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Let's see what's in the weekend mailbag.

Akhilesh from Massachusetts writes: Why do you think the Patriots drafted Tavon Wilson, a low-ranked safety, in the second round? Is it just that Bill Belichick knows something others don't or was it poor drafting?

James Walker: Wilson was a player Belichick really liked -- apparently more than anyone else. Drafting Wilson that high is certainly a risk. The Patriots might have been able to wait another round or two. This puts some pressure on Wilson to perform. If he turns out to be a solid starter, no one will care where he was drafted.

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Jorge Garcia from Mexico City writes: Which Patriots veteran do you see being released when all the final roster cuts are in?

Walker: You have to look at the deep group at receivers. There's no way the Patriots will keep all 11. I think players like Chad Ochocinco, Anthony Gonzalez, Donte' Stallworth and Julian Edelman will all have to fight hard for roster spots.

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Jim from Toms River, N.J., writes: What's the possibility Donald Driver lands in Miami and what would that mean for the Dolphins?

Walker: If Driver is cut by the Green Bay Packers, which looks like a possibility, Miami will be high on his radar. For one, a starting job is waiting for Driver in Miami, and that won't be the case in most places. Second, former Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin is now the head coach in Miami. There's a comfort level there. But none of this is possible unless Driver is released.

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Shaggy Lewis from Shreveport, La., writes: What are the chances Terrell Owens signs with Miami?

Walker: Zero. Miami is rebuilding and does not want players with character questions in its locker room. Owens would not be a good fit.

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Ben from Buffalo writes: It seems to me that the No. 2 receiver spot on the Bills is completely up for grabs. Given the lack of production from the guys they put out there last season, do you think T.J. Graham is the front-runner?

Walker: It’s too early to pick a front-runner. But Graham would make it very easy on the Bills if he was ready right away. That was the hope when the Bills drafted Graham in the third round. But that could be asking a lot. David Nelson is better in the slot, and if Graham and Donald Jones can step in, Buffalo's passing offense could be solid.

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John from Germany writes: If you were C.J. Spiller, would you be a little upset that you're not the starter? If you are, would you leave the Bills at the end of your rookie contract?

Walker: Spiller has a gripe. But the reality is that he's not a better running back than Fred Jackson at this stage of their careers. Spiller has three more seasons on his rookie contract. By then, Jackson most likely will be ready to step aside. So it's not a certainty that Spiller walks down the road.

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Chris from MA writes: I feel like I am beating my head against the wall. But could it make any more sense for the Jets to bring in Vernon Carey?

Walker: I'm surprised Carey hasn't gotten more interest. He's probably going to be one of those veterans who signs after there is a camp injury. The Jets won't sign him because they are pretty tight on salary-cap space.

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Ben from Baltimore writes: Do you think Mark Sanchez still has the potential, with the right weapons and players stepping up, to have a comeback year?

Walker: I didn't like what I saw from Sanchez last year. It was my first year in the AFC East, so that was the most I've watched him on a week-to-week basis. Sanchez is in his fourth season, and I don't think his ceiling is much higher than what we've seen. But that doesn't mean Sanchez isn’t capable of playing better, or being a better decision-maker, or lowering his fumble and interception totals. These are things the Jets hope he cleans up in 2012. I doubt Sanchez will ever become an elite quarterback, but if he can make those aforementioned improvements, the Jets can win with him.

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AFC East Homer of the Week

This week's homer is a BIG Chad Henne supporter.

Enjoy.

Rick from Miami writes: James, I don't think you are dumb but please look at the facts before you write something stupid. Henne had played the equivalent of two seasons and has improved each season. He carried a team with no run game or pass defense in 2010 to seven wins and would had more if he had any run support of the defense. Look at the stats. Miami was top 16 in passing ypg with Henne and dropped to 23rd with Matt Moore. That shows Miami only won six games because of their D and run game. Stop bad-mouthing players before you read he facts. Henne is better than Alex Smith, Mark Sanchez and a whole bunch of current starters. Maybe you should read the facts instead of going with idiotic public opinion. Dan Marino thinks Henne can start in this league. Do you know more than Marino about QBs? I think not. Henne will take the Jacksonville Jaguars to the playoffs before Miami wins six games in a season.

Walker: I'm always shocked by the number of Chad Henne supporters still out there in Miami. Henne had four years with the Dolphins to show what he could do and finished with more career interceptions (37) than touchdowns (31). In fact, Henne has never had a season in which he threw more touchdowns than interceptions. Henne was robotic, a below-average decision-maker and didn't have natural leadership ability. Four years is enough time to see that. But there's still a section of people, like Rick, who defend Henne and think he should have been the long-term solution in Miami. But, Rick, it’s the last statement that makes you our AFC East Homer of the Week. Henne will not lead the Jaguars to the playoffs this year. He might not even be the starter, because the team is invested in Blaine Gabbert. Congrats on being our Homer of the Week.

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DAVIE, Fla. -- There is no bigger boom-or-bust prospect in the 2012 draft than former Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Is he the next prolific NFL quarterback, or simply a product of pre-draft hype that led to becoming a top-10 pick?

Opinions vary. But the Miami Dolphins believe they have the answers to the Tannehill question. Miami has more inside knowledge on Tannehill than any other team and drafted its quarterback of the future with the No. 8 overall pick Thursday night.

Tannehill will rejoin Dolphins offensive coordinator and former Aggies coach Mike Sherman, who says Tannehill is a star in the making. There are many critics who believe Tannehill is fool's gold, but the Dolphins are very confident they made the right choice.

"This was an all-in decision," Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland said firmly. "From the football side, our scouts, our coaches ... we all felt very, very good about it."

Ireland hit the nail on the head. The Dolphins are betting the foreseeable future of the franchise on Tannehill -- for better or for worse.

If Tannehill develops into an upper-echelon quarterback, the Dolphins finally have the biggest piece to change their misfortunes. If Tannehill is a bust, it will set Miami back another three or four years.

"We're excited and thrilled," Dolphins owner Stephen Ross said of their first-round pick. "I've always said you need to be strong at the quarterback position, and now that's one of the strengths of this team. So I couldn't be happier."

The pick doesn't come without pressure. It's been 29 years since the Dolphins drafted a quarterback in the first round: Dan Marino in 1983. Those are some big shoes to fill.

It's also no coincidence Miami hasn't had a legitimate, franchise quarterback since Marino retired in 2000. The list of mediocre starting quarterbacks since included Cleo Lemon, Joey Harrington, Trent Green, Jay Fiedler, A.J. Feeley, John Beck and most recently Chad Henne. Tannehill will try to avoid being the next name on this infamous list.

Tannehill had only 19 career starts in college. There is a learning curve with Tannehill that isn't as steep for other top quarterback prospects like Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III, who went No. 1 and No. 2 to the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Redskins, respectively.

The good news is Tannehill is not expected to play in 2012. Barring unexpected injuries to Miami veteran quarterbacks Matt Moore and David Garrard, Tannehill probably will hold a clipboard next season. This will provide Tannehill ample time to learn the NFL game.

Dolphins rookie head coach and former Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin kept Aaron Rodgers on the bench for several years before he became a starter and it worked out fine. But that wasn’t what Tannehill wanted to hear on draft day.

"I want to compete, that's just the competitor in me," Tannehill said in a conference call with the South Florida media. "Obviously with competition comes learning. It doesn't have to be a hostile competition. It's just competing."

Ireland said he’s going to leave Tannehill's playing time next season up to the coaching staff. But chances are, we won't know much about Tannehill until 2013. The boom-or-bust talk will have to wait for at least a year.

But Tannehill's ceiling is high if things go right in Miami. It also doesn't hurt that the quarterback competition in the AFC East is not very stout. It's pretty much Tom Brady, and then there's everyone else.

Tannehill has the physical ability to potentially rise above the struggling quarterback pile in the division that includes Mark Sanchez, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Tim Tebow. If Tannehill becomes the second-best quarterback in the AFC East over the next two or three years, that's a huge advantage for the rebuilding Dolphins.

Remember this day, Dolphins fans. Tannehill is the draft pick that will either change Miami's misfortunes or extend the team's misery for several more years. The Tannehill mystery won't be solved overnight, but Miami feels it found the piece to eventually build this struggling franchise into a winner.

"I don't know if this energizes the fan base. What energizes the fan base is winning," Ross said. "I'm looking to field a winning team, because energizing a fan base only lasts a very short period of time.

"We're talking about winning in the long haul."

The New York Jets continue their search for a backup quarterback behind Mark Sanchez. According to the Denver Post, the Jets will host former Broncos and Cleveland Browns quarterback Brady Quinn on Friday.

Quinn, a former first-round pick, was Tim Tebow's backup in Denver last season. He expressed disappointment that he didn't get a chance to play with the Broncos over Tebow recently in a controversial interview with GQ magazine. Quinn later apologized for his comments.

The Jets are looking for a viable No. 2 quarterback, but that became increasingly difficult after New York agreed to a $58.25 million extension with Sanchez. The contract ensures Sanchez is the starter for at least the next two seasons. Borderline starters such as Chad Henne (Jacksonville), Kyle Orton (Dallas) and Jason Campbell (Chicago) all signed with other teams.

Quinn has starting experience. He started 12 games with Cleveland, and has thrown 10 career touchdowns and nine interceptions.

The Jets also met with former Detroit Lions backup quarterback Drew Stanton on Thursday. Stanton has four career starts in four seasons.

Things are going fast and furious at the start of NFL free agency.

Here are some notes on the latest happenings in the AFC East:

• The New York Jets have announced they re-signed linebacker Bryan Thomas, who was an unrestricted free agent.
• In other Jets news, they have reportedly expressed interest in free-agent quarterback Chad Henne. But the interest isn't as strong on Henne's end, most likely because of Mark Sanchez's recent five-year $58.25 million contract.
  
• The Miami Dolphins will be one of the first teams to meet with free-agent offensive tackle Eric Winston.
• In addition to Mario Williams, the Buffalo Bills also are expected to meet with former New Orleans Saints receiver Robert Meacham Tuesday night.
• The New England Patriots are expected to re-sign receiver and special team's ace Matthew Slater.

The New York Jets wanted to sign a quality backup quarterback this offseason who could provide support and a push for starter Mark Sanchez.

Then they gave Sanchez a five-year, $58.25 million extension that ensures he will be the starter for at least the next two seasons. Will that hurt New York's chances of getting a quality backup when free agency opens Tuesday?

Solid No. 2 quarterback options like Chad Henne and others might look the other way now when it comes to the Jets. Sanchez, before the extension, entered the season on the hot seat. But New York's commitment sends a clear message that the Jets are all-in with the fourth-year quarterback. Injury is pretty much the only way Sanchez isn't starting.

The Jets have a connection with Henne in new offensive coordinator Tony Sparano, most recently the Dolphins' head coach. But Henne will have options, which the AFC East blog listed here. The same goes for Jason Campbell, Kyle Orton or any other veteran starter looking to challenge for a starting job.

It could be tough for New York to find a middle ground. The Jets don't want another Mark Brunell situation in 2012. But finding a quality backup like Henne just got tougher with Sanchez so firmly in the fold.

The market for starting quarterbacks isn't very deep this offseason. That means soon-to-be former Miami Dolphins starting quarterback Chad Henne will get plenty of interest.

Henne, 26, is a young quarterback who might perform well in the right situation. Here's five potential landing spots:

New York Jets (8-8)

Starter: Mark Sanchez

Why Henne fits: New Jets offensive coordinator Tony Sparano spent four seasons with Henne in Miami. The pair are very familiar with each other. The Jets are looking for someone capable of pushing Sanchez. Henne can do that much better than former backup Mark Brunell. There has been plenty of debate over the years in the AFC East blog about which quarterback was better: Sanchez or Henne? Although Sanchez is the starter in New York, it would be interesting to see both players throw against each other everyday in training camp and practices.

Denver Broncos (8-8)

Starter: Tim Tebow

Why Henne fits: Is Tebow really the long-term solution in Denver? The Broncos are still wondering after Tebow had an amazing run to get Denver to the divisional round of the playoffs. The Broncos need quarterback insurance for Tebow. Kyle Orton was traded last season, and backup Brady Quinn may have talked his way out of Denver with recent controversial comments toward the starter. Henne would be a good fallback option if Tebow falters or gets injured. Tebow's rugged style includes a lot of running, and his body may not hold up to the pounding over 16 games.

Kansas City Chiefs (7-9)

Starter: Matt Cassel

Why Henne fits: Cassel had his ups and downs in Kansas City. He was hurt and played in just nine games last season. You get the sense Kansas City is tired of waiting on the seven-year quarterback, especially since they are now changing to new head coach Romeo Crennel. The Chiefs acquiring Orton last season says something about their current quarterback situation. Henne probably wouldn't start in Kansas City, but he could be good insurance. The Chiefs also are rumored to be in the Peyton Manning sweepstakes.

Chicago Bears (8-8)

Starter: Jay Cutler

Why Henne fits: Don't sleep on the Bears. They could be a dark horse in this race. Obviously, Cutler is the starter in Chicago. But he's had injuries in back-to-back seasons that have hurt the team. Chicago needs a backup quarterback it can rely on. Bears No. 2 quarterback Caleb Hanie (three touchdowns, nine interceptions) didn't get the job done and will be a free agent. Chicago can upgrade its backup quarterback position by signing Henne, who is a better option if Cutler gets hurt again in 2012.

Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11)

Starter: Blaine Gabbert

Why Henne fits: Based on last season's play, Gabbert still has a lot to learn in the NFL. The 2011 first-round pick didn't look ready to be a franchise quarterback. He only completed 50.8 percent of his passes to go with 12 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Henne could add competition for Gabbert or be a veteran backup waiting if Gabbert falters. New head coach Mike Mularkey is installing a new offense in Jacksonville, and everyone will be starting over.

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

• The New York Jets reportedly are one of several teams interested in free-agent quarterback Chad Henne.

Morning take: The AFC East blog called this one weeks ago. New Jets offensive coordinator Tony Sparano was a big supporter of Henne while in Miami. It didn't work out for either party. But it makes a lot of sense to have Henne reunited with Sparano and push Jets starting quarterback Mark Sanchez next season.

• Will the New England Patriots make a play for free agent defensive end/linebacker Mario Williams?

Morning take: In a perfect world, Williams is just what New England's defense needs. He's a game-changer who can get to the quarterback. But financially this would be tough. New England has the cap room, but Williams and receiver Wes Welker would take up a majority of it.

• Should the Miami Dolphins pay the price to move up for Robert Griffin III?

Morning take: I think Miami should go the route of free agency. Peyton Manning or Matt Flynn are better options at this point, considering it only takes money to get these quarterbacks. The price for Griffin III is going to be a lot, and Miami needs its draft picks to help other areas.

• The Buffalo Bills' special teams were ranked 11th according to the Dallas Morning News.

Morning take: Buffalo's third unit was solid, especially when Rian Lindell was healthy early in the season. The kicking and punting from Lindell and Brian Moorman, respectivley, combined with big returns from Leodis McKelvin helped Buffalo's numbers.

Here is a memo to the Miami Dolphins: Avoid drafting quarterbacks in the second round this year.

I'm not very superstitious, but I know a trend when I see one. For Miami, picking three quarterbacks in the second round since 2007 has been nothing short of disastrous.

Lets start in '07 with the first second-round pick: John Beck. This was former Dolphins head coach Cam Cameron's quarterback of the future. Beck was taken in the second round (No. 40 overall) out of BYU and showed nothing in his two years in Miami. He threw one touchdown, three interceptions and had a 62.0 passer rating before being traded to Baltimore, where Cameron landed after getting fired in Miami after one season.

The next year, new head coach Tony Sparano was looking for his long-term solution at quarterback. In '08 the Dolphins selected Chad Henne in the second round (No. 57 overall). Sparano backed Henne all the way to the bitter end, when Sparano was fired in 2011 and Henne suffered a season-ending injury. Henne will be let go by Miami this offseason.

Finally, in '09 Miami drafted Pat White in the second round (No. 44 overall) with hopes of adding a dynamic element to the Wildcat offense. The Dolphins were criticized for this pick, because it was clear that White would struggle in the NFL as a conventional quarterback. His only potential impact would be for gimmick plays, and Miami wasted a second-round choice on that possibility. White made just five pass attempts in his one year in the NFL.

It's no secret the Dolphins will look at free-agent options first, such as Peyton Manning and Matt Flynn. But when it comes to the draft, they should avoid second-round quarterbacks. They simply don't pan out in Miami.

We are down to the very best players in the AFC East.

Here are our rankings for Nos. 5-8:

No. 8: Brandon Marshall, WR

Team: Miami Dolphins

2011 stats: 81 receptions, 1,214 yards, 6 touchdowns

Analysis: Marshall said it himself: If he had an elite quarterback, he would be mentioned among the best receivers in the game. I didn't like how he virtually threw Dolphins quarterback Matt Moore under the bus, but you can't disagree with his rationale. Besides a penchant for a few drops, Marshall has rare attributes for a receiver. He has size, strength, decent enough speed and he competes hard all the time. The Dolphins started 0-7 and Marshall never quit. He was dedicated all season and put up great numbers with Moore and Chad Henne as his quarterbacks. Marshall also lit up the Pro Bowl with a record four touchdown receptions. It's further proof of how dangerous Marshall can be with a great quarterback. The Dolphins are searching for one this offseason.

No. 7: Jake Long, LT

Team: Dolphins

2011 stats: 14 starts

Analysis: When healthy, Long and Joe Thomas of the Cleveland Browns are the NFL's two best left tackles. Both have similar skills, but Long had arguably his most inconsistent year in 2011. Long didn't complain about his various injuries, but it certainly affected his play all season. He eventually tore his biceps muscle in December and was knocked out for the season. Long is the complete package as a left tackle — talent, work ethic and smarts. The only thing holding him back lately is health, which makes you wonder if injuries are becoming chronic with Long.

No. 6: Vince Wilfork, DT

Team: New England Patriots

2011 stats: 53 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 2 entertaining interceptions

Analysis: Wilfork, 30, is starting to get up in years. But the eight-year veteran is coming off arguably the best season of his career. He set a career high with 3.5 sacks, something not typically asked of him, and he also had the two most exciting interceptions in the NFL last season. Wilfork had a chance to return both picks and ran through a few tackles along the way. For all of New England's issues on defense, Wilfork is certainly not one of them. He is the best overall defender the Patriots have and one of the best defensive players in the division.

No. 5: Nick Mangold, C

Team: New York Jets

2011 stats: 14 starts

Analysis: It's debatable if Long is the best left tackle in the NFL. But in my book there's no debate that Mangold is the league's best center. Mangold has all the attributes you want in a center. He's physical, smart and has enough athleticism to move in open space. New York built its entire offensive line around Mangold. That's part of the reason why the group fell apart when Mangold missed two games with an ankle injury. Mangold played with a bum ankle nearly the entire second half of the 2011 season and still played at a Pro Bowl level. He's one of the toughest and best offensive linemen in football.

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?

Free agency begins in less than two months. Teams around the league are planning their strategies and figuring out which big names to pursue.

But where teams stand with the $120-million salary cap next season will be an indicator of which will be aggressive and which won't.

Let's take an early look at the projected 2012 cap numbers in the AFC East:

Buffalo Bills (6-10)

Projected cap: $105.5 million

Key free agents: WR Steve Johnson, TE Scott Chandler, K Rian Lindell

Analysis: The Bills are looking pretty good entering free agency. General manager Buddy Nix says the team will spend to the cap this year. The first order of business is deciding on Johnson's future. The two sides are still a ways apart and I think it's a 50-50 proposition. With or without Johnson, Buffalo has the space to acquire impact players. We mentioned Houston Texans defensive end/linebacker and unrestricted free agent Mario Williams as a possibility to help the Bills' pass rush. But getting Williams -- or any top free agent -- to come to Buffalo will be a tough sell.

Miami Dolphins (6-10)

Projected cap: $114.3 million

Key free agents: DT Paul Soliai, G Vernon Carey, QB Chad Henne

Analysis: The Dolphins are in decent (but not great) shape with the cap. There will be an interesting dynamic in Miami to keep an eye on this offseason. Usually when a new coach comes in, there is huge turnover in the coach's first season. But that probably won't happen with general manager Jeff Ireland still in charge of the 53-man roster. Ireland is not going to cut many of the players he helped bring to Miami. But the Dolphins would have to do something if they want to make enough room to make a splash for a big free agent. Green Bay Packers quarterback Matt Flynn is a good example.

New England Patriots (13-3)

Projected cap: $99.9 million

Key free agents: WR Wes Welker, DE Andre Carter, WR Deion Branch

Analysis: It's amazing that the best team in the AFC East also is in the best shape with the cap. The Patriots have done a masterful job and have plenty of money to spend in free agency if they choose. A big chunk of it will go to Welker, who is due for a nice payday. New England won't let Welker slip away. The Patriots also have the tools to acquire defensive help in free agency, as well as sign their two first-round picks and two second-round picks in the draft. The Patriots are in position to be a major force again next season.

New York Jets (8-8)

Projected cap: $125 million

Key free agents: WR Plaxico Burress, DT Sione Pouha, S Jim Leonhard

Analysis: The Jets are the only AFC East team projected to be over the cap. This was a team built to win now and it didn't work out; now New York has to make some trimmings on the roster if it wants to do anything in free agency. There's a good chance Burress and Leonhard won't return. Pouha is a good player and could come back at the right price. Running back LaDainian Tomlinson also is a free agent. But his role was drastically reduced this past season and it's unlikely he will return. Tomlinson is contemplating retirement.

It appears Tony Sparano is on his own with the New York Jets next season.

Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News reports former Kansas City Chiefs coach Todd Haley will not join the Jets as a passing game coordinator. Haley recently met with the Jets to see if he can assist Sparano, who was named offensive coordinator.

Pursuing Haley made sense. Sparano's experience is tied more with the offensive line and the running game. Haley could have helped New York quarterback Mark Sanchez develop, as well as the passing attack.

But the brunt of that now falls on Sparano, who has had mixed results with quarterbacks as head coach of the Miami Dolphins. Former second-round pick Chad Henne never reached his potential in Miami under Sparano. However, Matt Moore came off the bench this past season and put up career numbers.

Could the New York Jets set up an intriguing quarterback competition involving division rivals Mark Sanchez and Chad Henne? That theory already is gaining steam after former Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano was officially named offensive coordinator of the Jets on Wednesday.

Here is what we know: Sparano has always been a Henne supporter and backed him through various criticisms in Miami. Henne is an unrestricted free agent, and it's unlikely he will return to the Dolphins now that Matt Moore took over and a new head coach will want to add his own quarterback. In addition, New York needs someone other than 41-year-old Mark Brunell to push Sanchez next season. There are a lot of factors here that make sense.

We've been debating the second-best quarterback in the AFC East all season. It was determined, through performance, that Moore was the No. 2 quarterback in the division behind Tom Brady. But it would still be interesting to see Henne and Sanchez in the same uniform battle it out in training camp.

At this point it's too early to tell. Henne-to-New York is simply a theory, as people try to connect the dots before Sparano even shows up for his first day on the job.

But free agency starts in March, and this is one storyline worth keeping an eye on.

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.