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Mike in Crescent City, Fla., writes: What realistic chance to the Dolphins have in beating the patriots this week. Another question what do you think is the key to Miami sucess this year so far is it the wining atmosphere, the new system or Chad Pennington sucess at QB.

Tim Graham: The Dolphins are favored to beat the Patriots. After all, the Dolphins won by 25 points in Gillette Stadium, and the Patriots have lost a few important players to injury since then. But what the Patriots have going for them is coaching and a quarterback who has matured substantially since Week 3.

As for where the bulk of the credit should go for the Dolphins' turnaround, it's the culture Bill Parcells has established. Without Parcells, the Dolphins don't have Tony Sparano as head coach or Chad Pennington on their roster.

Mike in New York writes: Tim, I'm predicting a patriots win on sunday. NE has had an extended week to prepare and they haven't lost back to back frequently. Do you think Cassel will finally hit moss deep, or should I wait to pop out the champagne.

Tim Graham: The Dolphins' pass defense is ranked 21st. The Cardinals threw for 361 yards, the Texans threw for 371 yards and the Broncos threw for 305 yards against them. Matt Cassel is doing more and more each week. I'd put that bottle on ice just in case.

Eric in Florida writes: Did you see the Ricky Gervais stand-up special on HBO? If so, why is he British? If not, do you see the Dolphins contending for a Super Bowl in the next five years?

Tim Graham: I haven't seen the Ricky Gervais special, but I think I can take an educated stab and say he's British because he was born in England.

As for the Dolphins contending for a Super Bowl, I guess that depends on anybody's given definition of "contending." If making the playoffs on a regular basis makes you a contender, then yes. If winning your division makes you a contender, then yes. If first-round byes make you a contender, then yes.

But to reach the Super Bowl a team needs to reach an elite level. The Dolphins have multiple needs to address to become elite, but they're capable of bridging that vast gap from good to great within five years.

Henry in Portland writes: have you changed you mind about edwards and cutler? edwards is doing horrible against the browns

Tim Graham: For those who don't follow this blog closely, around Week 4 or so I was asked in my Friday afternoon chat which AFC quarterback I would choose if I were starting a team. My answer was Trent Edwards

I would not make that choice today. Things change. I also picked the Dallas Cowboys to win the Super Bowl and the Miami Dolphins to finish last in the AFC East. I advised people to draft LaDainian Tomlinson first overall in their fantasy leagues. That was then.

Jared in State College, Pa., writes: Hey Tim, Penn State student here. I was just wondering how my boy Poz was doing since we don't get to see many Bills games televised in State College. It was nice to see him vs. Cleveland on MNF and I think he was a major steal by the Bills after falling out of the first round a few years back. Would love some commentary on his play thus far.

Tim Graham: Bills middle linebacker Paul Posluszny is playing OK, and in my book that's disappointing for him. I was expecting a better year out of the former Butkus Award winner. He has been responsible and diligent, but he hasn't been the difference-maker I and many other observers thought he would be.

Statistically speaking, he leads the team with 61 solo tackles (according to the Bills because tackles aren't an official stat), while Donte Whitner and Terrence McGee have the second-most solos with 35 apiece. Posluszny has two tackles for losses, no sacks and one forced fumble.

Tyler in Panama City, Fla., writes: im a miami fan, i want to know if you think the dolphins can win the afc east. or atleast get a wid card. theyve already beat two of the teams big time and they lost only by a touchdown to the jets. thanks, Tyler

Tim Graham: The Dolphins can make the playoffs this year, and winning the AFC East is possible. We'll obviously know a lot more after Sunday's game against the Patriots, but the Dolphins have a favorable schedule ahead. As it sets up heading into Week 12, anything can happen in the AFC East.

Alex in Pennsylvania writes: Tim, there was an article in the Herald that said Pennington's in helmet mic went on the fritz and he couldn't hear Dan Henning's play calls for several snaps. Any way of finding out if he was calling his own, or if they were signaled in? Thanx as always!

Tim Graham: Pennington told reporters Wednesday that the malfunction occurred before the two-minute warning. He didn't specifically say so, but he suggested the headset problem was corrected at that point.

Mark in Largo writes: I am a 25 year buffalo suporter, but for them to go any where they need a owner that cares enough to want to win. That meens spending the money for good coaches and players. We are not going any where with QB's like these.Im through watching my team loose every season cuzz we have an owner who does not care!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tim Graham: I thought you were just being melodramatic after the first eight exclamation points, but those last 10 drove home your angst. If it makes you feel any better, you're not alone in thought among Bills fans.

A traditional general manager, the institutional type like they had with Bill Polian and John Butler, would be a good start.

Ben in New York writes: What do you think of the personal foul called on Mitchell as he pushed the Browns running back out of bounds?

Tim Graham: To summarize, Bills linebacker Kawika Mitchell was flagged for unnecessary roughness for shoving Browns running back Jerome Harrison at the sideline early in the fourth quarter, giving the Browns the ball on the Bills' 33-yard line (the Browns got a field goal out of it).

In slow motion, the penalty looked dubious because Harrison appeared to be in play. But in real speed and with the naked eye, I thought it was justified. Harrison clearly was running out of bounds. He couldn't possibly cut upfield. The play was over. Mitchell didn't have to touch him at all.

Nick in Raleigh, N.C., writes: Hey Tim, I was hoping you could clear something up for me. I enjoy watching football, the Patriots in particular and I have been a fan for many years. The trouble is I don't know much about football so with a loss to the Jets, can New England still win the divis
ion? Thanks!

Tim Graham: You're not alone in being a football ignoramus. The problem is, you're asking another one.

The Patriots still can win the AFC East. All they need to do is finish with a better record than the Jets.

If they're tied after 16 games, then you go down the list of tiebreakers. The first is head-to-head record, and the Patriots and Jets split. Next is division record, then record against common opponents, then record in the conference before we get into arcane procedures that involve phrenology and Phil Hellmuth tarot-card readings.

Joe from Parts Unknown writes: Do you truly beleive, like actually believe, i mean seriously beleive that JP Losman would get the start over Trent Edwards? Really, you get paid to write these things? They could at least be somewhere cose to plausible, never agin will JP Losman start in Bills uniform, un less of course Trent gets injured. I cant beleive you even suggested such a thing, if my memory serves me right 3 interception games were common place for Mr. Losman.

Jonathan in Binghamton, N.Y., writes: Mr. Graham, I am responding on behalf of all of Western New York when I say that we vehemently disagree with the thought or notion that J.P LoserMan should be the starter over Trent Edwards in any facility. The mere mention of his name in your article sent shivers up and down my spine. J.P brings the deep ball, and thats about it, and frankly i think that he just heaves it up there anyways, most of the credit should go to Lee for bringing those passes down. While Trent has been going through a debilitating slump and has possibly cost the bills the playoffs this year, we must remember that he still brings solidarity and responsibility to the field. Trent has never complained or tried to shirk blame even when it comes from furious bills fans ( yours truly included ). I billieve that the faith we have shown Trent last year and this year will come through for Buffalo in the end and this win now mentality with J.P will only end in tears. I always appreciate and read your articles regarding the AFC East, however, sir, in this matter you have truly gone off the deep end.

Tim Graham: Obviously, the mere mention of the name J.P. Losman sends Bills fans into fits.

I didn't write that J.P. Losman should be Buffalo's starter Sunday in Kansas City. All I did was openly wonder, in an attempt to start a discussion among readers in the comments section of the blog, whether Trent Edwards should be on a short leash if he stumbles early in a do-or-die game.

If Edwards has problems and the Bills don't consider Losman in relief, then we'll know investing in Edwards and preparing for 2009 is more important than trying to make the playoffs this year.

Mike from Parts Unknown writes: trent edwards has no future in the NFL..what is he better that jp at..his quick release..maybe but its often going to the other team or batted down..he looks like a frightened child in the pocket..jp has a better arm and hes way more athletic..after all how can you have a starting quarterback who didnt even win a game his last year in college

Tim Graham: After almost two years, we still don't know what kind of NFL quarterback Edwards will be, but that's the case for a lot of quarterbacks after a couple of seasons. We had strong indications one way through the first six games. We're getting far different signals now. But he's still learning. There's considerable potential there. With Losman, we already have a fair idea of what he can do.

George from Parts Unknown writes: Saw your JP/Edwards post today. Scene: the jungle. Tim Graham is creeping through the foliage and spots a tent. Cans of Labatt Blue are scattered everywhere. TG: Well, lookee here. It's the Western New York sports media tent. My, my. [pulls grenade from chest belt, yanks out the pin with his teeth, and casually tosses it through the tent's open flap.] TG: Suck on that, hosers.

Tim Graham: I'm not sure what that means, but it made me laugh.

James in Orangevale, Calif., writes: Tim, is there someplace we can get free access to penalty information? I want to check to see in what season the Pats were last called for offensive holding. Thx!

Tim Graham: To find your answer we have to crawl into the Way Back Machine and travel to the year 2008. The Patriots have been called for holding three times this year, according to a recent penalty breakdown from Boston Globe reporter Mike Reiss.

Colin from Parts Unknown writes: Tim, been a diehard Bills fan for the past 20 years and have seen a fair share of heartache. Last nights game was extremely hard to take as it most likely knocks us out of the playoffs for the 9th season in a row. Is there any chance that Dick Jauron will not be the head coach in Buffalo next season?

Tim Graham: Like the fans, owner Ralph Wilson certainly can't be thrilled with how his team has crumbled. He turned 90 this year and knows he doesn't have many more opportunities to win a Super Bowl.

This year was one big tease. But four weeks ago, Dick Jauron reportedly agreed to a three-year contract extension. Nothing more has been said about the supposed deal. The Bills haven't confirmed the reports, and Jauron refuses to address the situation. Was there an agreement? Was the contract signed? Has it been finalized? Bills fans deserve to know -- so they can revolt if they choose.

Tim in Seattle writes: Hey Tim, When I saw your power ranking vote of 21 for Denver, it became clear to me that you know more about hockey than you do football!!!

Tim Graham: And I'm still trying to figure out the difference between icing and a two-line pass. As for the Broncos, yes, they lead their division at 6-4. Yet they've been outscored this year and were beaten by the Chiefs.

Mike in Brockport, N.Y., writes: After Monday night, do the Bills have any chance of making the playoffs? I just can't see it..

Tim Graham: You'd need LASIK surgery and a telescope.

And now for the Tom Brady-Matt Cassel portion of our show ...

Nick from Parts Unknown writes: are you seriously counting tom out u think this injury is going two be the one to maybe make him an avarage QB trust me there will be no QB contravise in pats country casslle will be starter some were ellse next season lions?

Tim Graham: No, I'm not counting Tom Brady out. I never suggested that I was. I merely asked readers if they thought the Patriots had a decision to make given the mystery around Brady's knee injury. No matter how vociferously people insist Brady will bounce back, we won't know for several months.

Wally in Portland writes: Matt Cassel vs Conan the Barbarian Matt Cassel vs God Matt Cassel vs Ghangus Khan Why not ask?

Tim Graham: I think all of those battles were settled by DC Comics in the same series where Superman fought Batman.

Brent in Providence, R.I., writes: Your "Take Your Pick" article between Cassell and Brady is reminds me of the 49ers in 96'(I think) when Steve Young was gone for the season with a severe concussion and Elvis Grbac came in saving what would be a ruined season. This is the exact same thing. Cassell is doing what we need him to do but no way whill he live up to the Hall-of-Famer before him.

Tim Graham: Brady will cast a long shadow over whoever plays quarterback in Foxborough for the next 15 years.

Ben from Parts Unknown writes: I really believe that this is not such question UNLESS, Matt Cassel takes the pats to the super bowl and wins. This is very possible and at that time the Pats would be in the same position as the 49ers with Montana and Young. They chose the youngster and it did them well. But right now all the Pats need to think about is how much they can get for him, which in this league and the way he is currently playing, should be a ton

Tim Graham: Brady will remain the Patriots' quarterback even if Cassel leads the Patriots to a Super Bowl. The only caveat is if Brady's knee turns out to be ruined.

Matt in San Diego writes: I can't believe I am wasting my time for writing this but I am just so amazingly shocked by your article on Brady v Cassle. My real question is how did you convince ESPN to publish that on their website? I mean it is the most absurb argument I have ever heard. Have you watched a single Patriots game over the past 5 seasons? Did you notice how Cassle can't throw a pass over 15 yards? Did you notice how Brady engineered countless game winning drives? Hey, let's start Ramiro Mendoza over Curt Shilling because he had a couple decent starts.

Tim Graham: Did I notice Cassel can't throw a pass over 15 yards? Two of his three touchdown passes in that Thursday night overtime loss to the Jets were from 19 and 16 yards out, and both were perfectly thrown balls.