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Can a team put too many players into the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

Bill Polian doesn't think so.

Polian assembled the Buffalo Bills teams that went to four straight Super Bowls. Five members of those teams already have bronze busts in Canton: quarterback Jim Kelly, running back Thurman Thomas, receiver James Lofton, defensive end Bruce Smith and head coach Marv Levy. Bills owner Ralph Wilson has been enshrined, too.

"It seems like every second or third year somebody gets inducted into the Hall of Fame and we have a reunion and get to reflect on it," Polian told me Thursday night. "It's a big family that has stuck together and still stays in touch.

"It's a blessing. To be associated with guys like that? It's a special, special group."

Polian insisted more Bills belong in the Hall of Fame and is bothered that wide receiver Andre Reed hasn't gotten in yet. Reed could get the Canton call Saturday. He is among the 15 finalists who will be evaluated by the selection committee for five openings on the 2011 class.

"It's shocking to me that he's not viewed as a shoo-in Hall of Famer," Polian said. "Andre Reed was our biggest big-play player on a team that went to four Super Bowls. How he could not be included in the Hall of Fame when he's one of two guys who dominated is beyond me.

"Go with the facts. Don't go with perception. Go with reality because if you go with reality, you have to say Andre Reed belongs, without question. To me, it's just baffling."

That would give the Bills five Hall of Famers who played or coached all four Super Bowl teams. Lofton played on only three of them. Bills owner Ralph Wilson also has been inducted.

Put that group up against the New England Patriots, who won three Super Bowls in four years.

"The teams are comparable," Polian said.

There aren't that many slam-dunks from all three of New England's championship rosters.

Head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady are surefire Hall of Famers. Beyond that, Adam Vinatieri has a strong case for his heroics, but there are no guarantees for kickers. Jan Stenerud is the only Hall of Fame kicker or punter. Maybe defensive end Richard Seymour or cornerback Ty Law will be considered.

Beyond that, much of the Patriots' roster was comprised of semi-stars such as linebackers Tedy Bruschi and Mike Vrabel, who went to one Pro Bowl apiece, and transients.

That the 1990s Bills will send more players to Canton than the 2000s Patriots is fascinating to me. It shows how incredible the Patriots have been at navigating free agency and the draft to maintain a consistent winner with a fluctuating roster -- and how truly magnificent that collection of talent was for Buffalo.

"That'll never happen again," Reed told me last week. "You won't see an assemblage of players like that -- at least not in Buffalo. I know that."

Those Bills teams also featured offensive linemen Kent Hull and Jim Ritcher, linebackers Cornelius Bennett, Shane Conlan and Darryl Talley and special-teams star Steve Tasker.

Polian is an advocate of Tasker's induction into Canton, too.

"Steve Tasker was, pound-for-pound, the greatest special-teams player ever to play," Polian said. "If you value special teams, then Steve Tasker belongs in the Hall of Fame. I am also an unabashed Ray Guy fan.

"I've seen every player that's played in this game since 1977, and I can tell you Ray Guy literally changed the game -- as did Steve Tasker."

So that would make at least seven Hall of Famers from the 1990s Bills if Polian had his way.

When you consider how much talent Polian gathered with the Bills -- and his success with the Carolina Panthers and Indianapolis Colts since then -- there's no way you can't consider Polian himself.

But for now, Andre Reed is on deck.

"Andre is clearly, clearly, clearly deserving to be inducted," Polian said. "By any measure in the era he played, Andre Reed is a Hall of Famer."

There's such a surplus of trash talk lately that shots are being delivered at players in other games.

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady continues to be a verbal target, but the latest salvos come from Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs, who'll play the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday.

It's cross-game trash talk.

Thursday on Sirius radio show "Gary & Phillips on the Morning," Suggs was asked how Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger compares to Brady and Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning.

"Well, if you ask me, he's definitely up there with them," Suggs said in a transcript posted by Yahoo! Sports blog editor Matthew J. Darnell, "because he has the hardware to prove it, and that's all that matters in this league is Super Bowls. And he's won two of them.

"If I'm correct Manning's only won one -- both Mannings that is -- and Phillip Rivers doesn't have any, and Tom Brady has three, I think, a questionable three. This guy [Roethlisberger] won the Super Bowl, I believe, in his second year in the league, and I'm not sure if that's ever been done before. If it has, it's been very rare."

Suggs was asked to elaborate on what he meant by Brady's "questionable" championships.

"Oh, you know, you've got the Tuck Rule incident, and then you've got the videotaping of the other team's practices," Suggs said. "It's just like, OK, what's going on here? You know?"

The Patriots infamously benefited from the Tuck Rule against the Oakland Raiders in the 2001 postseason. A Brady fumble was changed to an incomplete pass in the final two minutes, eventually allowing the Patriots to kick a field goal that forced overtime. Adam Vinatieri kicked another one in sudden death.

Mike Pereira, the NFL's former director of officiating, recently wrote in a Fox Sports column the Tuck Rule needed to be changed. Pereira said those loose balls should be fumbles.

The Tuck Rule helped the Patriots win the first of three Super Bowls, all of which have been clouded by the Spygate controversy. The scandal cost the Patriots their 2008 first-round draft choice and a $250,000 fine. The NFL also fined Patriots head coach Bill Belichick $500,000.

"But, hey, it is what it is," Suggs said. "They won the games no matter how you did it. But, um, it's whatever."

INDIANAPOLIS -- The New York Jets defeated the Indianapolis Colts 17-16 in Lucas Oil Stadium.

What it means: Even though Mark Sanchez had a lackluster night, the Jets found a way to knock off Peyton Manning with a thrilling victory. Rex Ryan's Jets improved their road playoff record to 3-1 and avenged last season's loss to the Colts in the AFC Championship Game.

Hero: Nick Folk kicked a 32-yard field goal as time expired to pull off the upset and send Colts fans silently filing toward the exits.

Near Hero: Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri almost won the game on a 50-yard field goal with less than a minute to play. The kick was his longest of the season.

Hero II: Jets running back LaDainian Tomlinson looked like he did when he was an early season MVP candidate. He had his biggest game in three months. Tomlinson ran 16 times for 82 yards and two touchdowns, including the go-ahead score with about 10 minutes to play.

All is forgiven: The Jets trailed 7-0 at halftime but should have had at least a field goal right before the break. The Jets made it to the Colts' 19-yard line. On a third-and-10 play, Sanchez had too much time to think and forced a ball to Dustin Keller near the goal line. Colts defensive back Justin Tyron intercepted.

Costly play: One play after Jets receiver Santonio Holmes had a costly third-down drop, Colts special-teams ace Taj Smith was flagged for running into punter Steve Weatherford on fourth-and-5 with 3:02 to play. First down, Jets. Colts had to start calling their timeouts on the next set of downs.

If on third you don't succeed: The Jets were phenomenal on third downs almost all night, limiting the Colts to three-and-out series on their first three possessions. But the Colts converted a third-and-7 and a third-and-8 on their first field-goal drive of the fourth quarter.

What's next: The Jets advanced to the divisional round and will play the New England Patriots in Gillette Stadium. The Jets defeated the Patriots 28-14 at the Meadowlands in Week 2, but the Patriots administered a 45-3 beating five weeks ago in Foxborough.

A weeklong look at current or former players or coaches with Hall of Fame potential in the division.

Buffalo Bills: Steve Tasker, special teams.

Claim to fame: Tasker perhaps is the greatest special-teams ace in NFL history. He was a notable weapon on Buffalo's four consecutive AFC championship teams in the 1990s.

Case for enshrinement: Tasker was so dominant in his role, the NFL changed its Pro Bowl rules to include special-teamers on rosters. He went to seven Pro Bowls, putting him in select company, and was named the MVP in 1993. He has been a semifinalist on the Hall of Fame ballot four times. The NFL Network named him the ninth-best player -- of any position -- not in the Hall of Fame.

Tasker blocked seven punts and made 204 special-teams tackles. He forced seven fumbles and recovered six. He returned kickoffs, punts and held on extra points and field goals. As a receiver, he caught 51 passes for 779 yards and nine touchdowns.

Case against enshrinement: Special-teamers just don't get enshrined. Kicker Jan Stenerud is the only pure special-teamer with a bust. Legendary punter Ray Guy isn't in. No return specialist has been honored, either.

The common retort to that is one of the silliest sayings in football: Special teams are one-third of the game. Sorry, but that's not true. If each team plays a perfect defensive game and forces the opponent to go three-and-out on every possession, then special teams are needed once every four plays. And if football people truly believed special teams were that integral to the game, they would draft special teamers rather than fill out those units with offensive and defensive reserves.

Parting shot: I'd like to see more special-teamers recognized in Canton. But unless there's a substantial change in selection philosophies, Tasker won't make it into the Hall of Fame.

Miami Dolphins: Jake Scott, safety.

Claim to fame: Scott was among the greatest safeties and most dangerous punt returners of the 1970s. He was voted MVP of Super Bowl VII, when the Dolphins closed out their undefeated season.

Case for enshrinement: Scott is one of the most overlooked players in NFL history. His career was relatively short, but it burned brightly. For five years in a row, starting with his second season, Scott went to the Pro Bowl and was named first- or second-team All-Pro.

Despite playing only nine NFL seasons, Scott recorded 49 interceptions, a total that ranked 18th all time when he retired. Hall of Fame safety Ken Houston played 14 seasons and finished with the same total. Scott still holds the Dolphins record with 35 interceptions. He added 14 more in three seasons with the Washington Redskins. Scott recovered 13 fumbles in his career.

He also was a slick punt returner. He holds Miami career records in returns and yardage and ranks third in average.

Case against enshrinement: There's a stigma that comes with playing on the No-Name Defense. Only one player from that great unit, linebacker Nick Buoniconti, is in the Hall of Fame, and his cause certainly was helped by previous work with the Boston Patriots and by remaining in public view as a broadcaster.

Scott, meanwhile, became a recluse. He moved to Hawaii and for a time avoided attention at all costs. He reportedly declined the chance to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame because he wouldn't commit to attending the ceremony.

Also working against Scott, who never has made the cut to 15 modern-day finalists, is the dearth of safeties enshrined in Canton. Only seven have been inducted.

Parting shot: Scott didn't play long enough to get traditional consideration. His best hope would be through the senior committee.

New England Patriots: Adam Vinatieri, kicker.

Claim to fame: If Vinatieri is not the greatest clutch kicker in NFL history, then he's in a short conversation. He won the Patriots' first two Super Bowls with field goals in the final seconds.

Case for enshrinement: Vinatieri has kicked for six Super Bowl teams, played in five Super Bowls and won four rings -- three with the Patriots and one with the Indianapolis Colts. He directly delivered a pair of Lombardi Trophies for the Patriots. He kicked a 48-yarder as time expired to win Super Bowl XXXVI and a 41-yarder with four seconds left to win Super Bowl XXXVIII.

In blizzard conditions at the end of the infamous Tuck Rule game, Vinatieri kicked a 45-yard field goal with 1:39 left in regulation to force overtime and then won it with a 23-yard field goal.

Vinatieri has been an All-Pro twice. He has kicked a record-tying five field goals in a postseason game twice and owns multiple playoff and Super Bowl records. He has scored the most points for a kicker (34) in Super Bowl history and converted the most field goals (seven) and extra points (13). His 177 postseason points rank first.

Case against enshrinement: Stenerud is the only true kicker in the Hall of Fame. Morten Andersen and Gary Anderson will have to get in first, and the idea of quadrupling the number of kickers (if you consider Vinatieri the next one inducted after Andersen and Anderson) won't be an easy sell to the voters.

Vinatieri has led the NFL in scoring and field goals once and probably won't finish with attractive enough career stats. At 37 years old and showing signs of slowing down -- he played six games for the Colts last season because of hip and knee surgeries -- and he ranks 15th in scoring and 13th in field goals made. Players such as John Carney, Matt Stover and John Kasay have more. Vinatieri has kicked almost 100 fewer field goals than Jason Elam. Nobody envisions Canton when they think of those guys.

Parting shot: Vinatieri provided two of the most indelible memories in Patriots history. As his career stands now, however, two big kicks won't overcome the circumstances of his position.

New York Jets: Joe Klecko, defensive lineman.

Claim to fame: Klecko was a key member of the New York Sack Exchange defensive line. Many consider him the greatest Jet not in the Hall of Fame and one of the best sixth-round draft picks of all time.

Case for enshrinement: Klecko was the first player to make the Pro Bowl at three positions. He went as a defensive end in 1981, a defensive tackle in '83 and '84 and a nose tackle in '85. To illustrate his importance, the Jets made his No. 73 the third number retired in club history after Joe Namath and Don Maynard.

Unlike the Fearsome Foursome or Purple People Eaters, the Sack Exchange doesn't have a single Hall of Fame representative. While Mark Gastineau's histrionics garnered the most attention, Klecko was the most complete player of the four. He was a dangerous pass-rusher and nasty against the run.

Klecko unofficially recorded 20.5 sacks in 1981 and notched at least one sack in 10 straight games, a franchise record.

Case against enshrinement: What hurts Klecko is that he somehow remained relatively anonymous in New York. He was overlooked because he played thankless positions and was trumped by Gastineau's sack dances.

Klecko also played on some lousy teams. The Jets went to the playoffs only four times during his tenure (1977 through 1987). Once was in the strike-shortened 1982 season and he was hurt for the 1986 postseason.

Parting shot: Klecko never has made the cut of 15 modern-era finalists. He might need to rely on the senior committee.

Notable players: QB Tom Brady, RB Corey Dillon, WR Deion Branch, WR/DB Troy Brown, TE Daniel Graham, T Matt Light, DE Richard Seymour, OLB Willie McGinest, OLB Mike Vrabel, ILB Tedy Bruschi, CB Ty Law, CB Asante Samuel, S Rodney Harrison, K Adam Vinatieri, ST Larry Izzo.

Analysis: The New England Patriots are the only AFC East club with three championship seasons to consider, and one could argue with conviction their best team didn't win the Super Bowl.

But 2004 stands apart. The Patriots claimed their third Vince Lombardi Trophy in four seasons to establish themselves as one of the all-time great teams. Brady and head coach Bill Belichick ensured their place in Canton.

The Patriots picked up where they left off after winning Super Bowl XXXVIII the year before. They increased their win streak to an NFL record 21 games. They ranked fourth in scoring and second in points allowed. They lost two games all season, Week 8 at the Pittsburgh Steelers and Week 15 at the Miami Dolphins.

After beating the Indianapolis Colts for the second time and holding Peyton Manning's offense to three points in the divisional round of the playoffs, the Patriots scored 41 points to avenge their defeat in Pittsburgh.

In Super Bowl XXXIX, the Patriots beat the Philadelphia Eagles more comfortably than the 24-21 score indicates. Adam Vinatieri didn't need to drill a field goal in the closing seconds for a change.

Most impressive win: The Patriots never were more dominant than they were in Week 10 against the Buffalo Bills, a borderline playoff team that won three out of four heading into Gillette Stadium and six straight afterward. The Patriots rolled up a season-high 428 offensive yards and limited the Bills to 125 yards to win 29-6.

What can Brown do for you? Pretty much whatever you could ask of him. Brown caught only 15 passes in the regular season, but in Week 9 against the St. Louis Rams, he entered the game as an emergency defensive back when Samuel went down with an injury. Brown finished the season with three interceptions (one shy of the team lead) and broke the Super Bowl record for punt returns.

Honorable mention

2007: It's the greatest NFL team not to win the championship. Brady, Randy Moss and Wes Welker rewrote a good chunk of the offensive record book, but the Patriots fell short of finishing the season undefeated, losing in the Super Bowl to the New York Giants.

2001: New England won its first championship with an offense that ranked sixth in scoring and a defense that ranked sixth in points allowed. Belichick's controversial decision to stick with Brady when Drew Bledsoe returned to health created a superstar.

2003: New England went 14-2 to win its second title in three years. The offense was pretty mediocre, but the defense posted three shutouts, gave up six points or fewer five times and averaged 11.9 points against over the final 10 weeks of the regular season.

1976: Patriots fans thought a storybook season was unfolding in the bicentennial. Steve Grogan and Sam Cunningham led the Pats to an 11-3 record, but a controversial late-hit call helped them lose to the Oakland Raiders in the playoffs.

The New England Patriots have revealed their all-decade team. The players were chosen Monday by the Patriots' Hall of Fame Nomination Committee.

Offense

Quarterback: Tom Brady

Running back: Corey Dillon

Receivers: Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Troy Brown

Tight end: Daniel Graham

Center: Dan Koppen

Guards: Logan Mankins, Joe Andruzzi

Tackles: Matt Light, Nick Kaczur

Defense

Nose tackle: Vince Wilfork

Defensive ends: Richard Seymour, Ty Warren

Outside linebackers: Willie McGinest, Mike Vrabel

Inside linebackers: Tedy Bruschi, Roman Phifer

Cornerbacks: Ty Law, Asante Samuel

Safeties: Rodney Harrison, Lawyer Milloy

Special teams

Kicker: Adam Vinatieri

Punter: Josh Miller

Kick returner: Kevin Faulk

Coverage: Larry Izzo

MIAMI -- Twelve players and a coach with AFC East ties have been selected to the NFL's All-Decade team for the aughts.

The New England Patriots had a division-high six representatives: head coach Bill Belichick, quarterback Tom Brady, receiver Randy Moss, defensive tackle Richard Seymour, cornerback Ty Law and kicker Adam Vinatieri.

At least two honorees were selected for every position. For example, also appearing along with Brady and Belichick were Peyton Manning and Tony Dungy.

The Miami Dolphins were next with three, all at linebacker: Zach Thomas, Jason Taylor and Joey Porter.

Three players who've worn a New York Jets uniform made it: center Kevin Mawae, left guard Alan Faneca and Law.

The Buffalo Bills had two players make the squad: receiver Terrell Owens and punter Brian Moorman.

ESPN's John Clayton put together his list of the 10 most memorable plays in Super Bowl history.

AFC East clubs have been involved in many unforgettable moments, and in attempting to put together a list, the heartbreakers seemed more distinguished than the triumphs. Rather than combine them, I've decided to break down the five best plays and the five worst.

Think I missed one or disagree with the way I ranked them? Add your suggestions in the comments section below.

Five best

1. Vinatieri's field goal clinches Patriots' first title: With broadcaster John Madden advising the New England Patriots to kneel out the clock and go to overtime, Tom Brady orchestrates a drive against the St. Louis Rams that lays the foundation for a Hall of Fame career. Adam Vinatieri kicked a 48-yard field goal as time expired to win Super Bowl XXXVI.

2. Beebe strips Lett: Super Bowl XXVII was getting out of hand when the Dallas Cowboys sacked Buffalo Bills quarterback Frank Reich, forcing him to fumble. Leon Lett scooped the ball and rumbled for what should have been a 60-yard touchdown, but he celebrated too soon. Don Beebe racing from behind knocked the ball out of Lett's hand at the goal line to revert possession to the Bills.

3. Law's interception: In the second quarter and with the favored Rams ahead 3-0, Law made a statement when he intercepted a Kurt Warner pass and returned it 47 yards for a touchdown. The Patriots went on to score 17 straight points. The Rams never led again, and the Patriots launched a mini-dynasty.

4. Walker's kickoff return TD: In a game full of big plays, Fulton Walker returned the first kickoff for a touchdown in Super Bowl history. Walker went 98 yards to give the Miami Dolphins a 17-10 halftime lead, but the Washington Redskins scored 17 points in the second half to win.

5. Maynard's incomplete bomb: Speedy receiver Don Maynard was a significant contributor to the New York Jets' championship team, but he was shut out in Super Bowl III. "I didn't catch a single pass," Maynard recently told the Bergen Record, "but I really had a great game." With no score, Maynard raced behind the Baltimore Colts secondary for what should have been a long touchdown. Joe Namath barely overthrew him, but the play spooked the Colts enough to double- and triple-team Maynard the rest of the game, leaving George Sauer free to catch eight passes for 133 yards.

Five worst

1. Wide right: So many fates swung on Scott Norwood's right hip socket when he attempted a 47-yard field goal that would've beaten the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXV. Norwood's kick sailed wide ride, spoiling what would turn out to be the Bills' best shot to win any of their four straight Super Bowls. The kick also propelled Bill Parcells to legend.

2. Tyree's catch: Giants afterthought David Tyree made the most miraculous catch in Super Bowl history to help ruin the Patriots' pursuit of perfection in 2007. In the final minute and down by four points, Eli Manning made an unbelievable scramble and heaved the ball to Tyree, who outbattled Patriots safety Rodney Harrison and made the reception by pinning it against his helmet.

3. Riggins' run: Redskins locomotive John Riggins made an iconic run in Super Bowl XVII that still symbolizes power football at its finest. On a fourth-and-1 play in the fourth quarter, Riggins ran off left tackle and steamrolled Dolphins cornerback Don McNeal on his way to a 43-yard touchdown to give the Redskins their first lead.

4. Howard's 99-yard return: Desmond Howard sealed a victory for the Green Bay Packers when he returned a kickoff 99 yards in the fourth quarter against the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXI. Howard was awarded the MVP for rolling up 244 return yards.

5. Yepremian's blunder: The Dolphins were trying to achieve perfection in 1972 and seemed to have everything under control against the Redskins in Super Bowl VII. The Dolphins were ahead 14-0 with about two minutes left, when Garo Yepremian lined up for a 51-yard field goal. The kick was blocked and ricocheted to Yepremian, who comically tried to pass. The ball rolled off his hand and was bobbled. Mike Bass snatched it out of the air and ran 49 yards for a touchdown.

INDIANAPOLIS -- No surprises among the New York Jets' list of inactives for the AFC Championship Game.

The biggest name is Indianapolis Colts right cornerback Jerraud Powers, who was downgraded to doubtful Saturday night.

New York Jets

• Quarterback Kevin O’Connell
• Quarterback Erik Ainge
• Running back Chauncey Washington
• Running back Danny Woodhead
• Guard Matt Slauson
• Defensive tackle Howard Green
• Defensive end Ropati Pitoitua
• Linebacker Kenwin Cummings

Indianapolis Colts

• Receiver Sam Giguere
• Tight end Colin Cloherty
• Guard Mike Pollak
• Tackle Michael Toudouze
• Defensive tackle Fili Moala
• Defensive end Ervin Baldwin
• Cornerback Jerraud Powers
• Kicker Adam Vinatieri

No matter what happens to the New England Patriots the rest of the year, even if they go down in a screaming ball of fire and don't win another game, they still will be remembered as the best team of the 2000s.

Sports Illustrated has released its choices for the best teams, players, games, moments and everything else of the decade. Patriots are all over the place.

They were named the best organization. Bill Belichick was named best coach. Scott Pioli was named best personnel man. The 2007 team had the best season. Randy Moss from the Oakland Raiders was selected as the best trade and Tom Brady the biggest draft steal.

On Don Banks' list of top 10 signature moments of the 2000s, Mo Lewis' hit on Drew Bledsoe that opened the door for Brady was No. 1. The Tuck Rule play was No. 7.

Of course, the Patriots also were involved in the biggest upset of the decade, losing to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII, and the greatest scandal, Spygate.

There were a couple mentions for the other AFC East teams, too.

The Jets were tabbed for the worst trade, sending two first-round draft picks and a fourth-round pick to Chicago Bears so they could select defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson.

Buffalo Bills receiver Terrell Owens was named villain of the decade. Former Bills defensive coordinator Dick Lebeau was selected coordinator of the decade.

Here are the men with AFC East ties who landed on Peter King's all-decade team:

• Receiver: Moss (Patriots).
• Center: Kevin Mawae (Jets).
• Guard: Alan Faneca (Jets).
• Defensive end: Jason Taylor (Dolphins).
• Linebacker: Mike Vrabel (Patriots), London Fletcher (Bills).
• Cornerback: Antoine Winfield (Bills).
• Kicker: Adam Vinatieri (Patriots).
• Head coach: Belichick (Patriots).
• Coordinator: LeBeau (Bills).
• General manager: Bill Polian (Bills, but in the 1990s).
• Personnel: Pioli (Patriots).

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Graham

Sporting News has revealed its all-decade lists for the four major leagues, NASCAR and college football and basketball.

The AFC East is well-represented.

The New England Patriots were named the best NFL team. Bill Belichick was voted best coach, and former Patriots vice president of player personnel Scott Pioli was selected best executive.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning beat out Patriots quarterback Tom Brady for player of the decade.

Patriots fans will wince at the thought of Super Bowl XLII being named the game of the decade. The New York Giants spoiled perfection with a monumental upset.

Sporting News' all-decade team features with seven AFC East connections: receiver Randy Moss, guard Alan Faneca, fullback Lorenzo Neal, defensive end Jason Taylor, defensive tackle Richard Seymour, linebacker Joey Porter and kicker Adam Vinatieri.

The all-decade college team also has some AFC East flavor: tackle Jake Long, linebacker Paul Posluszny, cornerback Lito Sheppard and kick returner Ted Ginn.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Graham

The question pops into your head almost every time it happens:

AFC East kickers in the clutch: Iced and not iced Kicker Team Iced Not iced Total Dan Carpenter Dolphins 1/1 0/0 1/1 Rian Lindell Bills 2/3 3/4 5/7 Stephen Gostkowski Patriots 0/0 0/0 0/0 Jay Feely Jets 3/6 5/9 8/15

Does icing the kicker really work?

Some believe it does, that it's wise psychological warfare at a critical time.

Some say no, that it gives the kicker more time to prepare, maybe even allows him to get a practice kick in if the opposing coach waits too long or even to clear his spot on a snowy field.

NFC West blogger Mike Sando endeavored to find out if data supported either theory by asking ESPN Stats & Information to track the numbers.

Research suggests that icing the kicker in clutch situations works.

The definition of a clutch kick was an attempt from at least 35 yards inside the final two minutes with the score tied or the kicking team trailing by fewer than three points.

In overtime, iced kickers made 58.1 percent of their tries from an average of 41.9 yards away. Kickers who were left alone made 72.7 percent from nearly two yards farther out.

Overall, iced kickers converted 65.1 percent of their attempts from an average distance of 44.9 yards. Kickers who weren't iced made 68.9 percent from 45.1 yards away.

Some AFC East tidbits from the stats, which date to 2001:

• I guess I never noticed because the New England Patriots have scored so many points since he joined them in 2006, but Stephen Gostkowski has never been asked to make a clutch kick (by our definition) in his career.
• Former Patriots kicker Adam Vinatieri is 11 for 12 in clutch situations. He's 8 for 8 when not iced, 3 for 4 when iced.
• Jay Feely, who has kicked for the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons and New York Giants since 2001, had some bad numbers. But three of those boo-boos occurred in an overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks in 2005. Feely missed three potential game-winning field goals. He missed from 40 yards at the final gun and from 54 yards and 45 yards in sudden death, a game that inspired a "Saturday Night Live" skit.
• Former Jets kicker Mike Nugent is 2 for 3. He was iced for his lone miss.
• Former Miami Dolphins kicker Olindo Mare is 5 for 8 overall. He was 4 for 6 when he wasn't iced.

	Douglas Jones/US Presswire
	Colts tight end Dallas Clark helped Peyton Manning make the most of their time on offense

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Graham

MIAMI -- The Miami Dolphins' defense defied everything that established its identity last year.

Colts-Dolphins coverage Paul Kuharsky - Five things I took from Colts' win - Wrapup: Colts 27, Dolphins 23 Tim Graham - Manning squishes soft Dolphins - Rapid Reaction: Colts 27, Dolphins 23 - All Colts-Dolphins coverage

It wasn't hard-nosed. It didn't punish opposing ball carriers. It flat-out missed tackles. It didn't come up with stops in critical situations.

A proud defense went limp Monday night and gave away a game that was absurdly lopsided in Miami's favor. The Indianapolis Colts defeated the slack-jawed Dolphins 27-23 at Land Shark Stadium, a result that was far from unexpected until you looked at the box score.

"It's really disheartening," Miami coach Tony Sparano said in his postgame news conference. "I'd like to ask you guys how many times you've seen games like that."

Nary a one, Coach.

Manning By Distance Thrown -- 14 yds or less 15 yds or more Cmp-Att 9-10 5-13 Yds 114 189* TD 1 1 Rtg 147.5 111.9 * 80 came on first play of game.

The Dolphins kept the ball out of Peyton Manning's hands like few teams could. Miami had the ball for 45 minutes, 7 seconds -- eclipsing their team time-of-possession record by 88 seconds. They rushed for 239 yards. They ran 84 plays from scrimmage. The Colts ran just 35 -- three in the entire third quarter; their previous record for fewest offensive plays in a game was 37.

The Colts converted only three third downs, for crissakes. The Dolphins converted an incredible 15 of 21.

"That's exactly the formula to beat that team," Sparano said, "exactly the formula."

Miami's smashmouth defense, however, turned toothless.

Dan Carpenter kicked a 45-yard field goal to give the Dolphins a three-point lead with 3:50 remaining.

Manning glanced up at the clock and knew that would be more than enough. The Colts had all three of their timeouts and the two-minute warning. With the way he was turning the Dolphins into ribbons, he could have taken a knee or two just to make the finish a little more interesting.

	Steve Mitchell/US Presswire
	Joey Porter could not rattle Peyton Manning when it counted.

Four plays are all it took. Even with AFC reigning sackmaster Joey Porter and NFL active career sacks leader Jason Taylor on the field and Manning certain to be throwing, the Dolphins still couldn't disrupt him.

Manning found Reggie Wayne for 15 yards to give the Colts some breathing room.

"Once you give them a chunk play like that and let them out of that end of the field," Sparano said, "all of a sudden the candy store's open."

Then Manning found tight end Dallas Clark -- as he had all evening -- for 17 more yards to close in on field-goal territory with a comfy 3:39 to play.

But that possibility was rendered moot when Manning threw a screen pass to Pierre Garcon, who darted past a few Dolphins who probably should have brought him down at some point before he traveled 48 yards for a touchdown.

It was vintage Manning, yet that provided no solace in Miami's locker room.

"There's no consolation prizes," Taylor said. "You don't get anything for being in second place besides a T-shirt, and that thing will shrink in two weeks.

"Who cares about finishing close, or 'You had them until the end and they're just great?' The Colts are a good football team, but they’re beatable. We should have won the game, and we didn't."

Since the NFL started tracking time of possession in 1977, no team has won with such a paltry number (14:53), according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

So you can imagine what Manning did with those 35 measly plays. Even without injured No. 2 receiver Anthony Gonzalez, the Colts averaged 10.3 yards a snap.

Manning and Clark connected on the game's first play for an 80-yard touchdown to render Land Shark Stadium a mausoleum. Clark finished with seven catches for 183 yards, often abusing inside linebacker Channing Crowder.

Miami's offense, meanwhile, was relentlessly efficient.

Ronnie Brown By Formation -- Wildcat Other Att 7 17 Yards 62 74 Yds/Att 8.9 4.4 First Downs 4 4 Touchdowns 1 1

Ronnie Brown hadn't churned up so much real estate since it was worth something in South Florida. Brown rushed for 136 yards -- his highest total since November 2006 -- and scored two touchdowns. Ricky Williams and Patrick Cobbs combined for another 92 rushing yards.

Brown made the Wildcat look dangerous again after so many games of pedestrian results. He took a direct snap and darted for a 14-yard touchdown on Miami's first drive, its first Wildcat touchdown since Week 10 of last year.

And the Dolphins wasted all of it in their home opener.

"They did a good job tonight, and we failed them," Taylor said of the offense. "We failed the team on defense."

Miami surrendered crucial gains throughout the night, but they were scattered about because Indianapolis never seemed to be on the field.

Manning hit Clark for a 20-yard gain to set up a 48-yard Adam Vinatieri field goal with two seconds left in the first half. That "cheap field goal," as Porter put it, tied the game at 13.

But the Dolphins' offense downright dominated in the second half. Miami opened with an 11-play drive, held the Colts to a three-and-out and went on a 13-play touchdown drive that ended 1:37 into the fourth quarter.

As Sparano said, it was the perfect game plan. But his team is 0-2, the only team in the AFC East without a victory.

"Nobody's crowned champion after two weeks," Porter said. "True enough, we would love to be 2-0 instead of 0-2, but we're not good enough to give away games.

"Those are the games that are going to hurt. When you have a team in position to put them away, you've got to put them away. Good teams do."

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Graham

MIAMI -- The Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts enter halftime tied at 13 on "Monday Night Football."

Some observations from the Land Shark Stadium press box through two quarters:

The Wildcat gets frisky: The Dolphins ran the Wildcat four times in the first quarter for 33 yards, including Ronnie Brown's 14-yard touchdown to tie the score on their opening drive. The offense needed a spark after last week's performance in the Georgia Dome, and the Wildcat seemed to provide it.

Brown gains one fewer yard on Miami's first possession than he had all last week: Brown looked like a superstar, running for 42 yards on the opening drive. He went into the half with 83 yards. He eclipsed the 100-yard barrier three times last year, topping out at 125 in Week 5.

Dolphins tackle Jake Long has done well against pass-rush specialist Dwight Freeney: Long had a rough opener against the Atlanta Falcons, giving up two sacks, half a sack less than the total he gave in his Pro Bowl rookie season. Freeney recorded a sack in the second quarter, but it was due to the Colts' coverage on a play that forced Chad Pennington to scramble.

Peyton Manning seems to be completing passes at will: Manning has completed 7 of 14 passes for 159 yards and a touchdown. His percentage isn't that great, but he's hitting them when they count. He connected with Dallas Clark for a 20-yard pickup to put the Colts in field goal range with two ticks left in the second quarter. Adam Vinatieri kicked a 48-yard field goal to tie the score.

The Dolphins must figure out how to contain Clark: He scored an 80-yard touchdown on the game's opening play, and three of his four receptions have been for first downs.

Dan Carpenter has made two difficult kicks for Miami: He nailed 45- and 44-yard kicks in the second quarter, both of them off the Florida Marlins' infield dirt.

CANTON, Ohio -- The Buffalo Bills of the 1990s, those woebegone losers of four straight Super Bowls, are forming a squadron of Pro Football Hall of Famers.

	Ron Vesely/Getty Images
	Jim Kelly and Thurman Thomas are two of five Bills from the 1990s who are Hall of Famers.

Defensive end Bruce Smith will be inducted Saturday night, giving those Super Bowl teams five representatives so far. Previously minted were quarterback Jim Kelly, running back Thurman Thomas, receiver James Lofton and head coach Marv Levy.

Wide receiver Andre Reed likely will join them (after a long wait). With enough support, special-teams stalwart Steve Tasker eventually could get in, too.

"It really shows you that people understand what we did, what we accomplished," Kelly said Friday at the McKinley Hotel. "What we accomplished is amazing."

Compare that haul with other clubs that won multiple Super Bowls. The Pittsburgh Steelers won four in the 1970s and have sent 10, and some critics say that's too many.

In January, I noted how relatively few players from the New England Patriots' three championship squads will get in. Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are locks. Who's a shoo-in after that?

Rodney Harrison's candidacy will be debated. He was a great player, but only six-full time safeties ever have made it into Canton. Maybe Corey Dillon, Richard Seymour or Ty Law has an outside shot. Adam Vinatieri's heroics might not be enough. Only one kicker, Jan Stenerud, has been inducted.

No matter how much Patriot Nation loves Tedy Bruschi, he's not getting in.

Randy Moss and Junior Seau will get inducted, but they didn't play on any of New England's title teams.

"There's so much emphasis on winning Super Bowls, but it's what it takes to get there, too," Kelly said. "Sure, it's easy for me to say that because I didn't win one, but we didn't take the easy road. We took the long road many times, including the Comeback Game when Frank [Reich] was quarterback.

"There's no doubt more people are admiring what we accomplished during those days. They start really saying 'Wow' that we were able to get back there, especially since we lost. It would have been easy for us to not quite work as hard next time, to say 'Maybe it wasn't meant to be' after the second year and then the third year and then being able to do it four years in a row. Sometimes it amazes myself that we were able to keep together and pull together.

"For us, just getting over that one hump ... People talk about the dynasty of the Patriots," Kelly said. "Remember, they won two Super Bowls by a last-second kick. If we had one go through, who knows what would have happened?"