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The Buffalo Bills' already stout defensive line just got even better.

Buffalo signed former New England Patriots defensive end Mark Anderson to a four-year contract Wednesday. Anderson joins fellow defensive end Mario Williams and defensive tackles Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus on Buffalo's defensive line.

The Bills had trouble getting to the quarterback last season and made it a point to put their resources toward fixing the issue. Anderson recorded 10 sacks for the Patriots last season. Williams has 59 career sacks and is one of the NFL's best pass-rushers. Consider the problem solved.

Buffalo's defensive line is looking downright scary. The group will be very tough to move in the middle and pass protect against on the edges.

The Anderson signing also hurts the reigning AFC East champion Patriots. New England lost last season's team leader in sacks to a division rival. The Patriots are looking to add pass-rushers, not lose them.

For the first time in a long time, Buffalo is spending big money and making moves in free agency. Bills general manager Buddy Nix said the team will be major players this offseason, and Nix continues to prove it.

Now it's time to take the Buffalo Bills seriously in the AFC East.

The last-place Bills, who finished 6-10 in 2011, signed the best player in free agency not named Peyton Manning on Thursday. Buffalo agreed to a whopping six-year, $100 million contract with two-time Pro Bowl defensive end Mario Williams. The contract also includes $50 million guaranteed.

Buffalo general manager Buddy Nix said the traditionally frugal Bills would spend this year in free agency -- and he wasn't kidding. Williams just became the highest-paid player in franchise history.

This is not just a great move for Buffalo. It's potentially a game-changer and home run for this rebuilding franchise, which hasn't made the playoffs since 1999 and hasn't won a playoff game since 1995. Buffalo had a long way to climb to catch the reigning AFC champion New England Patriots in the division. Williams moves the Bills closer to contention.

The trio of Williams, Marcell Dareus and a healthy Kyle Williams gives Buffalo one of the league's most dominant defensive lines. It's a lot easier to win games when you're controlling the line of scrimmage.

Mario Williams, who has 53 sacks in six seasons, brings a much-needed pass rush to Buffalo's new 4-3 defense. Dareus and Kyle Williams are stout, and will make it hard for opponents to run up the middle. This is a bad day in general for quarterbacks and offensive linemen in the AFC East.

With the Patriots and New York Jets relatively quiet so far, and the Miami Dolphins trading away their best player (Brandon Marshall) and possibly falling behind in the Manning sweepstakes, the Bills made up ground with one humongous signing.

How far can Williams take Buffalo next season? It's too early to say. Williams is a huge cog, but questions still remain on the roster.

Can the Bills find a shutdown cornerback? Can they get a left tackle to protect quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick? Can Buffalo add another receiver to complement Steve Johnson? The draft and the remainder of free agency are important to fill these needs. Buffalo also needs to stay healthy next season.

But the Bills accomplished priority No. 1 this offseason. They needed someone who can get to the quarterback, and landed the top pass-rusher on the market.

That makes Buffalo one of the early winners in free agency.

Two of four teams in the AFC East are switching to 4-3 defenses in 2012. The Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins have new defensive coordinators in Dave Wannstedt and Kevin Coyle, respectively. Both coaches will spend the offseason implementing their new scheme.

But is it a wise move for the Bills and Dolphins? Here are a few thoughts:

• For starters, I think it's very smart for the Bills to move to a 4-3. This has been suggested for a while. Whether it was coaching or personnel, the 3-4 simply didn't work in Buffalo. Wannstedt is a 4-3 coach and will run the scheme he's most comfortable with. The Bills also have 4-3 personnel already on the roster, starting with bookend defensive tackles Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus.
• But the Bills still need to find their pass rush. If they can't get to the quarterback, it doesn't matter what scheme Buffalo plays. Usually in a 4-3 scheme, the pass rush comes from the defensive ends. The Bills don't really have any pass-rushing ends. Look for Buffalo to focus on that in the draft and free agency.
• I have more mixed feelings about Miami's switch. The Dolphins' defense wasn't broken, far from it. It's been very good the past couple of years and I'm not sure there was a need for change. Switching to a 4-3 could mess with continuity. I like the Coyle hire. But he's going to have some work on his hands changing the dynamics of a veteran defense.
• The biggest worry for Miami is that its run defense could suffer. The Dolphins were air-tight against the run most weeks. Players were disciplined and stayed in their gaps. But responsibilities will change in a 4-3 scheme, which will be an adjustment. You also wonder if Miami will have the two stout defensive tackles next season to plug the middle. Miami's best defensive tackle, Paul Soliai, is an unrestricted free agent and not expected to return.

The AFC East blog continues its ranking of the top 40 players in the division.

Here are Nos. 25-28:

No. 28: Jerod Mayo, LB

Team: Patriots

Stats: 95 tackles, two interceptions, one sack

Analysis: Mayo is exactly the type of player the Patriots covet. He's smart, solid, not flashy and rarely makes mistakes. Some expected Mayo to be a perennial Pro Bowler when he was drafted by New England in the first round. But that's not the kind of player Mayo is. His strength is more in his consistency. Mayo is very coachable, will get everyone lined up and does his job. New England coach Bill Belichick called Mayo his version of Tom Brady on the defense.

No. 27: Eric Wood, C

Team: Buffalo Bills

Stats: Nine starts

Analysis: Wood, 25, has Pro Bowl potential. He's crafty and equally good at run blocking and pass protection. Wood also is the key to Buffalo's offensive line. Things fell apart at times when Wood suffered a season-ending knee injury. Wood already has multiple leg injuries, which may be a concern down the road for Buffalo. He played in just nine games in 2011.

No. 26: Matt Moore, QB

Team: Miami Dolphins

Stats: 2,497 yards, 16 touchdowns, nine interceptions

Analysis: Who knew at the beginning of the season that Moore was the second-best quarterback in the AFC East? We settle that debate with the "Sanchez-Fitz-Moore Watch." Moore out-dueled New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez and Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick by winning the final two quarters of the season. Moore is mobile and throws a surprisingly good deep ball. He's just not the kind of starting quarterback to lead a franchise to the Super Bowl. The Dolphins are making that obvious by showing interest in every good quarterback soon to hit the free-agent market.

No. 25: Marcell Dareus, DT

Team: Bills

Stats: 43 tackles, 5.5 sacks

Analysis: Dareus had a solid rookie year. He showed at times that he can dominate a game, and that's what Buffalo hopes to see from Dareus more in future seasons. The Bills played Dareus at defensive end and nose tackle last year. Buffalo's switch to a 4-3 defense in 2012 should help prevent double teams. I fully expect Dareus to be higher on this list next year. He's just scratching the surface of what he's capable of.

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

• Will the New England Patriots' defense rise to the occasion?

Morning take: The Giants are a tough challenge, particularly in the passing game. But New England's defense has been solid, allowing just 30 points in two postseason games. Red zone defense will be key.

• Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus says Patriots quarterback Tom Brady "cries to the referees" and it "always goes his way."

Morning take: I don't understand all the Brady hate this week. He's only playing in his fifth Super Bowl. Maybe this was payback for the comment Brady made about Buffalo hotels.

• The Miami Dolphins have to make improvements to get another Super Bowl in South Florida.

Morning take: Sun Life Stadium is not all that impressive. There's no energy and nothing special about it. But the Dolphins say change is coming.

• New York Jets coach Rex Ryan says quarterback Mark Sanchez and receiver Santonio Holmes will work things out.

Morning take: They have no choice if they want to be successful next season. Holmes will be the No. 1 receiver for New York and Sanchez most likely will be the starting quarterback, barring something crazy happening with a guy in Indianapolis.

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

• New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady says he's sorry for his comment on how bad Buffalo hotels are.

Morning take: That doesn't mean Brady doesn't believe it. He said he wished he didn't rip an NFL city, because he knows he has to return. He will go to Buffalo again next season.

• Bills defensive lineman Marcell Dareus is eager to start in a 4-3 defense.

Morning take: This is better suited to Dareus' strengths. He was good at nose tackle in a 3-4. But in my opinion Dareus has the potential to be a Pro Bowler in a 4-3.

• Who is better for the Miami Dolphins: Matt Moore or Matt Flynn?

Morning take: Flynn knows the system and his ceiling is higher. Next question.

• New York Giants punter Steve Weatherford rips Jets special teams coach Mike Westhoff.

Morning take: The Jets can’t get a pass right now. Everyone has something to say about them, and nearly all of it is bad.

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

• New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin and New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick are both disciples of Bill Parcells. So who is Parcells rooting for?

Morning take: Click the link to find out. We’re not giving it away.

• Are the Miami Dolphins dissing starting quarterback Matt Moore?

Morning take: I do find it kind of harsh the way ownership, the front office and star receiver Brandon Marshall have all sternly pointed out the team needs a franchise quarterback. What they're all saying is true. But they should leave that to the media to say publicly.

• New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez is staying away from Super Bowl XLVI.

Morning take: This is a good idea for Sanchez after the Jets' late-season collapse. That's all anyone wants to talk about right now, and it's best for Sanchez to just lay low.

• Here is more on the Buffalo Bills' new 4-3 defense.

Morning take: This is the right move for Buffalo because it builds a defense around its two best players: Marcell Dareus and Kyle Williams. Both will be a problem to handle.

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

• New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning says Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez gets too much blame.

Morning take: I think there is a case to be made here. But Manning knows better than anyone that expectations are always high in the Big Apple. Sanchez can learn from Manning’s perseverance and try to bounce back next season.

• After much debate, Buffalo Bills head coach Chan Gailey confirms the team is switching to a 4-3 defense.

Morning take: This is a smart move by Buffalo. The Bills' two best defensive players are Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus -- and both are natural defensive tackles.

• Can the Miami Dolphins afford to keep Paul Soliai in free agency?

Morning take: I think Miami is leaning toward letting Soliai walk. He's a good player. But Miami had more than a year to work out a long-term contract and couldn't. I don't think anything changes in the next month.

• New England Patriots cornerback (and part-time safety ) Devin McCourty says the defense needs to keep believing in the Super Bowl.

Morning take: This much-maligned group is getting little credit for allowing just 15 points per game in the playoffs. But New England's defense can earn its respect by holding down the New York Giants' talented offense.

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

• If the Miami Dolphins can’t draft a quarterback, where should they go with the No. 8 or No. 9 pick?

Morning take: If the team doesn’t trade up for a quarterback, I think Miami has the luxury to take the best available player. It can come at right tackle, receiver, or safety among others positions.

• Former New England Patriots receiver Troy Brown says these Patriots are different.

Morning take: New England does have a different look about the team in the playoffs. According to this ESPN readers' poll, the Patriots are now the Super Bowl favorites. Agree or disagree?

• New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning joked that it would be fun to have brother Peyton Manning on the neighboring New York Jets.

Morning take: New York is the one city big enough to handle both Mannings. But at this point Peyton Manning landing with the Jets doesn’t seem likely.

• Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus made the NFL all-rookie team.

Morning take: Dareus had a solid first season and will only get better. Dareus probably will move back to defensive end once former Pro Bowl nose tackle Kyle Williams returns.

Here are the latest happenings Friday evening in the AFC East:

• Free-agent coach Jeff Fisher will make his decision on the St. Louis Rams or Miami Dolphins next week.
• New York Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer interviewed with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday.
• The New England Patriots received permission from the Rams to interview offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
• Here are five reasons to worry and five reasons to be comfortable about the Patriots in the playoffs.
• Buffalo Bills rookie defensive lineman Marcell Dareus is ready to tackle any role.

The Buffalo Bills fired defensive coordinator George Edwards, head coach Chan Gailey said in his Monday news conference. Veteran coach Dave Wannstedt will take over the position.

Buffalo's defense struggled consistently throughout the season. The Bills (6-10) finished 28th against the run and 19th against the pass. They also were 30th in points allowed.

Look for the Bills to address and improve the defense via free agency and the draft this offseason.

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

• New York Jets running back LaDainian Tomlinson said Sunday could also be the last game of his Hall of Fame career.

Morning take: The Jets-Dolphins game could be the end for two Hall of Famers -- Tomlinson and Jason Taylor. Tomlinson says he would come back next year in the right situation if he can win a championship.

• New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien is emerging as a head-coaching candidate.

Morning take: O’Brien has done a great job working New England’s offense with quarterback Tom Brady. O’Brien would be the latest candidate from the Bill Belichick tree.

• This rookie year has been a learning experience for Buffalo Bills first-round pick Marcell Dareus.

Morning take: Dareus has been a bright spot in Buffalo’s struggling defense. He’s young and needs to be more consistent. But he’s showed the ability to take over games.

• The Dolphins would like to end the Jets' playoff dreams with a season-ending victory.

Morning take: Both teams most likely will be watching the playoffs from home next week. But Miami can make sure of it by taking care of business. Even if the Jets won, they need three additional things to fall in place to continue playing.

New York Jets (8-6)

Opponent: New York Giants

X factor: WR Santonio Holmes

Analysis: Holmes had his worst game as a Jet in last week's loss against the Philadelphia Eagles. He caught four passes for 40 yards and a touchdown. But it was his fumble that led to a defensive touchdown, a drop that led to an Eagles interception and an excessive celebration penalty that cost New York 15 yards. Those things added up to a frustrating day for Holmes. But he has a chance to make up for it with a big game against the cross-town rival Giants. Holmes is at his best in big games, and I expect him to step up. Holmes said this week that big plays can be had against the Giants.

New England Patriots (11-3)

Opponent: Miami Dolphins

X factor: RB Danny Woodhead

Analysis: The Dolphins haven't allowed a 100-yard rusher since Week 2. But the Patriots need to have some semblance of balance on Saturday, and running back Danny Woodhead might be the answer. Woodhead is part of New England's three-headed rushing attack, and lately he's making the most of his opportunities. Woodhead is averaging 5.4 yards per rush in his past two games. Woodhead also led New England in rushing with 69 yards in the Patriots' 38-24 win over the Dolphins in Week 1. Similar production against Miami would be effective.

Miami Dolphins (5-9)

Opponent: Patriots

X factor: WR Brandon Marshall

Analysis: It's no secret New England's secondary is the weakest link on the team. For the Dolphins to have a chance at the upset, they need a big game from their big players. Marshall is the type of receiver who gives the Patriots trouble. He had seven receptions for 139 yards and a touchdown in the first meeting against New England. Marshall has 70 receptions for 1,021 yards and five touchdowns this season. Those are pretty good numbers. But he can't afford some of the drops and inconsistencies he's had this year in order to beat the Patriots. Marshall has missed practice time this week. Miami needs him to play this weekend and play big.

Buffalo Bills (5-9)

Opponent: Denver Broncos

X factor: NT Marcell Dareus

Analysis: The Denver Broncos and quarterback Tim Tebow are going to run the football. Everyone knows it. Denver is the NFL's top rushing team, averaging a league-high 163.1 yards per game. That means Dareus will get a major test clogging up the middle. Buffalo's first-round pick has been one of the few bright spots defensively. The Bills are having trouble stopping opponents. But Dareus has 38 tackles and leads the team with 5.5 sacks, despite many double-teams. Expect Dareus to have some extra motivation for this game. The Broncos passed on him with the No. 2 overall pick to select linebacker Von Miller.

If the season ended today, the Buffalo Bills (5-7) would have the No. 13 overall pick in next year's NFL draft.

So what direction should the Bills go in the first round?

Buffalo should focus on the defensive side of the football. You don't want to peg a team this early, especially since Buffalo could use upgrades in several areas. But I have a hard time seeing the Bills ignoring their defense early in the draft. Their 3-4 scheme hasn't worked all year. The Bills can't stop the run consistently or rush the passer.

I think the defensive line will be fine. Buffalo spent the No. 3 overall pick on Marcell Dareus last year and will have former Pro Bowler Kyle Williams returning from injury. What I think the Bills need most is an impact outside linebacker. Someone who can get to the quarterback and be a difference-maker against the run. Buffalo thought Shawne Merriman could return to form and still be that player, and that hasn't been the case.

The problem is finding a 3-4 outside linebacker always is a challenge. Often teams project college defensive ends to make the switch, which can be hit or miss. See Aaron Maybin in Buffalo.

Another option is to upgrade Buffalo's secondary. The Bills don't have a lot of impact players on the back end. I think they're OK but not great at corner, although former first-round pick Leodis McKelvin has been a disappointment. The Bills like 2011 second-round pick Aaron Williams and have high hopes for him. The team also could look at safety. I like George Wilson and Jairus Byrd. Wilson was having perhaps the best year of his career until his recent injury and Byrd makes plays but also has been hurt. If Buffalo targets another safety, perhaps Alabama's Mark Barron, to pair with one of those players or add depth next year, it might work.

A dark-horse option could be Okalahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon. Buffalo's top receiver -- Steve Johnson -- will be an unrestricted free agent after the season. It is not a lock that Johnson returns, and that could leave a big void in the passing game. The Bills just gave quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick a $59 million extension and want to make sure he has enough weapons around him. If Buffalo doesn't want to use the franchise tag on Johnson and can't agree on a long-term contract, wide receiver could suddenly be a target.

The Bills are at No. 13 now, but there is a chance Buffalo finishes with a top-10 pick by season's end. They have lost five in a row and will be underdogs in most of their remaining games.

Here is Buffalo's schedule:

• Dec. 11: at San Diego (5-7)
• Dec. 18: vs. Miami (4-8)
• Dec. 24: vs. Denver (7-5)
• Jan. 1: at New England (9-3)

New England Patriots (8-3)

Opponent: Indianapolis Colts (0-11)

X factor: LB Rob Ninkovich

Analysis: The Patriots do not really need an X factor against the winless Colts. But a player who is quietly playing well in recent weeks is Ninkovich. He's a heady player who stays around the football, which has resulted in some big plays for New England's defense. Ninkovich has two sacks, two interceptions and a defensive touchdown the past three games. Keep an eye on Ninkovich this week and down the stretch.

New York Jets (6-5)

Opponent: at Washington Redskins (4-7)

X factor: RB LaDainian Tomlinson

Analysis: Tomlinson is back, and he returns at a good time. The Jets are in must-win mode and need their running game. Starting tailback Shonn Greene is banged up and Joe McKnight still is inexperienced. Tomlinson can be a solid bridge between the two. He's proven and has fresh legs. He's sat out the past two games with a knee injury and only has 46 carries this season. Look for the Jets to rely on Tomlinson more down the stretch.

Buffalo Bills (5-6)

Opponent: Tennessee Titans (6-5)

X factor: DL Marcell Dareus

Analysis: Buffalo's defense can't stop anyone right now. The Bills are struggling against the run and pass and need someone to step up and turn it around. This is where Dareus has to come in. Yes, he is a rookie. But Dareus is this year's No. 3 overall pick and one of the few difference-makers on Buffalo's defense. Dareus has shown flashes of dominance — but the Bills need him to be consistently stout in the middle, especially this week against the Titans and Pro Bowl running back Chris Johnson.

Miami Dolphins (3-8)

Opponent: Oakland Raiders (7-4)

X factor: S Yeremiah Bell

Analysis: Bell is playing solid football. He has eight tackles and an interception his past two games. But here is why Bell is very important this weekend: Oakland has tremendous speed on offense. Expect the Raiders to challenge the Dolphins vertically with deep threats such as receivers Denarius Moore, Darrius Heyward-Bey and Jacoby Ford. It will be key for Bell to maintain his deep responsibility. Oakland's offense thrives on big plays.