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The Miami Dolphins were able to squeeze in a new $49 million contract extension under their tight salary cap this weekend for defensive end Cameron Wake. But with Wake's extension and the Miami's rookie class still unsigned, what does this mean for Jake Long?

Miami's Pro Bowl left tackle is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Long is scheduled to become one of the most sought-after free agents in 2013 if Miami doesn't reach an extension.

Chances appear smaller that something to get done before the start of this season. The market value for an extension with Long will be costly.

Long most likely wants a contract similar or better than Cleveland Browns left tackle Joe Thomas, who received a seven-year, $84 million extension in 2011. Both Long and Thomas are considered the top two left tackles in the league.

There has been recent speculation that Miami's second-round pick of Jonathan Martin, who played left tackle at Stanford, could be insurance in case the team cannot work out an extension. Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland vehemently denied it, and said they plan to keep Long in Miami for a long time.

The Dolphins could cut some veteran players with high salaries to make room for Long. But that would make the rebuilding Dolphins less competitive. The safer assumption is Long could wait another year before his name is called.

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

• Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Cordy Glenn will be motivated after falling to the second round.

Morning take: This is good news for Buffalo. Not only did the Bills get solid value, but they get a player with a chip on their shoulder who wants to prove himself. This can only help.

• Will Miami Dolphins second-round pick Jonathan Martin eventually replace starting left tackle Jake Long?

Morning take: It's a legitimate question. Long is due for a huge contract extension and you never know if the new coaching staff is in love with someone else's draft pick. If Martin develops fast, it's possible.

• Could New England Patriots defensive end/linebacker Jake Bequette be a sleeper pick in the third round?

Morning take: It’s certainly possible. Bequette was productive against very good competition in the SEC. The Patriots need pass-rushers, and Bequette should help in that area.

• Did the St. Louis Rams make a mistake by passing on former Georgia Tech receiver Stephen Hill, who fell to the New York Jets?

Morning take: I thought Hill would be off the board early in the second round. But St. Louis drafted Brian Quick of Appalachian State, which helped the Jets. Time will tell if the Rams made a mistake.

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

• Have the Buffalo Bills shifted the division landscape?

Morning take: I'm not ready to go that far, but the Bills have done a good job this offseason. They signed some good players (Mario Williams, Mark Anderson) and also get good players back from injury (Fred Jackson, Kyle Williams). But let's see what other additions Buffalo makes in the draft and free agency.

• New York Jets coach Rex Ryan is already getting a taste of Tim Tebow-mania.

Morning take: I don't think Ryan will have a problem handling the immense hype that comes with Tebow. It's more of an issue with the Jets' locker room, which couldn't stay together last year.

• What is up with Miami Dolphins left tackle Jake Long's contract extension?

Morning take: You can't re-sign Long coming off a season-ending biceps injury. The Dolphins are doing the right thing by letting the year play out to make sure he's healthy and productive.

• The New England Patriots add fullback Spencer Larsen.

Morning take: Larsen adds versatility to the backfield, which is needed. The Patriots rarely use a fullback, but Larsen can fill that need and run the football a little.

There is a lot of debate in the AFC East blog about which division team is the better fit for free-agent quarterback Peyton Manning. The future Hall of Famer is available, and is expected to choose a new team within the next week.

But in our latest edition of "Poll Friday," we want our community to play the role of Manning. If you were the quarterback, which AFC East team has the best supporting cast: Miami or New York?

The Dolphins are considered one of the favorites, and have several good pieces on offense. They have a Pro Bowl receiver (Brandon Marshall), a Pro Bowl left tackle (Jake Long), and a 1,000-yard running back (Reggie Bush). The defense also is solid and would work well with a high-scoring offense.

Or do the Jets provide Manning with better players? New York has three Pro Bowlers on the offensive line, and a good receiver in Santonio Holmes (when he's not disgruntled). Dustin Keller is certainly an upgrade at tight end over Miami, and the Jets' defense ranked fifth in the NFL last season.

Using our SportsNation poll, vote on which team provides the better supporting cast for Manning. You can also share your thoughts in the comment section below.

MIAMI -- Memo to Peyton Manning: If things don't work out in Indianapolis over the next several weeks -- and they probably won't -- it's time to take your talents to South Beach.

Yes, Manning should be the next superstar player to land in Miami. The Colts are expected to release Manning before his $28 million bonus is due in March. Indianapolis holds the No. 1 overall pick, which will kick off the Andrew Luck era while simultaneously ending the Manning era.

It's time for Manning, if he's healthy, to make another team a Super Bowl contender. The Dolphins can't make their pitch while Manning is still under contract. But there is nothing illegal about the AFC East blog doing some early legwork and making a pitch for the Dolphins instead.

Here are five reasons why Manning to Miami is the ideal fit:

Reason No. 1: The Dolphins have the right pieces in place

Pro Bowl receiver? Check. Pro Bowl left tackle? Check. A solid running game with a 1,000-yard rusher? Check and check.

Besides a franchise quarterback, Miami's offense doesn't need much. The Dolphins showed how dangerous they can be with a competent quarterback, Matt Moore. Miami made up for its 0-7 start by finishing 6-3 in its final nine games.

The Dolphins would be even better with Manning. He instantly would turn Miami into a contender and a serious threat to supplant the New England Patriots in the AFC East and the conference as a whole.

Brandon Marshall would look like the receiver we saw in the Pro Bowl, where he was the game's MVP. Tailback Reggie Bush would have even more running lanes in 2012. Jake Long, arguably the best left tackle in football, would protect Manning's blind side and his surgically repaired neck. Manning cannot get better blindside protection unless he goes to Cleveland, which has left tackle Joe Thomas. And that’s not happening.

The New York Jets are a mess offensively. The Seattle Seahawks and Washington Redskins have poor offensive lines. And what receivers would Manning throw to in San Francisco?

Miami has all the right pieces for Manning to step right in and thrive.

Reason No. 2: The defense is primed, ready

Unlike Indianapolis, in Miami not all the pressure would be on Manning to put up 30 points per game. Miami allowed just 19.6 points per game this past season.

Do not be fooled by Miami's final ranking. The Dolphins finished 15th in the NFL in total yards, but that number was skewed by their awful 0-7 start. Miami eventually regained its 2010 form and was a top-10 defense in the second half of the season. The Dolphins have talent at every level defensively, and there's no reason to believe they won't have another strong unit next season.

Miami's defense could help Manning just as much as he could help the defense. The Dolphins' defense and special teams -- led by punter Brandon Fields -- are good at winning the field-position battle. If Manning could put points on the board early, that would help make opposing offenses one-dimensional.

The Dolphins' defense would benefit greatly from the increased scoring and fewer turnovers that Manning would provide.

Reason No. 3: Miami's owner has deep pockets

I don't know if money is important to Manning at this stage of his career. But Miami owner Stephen Ross has deep pockets and is willing to pay whatever is necessary.

Whether searching for a coach or chasing top free agents, Ross has made it clear that money isn’t an issue. The Dolphins are not in bad shape with the salary cap. Unlike the Jets, Miami has some wiggle room to fit Manning in.

If Manning is released, health concerns about his neck will be the primary reason. Therefore, expect Manning to sign an incentive-laden contract that protects his next team if he is injured. But look for Ross and the Dolphins to be among the highest bidders.

Reason No. 4: Location, location, location

Miami provides advantages for Manning on and off the field.

For starters, any offense with Manning will be a pass-heavy scheme. Manning is used to playing indoors and wants to throw the football 30-40 times a game. He can do that in Miami, where the weather is warm all year.

Of Manning's suitors, only the Arizona Cardinals can compete with Miami's weather. The Cardinals also play in a dome, which Manning would prefer. Arizona gets the edge there.

But here is something the Cardinals can't match: Manning reportedly owns property in Miami. His family likes it in South Florida, and the entire transition to the Dolphins would be easier. You cannot underrate the importance of family when Manning makes his final decision.

Reason No. 5: The chance to beat Tom Brady

Let's be honest: There's some unfinished business between Manning and Brady.

The two best quarterbacks of this era have had classic battles over the past dozen years. But Manning sat out this past season while his little brother, Eli Manning, carried the torch in this rivalry and beat Brady for the second time in a Super Bowl.

Peyton hasn't had the same success against Brady. Peyton is 5-8 against him, which includes some big playoff defeats. When both are retired, there will be plenty of debate on which quarterback was better. Brady owns the head-to-head advantage now, a big argument in his favor.

But it’s not too late for Peyton to make up that margin, especially if he comes to the AFC East and plays Brady at least twice a season. The Dolphins can give Peyton the type of supporting cast on offense and defense that it takes to beat Brady.

Brady and Manning are down to their last years, and both desperately want at least one more ring before they retire. Manning should try to get that ring in Miami.

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

Here are our rankings for Nos. 5-8:

No. 8: Brandon Marshall, WR

Team: Miami Dolphins

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

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

No. 7: Jake Long, LT

Team: Dolphins

2011 stats: 14 starts

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

No. 6: Vince Wilfork, DT

Team: New England Patriots

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

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

No. 5: Nick Mangold, C

Team: New York Jets

2011 stats: 14 starts

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

I am almost always against taking a right tackle in the top 10. But the more I think about it, the more I am starting to make an exception for the Miami Dolphins. I think they should at least consider the possibility.

Here are several reasons:

No. 1: RT is a big need

The entire right side of the Dolphins' offensive line could need reconstructing in 2012. Right guard Vernon Carey and right tackle Marc Colombo are both unrestricted free agents. Colombo is not expected to return, but Carey has a chance. Pass protection at times was an issue for Miami. Drafting a first-round right tackle to pair with Pro Bowl left tackle Jake Long would solve that issue for the next quarterback (Peyton Manning? Matt Flynn?) coming in. It's also another way to help build the offense.

No. 2: This is a good draft for offensive tackles

Offensive tackle is one of the deepest positions this year. There are three or four offensive tackles projected to go in the first round. The Dolphins at No. 8 or No. 9 will have a shot at most of them. There also is less pressure playing on the right side. That rookie would have a chance to succeed right away in Miami. The Dolphins drafted center Mike Pouncey in the first round last year and could have two long-term building blocks.

No. 3: Long is entering a contract year

Coming off a season-ending biceps injury, it's too risky to give Long a huge extension right now. The Dolphins most likely will let 2012 play out and see how Long bounces back. Long had arguably his worst season in 2011. He battled through injuries, and to his credit he never used them as an excuse. But long term, what if injuries are catching up to Long? What if Miami is afraid to give Long a Joe Thomas contract? Thomas received a seven-year, $84 million extension last year from the Cleveland Browns. If the Dolphins aren't willing to do the same with Long, it may be wise to draft a first-round tackle with potential to play the left side in a year or two.

With that said, it still makes me cringe for any team to take a right tackle with the No. 8 or No. 9 pick. Miami has other needs it can address. But I'm a little more open to the idea than I was before.

INDIANAPOLIS -- If Peyton Manning becomes a free agent in March, which is the expectation, there will be a bevy of teams interested in his services -- assuming he's healthy. But Manning's free agency will ultimately come down to the short list of teams he's most interested in.

A source tells Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel that the Dolphins are one of those teams. Manning reportedly owns property in Miami and his family wouldn't mind living in that area. That would make for an easy transition.

It also doesn't hurt that Dolphins owner Stephen Ross has deep pockets and wants to make a splash. Money won't be an issue. Miami has made it no secret that the team is looking to upgrade at quarterback.

There are several reasons Miami makes sense for Manning. If healthy, he would instantly make Miami a contender. The team already has a solid defense, a star left tackle (Jake Long) to protect him and solid weapons at receiver, such as Pro Bowler Brandon Marshall. The New York Jets might also be in play.

Manning versus Tom Brady twice a year in the AFC East? What a tantalizing thought.

The 2011 season was an interesting one filled with ups and mostly downs for the AFC East. Only one team finished with a winning record.

But that doesn't mean the AFC East lacked great individual performances. For example, the division produced an MVP candidate at quarterback who threw for more than 5,000 yards and another stellar season from the best cornerback in football.

Here is our All-AFC East Team for 2011:

Quarterback: Tom Brady, New England Patriots

Analysis: There is no question about this one. Brady set a new career-high with 5,235 passing yards, which surpassed Dan Marino's old record. New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (5,476) finished with more yards and has the new record. Brady is the single biggest reason the Patriots are 13-3 and have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. His performance carried New England through injuries and inconsistencies in other areas. Brady will be chasing his fourth Super Bowl title in the playoffs.

Running back: Fred Jackson, Buffalo Bills

Analysis: This might be a controversial pick, because two other running backs -- Reggie Bush and Shonn Greene -- had 1,000-yard seasons. But Jackson was the best running back I watched this season. He simply had some bad luck, suffering a season-ending leg injury. He was on his way to making his first Pro Bowl. Jackson rushed for 934 yards and six touchdowns in 10 games. He had an additional 442 yards receiving. His numbers would be off the charts if he'd played the final six games.

Fullback: Charles Clay, Dolphins

Analysis: Clay was one of the surprise rookies from Miami's draft class. He was a good blocker for Bush, has great hands and knows what to do with the football. Clay caught 16 passes for 233 yards. He averaged 14.6 yards per reception, which is astounding for a fullback. John Conner of the Jets is the best blocking fullback. But Conner is not a receiving threat.

Receivers: Wes Welker, Patriots; Brandon Marshall, Dolphins

Analysis: The best receivers in the AFC East this season are a pair of Pro Bowlers. Welker had an unbelievable year. He set a new career high with 1,569 yards. He also caught 122 passes and was one of the league's most sure-handed receivers. Marshall, in contrast, wasn't sure-handed. He had plenty of big drops, but still had a good season. Marshall caught 81 passes for 1,214 yards and six touchdowns. What's even more impressive is that Marshall put up big numbers despite Miami's in-season quarterback switch from Chad Henne to Matt Moore.

Tight end: Rob Gronkowski, Patriots

Analysis: Gronkowski showed flashes as a rookie. But no one knew he would explode the way he did in his second season. "Gronk" set an NFL record for tight ends with 17 touchdowns. He averaged more than one per game, despite many teams' focus on stopping him late in the season. Gronkowski finished with 90 receptions for 1,327 yards and made his first Pro Bowl. Considering he's only 22, it will most likely be the first of many Pro Bowls.

Center: Nick Mangold, Jets

Analysis: Jets head coach Rex Ryan says a lot of things. But we believe him when he says Mangold is the best center in the NFL. Mangold fought through an ankle injury but had another solid season. He was named to his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl. The Jets' offensive line was up and down but completely fell apart when Mangold missed two games. New York's entire running game and blocking scheme is built around its center -- and for good reason.

Guards: Logan Mankins, Patriots; Andy Levitre, Bills

Analysis: Mankins, who made his fourth Pro Bowl, stayed healthy right up until the end and played 15 of 16 games. He should be ready for the playoffs. Levitre was one of my favorite players to watch because of his versatility. He's a very good guard, a solid offensive tackle and struggled at center. Levitre was forced to play all three positions in Buffalo this season because of injuries.

Offensive tackles: Jake Long, Dolphins; Matt Light, Patriots

Analysis: Long played through injuries all season. His back bothered him, and he ended up on injured reserve after tearing his biceps. But Long at 80 percent is still better than most left tackles, and he was good enough to make his fourth Pro Bowl in four years. Light gets our last tackle spot over New York's D’Brickashaw Ferguson. The Pro Bowl nod went to Ferguson. But Ferguson struggled at times this season and didn't play up to his usual standards. I think Ferguson got in on reputation and name recognition.

Defensive ends: Andre Carter, Patriots; Mark Anderson, Patriots

Analysis: No one flinched when the Patriots quietly signed a pair of veteran defensive ends in free agency to bolster their pass rush. Most of the focus was on big-name acquisitions such as receiver Chad Ochocinco and defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. But two of New England's best signings were Carter and Anderson. Each finished with 10 sacks, and Carter made the Pro Bowl despite a late, season-ending quad injury. For all of New England's issues on defense, arguably its biggest strength was rushing the passer. The Patriots registered 40 sacks, and Carter and Anderson combined for half of that total.

Defensive tackles: Vince Wilfork, Patriots; Sione Pouha, Jets

Analysis: Wilfork, 30, continues to improve with age. He combines strength and smarts to play defensive tackle/nose tackle. Wilfork finished with 52 tackles and 3.5 sacks. But it was his two interceptions this season that were most memorable. Wilfork rumbled for 28 and 19 yards, respectively, on his two picks. The second defensive tackle was one of the most difficult selections. But we went with Pouha over Miami's Paul Soliai. Pouha's numbers were more impressive for a nose tackle. He recorded 58 tackles, one sack and one forced fumble. Soliai played well for Miami but registered only 27 tackles.

Outside linebackers: Cameron Wake, Dolphins; Calvin Pace, Jets

Analysis: It was a down year for outside linebackers in the AFC East. Wake and Pace were the best of a thin crop. Wake's sack numbers dipped from 14 to 8.5 this season. Teams put more focus on Wake, and he faced more double teams. Pace stayed healthy this season but recorded his lowest sack total (4.5) since 2006. Pace's backup, Aaron Maybin, led the Jets with six sacks.

Inside linebackers: David Harris, Jets; Karlos Dansby, Dolphins

Analysis: Harris continues to be one of the most underrated players in the NFL. Harris was the Jets' most consistent defensive player outside of Darrelle Revis. He was always around the football and recorded 86 tackles, five sacks and four interceptions. The second inside linebacker was another tough call. But we think Dansby had a slightly better season than New England's Jerod Mayo. A tailback getting 100 yards against the Dolphins' defense was rare, in large part due to Dansby. He established a physical presence in the middle for Miami and recorded 103 tackles and two sacks.

Cornerbacks: Darrelle Revis, Jets; Kyle Arrington, Patriots

Analysis: What more can you say about Revis? He had another great season for the Jets. He led New York with 21 passes defended, and tied for the team lead with four interceptions. One pick was returned 100 yards for a touchdown. Teams opted to attack Revis more this season, which allowed more chances for him to make big plays. Arrington was this year's version of Devin McCourty. New England gave up a lot of passing yards, but Arrington made the most of his interception opportunities. He led the Patriots with seven picks and had 88 tackles.

Safeties: Yeremiah Bell, Dolphins; George Wilson, Bills

Analysis: The safeties struggled in the AFC East this season. But Bell was probably the most consistent in the division. He led Miami with 107 tackles. He also had two sacks and one interception. Wilson played lights out at times, particularly early in the season. He set a career high with 106 tackles and tied a career mark with four interceptions. Wilson did all of this despite missing three games with injuries.

Punter: Brandon Fields, Dolphins

Analysis: Fields was spectacular this season. He averaged 48.8 yards per punt and had 32 punts inside the 20. Fields was the only Dolphins player exciting to watch during Miami's ugly 0-7 start. Fields had a Pro Bowl season. But Oakland Raiders punter and Pro Bowler Shane Lechler is probably the best punter in the NFL.

Kicker: Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots

Analysis: Fantasy football players fell in love with Gostkowski this season. New England's high-scoring offense constantly put Gostkowski in position to rack up points, and he usually came through. Gostkowski led New England in scoring with 143 points. He made 28 of 33 field goals and all 59 extra points. The pressure of the playoffs always is different for kickers. But Gostkowski has shown no signs that he will be bothered by it.

Return specialist: Joe McKnight, Jets

Analysis: McKnight was a must-see because something exciting could happen every time he touched the ball. McKnight was fun to watch in the open field. He averaged 31.6 yards per kick return and is a Pro Bowl alternate on special teams. His longest of the season was a 107-yard touchdown return. The next step for McKnight is to develop as a running back. With LaDainian Tomlinson a free agent, McKnight could get a chance to backup Greene next season.

Want to know how the Miami Dolphins can suddenly get back in the Andrew Luck Sweepstakes? It would take just one more win Sunday by the Indianapolis Colts (2-13) against the Jacksonville Jaguars (3-12).

If the Colts win their third game in a row to finish the season, they could be saying adios to Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck. The St. Louis Rams (2-13) currently hold the No. 2 overall pick and are expected to lose Sunday to the San Francisco 49ers (12-3). A Colts victory and a loss by St. Louis would give the Rams the No. 1 overall pick next April.

Although it's not a 100-percent certainty, the Rams would be much more likely to pass on Luck. St Louis has a franchise quarterback in Sam Bradford, who is the 2010 No. 1 overall pick with a $78 million contract. The Rams probably have little interest in drafting two quarterbacks in three years with the top overall pick.

Unlike Peyton Manning (35) in Indianapolis, Bradford (24) and Luck (22) are both younger players. Having both quarterbacks in St. Louis wouldn't make much sense.

This means the Rams would be willing to listen to trade offers from the Dolphins or anyone else for Luck and the No. 1 overall pick. Would St. Louis be interested in Miami left tackle Jake Long and the No. 8 overall pick, for example? What about Dolphins receiver Brandon Marshall and the No. 8 pick? Imagine the possibilities.

The Dolphins received bad news last week when USC quarterback Matt Barkley chose to stay in school for his senior season. But if the Colts win Sunday and give the No. 1 pick to the Rams, that will certainly make up for it.

As expected, the Miami Dolphins put starting left tackle Jake Long on injured reserve, ending his 2011 season. Long tore his biceps in last week's loss to the New England Patriots.

Long made the Pro Bowl, but he wasn't as consistent as past seasons. Long constantly played through pain and was never fully healthy.

Long is entering a contract year in 2012. The Dolphins have a big decision to make whether to extend Long, let him play out the final year or even trade him -- which is starting to be discussed in Miami.

Cleveland Browns left tackle Joe Thomas recently was given a seven-year, $84 million extension. Long will be looking for a similar contract when his current one expires.

Should the Dolphins pay it?

» NFC Pro Bowl: East | West | North | South » AFC Pro Bowl: East | West | North | South

Perfect sense: The New England Patriots not only led the AFC East in Pro Bowl players, but they led the entire conference with eight players. New England tied with the San Francisco 49ers with the most players to make the Pro Bowl. As expected, New England's offense led the way with five players. Quarterback Tom Brady, receiver Wes Welker and tight end Rob Gronkowski were all deserving skill players. Two New York Jets players -- cornerback Darrelle Revis and center Nick Mangold -- also were no-brainers.

Made it on rep: There are very few stud left tackles in the NFL, and it showed again in this season's Pro Bowl voting. Jake Long of the Miami Dolphins and D'Brickashaw Ferguson of the Jets had their most inconsistent seasons, and both made the Pro Bowl. Long has battled through injuries and hasn't been his usually dominant self this year. But Long playing at 80 percent is still better than most NFL left tackles. He will miss the Pro Bowl with a biceps injury. Ferguson also underachieved compared to past seasons. The Jets are ranked No. 27 in total offense, and a major reason is Ferguson and the rest of New York's offensive linemen couldn't pass protect or run block consistently over a 16-game season.

Got robbed: For a division that most likely has just one playoff team and maybe only one team with a winning record, it's hard to complain about 13 Pro Bowlers. But if I want to get greedy, there's two additional players I thought should have made the cut. Punter Brandon Fields has been terrific for the Dolphins. Fields averages 48.9 yards per punt. His longest punt was 71 yards, and he's kicked 31 inside the 20 this season. But in the AFC, it's hard to beat Oakland Raiders punter Shane Lechler, who is arguably the best in the NFL. Jets linebacker David Harris also had a good year. Harris has 84 tackles, five sacks and four interceptions (one returned for a touchdown). But he is one of the more quiet Jets players and doesn't get the recognition he deserves.

Sorry, Bills: There were zero Buffalo Bills players who made the Pro Bowl. Starting running back Fred Jackson was probably their best chance. But Jackson broke his leg after 10 games and is out for the season.

Click here for the complete 2012 Pro Bowl roster.

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

• New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan backs quarterback Mark Sanchez and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.

Morning take: Ryan has to back his quarterback and offensive coordinator. He still has one game left in the season. But behind closed doors, the head coach and the front office will evaluate all that has gone wrong in this disappointing season.

• New England Patriots rookie running back Stevan Ridley is showing good progress.

Morning take: This is huge for the Patriots, who need some type of running game heading into the playoffs. New England’s rushing offense has hit a wall lately. But with Ridley leading the charge, it could be making a comeback.

• The Buffalo Bills are expected to be without center Kraig Urbik and offensive tackle Demetrius Bell.

Morning take: I can't remember the last game the Bills had all of their starting offensive linemen and top reserves healthy. Buffalo needs to add depth at that position in next year's draft.

• Should the Miami Dolphins consider trading left tackle Jake Long?

Morning take: Only if the team has determined it doesn't want Long long-term. He is in the final year of his contract and coming off a season-ending biceps injury. If the Dolphins don't intend on re-signing beyond 2012, maybe this should be considered.

Here are seven notes and observations after Week 16 in the AFC East:

• New York Jets coach Rex Ryan will not be on the hot seat. I already hear grumblings coming from Jets Nation, but it's not going to happen. Ryan is too good a coach. He led the Jets to back-to-back AFC title games in his first two years. Ryan is not the issue in New York. His problem is his brash trash talking makes him an easy target. I can go down a list of many things that went wrong with the Jets this season before I get to Ryan. But his boastful ways place the biggest spotlight on him when things go bad.
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Kirby Lee/Image of Sport/US PresswireMark Sanchez still must prove he's the long-term answer at quarterback for the Jets.
• If quarterback Mark Sanchez doesn't improve his accuracy next offseason, he's going to have a hard time proving he's the long-term solution in New York. Most great quarterbacks complete about 60-65 percent of their passes. Sanchez has been hovering around the mid-50s his entire career and hasn't shown much improvement in three seasons. Sanchez misses too many open receivers, particularly deep, which either leads to interceptions or leaves big plays on the field. Sanchez has some strengths, but accuracy is a major weakness that is hard for teams to overcome. He threw a career-high 59 times Saturday against the New York Giants and only completed 30 passes for a 50.8 completion percentage.
• The New England Patriots got the best of both worlds against the Miami Dolphins. New England received a scare by falling behind 17-0 at halftime but rallied to win, maintaining the inside track on home-field advantage. This game was enough to serve as a wake-up call for the Patriots. Despite seven straight wins, they cannot go on cruise control. It was a good learning tool that coach Bill Belichick can build on late in the season.
• Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo had his best all-around game of the season against Miami. He led New England with 13 tackles, two sacks and two additional hits on the quarterback. I like the idea of giving Mayo more opportunities to get to the quarterback. Mayo is at his best when he's attacking, as oppose to reacting. Saturday's game marked Mayo's first two sacks of the season. Mayo only has 5.5 for his career.
• Jake Long tearing his biceps was the worst possible news for the Dolphins' left tackle. Long is going into a contract year in 2012. Any chance he had of Miami giving him an extension this offseason might have ended with this season-ending injury in December. Long will miss the Dolphins' final game and has a lengthy rehabilitation process ahead. Miami would be wise to let Long play out the final year of his contract and see how he bounces back from this major injury. Eventually, Long will be looking to become one of the NFL's highest-paid offensive linemen.
• With the Detroit Lions clinching a playoff spot last weekend, the Buffalo Bills are alone with the longest non-playoff streak in the NFL. It will be a dozen years and counting for the Bills since they last made the postseason. This season, Buffalo got off to a fast start but fizzled down the stretch. According to ESPN Stats & Information, the teams with the second- and third-longest streaks are the Houston Texans (nine seasons) and San Francisco 49ers (eight seasons). Both will make the playoffs this season, leaving a huge gap between Buffalo and the next team -- the Cleveland Browns (eight seasons).
• Parity is alive and well in the NFL. The league is doing exactly what it's supposed to, considering the amount of average teams. An astounding 14 clubs are in position to finish 8-8 or 7-9 this season. Other than the Green Bay Packers (14-1), there are no true dominant teams. Fans love that nearly every team has a shot. There is a fine line for most teams being in or out of the playoffs.

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

• Miami Dolphins left tackle Jake Long reportedly has a torn right bicep and most likely will miss the last game of the season.

Morning take: With only one game left, the good news is Long won't miss much. But the bad news is Long has a long road to recovery ahead in the offseason.

• New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick gave his team a harsh halftime speech during their come-from-behind win against the Dolphins.

Morning take: New England trailed 17-0 and responded immediately. So you had a feeling something happened in that locker room. Great coaches find a way to push the right buttons.

• Is New York Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer coaching for his job next week?

Morning take: It depends on who you believe. Some reports have Schottenheimer as a head-coaching candidate and others have him being let go by the Jets.

• Did the Buffalo Bills really lose by winning Saturday against the Denver Broncos?

Morning take: In Buffalo's case, I think the win was more important. The Bills might lose a spot or two of draft position. But no one wants to go into the offseason on such a long losing streak. It was a quality win for the Bills.