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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- So many yellow flags. They were strewn all over. They doomed the New York Jets in a 10-9 loss on Monday night.

There have been red flags with the Jets, too.

Not of the challenge variety, mind you. But maybe that's what they need, to be challenged a little more when it comes to discipline.

In the preseason, head coach Rex Ryan made a fiery speech to his players for exhibiting a lack of leadership and what he called "jackass" behavior. The scene was one of the most memorable from the "Hard Knocks" series, with Ryan's final words "now let's go eat a goddamn snack!"

Ryan was incensed partly because his players were eating McDonald's cheeseburgers during warmups for a public practice at Hofstra University.

Ryan addressed his team again Monday night. The Baltimore Ravens had eaten their lunch and wiped their mouths with the many yellow handkerchiefs lying around. The Ravens won by only a point, but the reason they won was troubling.

"That's not who we are," Ryan said. "That's not how we play. We pride ourselves on being one of the least penalized defenses in the league. Today was a joke."

Focus was a problem beyond penalties. Running back Shonn Greene fumbled twice, losing one. On their final offensive play -- fourth-and-10 from their own 31-yard line and with 41 seconds left -- tight end Dustin Keller made a catch near the sideline, no defender near him. With a clear look at the marker, he went out of bounds obviously short of the first down.

"That was Ripley's," Ryan said.

The Jets committed 15 penalties, 14 of which the Ravens accepted for 125 yards. They had nine penalties in the second quarter alone.

The Jets helped the Ravens set a franchise record with six first downs via penalty. The record was tied by halftime.

"It cost us the game really," Jets outside linebacker Jason Taylor said. "We played pretty darn well in a lot of situations. Maybe you can attribute it to a lack of discipline, but penalties that give up first downs are bad. We need to clean it up for sure."

The sheer number of penalties was bad enough. The situations were even more wretched.

Penalties gave the Ravens first downs on four plays that were third-and-9 or longer. A defensive holding call on rookie cornerback Kyle Wilson turned an incomplete pass on third-and-28 into a Ravens first down.

Cornerback Antonio Cromartie was flagged four times for 43 yards, including a 28-yard pass interference on a third-and-9 incompletion.

"It's just inexcusable," said Taylor, who jumped offsides to turn a third-and-3 into a second-and-1. "We did more to give it away than we did to get beat. You can't blame anybody but yourselves. You have to look in the mirror and say: 'We did it to ourselves.' We lost the game 10-9 and had plenty of chances to win and shot ourselves in the foot."

Receiver Braylon Edwards wiped out a pair of plays that would have done the Jets a world of good. He was called for an illegal shift on a beautiful 33-yard strike from Mark Sanchez to Keller down the right sideline in the second quarter.

On a nifty up-the-middle maneuver to block a field goal, Edwards ran into Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff. The penalty gave the Ravens a first down on a drive that eventually ended with the game's only touchdown.

Another third-down penalty, of course, helped. On third-and-10, Wilson was charged with pass interference in the end zone to set up Willis McGahee's 1-yard touchdown run.

I asked linebacker Bart Scott what all the penalties said about the Jets.

"I don't know," Scott said. "You tell me."

Undisciplined? Unprepared?

"If that's what you want to say," he said. "Whatever you want to say."

That was the first impression the Jets made for 2010.

You have to wonder if the happy-funtime atmosphere Ryan condones is negatively impacting them. Ryan already has had to talk to his players at least twice about unprofessionalism and sloppiness.

The Jets have made several offseason moves that reduced their leadership presence in the locker room, parting with running back Thomas Jones, guard Alan Faneca and kicker Jay Feely, all character veterans. They also jerked fullback Tony Richardson around, cutting him and then re-signing him a week before the season.

More questions were raised this week about how the Jets conduct themselves. They created a stir Saturday with the way they treated Ines Sainz at practice and in the locker room.

Sainz wasn't taken seriously partly because she doesn't take her job seriously. She's promoted on the TV Azteca website as a reporter and a model and is known for showing up to events such as the Super Bowl media day and convincing players to do things like let her measure their muscles or give her a ride on their shoulder pads.

Nevertheless, the club was embarrassed. Jets owner Woody Johnson apologized to Sainz for the team's misbehavior and vowed his team would act with more class henceforth. The Association for Women in Sports Media has gotten involved. The NFL is investigating.

From an outsider's perspective, my own included, it would appear the Jets are running a loose ship.

Taylor scoffed at that idea.

"Hell, no," Taylor said. "Everyone's entitled to their opinion, I guess. But they're not on the ship."

In the same episode of Ryan's "goddamn snack" speech, Taylor showed up late for two practices. Each time, Taylor's coaches laughed off his tardiness.

Last year at Gillette Stadium, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick kicked four players off the premises for showing up a few minutes late to a team meeting on a wintry day when the roads were treacherous. Three of them were Pro Bowlers: Randy Moss, Adalius Thomas and Derrick Burgess.

The Jets have a short week to get ready for the Patriots this Sunday.

We'll see who has the most fun.

I'm not delivering any news bulletins when I write the New England Patriots need to figure out how to manufacture a pass rush this year.

They tied for 23rd in sacks last year. Outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain led them with 10, good enough to tie for 11th in the league. But half of his sacks were against the Buffalo Bills and seven came in three games. The Patriots released Derrick Burgess last week.

ESPN Stats & Information, which breaks down film of every NFL play, passed along some stats that underscore New England's problem.

Over the past two seasons, the Patriots have recorded only 26 sacks with four-man pressure. That's tied for 26th.

Their effectiveness wasn't better when Bill Belichick decided to send more defenders after the quarterback.

When the Patriots rushed five or more defenders the past two years, they have surrendered 12 more touchdowns than they've forced interceptions (tied for 28th in that situation), allowed an 89.8 passer rating (25th) and permitted a touchdown pass to be thrown per an average of 14.3 pass attempts (31st).

The Patriots open their season Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals with the NFL's most inexperienced cornerback tandem. Darius Butler has five NFL starts, and Devin McCourty is a rookie.

Carson Palmer, Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens have to be excited about this matchup.

Check here for a full list of roster moves.

Biggest surprise: Outside linebacker Derrick Burgess kept the Patriots waiting while he contemplated retirement at the start of training camp. The Patriots probably helped push him back toward a pensive mood when they dropped the two-time Pro Bowler. The Patriots have pass-rush concerns, and Burgess tied for second with five sacks last year. The development of second-round draft choice Jermaine Cunningham certainly played a role in New England's decision. Also notable that second-year offensive lineman Rich Ohrnberger was dropped despite the Patriots' interior issues and the fact they aggressively drafted him from Penn State in the fourth round last year. The Patriots traded cornerback Ellis Hobbs for a pair of fifth-round picks and then turned those assets into the fourth-round pick they used on Ohrnberger. He dressed for only three games last year.

No-brainers: The Patriots chose to keep five running backs, which is what they did last year. Fred Taylor, Kevin Faulk, Sammy Morris, Laurence Maroney and BenJarvus Green-Ellis. With safety Brandon McGowan placed on injured reserve with a chest injury, they made a nice trade with the Kansas City Chiefs and old friend Scott Pioli for safety Jarrad Page.

What's next: Bill Belichick never stops tweaking, particularly at the bottom of the roster. So this list of 53 probably will change before opening day. The Patriots, in need of support at defensive end, could bring back Jarvis Green, cut by the Denver Broncos on Saturday. Green played all eight of his NFL seasons with the Patriots and started 13 games at left end before signing with the Broncos as a free agent. Right defensive end Ty Warren is out for the year with a hip injury. The Patriots also released veteran defensive end Damione Lewis on Friday.

On the day the New Orleans Saints held their Super Bowl parade, long before the free-agency period opened and the draft took place, Scouts Inc. analyst Gary Horton examined the top three needs of every NFL team heading into the offseason.

Now that we've gone through offseason workouts, minicamps, training camps and three preseason games, let's take a look at each AFC East need and determine whether it was addressed.

Buffalo Bills

1. Outside linebacker: At the time of Horton's analysis, he didn't know Aaron Schobel would retire. Schobel would have been Buffalo's best pass-rusher in its new 3-4 defense. The Bills signed free agent Reggie Torbor and are hoping a group that also includes Chris Kelsay, Chris Ellis and Aaron Maybin will suffice. Need addressed? No.

2. Left tackle: The Bills chose to stick with Demetrius Bell. The Bills still haven't drafted a tackle earlier than the fifth round since 2002. Of the two they did draft, fifth-rounder Ed Wang is hurt and seventh-rounder Kyle Calloway already has been released. The Bills did sign Oakland Raiders free agent Cornell Green to play right tackle. Need addressed? No.

3. Quarterback: The Bills did next to nothing at quarterback, drafting long-term project Levi Brown in the seventh round and letting Trent Edwards, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Brian Brohm shoot it out. Edwards won a not-so-open competition. Need addressed? No.

Miami Dolphins

1. Wide receiver: Did the Dolphins address this need? Hmmm ... Let's see ... Oh, wait. That's right. They traded for Brandon Marshall, who has recorded triple-digit receptions in three straight seasons. Marshall was one of the most enormous transactions of the offseason. Need addressed? Yes.

2. Free safety: The Dolphins drafted Reshad Jones in the fifth round, but sophomore Chris Clemons has held down the position admirably. It won't be tough to outplay last year's starter, Gibril Wilson. Need addressed? Yes.

3. Nose tackle: The situation actually got worse and worse after Horton formed his analysis. Jason Ferguson was suspended eight games for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing drugs. The Dolphins re-signed Ferguson, but then he retired. The Dolphins didn't draft a nose tackle, choosing to convert defensive end Randy Starks instead. Starks is undersized for a traditional 3-4 nose tackle, but Dolphins coach Tony Sparano has claimed Starks' speed has upgraded the position. Need addressed? Yes.

New England Patriots

1. Outside linebacker: Horton wrote "This defense must generate pass-rush pressure from its outside linebackers, but the Pats are devoid of playmakers and have virtually no depth at this position." They've gotten shallower with the release of Adalius Thomas, who started their playoff game. Tully Banta-Cain and Derrick Burgess are back and penciled in as the starters. The Patriots drafted pass-rusher Jermaine Cunningham 53rd overall, but he has been too hurt to get on the practice field. Need addressed? No.

2. Wide receiver: Wes Welker was looking at a potentially long rehab at the time Horton wrote his offseason preview. Randy Moss' age also was a concern. But Welker's recovery has been quick. Moss has looked phenomenal. Emerging youngsters Julian Edelman, Brandon Tate and third-round draft pick Taylor Price should be more than enough. Need addressed? Yes.

3. Defensive end: Little did Horton know how badly the Patriots would need help here. Left end Ty Warren is done for the year because of a hip injury. Right end Jarvis Green split for the Denver Broncos. The Patriots signed free agent Gerard Warren and have moved last year's super reserve, Mike Wright, into the starting lineup. Need addressed? No.

New York Jets

1. Defensive end: Horton's concern was with the age of incumbents Shaun Ellis and Marques Douglas. Ellis is back. Douglas was a free agent who departed for the Dolphins. The Jets didn't draft any defensive linemen and didn't sign any notable free agents there. They did move Vernon Gholston from outside linebacker to defensive end. Need addressed? No.

2. Safety: Compared to the Jets' banner acquisitions, Brodney Pool was a blip. The Cleveland Browns gave up on him because of recurring concussions, but the Jets' medical staff found his problem was related to migraine headaches. He's a multifaceted safety with a nose for the ball, interception four passes in 10 games last year. Need addressed? Yes.

3. Wide receiver: The Jets practically stole Santonio Holmes from the Pittsburgh Steelers for a fifth-round draft choice. Holmes was the MVP of Super Bowl XLIII and was coming off a 1,248-yard season. But character issues, underscored by a four-game suspension to start the season, made him a bargain. Need addressed? Yes.

Bill Daughtry from ESPN 1050 in New York invited me onto his show late Thursday night to talk about the New York Jets and preview the AFC East.

We talked about the latest episode of "Hard Knocks" and the revelations of the Jets' internal depth chart, which included notes on some players who might be doomed. Other topics included the New England Patriots' vulnerability on defense and the low-profile Miami Dolphins being a dangerous opponent.

New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick declined to provide details on why AWOL outside linebacker Derrick Burgess finally decided to report for training camp Friday or how they smoothed things over.

Belichick did share his take on what Burgess means for the Patriots defense, which could use a bit of good news after defensive end Ty Warren was placed on season-ending injured reserve.

The Patriots tied for 23rd in sacks last year. Burgess, a two-time Pro Bowler, recorded five sacks.

"Derrick is a very knowledgeable pass-rusher," Belichick said. "I think he has a good understanding of his opponents, pass-rush technique and how to defeat blockers and how to specifically defeat individual blockers based on their strengths and weaknesses and how he matches up against them.

"He has played primarily in a 4-3 defense in Philadelphia and Oakland the majority of his career. In our defense he played some in that position but also some as a 3-4 outside linebacker type and, again, that’s a little bit different compared to what he had done in the past.

"I think this year based on the spring and the workouts we had in May and June, I think he’s certainly a lot further ahead in understanding what we do and our terminology and techniques and so forth than he was at this time last year. Derrick is really a pretty versatile player. He can do some different things and can do them pretty well. We’ll build on what we did in the spring and see where it goes."

ESPN.com NFL Power Ranking (pre-camp): 9

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Is this the year another AFC East team surpasses the New England Patriots in wins?

For nine straight seasons, no team in the division has won more games each season than the Patriots.

But they're being pushed.

The New York Jets and Miami Dolphins have experienced greater successes the past couple years. The Jets went deeper into the playoffs last winter. The Dolphins won the division two seasons ago on a tiebreaker that kept the Patriots out.

The Patriots, aging on offense and patchwork on defense, seem vulnerable to being overtaken.

Still, they're the Patriots, and as long as Bill Belichick is the head coach and Tom Brady is the quarterback, they'll be a fearsome opponent. Randy Moss is back. Wes Welker looks like he's going to be a factor from the start of the season. Nose tackle Vince Wilfork will anchor the defense with linebacker Jerod Mayo behind him.

"Each year is a new year," Belichick said at the beginning of training camp, "and what a team looks like on paper and what they actually are in the fall and how they perform are two different things.

"Each year it seems like we have three or four new division winners. We have teams that go from one, two, three wins to double-digit wins and playoff teams and so forth. I don't know how you project all of that. I don't really spend a lot of time worrying about that. I think you do your preparation on your opponents -- the new ones and the ones you are familiar with like the Jets and Miami, teams like that, Indianapolis, and then you take them as they come."

THREE HOT ISSUES

1. How will left guard Logan Mankins' absence impact the offense? Mankins is unsigned and publicly demanded a trade because the Patriots haven't presented him with a contract proposal worth signing. Those who know him don't think he's going to back off that stance easily.

The Patriots already are down to a third-stringer at his position. They switched last year's starting right tackle, Nick Kaczur, to left guard. He suffered a back injury that could threaten his season. That puts Dan Connolly, a sixth-year offensive lineman with four career starts, in the lineup.

That's a precipitous drop from Mankins. He went to his second Pro Bowl last year and is known as one of the division's great smash-mouth players, regardless of position. He has a mean streak that sets the tone for New England's offensive line, particularly in short-yardage and goal-line situations.

One of Belichick's objectives coming into 2010 was to improve New England's red zone efficiency. Belichick has shown he's willing to go with three tight ends if he must. But Mankins' presence certainly would help the offense in terms of attitude and production.

2. Will the Patriots be able to generate enough of a pass rush? They tied for 23rd in sacks last year, registering a lackluster 31, worst among all playoff teams.

So the Patriots had a problem when they entered the offseason and might have gotten less stable. They cut Adalius Thomas, whose three sacks ranked fourth on the club. Derrick Burgess, a two-time Pro Bowler, tied for second with five sacks. He hasn't reported to training camp and is said to be contemplating retirement. Update: Burgess was reinstated to the active roster Friday, and defensive end Ty Warren (hip) was placed on injured reserve, ending his season.

Tully Banta-Cain, who led the team with 10 sacks, is back. But he doesn't strike fear in opposing tackles. Half of his sacks came against the overwhelmed Buffalo Bills. Second-round draft choice Jermaine Cunningham didn't play in Thursday night's preseason opener, which should raise some eyebrows.

You can't tell me Rob Ninkovich or Marques Murrell are going to provide that desperately needed jolt. Murrell did beat Pro Bowl tackle Jon Stinchcomb to sack Drew Brees on Thursday night (the Patriots' only sack), but the undrafted former Jet hasn't started an NFL game. Neither has Ninkovich.

3. Will Tom Brady's contract situation be a distraction? In stark contrast to Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis' entrenched holdout, Brady's approach to his contract situation has been commendable.

Brady is entering the final year of his contract and reportedly has been aggravated by the fact he hasn't gotten an extension yet. Some pundits insist Brady will be a tough negotiator because he has made salary concessions in the past and will insist on receiving full market value for a three-time champion.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft wants Brady to remain the face of the franchise, but it's not that simple. Labor strife and the role each man plays -- Kraft an influential voice for the league, Brady an emerging union spokesman -- contributes to the delicate process.

Brady's contract has been a major storyline of camp so far, but because he showed up on time and said all the right things, it hasn't been a problem.

BIGGEST SURPRISE

Welker didn't play in the exhibition opener, but he has demonstrated he's going to be ready to play in Week 1, barring a setback. The only visible evidence he's coming back from two torn left knee ligaments is a brace. He also had offseason shoulder surgery, but you'd never guess by looking at him. Welker went all-out in joint practices with the Saints, putting his body in harm's way to make tough catches. He sliced through defenders, fought through coverages and leaped for passes.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT

Burgess, the AWOL outside linebacker, has left the Patriots in a lurch with his indecision. He apparently wanted to play in June, when he signed a one-year contract worth as much as $1.65 million. The Patriots expressed surprise when Burgess declined to report for camp. With an inkling Burgess was having second thoughts, they would've had a better chance to address the situation before it was too late.

OBSERVATION DECK

[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Michael DwyerWide receiver Julian Edelman was impressive in the Patriots' first preseason game.
• You have to wonder if Welker's speedy recovery is partially due to the presence of Julian Edelman. I'm not saying Edelman is Welker's equal, but knowing that Edelman's on the roster and ready to step in must have entered Welker's mind once or twice during rehab.
• Edelman, the converted quarterback from Kent State, turned in a very Welkerish six-reception, 90-yard performance on Thursday night. He also had a 40-yard punt return.
• Strong safety Brandon Meriweather continually has progressed toward star status in his previous three seasons and still has room to get better. With another year of experience, this should be a big year for him.
• Interesting choice to start at running back in the preseason opener. Belichick went with BenJarvus Green-Ellis, who ran 11 times for 34 yards but darted for a 6-yard touchdown run.
• Both rookie tight ends look like they'll be impact players. Aaron Hernandez (113th overall) has trouble blocking but is a dangerous receiver. Rob Gronkowski (42nd overall) looks like a power forward at 6-foot-6 and 265 pounds. He'll be easy for Brady to spot in the red zone.
• Rookie cornerback Devin McCourty has been getting first-team reps with Leigh Bodden sidelined by a knee injury. McCourty looks like he belongs out there, a great sign for the Patriots' secondary.
• Second-year cornerback Darius Butler, meanwhile, committed a costly penalty in Thursday night's preseason opener. Butler was called for illegal contact on a fourth-down play in which the Patriots seemed to stop the Saints. The penalty extended a 20-play touchdown drive.
• The Patriots will need more consistency out of their kicking game. Stephen Gostkowski, an All-Pro two seasons ago, had trouble kicking field goals this week, although he did nail both of his tries (from 35 and 28 yards) Thursday night. Zoltan Mesko can boom it, but the fifth-round draft pick occasionally delivers an onside punt.
• If you're in a larger fantasy league, jot down receiver Brandon Tate on the margin of your cheat sheet. Draft him late. You might steal one.

Nobody has sacked Tom Brady more often than Aaron Schobel.

For that reason alone, the New England Patriots were thrilled to hear the Buffalo Bills officially released Schobel on Wednesday afternoon.

ESPNBoston.com's Mike Reiss advocates the Patriots snatch him up. All indications point to Schobel playing in 2010 after dawdling the Bills into a release.

Reiss writes "It just makes too much sense."

The Patriots wouldn't be counting on Schobel to play outside linebacker in their 3-4 alignment. That would be unrealistic when considering that Schobel has been a defensive end in a 4-3 scheme his entire career.

But given the way the Patriots vary their defensive plan from week to week, and have multiple packages within their scheme, it's easy to imagine a significant role for Schobel in which he could be unleashed to do what he does best: get after the quarterback as an end-of-the-line defender. His presence would be huge in weeks when the team elects to play a four-man line, such as last year's matchup with the Indianapolis Colts.

Had the Bills been competitive during Schobel's time with the team and made the playoffs once or twice in his nine seasons, it's difficult to imagine him pulling this stunt. Reports have underscored his interest in playing for the Houston Texans, but the Patriots might entice him as perennial contenders.

The Patriots are in a bind at outside linebacker. Derrick Burgess is pulling his own Schobel indecision act, declining to show up for the start of camp and let the Patriots dangle while he contemplates retirement.

"He's killed us," Belichick said before a Patriots-Bills game in 2007. "He's got a lot of things going for him. He's got a great motor. He works hard on every play. He's never out of a play. He's got several good moves. He can get up-field. He's got a good spin move. Even though he's not the biggest guy, he's got explosive power. He's hard for everybody to block."

And, for no other reason that the fact I had it in my quote archives, here is what New York Jets coach Rex Ryan had to say about Schobel last season:

"I really like Schobel. I like the way he plays," Ryan said. "You can ask Schobel, I worked him out actually when he came out of TCU. He can tell you how heavy I am because the first thing he said was, ‘My God, how much do you weigh?’ when I was trying to leverage him. What a tremendous player he is. I’ve just got a lot of respect for him."

But don't get excited, Jets fans. A league source tells me the Jets aren't interested in pursuing him.

The Buffalo Bills will need to be careful in how they handle their break from pass-rusher Aaron Schobel.

Their best bet would be to trade him for as little as a late-round draft pick, not only to get an asset for their troubles, but also to have some sort of control over where Schobel lands.

Problem is, interested teams know the Bills have had it with Schobel. Bills general manager Buddy Nix publicly declared Schobel never will play for them again. So teams won't be as motivated to make a trade. They'll just wait for the Bills to cut him.

As a free agent, Schobel will have his choice of multiple suitors and could haunt the Bills by staying in the AFC East. While the Bills are in rebuilding mode and can dump the dithering Schobel in good conscience, their division rivals have loftier goals.

Teams can always use a proven pass-rush specialist.

He'll turn 33 in a month, but he's only two years removed from his second Pro Bowl honor. He has recorded 78 sacks in his nine NFL seasons.

The New England Patriots are an obvious possibility. They are thin at outside linebacker. Derrick Burgess has declined to report to training camp and is contemplating retirement. The Patriots released Shawn Crable last week.

ESPNBoston.com's Mike Reiss examined the possibility Bill Belichick would pursue Schobel, noting Schobel has been a Patriots killer over the years -- in terms of sacks if not victories.

The Miami Dolphins also have questions at outside linebacker. They've moved on from Joey Porter and Jason Taylor, and while they're excited about prospects Cameron Wake and Koa Misi, a veteran presence on the edge never hurts a team's playoff chances.

And what about the New York Jets? They identified their pass rush as an area to address over the offseason. The Jets brought Taylor aboard to join Calvin Pace and Bryan Thomas. The Jets might seem set at outside linebacker, but head coach Rex Ryan and general manager Mike Tannenbaum have been collecting players. They even explored Terrell Owens last week and eventually added Laveranues Coles despite already having a formidable receiver corps.

We'll see what sort of drama the New York Jets provide for us when they open training camp Monday.

A Darrelle Revis holdout perhaps?

So far, the rest of the AFC East is 3 for 3 with personnel uncertainties.

The Buffalo Bills don't know whether two-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher Aaron Schobel will retire or return. I gave my take on that situation Friday night.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Pat White was a mysterious no-show Friday and the subject of season-ending reports until arriving Saturday morning.

And the New England Patriots have two players who surprised them with retirement talk.

Outside linebacker Derrick Burgess hasn't reported to camp and is said to be contemplating retirement. Then wide receiver David Patten went ahead and made his official.

Patten announced Saturday morning that he was done playing.

"I honestly felt like I could still play this game and play at a high level," Patten said. "I felt the competitive spirit and nature was still there, but over the course of the last two days and over the course of the break [before training camp] away from the team, there was a lot of reflection. There was a lot of contemplation.

"I just felt like it was time. It just hit me [Friday]. Camp was going really well. I was still able to go out and be competitive and operate at a high level, but I believe once you get to the point in your career where it's multiple years -- it would be my 13th year -- and you're thinking about it mentally and you're not 100 percent into it mentally wise, it's tough to play this game. I always felt like when I got to that that point, it would be in my best interests to walk away."

Hear that, Schobel?

ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli, citing multiple unnamed sources, reports New England Patriots outside linebacker Derrick Burgess is mulling retirement.

Burgess did not report for the start of Patriots training camp Thursday at Gillette Stadium. The odd development comes after the 31-year-old Burgess chose to re-sign with the Patriots in June. His one-year contract has a $1.4 million base salary and included a $100,000 signing bonus.

If Burgess decides to quit, his absence would weaken an already uncertain outside linebacking corps. The Patriots ranked 22nd in sacks last year with 31. Burgess was tied for second on the team with five sacks.

Tully Banta-Cain led the way with 10. Defensive lineman Mike Wright also had five, and outside linebacker Adalius Thomas, since released, was fourth on the team with three sacks.

Burgess played all 17 games. He started four games at outside linebacker and two at defensive end.

Can the AFC East send three clubs to the playoffs?

Sure seems possible to me. The past two years have produced different division champs and a third team that reached the AFC Championship Game last season.

The journey will start in a matter of days. The Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots blow the air horn on Thursday. The Miami Dolphins start Friday afternoon. The New York Jets open their "Hard Knocks" camp Monday morning.

All four teams have loose ends to tie up before camp. None has signed its first-round draft choice. Patriots left guard Logan Mankins remains unsigned and unhappy.

FOUR BIG QUESTIONS

Buffalo Bills: Who will be the quarterback?

New head coach Chan Gailey has stressed there will be an open quarterback competition, but the first depth chart will be known when the Bills begin camp. The campaign would get off to a fascinating start if anybody other than Trent Edwards takes the initial first-team reps. Ryan Fitzpatrick finished last year as the starter, but offers the least amount of upside. He's a sixth-year journeyman backup. Brian Brohm, a 2008 Green Bay Packers second-round pick, provides the most intrigue, titillating Bills fans because he's the unknown quantity. The battle should be a slowly progressing storyline unlikely to be decided until preseason games have been played -- and maybe not until the week before the season opener.

Miami Dolphins: How quickly will receiver Brandon Marshall integrate into the offense?

The Dolphins' prized offseason acquisition missed voluntary workouts and minicamp because of hip surgery the Dolphins didn't anticipate when they traded for him in April. His absence delayed the Dolphins' ability to see how he could transform the offense, forcing any ideas to remain X's and O's on the dry-erase board until training camp. The injury also prevented quarterback Chad Henne from getting fully acquainted with Marshall, a player who can help expedite Henne's development. Henne must get used to Marshall's speed and route angles. How quickly they find their timing on intermediate and longer patterns such as deep outs and posts against a defense will be important to making sure they're totally on the same page when the season starts.

New England Patriots: Will the Patriots show noticeable improvement on defense?

The old baseball adage claims championship teams are strong up the middle. The Patriots can say they're formidable in that regard. They have star nose tackle Vince Wilfork, inside linebacker Jerod Mayo and a solid group of safeties. But this ain't baseball. In football, especially with a 3-4 defense, teams need an outside presence. The Patriots are eager to see if they can improve their pass rush and be more consistent at cornerback. Those two areas depend on each other and contributed to the Patriots ranking 22nd in sacks per pass play last year. They'll have to sort through returning outside linebackers Tully Banta-Cain, Derrick Burgess, Rob Ninkovich and Shawn Crable and 53rd overall draft pick Jermaine Cunningham. At the all-important left cornerback spot, unproven sophomore Darius Butler will compete with first-round pick Devin McCourty.

New York Jets: Will quarterback Mark Sanchez take command in his second camp?

As a reckless rookie, Sanchez seemed hell-bent on squandering a team loaded in several key categories: No. 1 defense, No. 1 rushing attack, three Pro Bowlers on the offensive line. But late last season, Sanchez finally bought into what offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer had been preaching and closed the season with a deep playoff run. Knee surgery limited Sanchez's first full NFL offseason, but he participated in minicamp. He'll have two talented receivers, Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes, who weren't around at this time last year. How their chemistry develops over the next two months will be crucial.

HOTTEST SEATS

Bills: Demetrius Bell. It's odd to imagine a player drafted in the seventh round as a long-term project being on the hot seat going into just his third season. But Bell plays left tackle, and the Bills can't afford to fool around at such an important position. Bell didn't play a snap in 2008, yet emerged as last year's opening-night starter. He struggled before a knee injury ended his season prematurely. Bell was one of the NFL's most penalized players, and Gailey abhors pre-snap penalties. In eight games, Bell committed six false starts and allowed five sacks.

Dolphins: Will Allen. The 10-year veteran started last season as the club's top cornerback, but suffered a season-ending knee injury in the sixth game. The Dolphins played out the year with a pair of rookies, Sean Smith and Vontae Davis, at cornerback. While they were frequently broiled by opposing receivers, they are the future and there's something to be said for trial by fire. Allen's contract might doom him. He's scheduled to make base salaries of $5.2 million this year and $5.5 million next year.

Patriots: Laurence Maroney. He has been a polarizing player since the Patriots drafted him 21st overall in 2006. He has looked like a stud running back at times, but not nearly often enough. Maroney's entering his fifth season but has started only 14 games, hasn't cracked 900 rushing yards in a season and fumbles too much.

Jets: Nick Folk. Coaches don't have much patience for an erratic kicker. The Jets parted ways with a good one, letting Jay Feely leave via free agency. They signed Folk, a former Pro Bowler who was a disaster with the Dallas Cowboys last year. He was inconsistent in Jets voluntary workouts and minicamp, already drawing playful ridicule from coach Rex Ryan. If Folk continues to miss kicks, the Jets won't be laughing.

SECRET WEAPON

Patriots receiver Brandon Tate. When considering New England's top targets, the names Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Torry Holt and maybe Julian Edelman come to mind. Keep an eye out for Tate, a second-year pro with one reception. Tate still was recovering from knee surgery when the Patriots drafted him in the third round out of North Carolina. He made his debut in Week 7 and suffered another knee injury in Week 9. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has spoken highly of Tate during the offseason.

CHANGING OF THE GUARDS

The Bills boast one example of stability over the rest of the AFC East -- on the offensive line, no less.

The Bills enter training camp with the lone left guard in place. Second-year pro Andy Levitre returns as the starter, while each of the other three clubs have uncertainties to address. The Jets and Dolphins are letting players compete for their left guard openings, while the Patriots have a two-time Pro Bowler who has demanded a trade.

In Jets camp, second-round pick Vladimir Ducasse and sophomore Matt Slauson are battling for the vacancy created by the controversial release of nine-time Pro Bowler Alan Faneca.

The Dolphins traded Justin Smiley, their left guard the past two seasons. Nate Garner started eight games, including four on the left side while Smiley was hurt last season. Donald Thomas started 12 games at right guard. Richie Incognito started at right guard for the St. Louis Rams and Bills. The Dolphins drafted guard John Jerry in the third round.

Mankins isn't expected to be at Patriots camp when it begins. He's an unsigned restricted free agent and last month went public with his desire to be traded. Right tackle Nick Kaczur has been working in Mankins' spot.

A nighttime collection of goings on from Thursday, with all four AFC East clubs active either on the practice field, in the front office or the holding center.

Buffalo Bills

• Buffalo News reporter Rodney McKissic blogs about an interview with safety Donte Whitner, who admits former coach Dick Jauron ran a soft program.
• The Bills signed tackle Ed Wang, a fifth-round draft pick and the NFL's first full-blooded Chinese-American player.

Miami Dolphins

• South Florida Sun-Sentinel reporter Mike Berardino writes about defensive end Phillip Merling's arrest for assaulting a pregnant woman, the fourth major arrest for the Dolphins this offseason.
• Brian Biggane of the Palm Beach Post records Thursday's release of veteran linebacker Reggie Torbor.

New England Patriots

• The Patriots announced they've re-signed outside linebacker Derrick Burgess and released receiver Isaiah Stanback and linebacker Bruce Davis.
• Tom E. Curran of Comcast SportsNet New England passes along Bill Belichick's explanation for how joint training-camp workouts with the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints came about.

New York Jets

• ESPNNewYork.com reporter Rich Cimini shares a menagerie of newsy notes from Thursday's open OTA, mentioning rookie cornerback Kyle Wilson's rough day and the release of kicker Clint Stitser.
• New York Daily News reporter Manish Mehta updates the rehab status of nose tackle Kris Jenkins, who plans on being on the field for minicamp June 14.

New England Patriots

• ESPNBoston.com's Mike Reiss breaks down the re-signing of pass-rusher Derrick Burgess to a one-year contract.
• Boston Herald writer Karen Guregian checks in with quarterback-turned-vintner Drew Bledsoe.

Buffalo Bills

• Rochester Democrat & Chronicle columnist Bob Matthews is skeptical running back Marshawn Lynch will remain on the roster.
• Buffalo News reporter Allen Wilson introduces us to rookie linebacker Antonio Coleman, who led the SEC in tackles last year.

Miami Dolphins

• The $11.5 million malpractice settlement O.J. McDuffie was awarded for the premature end to his career can't replace absent memories, writes South Florida Sun-Sentinel columnist Ethan J. Skolnick.
• Palm Beach Post reporter Brian Biggane examines what roles are possible for cornerback Will Allen in 2010.

New York Jets

• A source tells Newark Star-Ledger reporter Manish Mehta the Jets would like to trade defensive end Shaun Ellis.
• Rex Ryan isn't concerning himself with the Jets' problems selling personal seat licenses to their new stadium, writes Gary Myers of the New York Daily News.

After drafting a cornerback and a tight end, the New England Patriots went after the position many analysts predicted they'd address first, taking Florida outside linebacker Jermaine Cunningham 53rd.

Why the Patriots took him: They had to bolster their pass rush. They re-signed Tully Banta-Cain, who led them with 10 sacks last season, but veterans Adalius Thomas and Derrick Burgess combined for only eight more sacks.

Where Cunningham fits: Scouting reports indicate Cunningham is a work in progress and needs to grow into the role. This probably isn't the type of addition that will decide whether the Patriots part ways with the disappointing, and highly paid, Thomas. That conclusion -- if it hasn't already -- will be reached independently.

Scouts Inc. says: Lacks elite top-end speed. Still developing his swim and rip techniques. Tries to use speed-to-power moves, but is only effective on occasion and typically versus tight ends and smaller tackles. Has a very quick first step and excellent change-of-direction skills, though. He will work to the whistle and disrupt the quarterback on pure effort at times. Can't overlook his production (12.5 sacks) versus elite competition the past two seasons. ... Does a good job staying off of blocks and working his way down the line. He plays with solid leverage but simply lacks the bulk and base to anchor at the point of attack. He needs to play with more discipline as well. He will cost his team occasionally by getting sucked inside.