We recently took a sneak peek at my leading candidates for the AFC East's most valuable player.

Let's examine the players who haven't performed up to expectations.

Here are the top names to consider for the AFC East's biggest disappointment:

Marshawn Lynch, Bills running back: He rushed for at least 1,000 yards in each of his first two years and went to the Pro Bowl last season. But repeated brushes with the law compelled the league to suspend him for the first three games of 2009. Lynch never regained his form and lost his job to Fred Jackson in Week 11. Lynch rushed three times for 3 yards on Sunday.

Adalius Thomas, Patriots outside linebacker: Thomas was the big free-agent acquisition in 2007, signed to a five-year deal that averages about $7 million. But he probably won't be back in 2010. Thomas twice has been a healthy scratch, once for performance and once for showing up late for a team meeting. If Thomas doesn't record a sack in the regular-season finale, he will finish with his lowest output since 2002.

Terrell Owens and Trent Edwards, Bills anemic duo: Only the blindest Bills fan could have thought the signing of Owens would send their team to the playoffs, but his presence was supposed to bring more to the offense than 51 catches and four touchdowns. Owens was supposed to unlock the offense for Edwards (lost his job as the starter) and free up Lee Evans (could finish with career-low receptions). The Bills' offense had all sorts of systemic problems, from their feeble offensive line to their inexperienced coordinator, but none of those players received the key to the city like Owens did.

Kerry Rhodes, Jets safety: Rhodes barely could contain his excitement over new head coach Rex Ryan's arrival. Rhodes felt marginalized last year in Eric Mangini's defense. Ryan's dynamic approach was certain to get Rhodes back to the player who recorded 160 tackles, seven sacks, nine interceptions, 16 passes defensed, five forced fumbles and two recoveries in 2006 and '07. After starting the first 74 games of his NFL career, Ryan stripped Rhodes of the job in Week 12. At the time, Rhodes had no sacks, interceptions or forced fumbles.

Joey Porter, Dolphins outside linebacker: Porter led the AFC with 17.5 sacks last year. A hamstring injury has slowed him, and head coach Tony Sparano hasn't been entirely pleased with how Porter has comported himself while recovering. Porter's production has plummeted. He has eight sacks entering the season finale. The low point came in Week 9 against the Patriots. Before the game, Porter called out the Patriots organization over Spygate and accused the NFL of giving Tom Brady favorable treatment. Porter, playing against rookie left tackle Sebastian Vollmer, failed to record a tackle in a Dolphins loss.