: Tim, nice job getting some airtime. You're really not as much of a dork as that picture and your quality work make you seem to be. Do you think Miami looks to sign or draft a guy like Matt Jones who was a college QB but is big enough to split out wide to fit into the Wildcat?

Tim Graham: Thanks. I think. So I look and write like a dork. ... I guess I can't dispute either observation, now that you mention them.

The Dolphins have their future quarterback in Chad Henne, and they have too many needs to burn a draft pick on a specialty player. Besides, if they wanted to go the Inspector Gadget route, they could've kept Jayson Foster, the undrafted Georgia Southern quarterback they tried to convert into a receiver. It would be interesting to see what Foster could do in the Wildcat.

Arjun in Westwood writes: Can you tell us why the second Brady went down, we're suddenly eliminated as contenders? I mean, people mention teams like the Bills, Dolphins, Broncos, Chargers, etc. before us, even though we were undefeated last year. I understand we're worse than last year without Brady, but we're 3-2 and we've been completely written off.

Tim Graham: I wouldn't say the Patriots have been completely written off, but the play of Matt Cassel hasn't been all that impressive, and injuries have hampered the running game. The Patriots went three-and-out on 15 percent of their possessions last year. This year, that number is up to 25 percent. Defensively, the Patriots are giving up huge plays. Other than that, they're stellar.

Jason from Parts Unknown writes: I just have to ask: how long have you had a problem with the Patriots? It's not the first time I've walked away after reading your blogs and noticed a significant difference in tone in your writing.

Tim Graham: What you detect as a negative tone is directly linked to what the Patriots are doing on the field. I'm sure you'd notice a significant different if you looked at my Dolphins coverage from last year and compared it to this year. The stories are only as good as the material. Don't confuse reports on a frustrating season with some sort of agenda.

Jason in Miramar, Fla., writes: Tim why are you such a Dolphin homer? I thought you guys were supposed to be neutral.

Tim Graham: (sigh)

Greg in Jamestown, N.Y., writes: I just wanted to let you know that you do the best coverage of the Bills anywhere. Thanks for keeping it real for Buffalo!!

Tim Graham: I'll always defer to my good friends at the Buffalo News, but I'm flattered that you would take the time to say that.

Mark in Boston writes: Tim, Huge fan of your blog. After the Patriots tough loss last night, I had a pretty heated debate with my friends today and figured you would be able to offer up a good opinion. To keep it biased, I won't give you my side of the argument. The argument - is Bill Belichick an average head coach? One side says yes, that his career has been defined by Brady. Take Brady away, and he is basically incompetent. The other says no, that he is still a good/great coach and if you make that Brady argument, then you need to rethink the definition of a great NFL head coach (Walsh - Montana; Johnson - Aikman; Lombardi - Starr; Shanahan - Elway; etc etc). Any thoughts would be appreciated - keep up the good work. Thanks, Mark

Tim Graham: I absolutely do not consider Belichick an average coach. Yes, his career has been defined by Brady, but as you so astutely pointed out, essentially every celebrated coach is linked to a legendary quarterback.

What impresses me most about Belichick is the same trait that makes him so frustrating to all reporters. He is so keenly focused on the upcoming opponent and on winning the next game he doesn't have time for pleasantries or explanations. If the NFL didn't f
orce him to speak with reporters, he would stay in his cave and break down film all day. Belichick does an effective job of making sure his players share his tunnel vision.

Jason in Kailua, Hawaii, writes: Tim, Who makes a bigger difference on the Buffalo sports scene this year: Jason Peters or Andrew Peters?

Tim Graham: That's a tough one. I think Jason Peters will progress toward his Pro Bowl form in the second half of the season. Andrew Peters might score a goal.

Andres in Costa Rica: Greetimgs Mr. G What do you think so far of the (lack of) running game of the Pats, and should we consider LM a bust?? So much had been said about Marooney this week about lack of heart or killer instinct. Last year, I thought he didnt quite shine as he wasnt receiving a real opportunity to show himself due to Tom Brady´s air performance. This year with Brady´s injury one would wonder if he wasnt the one to carry the load of this offense. So far I dont think he is the franchise runner NE was hoping for, despite some good games at the end of last season. Thanks for your time

Tim Graham: I'm usually one of the last to label anybody a bust, and I'm even more reluctant when injuries are involved. So I'm not going to use that term with Laurence Maroney yet. He vaguely hinted last week about "issues" he's dealing with but wouldn't elaborate. So there might be more to this story than a shoulder problem. I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt for now.

David in Miami writes: Tim, first of all great work I read your blog all the time. I was just wondering your thought on what I heard an NFL analyst on espn say the other day. He mentioned how the dolphins are possbily one of the most dangerous teams in the league. We can run on anybody, have stability at quarterback position and play good defense. He also mentioned how we the fins are two very unlucky plays away from being 4-1. Favres lucky TD pass in week one of fourth down and this past week andre johnsons lucky catch. He is a great receiver but come on did you see that!

Tim Graham: I think that analyst you heard was me Tuesday night on ESPNEWS. So, obviously, I agree with everything that dude said.

Mr. Anonymous in New Orleans writes: I just wanted to commend you on a great article about Marlin Briscoe. I really enjoyed it. Learned something new. Unfortunately, alot of your readers got way off track in responding to the article's content. I don't think you were being racist or trying to create division with the article. You were just conveying a little known Black History fact!! Keep up the good work!!

Tim Graham: Thank you for reading it. Marlin Briscoe's story is a fascinating one that I'm glad I had the chance to share.

Joseph in Fort Worth, Texas, writes: Any reason you know of that the Dolphins are not using Ted Ginn Jr as a kick and punt returner? I know Bess is fast, but that was Ginn's trademark coming out of college. Does the new regime dislike him that much?

Tim Graham: The way Dolphins coach Tony Sparano recently explained it, they like the way Davone Bess makes the first defender miss on punt returns. What Sparano didn't mention -- but it's believed to be the case -- is that the Dolphins aren't too thrilled with Ginn's unwillingness to take hits for extra yardage.

Joe from Ocala, Fla., writes: I really like the way you choose the power rankings. Then again, I am an AFC East guy so I could be partial. Anyway! Are the Jets a serious playoff contender this year? Now that they have a playoff seasoned quarterback, they can probably advance in the playoffs. The Jets are always scary to play in the playoffs, just ask San Diego. Now I think they will be ferocious in the playoffs, if they can get there. The demeanor of the team is changing as the confidence of Favre is imparted to the not so confident Jet players. Will they be there in the thick of things at the end of the year. What do you think?

Tim Graham: Thanks for the nice words, Joe. If the Jets can continue to win the games they are supposed to and are able to find their way into the playoffs, they'll be a difficult opponent for anybody. Brett Favre is the main attraction, but the Jets are so strong in the trenches. The Patriots have three Pro Bowlers on their offensive line, but the Jets' unit has played the best in the AFC East so far. Kris Jenkins is anchoring a rugged defensive front. That's an impressive foundation.

Ben from Parts Unknown writes: How can you write that New England fell on it face, what do you want them to do they got there heart ripped out with Brady gone.. write something like "Pats really missing Brady"... you know that game would of been so much closer and i can say we would of won w/ Brady.. He's not here I know but what do you want for them.

Tim Graham: The Patriots' own message -- strongly reiterated by several players in the Qualcomm Stadium visitors locker room after Sunday night's 30-10 loss -- is that this they are a different team. The 2008 Patriots are not Tom Brady's team anymore. I understand your sentiment, but the Patriots aren't "really missing Brady" because they've moved on. And they fell flat on their faces Sunday night because they weren't even competitive against the Chargers.

TZB from Parts Uknown writes: "Man on the Corner" I didn't think anyone knew that song existed. I remember I liked that song when that Genesis album came out. It never became a hit and I thought it had entered the land of the forgotten. Funny.

Tim Graham: Glad you got a kick out of the inaugural AFC East deejay. Boredom on a cross-country plane ride spurs some unusual ideas. I'll try to find some appropriate songs from the Week 7 games for Tuesday's blog.

Dan in Tacoma, Wash., writes: In sorting out the AFC east you failed to take into account the differences in schedules. The Pats and the Jets have to make 4 trips to the west coast while Miami and Buffalo travel to Denver and Arizona. The Pats got a benefit over the jets where they have their west coast games back to back while the jets have to make 4 seperate trips. In terms of the noncommon games....New england has pitt and indy, the jets beat cincy but have to travel to tennessee, Miaimi lost to Housotn and host Baltimore next week, and Buffalo won at jax and host cleveland. I see buffalo having a game edge on all the others in the divsion by going 2-0 vs the others likely going 1-1. After San diego, the Biulls have 3 AFC East games....see how they do...they could have some serious distance between themselves and the rest of the division.

Tim Graham: Excellent points, Dan. Not much more I can add to your analysis, so I'll leave it at that.

Kevin in Miami writes: Mr. Graham, As a caring Patriots fan, I'm always on the look out for team information and comments. I'd like to ask you several questions: 1. It's early, but who do you think the Patriots will draft next year? An Off
ensive Lineman? A Corner like Malcolm Jenkins? 2. If Maroney's injury woes continue, will the Pats draft someone like Javon Ringer or Beanie Wells (if he declares)? 3. Why didn't the Patriots make a move for Jeff Garcia, Aj Feeley, or another QB at the deadline? Furthermore, if Cassel continues to struggle will we see Kevin O'Connell or Matt Gutierrez get some playing time?

Tim Graham: You're absolutely correct when you mentioned it being early. The Patriots aren't even sure what their draft needs will be in the offseason. Do they need to draft another quarterback? Who will they lose to free agency? What's available through free agency? It's also too soon to know where college players should be slotted on a team's draft board. There are so many college games to be played yet.

As for getting a quarterback at the trade deadline, it would be several weeks before that acquisition could learn the playbook and make a difference -- if any.

Greg in Montville writes: It's obvious that the AFC is the most competitive it has been in years. I am a Jets fan...what do you think their chances of winning this division are? Personally, I see them going 10-6 at best with Favre playing the way he did against Arizona; especially if he can spread it to Coles and Cotch. The Dolphins do not look like a fluke. Ronnie Brown is continuing his success from the beginning of last season, Chad Pennington is always efficient, Ginn Jr. looks great, and Jerry Porter is leading that defense like Ray Lewis leads the Ravens. The Bills will start to lose more games now I believe, but I see them going 9-7, or 10-6, depending on the extent of Edwards injury and the success of Lynch. The Patriots are not the same Patriots, but they always scare me when they play an AFC East game, and that deep pass from Kassel to Moss looked pretty damn good to me. Besides the NFC East, this to me is the most intriguing division in all of football. I see: 1. Jets (10-6) 2. Bills (10-6) 3. Pats (9-7) 4. Dolphins (7-9)

Tim Graham: You and I are seeing a different Ted Ginn, and I don't think Porter's influence is on par with Lewis' in Baltimore, but you make some valid points. I appreciate you sharing your breakdown with everybody.

Peter in Jupiter, Fla., writes: Hey Tim, I have a question about Ed Hochuli... What is up with this guy. Yes I was upset about the Dolphins loss. But it sparked me to read more into other games this guy has reffed. Pretty much every game he participated in results in either missed calls or calls that should not have been made. I don't see this problem with any other ref. If this guy is going to cause wins/losses I think something should be done. Because, in all honesty, that is not right.. Something just seems, as some would say, "sketchy" with this guy.

Tim Graham: Ed Hochuli and his crew could get 100 percent of their calls right for the rest of the year and it still will have been an awful season for them. But given the amount of scrutiny placed on each game, it's reckless to accuse him of anything untoward. But Hochuli's certainly having a rough go.

Barry from Fraser, Mich., writes: I'd like to know why pro athletes, especially football players, are not allowed to voice their opinions on bad officiating? If the ref or some other field judge makes a bad call that determines the outcome of a game, why can't the players say anything without being fined? It seems as if Roger Goodell wants the public to think his officials are always right. Also, would you know where I can write to Roger Goodell, by letter or email?

Tim Graham: As a member of the press, I'm obviously a huge free-speech advocate. But I understand where the league is coming from on this issue. When players criticize officials it undermines the integrity of the game. The NFL is trying to protect its image as an upright business. When public trust in referees deteriorates, then we begin to hear such terms as "fixed" and "thrown" and fans stop caring. As with any company, the NFL has the right to punish its employees for divisiveness.

And for the last comment of this week's mailbag, Kelly in New Jersey would like to empty his spleen:

I followed the first three quarters of the Dolphins game on my phone while at work and got home in time to follow the 4th quarter of the game. Just venting here though Tim, but I do not understand Tony Sparano's reasoning for not going for it on 4th and 1 during the Houston game as opposed to the San Diego game. Tony Sparano called for a run on a 4th and 1 play at midfield in the first half against San Diego last week and converted; however, upon reaching 4th and 1 at least a half dozen times during the Houston game, Tony Sparano decided to punt each time; regardless of the field position. A majority of the 4th and 1 plays were at roughly midfield against Houston. I understand the punt from 4th and 1 within their own 30 yard line I believe, but the rest of the 4th and 1 plays? Come on Tony! You have Ronnie Brown, whom is one of the bigger backs in the league, who converted a 4th and 1 against San Diego just last week. I don't understand his reasoning and conservative play-calling. Houston converted three turnovers and could not win. Miami, at least to my knowledge, got TORCHED by the Houston pass on their last two scoring drives. Houston survived on Miami's porous pass defense in the end; however, I did not see the "interception" by Andre Goodman that was overturned which would have sealed the game for Miami. I don't understand and it's extremely frustrating to watch; however, I'm used to it. This loss for sure brought other Dolphins fans and myself back down to earth. Anyway, credit to Houston for not giving up and find holes in our pass defense.