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Many New York Jets fans are torn on the decision to sign starting quarterback Mark Sanchez to a five-year, $58.25 million contract. It essentially ensures Sanchez is New York's franchise quarterback for at least the next two seasons.

But for better or for worse, the Jets have made their decision. Now it's time to maximize on their investment. This offseason for New York should mostly be about helping Sanchez become the best quarterback he can be during the life of this contract.

Here are four ways the Jets can help their fourth-year quarterback succeed:

Move No. 1: Build a scheme that fits Sanchez

Former Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer's offense was a disaster last year. It was very bland and the play-calling was predictable, which led to Schottenheimer's resignation. New York's offense was ranked 25th in the NFL last season, despite some talented players.

There is no question Schottenheimer's struggles hurt Sanchez. We just don't know how much — until now.

New offensive coordinator Tony Sparano has a very important job with the Jets. It will be Sparano's responsibility to put together an offense that best suits Sanchez. Sparano most likely spent plenty of time this offseason studying tape of Sanchez to figure out what the quarterback does well and where he struggles. Similar to what the San Francisco 49ers did with Alex Smith last season, New York must maximize Sanchez's strengths and minimize his weaknesses.

Some feel Sanchez’s ceiling isn't very high and we’ve seen pretty much all he can do. But a new and improved offense could reinvigorate Sanchez and highlight some of the skills he couldn't show under Schottenheimer.

Move No. 2: Get Sanchez another WR

New York's feud between Sanchez and No. 1 receiver Santonio Holmes last season was well-documented. The two didn't get along on or off the field and it finally boiled over in the regular-season finale against the Miami Dolphins.

But the Jets this offseason should be less worried about Holmes and more worried about who will start opposite their leading receiver. Plaxico Burress wasn't the answer and will not return in free agency.

Sanchez needs a deep threat at receiver. Holmes is a good, all-around player. But he's not a speedster that's going to put fear in a defense to keep teams honest.

Right now Jeremy Kerley is the projected starter. Kerley is more suited to be a slot receiver at this stage of his career. If the Jets are serious about Sanchez improving, they need to get him a big-play receiver.

Move No. 3: Get a starting right tackle

It's hard to get a firm read on what the Jets thinks of Wayne Hunter. First, they guaranteed Hunter's contract for 2012 and general manager Mike Tannenbaum said he's the starter. Then, the Jets reportedly put Hunter on the trading block.

My take is Hunter was the worst starting offensive tackle I watched in the AFC East. Pass-rushers ran by him and through him too often. There were times when I thought Hunter would get Sanchez knocked out of the game with his inability to protect the edge. Sanchez was sacked a career-high 39 times in 2011.

New York's offensive line had three Pro Bowlers last season. This isn't a group lacking talent. But the right tackle spot is definitely a spot that needs to be upgraded if the Jets want to keep Sanchez upright and healthy.

Move No. 4: Add to the running game

I list the running game last, because that was probably the strength of New York's offense last season. Jets starting running back Shonn Greene rushed for a career-high 1,054 yards last year. Backup tailback Joe McKnight also showed flashes of being an exciting player. He may be ready for a bigger role next season.

But something is still missing with the Jets' ground-and-pound formula. Adding a blue-chip running back would be ideal. If Alabama's Trent Richardson somehow fell to No. 16, the Jets shouldn't think twice about taking him. But that doesn’t seem likely.

Perhaps the Jets need to sign someone in free agency who can simply add to the pile. There are some veteran free agents who are affordable options, such as BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Cedric Benson and Peyton Hillis. A solid stable of rushers is what Sanchez needs. One of his biggest strengths is play-action passing.

It remains to be seen whether Sanchez develops into a franchise quarterback or becomes a bust over the next two years. But if New York follows these four steps, the Jets would give Sanchez a better chance to succeed.

With the offseason in full swing, let's take a look at one major question facing each AFC East team as it begins preparations for the 2012 season:

MIAMI DOLPHINS

Who is the quarterback?

It won't be Matt Moore. That much is clear entering the offseason. Miami has not been shy to say the team will explore all options to find a franchise quarterback for 2012.

Is it Peyton Manning? Is it Matt Flynn? What about Robert Griffin III? Everything is up for discussion, according to Dolphins owner Stephen Ross and general manager Jeff Ireland. Expect Miami to be in the hunt for every big name at quarterback who becomes available.

Look for Miami to see what happens with Manning first. The Dolphins want to make a splash with a proven quarterback who can put fans back in Sun Life Stadium. Manning obviously fits the bill. The only question is his surgically repaired neck, which reportedly has been operated on four times.

The next option would be Flynn, who played under rookie Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin in Green Bay. Flynn is a bit of an unknown commodity, but he has played very well in limited opportunities.

Griffin would be a third and unlikely option. The Dolphins hold the No. 8 or No. 9 pick and would have to trade up to get the Baylor quarterback. With so many teams interested in Griffin, the Dolphins don't have a strong chance.

But a lot of parts are in place in Miami. The Dolphins are a franchise quarterback away from being a playoff contender. The Dolphins will be a team to watch in 2012 if they fill that void.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

How will they improve the defense?

You know Patriots coach Bill Belichick isn't happy with his 31st-ranked defense. He built a reputation being a defensive guru, and Belichick will do all he can to get that side of the ball fixed.

The good news for New England is the team has plenty of cap room and flexibility. Twenty free agents have cleared up more than $20 million in cap space. Belichick will have the option of trying to re-sign the players he wants to keep -- Wes Welker and Matthew Slater, for example -- while using the rest of the salary cap to upgrade the roster with outside free agents.

In terms of the draft, the Patriots have two first-round picks and two second-round picks. Belichick is always looking to trade down for more picks. But this could be the year he cashes in and gets the most out of his picks. New England can use help at cornerback, safety and another pass-rusher on the edge.

BUFFALO BILLS

Will they really be players in free agency?

Bills general manager Buddy Nix surprised a lot of football observers this offseason when he said the team will spend to the cap and chase the best free agents. Buffalo is infamous for keeping a low payroll, but Nix said the Bills will spend this year.

Buffalo lived up to that early billing by recently going after CB Stanford Routt, who has reached an agreement with Kansas City. Even though Routt didn't choose Buffalo, it was a good sign the Bills are willing to go after top-end talent.

The biggest issue for the Bills: Can they convince big-name free agents to come to Buffalo? It's not often talked about, but the Bills traditionally struggle to land good free agents when competing against winning teams in more desirable cities. If the money and years are equal, Buffalo often comes up short.

This is a good year to spend money in free agency. There are a lot of very good players available, and Buffalo may have to overpay to get some on the roster.

NEW YORK JETS

Can they fix the offense?

New York's 25th-ranked offense sprung leaks everywhere last season. Sometimes it was the offensive line. Sometimes it was the quarterback and receivers. Poor play calling also was a factor.

This offseason the Jets' biggest priority is getting their offense back on track. The Jets already made steps in that direction by replacing offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer with former Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano, who is responsible for improving chemistry and getting everyone on the same page.

Veterans such as starting receiver Plaxico Burress and future Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson are not expected to return. New York won't have much cap space, so the team must get creative while making upgrades.

This is also a huge offseason for quarterback Mark Sanchez, who has made only marginal strides in his three seasons. The Jets publicly back the third-year quarterback. The team knows if Sanchez plays well and remains confident, everything else on offense falls into place.

Here are the most interesting stories Wednesday morning in the AFC East:

• New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said it's wait and see with the left ankle of Pro Bowl tight end Rob Gronkowski.

Morning take: Don't expect much injury info from the Patriots over the next week. But Gronkowski returned to the AFC title game and later said in the locker room that he’s going to play in the Super Bowl. But he won’t be 100 percent, so this is something to keep an eye on.

• Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland says he wants a quarterback who can get the team over the hump.

Morning take: This is not a ringing endorsement of Matt Moore, who might have saved Ireland’s job by help Miami finish the season strong. But Ireland is right. Moore is a great backup and an average starter. The Dolphins need a great starter to compete annually in the AFC.

• New St. Louis Rams offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer said he was leaving the New York Jets even before the team collapsed in the final three games.

Morning take: This brings up more questions about the dog-and-pony show the Jets put on, saying “Schotty” would be back if he didn’t get a head-coaching gig. I don’t understand it. But there’s been a lot of zaniness with the Jets lately.

• New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo will make a stop in Buffalo on Wednesday.

Morning take: Cuomo has a lot on his plate, but the future of the Bills should be a topic of discussion. His latest plan fell far short of what Buffalo needed to renovate Ralph Wilson Stadium. But New York and the Bills still have one more year to figure things out.

Can a Rex Ryan defense stop a Brian Schottenheimer-led offense?

We will find out next season with the New York Jets travel in 2012 to face the St. Louis Rams. The AFC East will play the NFC West next season, and this is one of the intriguing angles that will come from this series.

Schottenheimer left the Jets under curious circumstances. He underachieved this past season in New York, which had the 25th-ranked offense. Quarterback Mark Sanchez failed to make major strides in his third season under Schottenheimer's leadership. Also, by the end of the season, players were unhappy with the system and fighting amongst each other.

The Jets officially said Schottenheimer resigned, but it appeared more like a mutual parting. New York quickly hired new offensive coordinator Tony Sparano and was ready to move on. Meanwhile, after several interviews with team, "Schotty" landed with new head coach Jeff Fisher and the Rams.

Schottenheimer knows New York's defense well after practicing against it everyday. Jets head coach Rex Ryan admitted he didn't know Schottenheimer's offense as well as he should have. But there are plenty of coaches on the Jets' staff who have a feel for it. So who has the advantage?

An underlying theme to watch with Schottenheimer and the Jets is the development of young, first-round quarterbacks Sam Bradford and Sanchez. If Bradford thrives in Schottenheimer's system, that would say a lot about Sanchez. But if Sanchez plays better in Sparano's system and Bradford struggles, that it telling for Schottenheimer.

Here are the most interesting stories Sunday morning in the AFC East:

• The time for talk is over. The New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens look to seize this opportunity to go to the Super Bowl.

Morning take: Both teams have been respectful and cordial all week in the media. But expect championship-level play and intensity in what should be a competitive AFC title game.

• New Miami Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin will have full control over his coaching staff.

Morning take: This is often the case and good for Philbin. I sense there will be a clear delineation in Miami of who coaches (Philbin) and who picks the players (Jeff Ireland). Early hints are there won't be a lot of overlap.

• Former New York Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer will take the same post with the St. Louis Rams.

Morning take: Schottenheimer failed to develop Mark Sanchez in New York. Can he develop another young quarterback -- Sam Bradford -- in St. Louis?

• Buffalo Bills rookie cornerback Aaron Williams grows into his role on the defense.

Morning take: I liked Williams coming out of the draft and he proved me correct by showing flashes as a rookie. Williams, a second-round pick, could be a starter at some point next season.

New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum made a strong statement in support of embattled quarterback Mark Sanchez this week.

"Mark will be our starter," Tannenbaum told Jets season-ticket-holders Friday on a conference call, according to ESPN New York's Rich Cimini.

"Will be" is significant because it projects Sanchez to be the starter entering the 2012 season. If Tannenbaum said Sanchez "is" the starter or the starter "for now," that would leave the door open for more speculation that New York is trying to find an upgrade.

What is interesting is that this statement comes just one day after Jets owner Woody Johnson didn't close the door on trying to acquire Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning. Johnson also backed Sanchez, but didn’t say definitively that Manning wouldn’t be an option if he becomes available.

After the Brian Schottenheimer situation, it’s tough to know who to believe in New York. The Jets said after the season that "Schotty" would return as offensive coordinator if he doesn't get a head-coaching opportunity. Schottenheimer didn't and he "resigned" soon after. The Jets already had their replacement -- Tony Sparano -- lined up and there were multiple reports the Jets had agreed to go in another direction weeks earlier. Something didn't add up.

But Sanchez's return as starter does seem probable. The Jets really have no choice. The Colts aren't trading Manning, and if he's released, it probably because his neck injury is a major issue.

The best the Jets can do is probably get someone to push and compete with Sanchez in an effort to get the best out of the third-year quarterback.

Anyone up for a Chad Henne-Tony Sparano reunion in New York?

Will former New York Jets offensive coordinator land the same post under Jeff Fisher with the St. Louis Rams?

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the two sides are talking on Sunday. Schottenheimer resigned from the Jets last week and wanted to explore other options. Meanwhile, Fisher is trying to put together his coaching staff after spurning the Miami Dolphins for the Rams two days ago.

Schottenheimer struggled in New York last year. Players increasingly became unhappy with his play calling and things became toxic. The Jets were 25th in the NFL offensively.

Interestingly enough, the Rams will host the Jets next season. It would be fun to see New York's talented defense against a Schottenheimer-led offense, if St. Louis decides to go in that direction. Both would have motivation to do well.

How would Jets fans feel about this?

Former Miami Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano released a statement on joining the New York Jets as the team’s new offensive coordinator. Sparano was fired by the Dolphins during the regular season and will replace former New York offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.

"I’m very proud to be part of such an outstanding organization and to have an opportunity to work with these players," said Sparano. "I know this division very well and I’m looking forward to that challenge. I’d like to thank Mr. [Woody] Johnson, Mike Tannenbaum and Coach [Rex] Ryan for giving me the opportunity."

Ryan also provided a statement on Sparano.

"When we sat down with Tony, I knew that he was the right person at the right time for our offense," said Ryan. "I’ve admired his work as a competitor in the division for the past three seasons. His teams were always physical, tough and hard-nosed."

Sparano will take over a Jets offense that was ranked No. 25 in the NFL and is filled with turmoil. On Wednesday, dysfunction was taken to a new level when Jets starting quarterback Mark Sanchez was ripped by several anonymous teammates and team sources in the New York Daily News.

By now most of you are aware that former Miami Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano will replace Brian Schottenheimer next season as offensive coordinator of the New York Jets. The Jets officially announced the move Wednesday afternoon.

In our latest SportsNation poll, we ask our AFC East community if this was a good decision or bad decision by the Jets?

Sparano has a lot of knowledge about the AFC East. He was head coach of the Dolphins for four years and knows the Dolphins, New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills very well. Sparano also is well-respected by players and coaches and should be able to clean up the toxic locker room in New York. So was it a good hire?

Or is Sparano too conservative like Schottenheimer? Miami's offenses gradually got worse in Sparano's four years with the Dolphins and were ranked No. 22 in the NFL last season. He also was notorious for settling for field goals and not being aggressive. Most importantly, Sparano failed to develop young quarterback Chad Henne. Now he'll try to develop Mark Sanchez. Will it work?

Using our SportsNation poll, vote on whether you approve or disapprove of Sparano running the Jets’ offense in 2012. You can also share your thoughts in the comment section below.

The New York Jets dropped two bombshells late Tuesday night with their offensive coordinator position.


First, the Jets announced that Brian Schottenheimer informed them he will not return in 2012. Then, ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that Schottenheimer's replacement would be former Miami Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano.

Here are some thoughts on Sparano taking over the Jets offense next season:

• It's an interesting hire to say the least. On the plus side, Sparano is very well-liked and well-respected by players and coaches. That is much-needed in New York's locker room, as tensions brewed and chemistry dwindled down the stretch. Sparano is good at handling personalities and that skill will come in handy with the personalities in New York's locker room.
• On the minus side, Miami's offense was too conservative at times under Sparano. That was something Schottenheimer was criticized for this season. Sparano's offenses in Miami got progressively worse during his four-year tenure. The Dolphins were ranked No. 22 in 2011, No. 21 in 2010, No. 17 in 2009 and No. 12 in 2008. Sparano's success the first two years, in large part, was due to the Wildcat offense. Once opponents figured out the Wildcat, Sparano's offenses were never able to equal the early success.
• Finally, can Sparano develop Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez? That will be the most important factor in whether Sparano succeeds or fails as New York's offensive coordinator. Sparano tried to develop a young quarterback in Miami -- Chad Henne -- and it didn't work out. Now, he will try again with Sanchez. New York's former first-round pick has some tools Sparano can work with. But Sanchez needs to take a big leap forward next season to prove he is the long-term solution at quarterback in New York.

New York Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer will not return for the 2012 season, the team announced late Tuesday. The result wasn't a surprise, but the way it was done was.

According to the Jets, Schottenheimer informed the team Tuesday that he didn't want to return. Here was his statement released through the team:

"After much thought and consideration, I have decided not to return to the New York Jets in 2012. I am very proud of what we have accomplished in the six years I have been here. I am grateful for the relationships that I have with our players and coaches and appreciate the hard work and dedication that went into our success. My family and I would like to thank Rex Ryan and the entire Jets organization and wish them continued success. I look forward to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead."

This is probably best for both parties. The Jets said they wanted Schottenheimer back. But both sides were aware there was a lot of internal strife and unhappiness on offense. The Jets needed a new voice.

The timing of Schottenheimer's announcement was interesting, because earlier Tuesday evening, the Jacksonville Jaguars hired Mike Mularkey as their new head coach. Schottenheimer recently interviewed for the same position and wanted that job.

New York already began making changes to its offensive coaching staff and now needs a new offensive coordinator. ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that former Miami Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano is first in line to replace Schottenheimer.

The Oakland Raiders made another surprising move by firing first-year head coach Hue Jackson following an 8-8 season. Jackson now becomes a coaching free agent with a solid pedigree with quarterbacks and offenses.

Would the New York Jets be interested in Jackson?

New York is in turmoil offensively. Players are unhappy and the team certainly needs help coaching up the offense and embattled third-year quarterback Mark Sanchez. Jackson also is familiar with Jets head coach Rex Ryan. The two spent time on the same coaching staff with the Baltimore Ravens.

A lot depends on what happens with current offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. He is a candidate to become head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars. If Schottenheimer gets the Jacksonville job, Jackson could be near the top of the list of potential replacements. If not, the Jets will bring Schottenheimer back to run the Jets' offense for another season.

Here are the most interesting stories Monday morning in the AFC East:

• The New England Patriots have to gear up for a week full of Tebowmainia leading up to Saturday's playoff game against the Denver Broncos.

Morning take: Denver did New England a huge favor by knocking out the reigning AFC champion Pittsburgh Steelers in overtime. This is a much easier matchup for the Patriots, who will be heavily favored in this game. But there will be a ton of hype all week surrounding Tebow.

• It will take a huge trade for the Miami Dolphins to land one of the top two quarterbacks in the NFL draft.

Morning take: You can forget about Andrew Luck. The Indianapolis Colts would be crazy to pass him up with the No. 1 overall pick. The question is how high does Miami -- which has the No. 8 or No. 9 pick -- have to move up to get Robert Griffin III? That could be costly.

• Do the Buffalo Bills have the best one-two punch at running back in the NFL?

Morning take: There is certainly potential. Backup C.J. Spiller finally showed what he can do when Fred Jackson went down with a leg injury. But the Bills have to figure out how to better divide their carries next season.

• Could New York Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer be the Jacksonville Jaguars next head coach?

Morning take: I would be surprised if Schottemheimer got a head-coaching job after a poor season in New York, but stranger things have happened. It may turn out to be a good thing for the Jets, who could use less turmoil and a fresh voice on offense.

Here are the most interesting stories Sunday morning in the AFC East:

• The New England Patriots still await a playoff opponent between the Denver Broncos (8-8) and Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4).

Morning take: Barring some Tim Tebow magic, the Patriots can expect the Steelers at Gillette Stadium on Saturday. Pittsburgh is a tough first draw for New England, which has the No. 1 seed.

• The Miami Dolphins interviewed Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin this weekend.

Morning take: Philbin joins Jeff Fisher, Dave Toub and interim coach Todd Bowles on Miami's list so far. The Dolphins are hoping Fisher chooses Miami next week over St. Louis. If Fisher goes to the Rams, Miami's pool is wide open.

• The New York Jets are targeting offensive coordinators in the event Brian Schottenheimer is hired as a head coach.

Morning take: I would be surprised if Schottenheimer gets a head-coaching job this year after a poor performance in New York. But an interesting name listed as a potential replacement is former Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano, who is familiar with the AFC East.

• Buffalo Bills quarterbacks coach George Cortez is leaving to become head coach of the CFL's Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Morning take: Cortez did solid work with Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. It's not the norm for someone to leave the NFL for the CFL, but at least it's for a head-coaching position.

New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum said in the season-ending news conference that embattled offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer will return to the team next season. The only exception would be if Schottenheimer gets a head-coaching job.

New York ranked No. 25 in total offense and had a bevy of issues this season, but will give it another try.

"We do expect Brian Schottenheimer back," Tannenbaum said. "We've been with him now for six years. I really respect the job that he's done in terms of working with three different quarterbacks, two [AFC] Championship Games, and he’s done a really incredible job for us."

The Jets confirmed Schottenheimer will interview with the Jacksonville Jaguars for their head-coach opening. Schottenheimer may get more interview requests as jobs continue to open around the league.

Jets head coach Rex Ryan also provided another vote of confidence for Schottenheimer on Monday.