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Buffalo Bills
The team announced that its first two home games -- Sept. 16 against Kansas City and Sept. 30 against New England -- are sold out, the Buffalo News reports. The team plays seven games at Ralph Wilson Stadium, and one at Toronto's Rogers Centre -- Dec. 16 against Seattle.

Miami Dolphins
Dolphins owner Stephen Ross says the team won't rush the development of Ryan Tannehill, the quarterback Miami drafted eighth overall. "We drafted Tannehill because we thought he’d be a great franchise quarterback," Ross told the Palm Beach Post. "He has all the intangibles, (he’s) a great athlete. The important thing is not to have great expectations up front, and bring him along."

New England Patriots
Former Patriots standout Willie McGinest told the Boston Herald he's made peace with Wes Welker after taking issue with how the receiver dealt with his contract status. "I'm cool with Wes. I never had a problem with him in the beginning," McGinest said. "I was just trying to give him the blueprint of how things go down (in Foxboro)."

New York Jets
The Jets aren't in fact out of the running for a return engagement on HBO's "Hard Knocks," the Sporting News reported. "(It) has not been offered to us," general manager Mike Tannenbaum said, "so right now we’re on the sidelines and we don’t know who’s going to be asked at the end of the day."

Leave it to Rex Ryan, Mike Tannenbaum and the New York Jets to roll the dice. After the first two days, it's obvious the Jets are going all or nothing in the 2012 NFL draft.

New York's first two picks -- enigmatic defensive end Quinton Coples and inconsistent wide receiver Stephen Hill -- make a statement. It says the Jets are targeting raw talent over consistency and production.

That's always a risky move, particularly coming off a year when the Jets underachieved and imploded down the stretch.

The Jets have locker room issues. They may have a contract issue with Pro Bowl cornerback Darrelle Revis. And there's a potential quarterback controversy hovering over the team.

The least New York could do was make safe draft picks. But that clearly wasn't the case.

The Jets are swinging for the fences with Coples and Hill. They may hit two home runs or they could strike out on both. The difference is the Jets are not the rival New England Patriots or crosstown New York Giants. The Jets cannot afford to whiff on top draft picks.

The Jets traded up four spots to take Hill. He was taken with the No. 43 overall pick, which is a solid value if he pans out.

Hill is a physical marvel with a rare combination of size and speed for the position. He averaged 29.3 yards per catch last season but had only 28 receptions. If Hill can put it all together, he could be a steal and a good deep threat in New York's "ground-and-pound" offense.

Coples is a top-10 talent whose stock fell dramatically because of questions about his motivation. There is speculation that he (at worst) quit on the Tar Heels last season and (at best) was on cruise control.

The production from Coples' junior year to senior year certainly shows something happened. Now, the Jets have to handle the fallout.

"I think that's a fair question," Ryan said of Coples' motor. "The guy did have seven sacks as an interior lineman, that’s pretty good numbers-wise. But I think expectations going into the season, he might’ve been behind Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III; he’s probably the highest-rated player going into the season based on the previous season, with the 10 sacks. You don’t see that from an interior lineman, a guy that's 6-6 and 285 pounds. So, I think maybe [he] did not meet those [expectations] as a player."

The rookie did not want to address his motivation issues in college with the media and just wants to look forward.

"I've been working hard, to be the best I can be and be the best Jet I can," Coples said. "What happened last year is what happened last year. I’m looking forward to being one of the best pass-rushers."

What matters most is what Coples and Hill do in the pros. The past can be an indication of things to come or a learning experience, depending on the person.

New York did make a seemingly safe pick in the third round with linebacker Demario Davis. But it's going to take good coaching and leadership in New York to get the best out of Coples and Hill. Ryan is a good defensive coach, so no worries there. Leadership with the Jets is a much bigger issue.

Last year proved that someone needs to step up and take hold of the team. Earlier this offseason, I wrote that top players in New York such as Revis, quarterback Mark Sanchez and Pro Bowl center Nick Mangold have to do a better job of keeping everyone in line.

Like their top draft picks this year, the Jets are a boom or bust team in 2012.

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

• New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum doesn't want to discuss the contract situation of Pro Bowl cornerback Darrelle Revis.

Morning take: Revis recently signed a contract two years but he has the potential to put the Jets in a tough spot. New York doesn't have much cap room if Revis proves not to be happy.

• Former Miami Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor has his doubts about the New England Patriots.

Morning take: So does everyone else. New England's defense didn't hold the team back much last year. But how much it improves could be the difference in getting back to the Super Bowl.

• Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland is quiet on drafting former Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill.

Morning take: No general manager is going to give away their plans this time of year. Miami may get Tannehill next week at No. 8, but I doubt the Dolphins will trade up to do it.

• Can the Buffalo Bills get a good wide receiver in the third or fourth round?

Morning take: It's more difficult but certainly possibly. Receiver is a position where players can make an immediate impact.

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

• New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum says he feels good about giving a five-year extension to starting quarterback Mark Sanchez.

Morning take: This certainly stops all the Peyton Manning rumors in New York. Sanchez also is confirmed as a locker-room leader in 2012, while the Jets get much-needed cap room.

• While chasing Manning, the Miami Dolphins must remember quarterback Drew Brees.

Morning take: Brees was the last elite quarterback to hit free agency, and the Dolphins had a good shot at him. They ended up with Daunte Culpepper instead, and you know the rest.

• Free-agent receiver Brandon Lloyd continues to talk up the New England Patriots.

Morning take: Although I think Mike Wallace is a better option, Lloyd isn't a bad fit for the Patriots. He is very familiar with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and New England needs a deep threat.

• The Buffalo Bills re-signed linebacker Kirk Morrison.

Morning take: This is another solid signing by Buffalo, which continues to keep its own players. Morrison has a chance to compete next season at outside linebacker.

In the middle of the Peyton Manning sweepstakes and subsequent media frenzy, the New York Jets quietly pulled off a major move with their own starting quarterback.

The Jets added three more years to Mark Sanchez's original rookie contract Friday night, locking him up until the 2016 season. This is a major vote of confidence for Sanchez, who is coming off a shaky 2011 season.

Here is what this extension amounts to: Coach Rex Ryan and general manager Mike Tannebaum are going all in with their fourth-year quarterback.

If Sanchez develops into "The Sanchize" during these next five years, New York will thrive and everybody's happy and safe. But if Sanchez doesn't improve from his play last season, the power duo of Ryan and Tannenbaum won't last long in New York. This is probably the biggest decision the Jets will make as an organization for the next several years.

There is a track record of success with this trio. Just a year ago, Ryan, Tannenbaum and Sanchez were major cogs in leading the Jets to their second consecutive AFC title game. But the stench of the 2011 season still looms over the Jets. This is a team that needs to play much better in several areas, and that includes quarterback.

To Sanchez's credit, he had a lot to overcome and never complained. His offensive line struggled with pass protection, the running game was inconsistent, and his best receiver (Santonio Holmes) was rarely on the same page. Whether the Jets can fix all these problems in one offseason remains to be seen.

But the Jets clearly feel Sanchez is the right quarterback to get them to the Super Bowl. For Ryan and Tannenbaum's sake, they better be right.

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

• The clock ticks on placing the franchise tag on New England Patriots receiver Wes Welker.

Morning take: The deadline is Monday and the Patriots won't miss is. That will buy time to work out an extension if they choose.

• New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum says he expects Wayne Hunter to be the team's starting right tackle next season.

Morning take: The Jets haven't been the most forthright this offseason, so I don't know if I can take this at face value. But if Hunter starts in 2012, I don't understand why.

• The Miami Dolphins swapped sixth-round picks with the New Orleans Saints in the Reggie Bush trade.

Morning take: The Dolphins will make that trade every time. Bush had the best season of his career and surpassed 1,000 yards rushing.

• Can the Buffalo Bills make waves next season with some solid moves?

Morning take: The AFC East can be very competitive next season. I have to see what moves the Bills make before I decide if they're in the mix.

The New York Jets will search for a new wide receiver, a new right tackle, a new safety (or two) and probably more pass-rushers.

But where will the Jets find leadership in 2012? That is the most difficult question facing New York this offseason.

The Jets' implosion last season was well-documented. New York was 8-5 with the playoffs in sight. But poor performance on the field, combined with combustible personalities and a lack of leadership, led to a three-game losing streak and an even uglier fallout.

By the end of the season, there was a wide rift between Jets starting quarterback Mark Sanchez and leading receiver Santonio Holmes. There also was tension between New York's 25th-ranked offense and its fifth-ranked defense, because the offense wasn't pulling its weight. Jets backup quarterback Greg McElroy said it was the most selfish and divided locker room he'd ever seen.

The Jets will continue adding talent to their roster via the draft and free agency. But how will they fix their poor chemistry?

You cannot just draft leadership or buy it in free agency. There's also no instruction manual to get 53 professional athletes back on the same page. But the Jets must find a way to make it work next season if they want to get back to being contenders.

"I do believe in the fabric of our team and the backbone," Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum said at the NFL combine. "The D'Brickashaw (Fergusons), the (Nick) Mangolds, the (Darrelle) Revises, we have a lot of good players that care deeply about our team. All we can try to do is add to that."

New York has playoff-caliber talent but 4-12-caliber leadership. Perhaps that is why the Jets finished 8-8 in 2011.

Here are some candidates who must step up for New York next season:

• Jets Pro Bowler Darrelle Revis is the best cornerback in the NFL. But he's never been the type to grab a person by the collar and keep everyone else in line. Revis leads by example. He will work harder than anyone else, and most of the time he plays better than anyone else. Revis is rapidly putting together a Hall of Fame résumé on the field. For most teams, that is enough. But the Jets need more vocal and forceful leadership from their best player, who is 26 and in his prime. When Revis speaks, people will listen.
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AP Photo/Bill KostrounThe late season dust-up between Mark Sanchez and Santonio Holmes highlighted the poor chemistry within the Jets' locker room.
• Leadership in the NFL must always come from the quarterback position. It's time for Sanchez, who is entering his fourth season, to grow up on the field and in the locker room and meeting rooms. Sanchez had it rough coming to the big stage of New York as a starting quarterback from Day 1. He handled the pressure well in his first two years, when Sanchez could hide behind the "young quarterback" label and play a complementary role. But the Jets needed more leadership and better play from Sanchez last season. The late-season feud with Holmes was an example of Sanchez's lack of assertiveness. The quarterback doesn't always need to be the best player on the team. But he must be a natural leader who is able to inspire teammates and keep everyone focused.
• In addition to the best corner in football, the Jets also have arguably the best center. Four-time Pro Bowler Nick Mangold is as tough as they come. He played on a bad ankle for long stretches last season and still performed at a high level. He also has the rugged persona to challenge teammates when they get out of line. But how much teamwide leadership can truly come from the center position? Jets left tackle and three-time Pro Bowler D’Brickashaw Ferguson also can help. The offense was in shambles last season, and these two players need to step forward.

Not all the blame falls on the players. Jets head coach Rex Ryan admitted he needs to do a better job of having the pulse of his locker room. Ryan didn't understand the level of dysfunction within his team until it was too late. Ryan said he plans to do more team-building exercises and events to improve chemistry.

"I don't see ... that we got completely off the track," Ryan said. "I think we kind of got in the gravel a little bit, we've just got to right it. And we can't knee-jerk reaction and we'll roll it the other way. So you know, there's ways of handling this type of thing. I think our football team is a little closer than people give us credit for. But again, I'm excited about the challenge."

The Jets are at a crossroads. Is 2012 the time to rebuild or simply tweak?

One year ago, New York played in its second straight AFC Championship Game. But the team finished without a winning record this past season for the first time under Ryan. New York also is expected to lose veterans such as LaDainian Tomlinson, Plaxico Burress, Jim Leonhard and potentially Bart Scott, who was recently given permission to seek a trade. The Jets will replace the talent, but it will be harder to replace the lost leadership.

The Jets better get their act together soon, because the AFC East will be very competitive next season. The New England Patriots were just a touchdown short of winning the Super Bowl, and the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills are expected to improve.

There is also the looming prospect of Miami's landing future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, who is expected to be released this month by the Indianapolis Colts. That would leave most football observers picking the Jets to finish third in the division, especially if they can't resolve their internal issues.

New York Jets owner Woody Johnson reportedly will meet with starting quarterback Mark Sanchez this week. There is a lot to talk about after the team imploded down the stretch and was one of the NFL’s biggest disappointments.

Here are three topics I think Sanchez and Johnson must address in their face-to-face meeting:

1. Does Sanchez have the Jets’ full support?

Publicly, the Jets are saying all the right things. Johnson and general manager Mike Tannenbaum have both gone on record to say Sanchez is the starting quarterback in 2012. But behind the scenes there is speculation about Sanchez’s long-term future in New York. He’s had three years with the team and showed marginal improvement. Some believe Sanchez may have even regressed last season, although most statistics show otherwise. But Sanchez, more than anything, wants to come from this meeting with Johnson knowing he has the full support of the Jets organization. It would seem highly disingenuous if Johnson and Tannenbaum are publicly deeming Sanchez the starter next season. Then, the team goes after Peyton Manning in March. Johnson needs to be completely forthright with Sanchez and where he stands as the starting quarterback.

2. How do the Jets plan to make the offense better?

Both Sanchez and Johnson need to have an honest and blunt conversation about the offense. There shouldn’t be any sugarcoating from either side. Sanchez should clearly explain where he thinks the weaknesses are and what he needs around him. Meanwhile, Johnson should be honest about what improvements he wants to see from his quarterback. This could provide a very productive back-and-forth to help map out the future direction of the offense. New York will run a new system next season under first-year offensive coordinator Tony Sparano. Johnson should take in Sanchez’s suggestions heading into the draft and free agency, and Sanchez should listen closely to the areas Johnson thinks the quarterback needs to work on.

3. Can chemistry problems with receiver Santonio Holmes be fixed?

This is something Johnson needs to know. Two of his highest-paid players on offense feuded last season, and Johnson needs to get to the source of whether this pairing can work in 2012. There isn’t much the Jets, Sanchez or Holmes can do to change it due to their large contracts. The quarterback and receiver must make it work for at least another year. The emotions of a bitter ending seem to have worn off, and Sanchez and Holmes appear to be on the right track. Rest assured Johnson will want an update on where this pairing stands heading into the offseason.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Consistency and longevity matter in the NFL. That was the path former New England Patriots and New York Jets tailback Curtis Martin had to take to make it to Canton.

Martin was never the flashiest running back. He was never the quickest or fastest. But Martin was one of the most consistent and effective. Those are the traits that led Martin to the 2012 Hall of Fame class that also includes Willie Roaf, Cortez Kennedy, Dermontti Dawson, Chris Doleman and Jack Butler.

A former third-round draft pick out of the University of Pittsburgh, Martin drastically overachieved and finished fourth all time in rushing with 14,101 yards. The only three players ahead of Martin -- Emmitt Smith, Walter Payton and Barry Sanders -- are all in the Hall of Fame.

Martin also had 10 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. The only year he didn't rush for more than 1,000 yards was in 2005, which was his final season in the NFL.

There were plenty of years when Martin was counted out, but he consistently churned out yards and proved doubters wrong. He led the league in rushing with 1,697 yards in 2004 as a 31-year old.

"I'm very competitive," Martin said in a conference call Saturday. "I'm relentless when I'm sure about something and when I'm focused on something. ... I think it was more of a result of me being focused on putting my best performance out there on the field. That's what they pay us to do. To be in tip-top shape and do our best at our job."

Running back is arguably the most demanding position in the NFL. Yet Martin's durability was off the charts. He never missed more than four games in a season and played in all 16 games eight out of his 11 years.

Martin spent his first three years with the Patriots and his final eight years with the Jets. It’s rare that a player is great over the course of his career. But Martin was one of those players.

"Curtis Martin's work ethic, durability and ability to consistently play at such a high level are the hallmarks of his career and appropriately recognized by his selection to the Pro Football Hall of Fame," Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum said. "I have never come across a player who has been more dedicated to the team and doing his job. Curtis’ tremendous production on the field, regardless of how outstanding it was, pales in comparison to the man he is. An individual of unparalleled integrity, he treats everyone who crosses his path with honesty, kindness and respect and serves as a shining example of how professional athletes should carry themselves on and off the field."

Martin said he would like former coach Bill Parcells to induct him this summer. Parcells, who also was a Hall of Fame finalist but didn't make the cut, drafted Martin in 1995 and coached him in New England and New York. Martin said he hasn't discussed the induction process yet with Parcells.

The AFC East got one of its two Hall of Fame finalists in. But former Buffalo Bills receiver Andre Reed did not make the cut on his sixth attempt. Reed was still on the ballot Sunday when it was reduced to 10 players, but didn't get one of the final slots.

Former New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath revealed at the presentation of his HBO documentary "Namath" that he regrets not having a better relationship with his former team.

Namath -- who won the Jets' only Super Bowl -- has been one of the team's harshest critics. Predictably it hasn't been well-received by New York's current regime of owner Woody Johnson, coach Rex Ryan and general manager Mike Tannenbaum.

"I feel awful about it, I feel awful about my relationship with the Jets right now," Namath said "I don't want them upset with Joe, but...I have to say what I see, what I think, what I feel. I think they can do some things better, no doubt."

Namath has been poignant in his criticisms. During regular radio appearances in New York, he's blasted everyone from Ryan to Santonio Holmes to the front office.

Perhaps what bothers the Jets the most is nearly everything Namath says makes big headlines and becomes national news. New York coaches and players often have to answer questions about Namath's criticisms which, right or wrong, causes a distraction.

Namath says he wants a better relationship with the Jets, but the choice is really up to him.

If Namath wants to be closely tied in with his former team, he needs to leave the harsh, public criticisms to the local and national media. There is plenty of that to go around, including in the AFC East blog.

Otherwise, the former Jets quarterback can continue to join the fray of the local and national media and be treated like an outsider. Namath can't have it both ways.

New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum made a strong statement in support of embattled quarterback Mark Sanchez this week.

"Mark will be our starter," Tannenbaum told Jets season-ticket-holders Friday on a conference call, according to ESPN New York's Rich Cimini.

"Will be" is significant because it projects Sanchez to be the starter entering the 2012 season. If Tannenbaum said Sanchez "is" the starter or the starter "for now," that would leave the door open for more speculation that New York is trying to find an upgrade.

What is interesting is that this statement comes just one day after Jets owner Woody Johnson didn't close the door on trying to acquire Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning. Johnson also backed Sanchez, but didn’t say definitively that Manning wouldn’t be an option if he becomes available.

After the Brian Schottenheimer situation, it’s tough to know who to believe in New York. The Jets said after the season that "Schotty" would return as offensive coordinator if he doesn't get a head-coaching opportunity. Schottenheimer didn't and he "resigned" soon after. The Jets already had their replacement -- Tony Sparano -- lined up and there were multiple reports the Jets had agreed to go in another direction weeks earlier. Something didn't add up.

But Sanchez's return as starter does seem probable. The Jets really have no choice. The Colts aren't trading Manning, and if he's released, it probably because his neck injury is a major issue.

The best the Jets can do is probably get someone to push and compete with Sanchez in an effort to get the best out of the third-year quarterback.

Anyone up for a Chad Henne-Tony Sparano reunion in New York?

Former Miami Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano released a statement on joining the New York Jets as the team’s new offensive coordinator. Sparano was fired by the Dolphins during the regular season and will replace former New York offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.

"I’m very proud to be part of such an outstanding organization and to have an opportunity to work with these players," said Sparano. "I know this division very well and I’m looking forward to that challenge. I’d like to thank Mr. [Woody] Johnson, Mike Tannenbaum and Coach [Rex] Ryan for giving me the opportunity."

Ryan also provided a statement on Sparano.

"When we sat down with Tony, I knew that he was the right person at the right time for our offense," said Ryan. "I’ve admired his work as a competitor in the division for the past three seasons. His teams were always physical, tough and hard-nosed."

Sparano will take over a Jets offense that was ranked No. 25 in the NFL and is filled with turmoil. On Wednesday, dysfunction was taken to a new level when Jets starting quarterback Mark Sanchez was ripped by several anonymous teammates and team sources in the New York Daily News.

New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum said in the season-ending news conference that embattled offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer will return to the team next season. The only exception would be if Schottenheimer gets a head-coaching job.

New York ranked No. 25 in total offense and had a bevy of issues this season, but will give it another try.

"We do expect Brian Schottenheimer back," Tannenbaum said. "We've been with him now for six years. I really respect the job that he's done in terms of working with three different quarterbacks, two [AFC] Championship Games, and he’s done a really incredible job for us."

The Jets confirmed Schottenheimer will interview with the Jacksonville Jaguars for their head-coach opening. Schottenheimer may get more interview requests as jobs continue to open around the league.

Jets head coach Rex Ryan also provided another vote of confidence for Schottenheimer on Monday.

Last week the AFC East blog asked our community who is most to blame for the New York Jets' debacle this season?

Here were some responses:

Richard from Carbondale, IL, writes: The Jets must decide: Mark Sanchez or Brian Schottenheimer? One of the two has to be the problem with the offense. I think the Jets will pick Mark. I hope they find a new OC and see if a better play-caller can get the offense moving. Note how much better the red zone offense is now that Tom Moore is helping. That makes me wonder if Sanchez is capable of doing better if he had a smarter play-caller helping him out. The Jets must break up the Sanchez/Schotty combo and see if Sanchez really is the QB of the future.

Dan from Princeton, NJ, writes: The fault falls completely on Schottenheimer. His inability to create game plans that play to the Jets strengths is what cost us the majority of games this season. After all, it took him five games to realize we should throw to Plax in the end zone! Sanchez is known as a guy who is good on bootlegs, play action. Where have those plays been all season? Why is this the first game where we saw screen passes? Why is every single route the WRs run within 10 yards?

John from Hillsdale, NJ, writes: The blame for this Jets disaster needs to be put on Schottenheimer. Although the Jets defense has had its bad moments the offense is non-existent. This is his unit - his game plan. If the Jets offense plays even mediocre in Denver they win that game. Most of the time they look lost - like the first day of camp.

MM from Portland writes: The NY JETS have below standard offensive and defensive lines. The O-line makes Sanchez look worse than the average QB he probably is and makes the running game ponderous. The D-line gives opposing QBs time and makes blitzes the only time the Jets get a pass rush, rather than blitzes being when they get an overwhelming pass rush, which is really the main purpose of the blitz, and Rex Ryan's signature play.

Bill Ewall from Boston, MA, writes: Rex's style -- pump up the volume -- has a very short shelf life. We are now seeing the inevitable down side. What successful football coach has ever guaranteed big wins like Rex, or given motivation to his opponents, or disrespected his rival coaches and their key players? Rex has failed to manage Sanchez and his confidence and skills development - he does not appear to really know offence. Can anyone really be surprised that Sexy Rexy has used up his mojo?

Jake from NYC writes: I put this on Ryan. He chose to ride Sanchez, Shotty and his vaunted D to the Super Bowl. The downside to making back-to-back AFC Championship Games is that it prevents you from making objective decisions about your players and abilities. You trade consistency and development for magic and miracles that don't always materialize. That's why this team is where it is - a below average QB and running game, weakened offensive line, underutilized WRs and a defense that has morphed from the brash attacking Ryan-mode to a reactionary unit under his subordinates. I'm sorry to say - Same old Jets.

Dan writes: I put most of the blame on Mike Tannenbaum - which pains me as a fellow UMass grad. Here's a small list of just some of the guys he's let go over the past couple years: Braylon Edwards, Jerhico Cotchery, Brady Smith, Thomas Jones, Leon Washington, Tony Richardson, Damien Woody - those are all on the offensive side of the ball. And each of them was a quality guy and locker room leader. They were replaced with rookies and guys like Derrick Mason. And as a result, our offense has no identity, no consistency, and little veteran leadership. We’re quick to blame the coaches and the QB, but in reality, there is no consistency from year to year, so they're always searching for an identity. That's not on the coaches, and it's certainly not on the QB - that's on the guy(s) managing the roster.

James Walker: This is a tough question. As you can see, there are plenty of fingers to point. No one gets all the blame, I would say the offensive line and Schottenheimer should get the most criticism. Everyone agrees the biggest problem is on offense. Looking at that side of the ball, the line has been the most inconsistent group. If a team cannot run block or pass block consistently, there's not much an offense can do. But it's also Schottenheimer's job to make the most of his talent, and that hasn't been the case. Sanchez also is failing to make the proper strides on Schottenheimer's watch. So both are equally at fault.

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

• New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is worried about Dallas Cowboys pass-rushing specialist DeMarcus Ware this week.
• Buffalo Bills safety George Wilson was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for registering 11 tackles and one interception against the Philadelphia Eagles.
• Speaking of the Bills (4-1), are they a bigger surprise than the San Francisco 49ers (4-1)?
• Miami Dolphins safety Yeremiah Bell discusses this year's team and the struggling Miami teams in 2007 and 2004.
• New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum says the Derrick Mason trade was about performance, not unhappiness.