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Who is one potential breakout player for each AFC East team in 2013?

Buffalo Bills: Last year Buffalo running back C.J. Spiller was one of the breakout players in the entire NFL. This season, Buffalo's breakout star most likely will be on the other side of the football. Bills starting cornerback Stephon Gilmore showed a lot of tools in his rookie season when he recorded 61 tackles, forced three fumbles and nabbed an interception. The Bills had the NFL's 10th-ranked pass defense and Gilmore took on the challenge as a rookie to guard the opponent’s best receiver each week. He is a fearless player who is already solid in a lot of areas. But Gilmore needs to work on making more big plays for the Bills this season and beyond in order to take the next step.

Miami Dolphins: The tailback who led the Dolphins in yards per carry last season was not Reggie Bush. It was actually second-year running back Lamar Miller, who averaged 4.9 yards per carry in 2012. Miller shined in limited opportunities during his rookie season. He displayed good vision and explosiveness, and appears to be a natural fit for Miami's West Coast offense under head coach Joe Philbin. Miller is the reason Miami had no issues letting Bush walk in free agency. Bush signed with the Detroit Lions after getting little interest from the Dolphins. Miller will get a lot more carries this season and pair with backup Daniel Thomas in Miami's backfield. Miller's weakness is pass protection, but he looked great last year carrying the football.

New England Patriots: The Patriots didn't necessarily need to draft a linebacker last year, but Dont'a Hightower was too good to pass up at the end of the first round. Hightower was considered an NFL-ready prospect and made an immediate impact with the Patriots. He recorded 60 tackles and four sacks with New England. Another year of experience should make Hightower even better in Year 2. Health permitting, Hightower should be a physical force in New England for years to come.

New York Jets: The Jets made several low-cost signings this offseason due to a tight salary cap. However, the free-agent signing that stands out for the Jets is running back Mike Goodson. He spent his career backing up quality tailbacks such as DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart and Darren McFadden with the Carolina Panthers and Oakland Raiders, respectively. Goodson averages 4.5 yards per carry in his career and is a projected starter for the first time in New York. Goodson has the quickness to fit in well with the Jets' change to a West Coast offense under Marty Mornhinweg. He'll need to keep up the same production with the increased workload.

The AFC East saw several breakout players make their marks last season. Buffalo Bills tailback C.J. Spiller, New England Patriots left tackle Nate Solder, and Miami Dolphins receiver Brian Hartline are among the players who had career years in 2012.

So who are this year's under-the-radar players who could have a big season in 2013? Here are seven breakout stars to keep an eye on the AFC East:

No. 7: DeMario Davis, LB, New York Jets

2012 stats: 35 tackles

Analysis: Jets head coach Rex Ryan put a lot of pressure on Davis before his rookie season. Ryan compared Davis, a third-round pick from Arkansas State, to a young Ray Lewis, which certainly raised some eyebrows. But by the end of the season, you could see some of the things Ryan bragged about. Davis was athletic, aggressive and finished with 35 tackles. The Jets believe Davis is ready to go into his second season as a full-time starter. New York released Bart Scott this offseason, and Davis is up next. Health permitting, Davis should be able to build off his rookie season.

No. 6: Stephon Gilmore, CB, Bills

2012 stats: 61 tackles, one INT

Analysis: Gilmore was viewed as one of the safer picks in last year's NFL draft. He was considered an NFL-ready cornerback who could start in Week 1, which is why Buffalo invested its first-round pick. Gilmore suffered through rookie mistakes like most young cornerbacks, but he did start all 16 games. Expect a lot more consistency from the 22-year-old, who is already Buffalo’s best cornerback. New Bills defensive coordinator Mike Pettine has a reputation of making cornerbacks better. He worked well with former Jets cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie in New York. Pettine is excited about the opportunity to make Gilmore one of the better cornerbacks in the AFC East this year and beyond.

No. 5: Kyle Wilson, CB, Jets

2012 stats: 48 tackles, one INT

Analysis: Wilson, 25, is the oldest player in this bunch. The three-year veteran spent most of his career backing up Pro Bowl cornerbacks Cromartie and Revis. But Wilson finally got consistent playing time in the starting lineup in 2012 after the season-ending knee injury to Revis. Wilson held his own but didn’t make a lot of big plays. He had one interception and one forced fumble in 16 games. But the Jets believe Wilson is capable of taking over Revis’ spot full-time in the starting lineup. That is why New York has been in trade discussions about Revis, who will be a free agent in 2014. I expect a Revis trade to happen before the start of the season, which means Wilson must step up and be a better playmaker.

No. 4: Lamar Miller, RB, Miami Dolphins

2012 stats: 51 carries, 250 yards, one TD

Analysis: Most people who do not watch the Dolphins on a regular basis aren’t familiar with Miller. He never had more than 10 carries in a game. But those who closely follow the Dolphins know Miller was dangerous nearly every time he touched the football. He led the Dolphins with a yards-per-carry average of 4.9. Miller showed good vision and burst. The Dolphins also believe Miller is a better fit for their system than former tailback Reggie Bush. That is why Miami didn’t try to keep Bush from signing with the Detroit Lions in free agency. Miller should combine with Daniel Thomas to be a formidable young backfield. Miller’s biggest weakness is pass protection against the blitz. But with all-new weapons in Miami at receiver and tight end, Miller should have some open running lanes.

No. 3: Dont'a Hightower, LB, Patriots

2012 stats: 60 tackles, four sacks

Analysis: It’s surprising how Hightower’s rookie year went virtually unnoticed. He immediately added toughness, athleticism and playmaking ability to New England’s front seven. Hightower also got better as the year went on. He started 13 games for the Patriots and had seven games with at least five tackles. Hightower was unusually steady for a rookie linebacker. He didn’t make many mental errors, and also showed a knack for blitzing, as evidenced by his four sacks. Another year under Bill Belichick’s tutelage will only make Hightower a bigger force. Playing next to linebacker Jerod Mayo and behind defensive lineman Vince Wilfork will only make Hightower a better player in Year 2.

No. 2: Chandler Jones, DE, Patriots

2012 stats: 45 tackles, six sacks

Analysis: The Patriots haven’t had a consistently dominant pass-rusher since Mike Vrabel. Jones has a good chance to end that search and become a consistent double-digit sack player for New England. Jones started fast his rookie season and registered six sacks in his first eight games. But an ankle injury caused Jones to miss two games, and he didn’t have the same burst and production when he returned. Injuries have been an issue for Jones dating to college. But if he can stay healthy for 16 games, he could have a big 2013 season for the Patriots.

No. 1: Ryan Tannehill, QB, Dolphins

2012 stats: 3,294 yards, 12 TDs, 13 INTs

Analysis: It's too early to determine whether Tannehill is a franchise quarterback. But Miami’s front office thinks Tannehill has a great shot after a strong rookie year, so the Dolphins added as many weapons as possible around him in Year 2. Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland signed dynamic former Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Mike Wallace, former St. Louis Rams receiver Brandon Gibson and former New York Jets tight end Dustin Keller. The Dolphins added pass-catchers that fit Tannehill and their offensive system. Tannehill (3,294) threw for more yards last season than fellow 2012 draft picks Robert Griffin III (3,200) and Russell Wilson (3,118). Tannehill could be poised for his first 4,000-yard season, and certainly more touchdowns, with a much stronger supporting cast.

The day after the New England Patriots' 28-13 loss to the Baltimore Ravens felt like a funeral in the heart of Patriots country.

The employees at my Foxborough, Mass., hotel -- some who sported Patriots jerseys -- were sullen. The day seemed gloomy outside, and Logan International Airport didn't have the same buzz and energy it did when I arrived two days earlier.

This was expected to be the season the Patriots got over the hump and celebrated their first Super Bowl victory since the 2004 season. New England had the top-rated offense, an improved defense and a 35-year-old quarterback still playing at an MVP level. In addition, the Patriots caught breaks the past few weeks that gave the team home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

But the tough and talented Ravens had other plans.

New England's upset loss to Baltimore in the AFC Championship Game will sting Patriots fans for a while. But New Englanders shouldn't fret. The Patriots are primed and ready to make another title push in 2013.

Here are five reasons the Patriots' championship window remains open:

Reason No. 1: Tom Brady

Analysis: Yes, Brady will be 36 at the start of next season. But Brady has shown no signs of slowing down and should be an elite quarterback for at least the next two or three seasons. Brady threw for 4,827 yards, 34 touchdowns and just eight interceptions in 2012, receiving strong MVP consideration once again. But Brady's recent playoff struggles are well-documented. After a 10-0 start in the postseason, Brady is just 7-7 in his past 14 playoff starts. However, Brady has done enough to get the Patriots in position for another title. The Patriots have been within a drive of winning two Super Bowls and gone 2-2 in AFC Championship Games since 2005. As long as New England continues to knock on the championship door, the team has a chance to break through. With a healthy Brady in 2013, there’s no reason the Patriots shouldn't be one of the favorites again in the AFC.

Reason No. 2: Bill Belichick

Analysis: There are a lot of people who do not like Belichick's demeanor. He’s not the most likeable head coach in the NFL or the best sportsman, according to Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe. But Belichick is the league's best head coach. Three championships and five Super Bowl appearances highlight a résumé no other current coach can match. As long as Belichick is roaming the sidelines, the Patriots usually have the coaching advantage on game days. Belichick has delivered double-digit wins in New England every season since 2003. That is a mark of tremendous consistency. New England has the winningest coach and quarterback combination in NFL history with Belichick and Brady. No other club has this level of elite coaching and quarterbacking.

Reason No. 3: Weak AFC East

Analysis: For the Patriots to fall from the top of the AFC East, another team has to rise up in the division. Based on the '12 season, there is still a significant gap between the Patriots and everyone else. The New York Jets are a mess that will take at least a year or two to clean up. The Buffalo Bills are starting over and rebuilding under a rookie head coach in Doug Marrone and probably a new quarterback. The Bills will have to suffer through a learning curve next season. The Miami Dolphins have the best chance to immediately challenge New England in 2013. Miami has a good, young quarterback in Ryan Tannehill and plenty of cap room and draft picks to build a strong roster. But the Dolphins have to make all the right moves in order to become an immediate contender. New England's gateway to success and the playoffs has been winning the AFC East. The Patriots will enter next season as the hands-down favorite once again to win the division.

Reason No. 4: Young talent

Analysis: The Patriots often get the reputation of a veteran team because of leaders like Brady on offense and Pro Bowl defensive tackle Vince Wilfork on defense. However, New England won 13 games this season, including playoffs, with a host of young players. The Patriots had 16 players who were 26 or under starting full or part time. Starting running back Stevan Ridley and tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez are just 23 years old. Starting left tackle Nate Solder is 24. Rookies such as linebacker Dont'a Hightower, defensive end Chandler Jones and cornerback Alfonzo Dennard also round out a strong and productive rookie class. If most or all of these young players continue to improve and develop into their roles, New England will be even more dangerous next season.

Reason No. 5: Improving defense

Analysis: New England's defense made good strides in 2012, particularly in the second half of the season. The Patriots were 25th in total defense -- up six spots from a year ago -- and ninth in both scoring and run defense. New England learned in the AFC title game loss to the Ravens that it still needs significant improvement in the secondary. The cornerback position is very thin, and the team fell apart when Aqib Talib left the game with a thigh injury. Talib will be an unrestricted free agent, and that is an area New England must address in the offseason. New England's aforementioned draft that included Hightower, Jones and Dennard played a large part in the Patriots' defensive improvements.

The Patriots have done a masterful job the past dozen years of reloading and not rebuilding. Having an elite quarterback such as Brady in the fold certainly makes a huge difference.

But New England's window will not be open forever. The time is now for the Patriots to make another title run before Brady and Belichick call it quits. Once this power pair walks away from New England in a few years, the Patriots will have ups and downs like every other NFL franchise.

Here are the most interesting stories Tuesday in the AFC East:

• New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow's brother apologized for gloating about the Denver Broncos’ loss.

Morning take: Peter Tebow saw the stir that is caused and decided to apologize. But we already know how he really feels.

• The Miami Dolphins plan to add $400 million in stadium renovations that owner Stephen Ross and investors will cover.

Morning take: Miami-Dade County taxpayers don’t have much left to give after helping fund the Miami Marlins new stadium. Ross deserves a lot of credit for footing much of the bill.

• The Buffalo Bills hired Danny Crossman as their special teams coach.

Morning take: The Bills and Jets are interestingly taking two methods to the offseason. Buffalo is moving on fast, while New York is taking its time.

• The New England Patriots' defense has improved since their previous meeting against the Baltimore Ravens.

Morning take: Young players like Chandler Jones, Alfonzo Dennard and Dont’a Hightower have improved and lifted the level of the defense with them. New England’s defense needs to step up big in the playoffs and keep the Ravens from making big plays.

Everyone knows quarterback Tom Brady and the New England Patriots' top-rated offense will be ready for the postseason. But what exactly do we make of New England’s inconsistent defense?

Will we see the aggressive Patriots defense that shut out the Miami Dolphins two weeks ago in the regular-season finale? Or will we see the Patriots defense that was ranked 25th throughout the season, including 29th against the pass?

We will find out if New England's much-maligned defense is playoff-ready when the Patriots (12-4) host the Houston Texans (13-4) Sunday at Gillette Stadium. New England has the worst defense statistically of the eight remaining teams in the NFL playoffs. In the AFC, the defenses of the Denver Broncos (No. 2), Houston Texans (No. 7) and Baltimore Ravens (No. 17) are all ranked significantly ahead of the Patriots.

The Patriots have made several strides defensively from a season ago. But if the old NFL cliché of "defense wins championships" still stands, this could be what derails New England's Super Bowl hopes.

"Obviously when you get a group of guys together for an extended period of time, you're going to get better," Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo said of the defensive improvements. "But there are also things we had to improve at -- especially communication, getting on the same page and doing things like that."

Last season, New England's porous defense didn't cost the team until the final drive in the Super Bowl. When the Patriots needed a big stop in the fourth quarter against the New York Giants, they couldn't get it and lost the Super Bowl for the second time in four years.

This season, New England's defense is younger, faster and more dynamic. The Patriots were 31st in total defense in 2011 and improved six spots in 2012. But is that good enough?

The Patriots' biggest strength defensively is their physical front seven. New England is ninth against the run, allowing just 101.9 rushing yards per game. Baltimore tailback Ray Rice is the only player this season to rush for more than 100 yards against the Patriots. Two of New England's seven Pro Bowlers this season are on defense in Mayo and defensive tackle Vince Wilfork, who must lead the way in the playoffs.

"We have guys that have been here before and we have guys that haven’t been here before," said Wilfork, who won his only Super Bowl with the Patriots in his rookie season in 2004. "So our job is to make these guys understand what it takes to win, especially in a situation like this."

Stopping the run will be huge against Houston. Texans tailback Arian Foster is the foundation of Houston's offense. The Texans have the eighth-best rushing attack in the NFL, and that opens up Houston's dangerous play-action passes.

New England trounced Houston 42-14 in Week 14. The Patriots stuffed Foster in that meeting, holding the running back to just 46 yards on 15 carries. But Foster is coming to Gillette Stadium with momentum after a 140-yard performance in a wild-card win over the Cincinnati Bengals.

"I expect to see the best. Whatever they have, I expect to see it -- the kitchen sink if it’s called for," Wilfork said. "But last week you saw why [Foster] is one of the top offensive players in the game -- not just a back, but a top offensive player in the game."

New England did very well defensively in the last draft. That is one of the key reasons the Patriots are younger, physical and more athletic. Rookies Chandler Jones, Dont'a Hightower, Tavon Wilson and Alfonzo Dennard have all made an impact.

"Those guys really bring a lot of energy. Those guys are hungry," Mayo said. "Those guys have really kind of fit in very well. They came in trying to learn as much as they could. I always talk about when I came in as a rookie trying to be a sponge and learn as much as I could, and those guys have done the same."

This is also a big game for Patriots No. 1 corner Aqib Talib. New England acquired Talib in a midseason trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the move has paid immediate dividends.

Talib is easily New England's best cover corner and will see a lot of Houston Pro Bowl receiver Andre Johnson in this game.

"Talib's ability to match up on the opponent's best receiver is huge," said Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. "They now play much more man coverage and blitz more, which helps an average pass rush. It gives Bill Belichick more options, which is exactly what he wants."

New England's defense still has a sour taste in its mouth from last year's postseason. The Patriots cruised in the divisional round against Denver, won a tight contest against Baltimore in the AFC Championship Game, then had a chance to beat the Giants in the Super Bowl. But Eli Manning's heroics against New England's defense killed the Patriots down the stretch. With 3:46 left in the game, New England allowed New York to drive 88 yards on nine plays for the game-winning touchdown.

If the Patriots aim to win a title this year, their defense must be ready to step up and make key stops throughout the playoffs.

"Everyone in the league is hungry for a Super Bowl," Patriots defensive end Rob Ninkovich said. "I want to get back there just like everybody else that’s in the playoffs. The No. 1 goal in your head coming into training camp is, 'Let's get to the Super Bowl.'

"This is what we play the game for."

The mob of media surrounded the usual veteran suspects in the locker room after the New England Patriots' 42-14 victory against the Houston Texans on Monday night.

First, Pro Bowl receiver Wes Welker held court in front of the cameras and tape recorders. Then, the large group went over to Vince Wilfork's locker, as well as outside to the media room for quarterback Tom Brady's postgame news conference.

But I went a slightly different route after New England's biggest win of the season. I was particularly intrigued by the number of young players making huge contributions for the Patriots.

I stopped to chat with rookie cornerback Alfonzo Dennard, who was alone at his locker. The 22-year-old was a seventh-round pick who nearly became "Mr. Irrelevant" in the April draft. Several months later, Dennard is a starting cornerback for a Super Bowl contender.

"I'm really blessed to be here," said a wide-eyed Dennard, who seemed a little surprised someone from the national media wanted to talk to him.

I also heard from third-year player Devin McCourty, 25, who selflessly changed from a Pro Bowl cornerback his rookie year to a starting safety for the betterment of the team. McCourty had an interception against Houston quarterback Matt Schaub in the end zone that set the tone for the eventual blowout.

"If we do what Coach [Bill] Belichick tells us during the week, we have a chance to play any team tough and to really take advantage of what he says," McCourty said.

Stories from young players such as Dennard and McCourty are just two of many that have defined the 2012 Patriots. New England has long been known as a veteran team. But outside of stars like Brady, Welker and Wilfork, these are not your usual Patriots.

New England (10-3), contrary to popular belief, is winning mostly with youth.

The Patriots are getting better during the course of the season because their young players are improving rapidly. The Patriots have 16 starters or significant contributors who are 26 or younger. Fourteen of those have four or fewer years of experience.

In fact, Brady and Wilfork are the only remaining players from New England's previous Super Bowl-winning team, in 2004. Wilfork was a rookie that season, and caught the end of New England's dynasty.

After losing in the Super Bowl last season, the Patriots had big decisions to make. They wisely let go of veterans such as running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis and defensive ends Andre Carter and Mark Anderson. Two starting offensive linemen -- left tackle Matt Light and Pro Bowl guard Brian Waters -- retired. The Patriots replaced veteran free agents with much younger players like tailback Stevan Ridley (23), left tackle Nate Solder (23) and first-round picks Chandler Jones (22) and Dont'a Hightower (22).

Thanks to that infusion, New England is playing faster and is more dynamic on both sides of the ball. The Patriots lead the NFL in total offense and scoring. Rookies like Jones (six sacks), Hightower (43 tackles) and Dennard (three interceptions) helped the defense improved in several areas.

Will their youth catch up to them? So far, it doesn't appear that way.

New England's young players are getting better with experience, and the Patriots still have the necessary veteran leadership from players like Brady, Wilfork, Welker and Pro Bowl guard Logan Mankins. That combination led to a convincing win against Houston. The Patriots also have another tough test Sunday night against the rugged San Francisco 49ers.

But anything can happen in a one-game scenario in January. You never quite know how young players will react in the playoffs on the NFL's biggest stage.

For example, Ridley had fumble issues late last season and in the divisional round of the playoffs. The Patriots didn't trust Ridley enough and benched him for the AFC Championship Game and Super Bowl. That luxury no longer exists without Green-Ellis. The Patriots need Ridley to produce. Ridley, by the way, fumbled against Houston, but it was recovered by teammate Aaron Hernandez.

Rookies like Jones, Hightower and Dennard have never played this many games in one season. Including exhibitions and a deep postseason run, the Patriots could end up playing 23 or 24 games. They are counting on their rookie contributors to stay sharp.

Many of these young Patriots are learning on the job -- but it's been a job well done thus far.

It's been a good month of September for New England Patriots first-round pick Chandler Jones. The Patriots (2-2) are tied for first place in the AFC East, and Jones is making an immediate impact.

The NFL named Jones the NFL Rookie of the Month on Thursday. Jones recorded 17 tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles in four games.

The Patriots needed a pass-rusher and took Jones in the first round. Both Jones and fellow first-round pick Dont'a Hightower have upgraded New England's front seven. Jones and Hightower look like two building blocks on defense in New England for years to come.

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

• New York Jets wideout Santonio Holmes (foot) is expected to miss the rest of the season. Should the Jets sign a big-name receiver?

Morning take: Plaxico Burress, Chad Johnson and Terrell Owens are all risky investments. None of those players are good enough to save the Jets -- and each brings his share of distractions.

• Buffalo Bills defensive end Mario Williams says fans should be angry.

Morning take: Williams has just 1.5 sacks in four games and hasn't been the impact player many expected. But it's a long season -- Williams and the Bills (2-2) still have time to get it together.

• Miami Dolphins center Mike Pouncey apologizes to fans for the team's 1-3 start.

Morning take: The Dolphins are playing hard and there's no reason to apologize -- they're making it hard on opponents every week. Another tough game, against the Cincinnati Bengals, awaits.

• The New England Patriots are expected to re-sign linebacker Bobby Carpenter.

Morning take: Carpenter was a surprise cut in training camp. But an injury to rookie linebacker Dont’a Hightower provides an opportunity.

The New England Patriots have a losing record for the first time in nine years. Their head coach is in hot water with the NFL for grabbing an official, there are key injuries on offense and the Patriots have a tough road game Sunday against the Buffalo Bills (2-1).

Stick a fork in the Patriots. They're done, right?

Not so fast.

The Patriots are still elite. They just don't have the record to show for it after three games. But do not be fooled by the standings in September. New England (1-2) will be right where many expect by the end of the regular season: in contention for another Super Bowl.

The reigning AFC champs are off to a slow start. But there is no need for alarm in New England. Here are five reasons not to push the panic button:

No. 1: The AFC East is a weak division

This is another down year for the AFC East. All you need to know is that the New York Jets (2-1) are in first place with Pro Bowl cornerback Darrelle Revis out for the season. How long will that last?

The Patriots are just one game out of first place and will be back on top of the AFC East soon. New England has owned the division the last dozen years and remains the best team in the AFC East. Winning the division is the gateway to the playoffs and a home postseason game. The Patriots will have both in January.

The Patriots will beat the Bills (2-1) on Sunday to get back to .500. (Don't doubt my AFC East picks. I'm 9-1 this season.) The Bills' young secondary will be picked apart by Tom Brady and New England. Buffalo also lacks the offensive firepower to keep up with the Patriots, especially if dynamic tailback C.J. Spiller (shoulder) sits out and veteran running back Fred Jackson (knee) isn't 100 percent.

It could be a three-way tie for first place by Sunday night if the San Francisco 49ers take care of business against the Revis-less Jets. The Patriots have the easiest strength of schedule in the NFL, and they will begin to distance themselves from the AFC East pack in the second half of the season.

No. 2: The Patriots' losses are overrated

Yes, the Patriots are 1-2. But they are within a hair of 3-0. The Patriots' two losses have come on last-second kicks.

Against the Arizona Cardinals, New England kicker Stephen Gostkowski shanked a late field-goal attempt wide left. In the loss to Baltimore, Ravens kicker Justin Tucker narrowly made a 27-yard field goal to win it. Both games could have gone either way.

Without those two kicks, the Patriots would be undefeated entering Week 4 and viewed as the class of the NFL. But the ball didn't bounce New England's way two weeks in a row.

"It's not like we sit here and look in the locker room and say: Wow, we're terrible. We can't make any plays, we're not even in these games," Brady said this week. "We're right in them. We just have to do a better job in certain areas. If we do that, we will start winning close games."

No. 3: New England never panics

Remember last season?

The Patriots were 5-3 and lost two straight games, to the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers. Many on the outside wrote off the Patriots as has-beens. Instead, New England reeled off 10 straight victories, including playoffs, on its way to another Super Bowl appearance.

Every team has rough patches during the season. The Patriots' adversity came early this season. But the difference between New England and other teams is that the Patriots never panic. They don't have to -- they have the NFL's best coach (Bill Belichick) and an elite quarterback (Brady). That is their edge over most teams, especially within the division. As long as Brady is healthy this season, the Patriots will win the AFC East.

No. 4: Youngsters will improve

The Patriots are relying on an unusual amount of rookies and second-year players in key roles this season.

Rookies like defensive end Chandler Jones and linebacker Dont'a Hightower will only get better with experience. Both are showing flashes of playmaking ability. New England is also relying on second-year players like tailback Stevan Ridley and left tackle Nate Solder, who are full-time starters for the first time.

Jones, Hightower, Ridley and Solder will all improve and be more consistent as the season goes on. That will raise the level of the Patriots offensively and defensively. New England's defense, for example, has already improved from No. 31 to No. 14 this season. Much of that increase is due to the impact of Jones and Hightower.

No. 5: Aaron Hernandez will return

The Patriots struggled after second tight end Hernandez went down with an ankle injury. But Hernandez is making progress in his rehabilitation.

A source told me that Hernandez will be out until at least October. But I was also told Hernandez is a fast healer. Hernandez has already been spotted in the locker room without crutches or a boot on his ankle. These are great signs that he is recovering well.

The Patriots will benefit immensely when Hernandez returns. He is New England's most versatile player on offense and the glue that makes the scheme work. Hernandez can play various positions. He can also stretch the field and take pressure off fellow tight end Rob Gronkowski and Pro Bowl receiver Wes Welker. When Hernandez gets healthy, the Patriots' offense will be back at full strength -- and that is bad news for the rest of the league.

Add up these factors and it's clear New England remains an elite football team. Things do not look rosy after the first three games. But better days are ahead for the Patriots, and it all starts Sunday against the Bills.

New England, Baltimore (3-1) and the Houston Texans (3-0) remain the best teams in the AFC. Chances are one of those clubs will represent the conference in Super Bowl XLVII in February, and the Patriots still have as good a shot as any team.

The New England Patriots look to improve to 2-0 in Sunday's game against the undefeated Arizona Cardinals (1-0).

Here is a reason to be hopeful and concerned about the reigning AFC champs in Week 2:

Reason for hope: Improved defense

New England’s defense looked like a totally different group in Week 1 compared to last season. The Patriots were aggressive, physical and created turnovers. Even the secondary defended better, in part due to an increased pass rush. Rookies like Dont’a Hightower and Chandler Jones carried their preseason momentum into the regular season and made an immediate impact. The Patriots don’t need an elite defense. But if this group stays in the top half of the league, New England will be hard to beat.

Reason for concern: Threat of injuries

OK, let's be honest. There's really no major reason for the Patriots to be concerned this week. They are playing well on both sides of the football and face a Cardinals opponent that has a troubled quarterback situation. It would be a shock if the Patriots don't leave Gillette Stadium 2-0 on Sunday. However, New England's next game against the Baltimore Ravens (1-0) is going to be brutal. The Patriots have the easiest strength of schedule in the league, and this is probably their toughest game on paper. New England needs to stay healthy this week and go into that game at full strength. If New England has a sizable lead on Sunday, the team should not be shy to rest its starters in the fourth quarter.

AFC East first-round draft picks looked great in the opening week of the preseason. But which high-profile rookie had the best preseason debut? That is the latest poll question in our division.

The New England Patriots had two first-round picks that produced. Rookie linebacker Dont'a Hightower and defensive end Chandler Jones combined for six tackles and one quarterback hit.

Defensive end Quinton Coples also had a monster debut five tackles and a sack for the New York Jets. Coples is expected to be a Day 1 starter and showed why.

Finally, Miami Dolphins rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill took a huge step in the right direction. He completed 14 of 21 passes for 167 yards and a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Was Tannehill the most impressive rookie?

Using our SportsNation poll, vote on which AFC East rookie had the best debut last week. You can also share your thoughts in the comments section below.

The reigning AFC champion New England Patriots began their 2012 preseason with a 7-6 win over the New Orleans Saints.

Here are some notes and observations:

What I liked: It was an impressive night for New England's running game. Second-year tailbacks Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen both were stellar in the Patriots’ preseason debut. Ridley got off to a good start, rushing for 40 yards on eight carries with the first team. Vereen showed his big-play ability by leading New England with 64 yards on 11 carries against the backups. Both tailbacks are pushing for the starting job. There are a lot of questions about New England’s youth at running back, but the preseason opener erased some of those concerns.

What I didn't like: I did not like what I saw from New England's starting offensive line. For now, the Patriots must rely on new faces with the status of right tackle Sebastian Vollmer (back) and guards Logan Mankins (knee) and Brian Waters (personal) up in the air. But the replacements looked out of sync with penalties and missed assignments. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was crunched in the first quarter on a sack and fumbled. He finished 4-of-7 for 30 yards and a fumble.

Rough day for Solder: Continuing on the trend of the offensive line, it was a tough start for second-year left tackle Nate Solder. He had two holding calls in the first quarter. Solder is an important member of the offensive line -- his job is to protect Brady’s blindside, and he has to play better.

Rookies shine: The Patriots' two first-round picks have looked impressive in training camp, and it was a good sign to see that carry over to the preseason opener. Patriots rookie defensive end Chandler Jones and linebacker Dont'a Hightower played well in their NFL debut. Both were active and combined for four tackles. Jones and Hightower are trying to carve out their roles in the defense.

Safeties first: New England's starting safeties both recorded turnovers. Patrick Chung and Steve Gregory both had interceptions. This is a good sign for New England's 31st-ranked pass defense from a year ago. Gregory was a free-agent addition and seems to be meshing well with Chung.

The reigning AFC champion New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills will host their preseason openers Thursday night against the New Orleans Saints and Washington Redskins, respectively.

Here are four things to watch for in these exhibition games:

No. 1: Patriots' defense

Analysis: New England’s defense, ranked 31st last season, will take the field for the first time in 2012. The last time we saw this group, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning was carving up the Patriots in the Super Bowl. New England invested a lot of draft picks and free-agent dollars into this defense. Expect to see several new faces, such as first-round picks Dont'a Hightower and Chandler Jones, and free-agent signings Steve Gregory and Bobby Carpenter. The Patriots’ starting defense will get a good test against Saints Pro Bowl quarterback Drew Brees, who performed well against New England during joint practices this week.

No. 2: Who will emerge at running back?

Analysis: Expect the Patriots to give a lot of carries to their young running backs Thursday night. Second-year players Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen are competing for the starting job vacated by former Patriot BenJarvus Green-Ellis. Ridley and Vereen bring different skills to the table. So far, Ridley has looked the best in training camp. But this battle will be won in the preseason games. Therefore, one of these young tailbacks must perform well to separate himself.

No. 3: Debut of Buffalo's revamped defensive line

Analysis: Buffalo’s starters may only play a few series. But it will be a good chance to see how the Bills’ new-look and dynamic defensive line is coming along. Stud defensive tackles Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus were joined by big free-agent signings Mario Williams and Mark Anderson. This group has the potential to be one of the top defensive lines in the NFL. Washington will provide a good test in the debut of rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III. He is one of the most athletic quarterbacks in the league. So if Buffalo’s defense can pressure Griffin and keep him at bay, it can corral just about any quarterback.

No. 4: Who will step up as Buffalo's No. 2 receiver?

Analysis: If Buffalo has a legit No. 2 receiver, it’s time for that player to come forward. The Bills need someone to be a threat opposite Steve Johnson, who will face plenty of double teams this year. There have been mixed results in training camp. Different players have flashed but no receiver has shown enough consistency. Receivers such as Marcus Easley, Donald Jones and rookie T.J. Graham need to step up. Performing in the preseason is the quickest way to impress Buffalo’s coaching staff.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- You would think there was a playoff game at Gillette Stadium this week.

In front of a packed house, the New England Patriots hosted the New Orleans Saints for a pair of high-quality joint practices. Even famous musician Jon Bon Jovi and supermodel (and Tom Brady's wife) Gisele Bundchen showed up for a glimpse of the action.

The talent on the practice field was immense. You had future Hall of Famers Brady and Drew Brees at quarterback, Pro Bowl tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham and two hungry defenses eager to improve. The tempo was fast and intense.

The Patriots could have easily practiced against themselves this week like the rest of the league. But there is a method to Bill Belichick's madness. It's Super Bowl or bust for New England. And even in August, the Patriots want to test themselves as much as possible against another playoff contender.

"We know that there are a lot of other great organizations and teams and players and coaches out there," Belichick explained. "It’s a good challenge every week, and certainly the Saints are one of the top teams in professional football. As I said, they're well-coached, they have great talent, good players, good scheme [and] they win a lot of games. We played against them two years ago, practiced against them two years ago in their championship season. There isn’t any team we have more respect for than the Saints from top to bottom."

The reigning AFC champions are loaded. Their roster is deeper and more talented than last year's team that finished 13-3. With the easiest strength of schedule in the NFL, the Patriots are expected to match or surpass last season's win total. Some pundits even believe a 16-0 regular season is within reach. But let’s not get too ahead of ourselves.

THREE HOT ISSUES

1. How much better is the defense? The Patriots' defense has improved. New England was ranked 31st in total defense and 31st against the pass in 2011. So the Patriots cannot get much worse.

The Patriots invested all their draft picks except a seventh-rounder in defense. The biggest coups were first-round picks Dont'a Hightower at linebacker and defensive end Chandler Jones. Both rookies received a lot of reps with the first team this week and appear to be learning fast. They also provide athleticism and aggressiveness to New England's front seven.

Second-round pick and defensive back Tavon Wilson also has looked better than advertised. Belichick received a lot of criticism for drafting Wilson that high when most projected him to be a fifth- or sixth-round pick. Free agent Steve Gregory also is New England's starting safety and is an upgrade over the rotating door New England had at the position last year.

With a high-powered offense, the Patriots don't need a top-10 defense. But if the defensive-minded Belichick can get this group in the top 20, New England will be very hard to beat.

"We're just trying to be aggressive and be competitive in everything out there," Patriots cornerback Devin McCourty said of improving. "From the front all the way throughout the secondary, guys are just trying to develop an attitude. Defense has a lot to do with attitude and how you approach the game, so we’re trying to keep attitude and trying to do it day in and day out."

2. Who will man the offensive line? It is difficult to gauge the performance of the offensive line in training camp. About half of training camp practices are in shorts, and that significantly reduces contact in the trenches. But replacements need to be ready because four of New England's starters from last year are injured, retired or contemplating retirement.

New England's offensive line is a M.A.S.H. unit. Starting guards Logan Mankins (knee) and Brian Waters (personal reasons) have yet to practice with the team, and starting right tackle Sebastian Vollmer has a back injury. Longtime starting left tackle Matt Light retired, and so did free-agent signee Robert Gallery.

The Patriots are trying to find the right combination up front in training camp in preparation for Week 1 of the regular season. So far, the best lineman in camp has been second-year left tackle Nate Solder, who gained some starting experience last year in his rookie season.

Holdovers such as guard Dan Koppen, Dan Connolly, Ryan Wendell and Marcus Cannon are all trying to carve out roles -- at least until starters Mankins, Vollmer and (maybe) Waters return. Brady and the Patriots will pass the football a lot this year, so development of the offensive line is important.

"We're going to play whoever is here, and whatever happens, we're going to be here working hard," Solder said this week.

3. Who will run the football? Dependable tailback BenJarvus Green-Ellis bolted to the Cincinnati Bengals in free agency. That leaves second-year tailbacks Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen trying to pick up the slack in 2012. Neither player has much experience. Ridley did pretty well in limited playing time his rookie year, amassing 441 yards and a touchdown. Vereen was injured most of his rookie season and wasn’t a factor.

Ridley has the inside track and has looked impressive. He has good vision and burst. Ball security has been the only question. But Ridley believes he made rookie mistakes that he will fix in Year 2.

"This year I'm going to go and do the best that I can to keep the ball high and tight," Ridley said. "I know that if I can keep the ball in my hands, I'm going to be on the field. So my work is cut out for me."

Backup running back Danny Woodhead also will assist Ridley and Vereen, particularly on third downs.

Reason for optimism

This is the best collection of talented skill players Brady has ever had. If everyone stays healthy, I do not see any reason the Patriots cannot be near the top of the league in scoring and passing offense. New England should average at least 30 points per game.

Brady has a Pro Bowl tight end in Gronkowski, a Pro Bowl receiver in Wes Welker, a top-five tight end in Aaron Hernandez and a much-needed deep threat in Brandon Lloyd. The Patriots' passing game should be able to do it all. Brady can go underneath to Welker and Gronkowski or deep to Lloyd and Hernandez. It will be very difficult for opponents to game plan.

"We're not taking anything for granted," Brady said. "We're trying to come out and string practices together."

Reason for pessimism

I'm still not confident in New England's secondary. This was the weakest part of the Patriots last year, and 2012 could be a repeat.

Cornerbacks McCourty, Kyle Arrington, Sterling Moore and Ras-I Dowling all have question marks. The Saints’ offense had their way with New England’s corners during this week’s joint practices. No one among the Patriots’ corners made enough plays to really stand out.

Perhaps the biggest problem is New England's corners are not shutdown, man-to-man defenders. That forces New England to play a lot of zone to try to get stops. That leads to a bend-but-don’t-break mentality we saw last year.

Expect many opponents to attack New England's cornerbacks until this group proves it can cover and shut down receivers consistently.

OBSERVATION DECK

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AP Photo/Robert E. KleinNot many tight ends have the athletic ability to be a punt returner. The Patriots' Aaron Hernandez does.
• Speaking of McCourty, he is playing exclusively at corner in training camp. It shows the coaching staff is comfortable that McCourty will bounce back from a shoulder injury and poor play that led to a position change to safety late last season. McCourty is competing hard and trying to get back to his rookie form, when he made the Pro Bowl in 2010.
• How athletic is Hernandez? New England is experimenting with its No. 2 tight end at punt return and running back. Hernandez did a good job running the football in the Patriots' playoff win over the Denver Broncos. It was a nice wrinkle added by Belichick. Hernandez is elusive in the open field and has good hands, so returning punts could make sense as another way to get the ball into Hernandez's hands.
• I'm not sure why more teams do not have joint practices in training camp. Both the Patriots and Saints gave rave reviews of how well things went this week. It was well organized; both teams got a lot of work done; and there were no injuries. Most importantly, it is a change of pace from hitting your teammates the entire summer. In talking with players, they got a kick out of practicing against an unfamiliar opponent.
• The Brady-to-Lloyd combination is still a work in progress. Brady missed Lloyd on several opportunities this week, as the first-time teammates continue to work on their chemistry. Lloyd is the best deep threat Brady has had since Randy Moss. Brady and Moss got on the same page quickly in their first season together. Brady hopes for the same results with Lloyd.
• Keep an eye out for undrafted rookie defensive end Justin Francis. I wasn't familiar with the Rutgers product before my training camp visit, but after a few practices, I noticed Francis stood out. Francis has a good motor and athleticism for a defensive end. Francis is a sleeper pick to make New England's 53-man roster, but he must show that he can translate his play on the practice field to the preseason games.
• The No. 2 quarterback race between Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett favors Hoyer at this stage of camp. Hoyer had a solid week of practice leading into Thursday's preseason opener. Hoyer was more accurate and made some nice throws. Mallett has a lot of physical ability but has a lot to work on. He had trouble with taking some of the velocity off his passes when needed. The preseason games will matter most, but Hoyer has the lead so far.
• Linebacker Bobby Carpenter has been a pleasant surprise for New England. The former first-round pick has underachieved at his previous stops in Dallas, Miami and Detroit. But Carpenter has fit in well as a backup linebacker for the Patriots in training camp and is in good shape to make the team. Carpenter even got a little work with the first team this week because of injuries.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Patriots completed their second joint practice against the New Orleans Saints on Wednesday. The AFC East blog was there to check out the action.

Here are a few observations:

• Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was sharper in his second practice against the Saints. Brady missed several throws he usually makes on Tuesday but made up for it Wednesday. Brady began 7 on 7 drills by throwing back-to-back touchdown passes to tight end Rob Gronkowski and Wes Welker in the red zone. Brady didn't throw as much on Wednesday but looked better in limited reps.
• The more I see Saints tight end Jimmy Graham, the more I like him. Graham made a couple of really nice catches against the Patriots’ first-team defense in team drills. One was a spectacular catch down the seam from Saints quarterback Drew Brees where Graham jumped over New England rookie linebacker Dont’a Hightower. Graham has gotten the best of Hightower in the joint practices this week. It's been a good learning experience for the rookie linebacker to face one of the top tight ends in the NFL.
• Speaking of rookies, both Hightower and defensive end Chandler Jones continue to get reps with the first team this week. That probably will continue in Thursday’s preseason opener. Both rookies are flashing their athleticism and have a chance to carve out a solid role in New England’s defense early.
• The impressive play of the day came from Patriots backup quarterback Brian Hoyer. In team drills Hoyer connected on a beautiful deep pass to a leaping backup receiver Jesse Holley in team drills. The play got one of the loudest cheers from the fans.
• Overall, it was a much lighter practice Wednesday. Both teams got in some good team work before tomorrow’s preseason game. The Saints and Patriots had a joint agreement not to go too hard before their exhibition.