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Let's see what's in the weekend mailbag.

Akhilesh from Massachusetts writes: Why do you think the Patriots drafted Tavon Wilson, a low-ranked safety, in the second round? Is it just that Bill Belichick knows something others don't or was it poor drafting?

James Walker: Wilson was a player Belichick really liked -- apparently more than anyone else. Drafting Wilson that high is certainly a risk. The Patriots might have been able to wait another round or two. This puts some pressure on Wilson to perform. If he turns out to be a solid starter, no one will care where he was drafted.

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Jorge Garcia from Mexico City writes: Which Patriots veteran do you see being released when all the final roster cuts are in?

Walker: You have to look at the deep group at receivers. There's no way the Patriots will keep all 11. I think players like Chad Ochocinco, Anthony Gonzalez, Donte' Stallworth and Julian Edelman will all have to fight hard for roster spots.

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Jim from Toms River, N.J., writes: What's the possibility Donald Driver lands in Miami and what would that mean for the Dolphins?

Walker: If Driver is cut by the Green Bay Packers, which looks like a possibility, Miami will be high on his radar. For one, a starting job is waiting for Driver in Miami, and that won't be the case in most places. Second, former Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin is now the head coach in Miami. There's a comfort level there. But none of this is possible unless Driver is released.

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Shaggy Lewis from Shreveport, La., writes: What are the chances Terrell Owens signs with Miami?

Walker: Zero. Miami is rebuilding and does not want players with character questions in its locker room. Owens would not be a good fit.

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Ben from Buffalo writes: It seems to me that the No. 2 receiver spot on the Bills is completely up for grabs. Given the lack of production from the guys they put out there last season, do you think T.J. Graham is the front-runner?

Walker: It’s too early to pick a front-runner. But Graham would make it very easy on the Bills if he was ready right away. That was the hope when the Bills drafted Graham in the third round. But that could be asking a lot. David Nelson is better in the slot, and if Graham and Donald Jones can step in, Buffalo's passing offense could be solid.

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John from Germany writes: If you were C.J. Spiller, would you be a little upset that you're not the starter? If you are, would you leave the Bills at the end of your rookie contract?

Walker: Spiller has a gripe. But the reality is that he's not a better running back than Fred Jackson at this stage of their careers. Spiller has three more seasons on his rookie contract. By then, Jackson most likely will be ready to step aside. So it's not a certainty that Spiller walks down the road.

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Chris from MA writes: I feel like I am beating my head against the wall. But could it make any more sense for the Jets to bring in Vernon Carey?

Walker: I'm surprised Carey hasn't gotten more interest. He's probably going to be one of those veterans who signs after there is a camp injury. The Jets won't sign him because they are pretty tight on salary-cap space.

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Ben from Baltimore writes: Do you think Mark Sanchez still has the potential, with the right weapons and players stepping up, to have a comeback year?

Walker: I didn't like what I saw from Sanchez last year. It was my first year in the AFC East, so that was the most I've watched him on a week-to-week basis. Sanchez is in his fourth season, and I don't think his ceiling is much higher than what we've seen. But that doesn't mean Sanchez isn’t capable of playing better, or being a better decision-maker, or lowering his fumble and interception totals. These are things the Jets hope he cleans up in 2012. I doubt Sanchez will ever become an elite quarterback, but if he can make those aforementioned improvements, the Jets can win with him.

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AFC East Homer of the Week

This week's homer is a BIG Chad Henne supporter.

Enjoy.

Rick from Miami writes: James, I don't think you are dumb but please look at the facts before you write something stupid. Henne had played the equivalent of two seasons and has improved each season. He carried a team with no run game or pass defense in 2010 to seven wins and would had more if he had any run support of the defense. Look at the stats. Miami was top 16 in passing ypg with Henne and dropped to 23rd with Matt Moore. That shows Miami only won six games because of their D and run game. Stop bad-mouthing players before you read he facts. Henne is better than Alex Smith, Mark Sanchez and a whole bunch of current starters. Maybe you should read the facts instead of going with idiotic public opinion. Dan Marino thinks Henne can start in this league. Do you know more than Marino about QBs? I think not. Henne will take the Jacksonville Jaguars to the playoffs before Miami wins six games in a season.

Walker: I'm always shocked by the number of Chad Henne supporters still out there in Miami. Henne had four years with the Dolphins to show what he could do and finished with more career interceptions (37) than touchdowns (31). In fact, Henne has never had a season in which he threw more touchdowns than interceptions. Henne was robotic, a below-average decision-maker and didn't have natural leadership ability. Four years is enough time to see that. But there's still a section of people, like Rick, who defend Henne and think he should have been the long-term solution in Miami. But, Rick, it’s the last statement that makes you our AFC East Homer of the Week. Henne will not lead the Jaguars to the playoffs this year. He might not even be the starter, because the team is invested in Blaine Gabbert. Congrats on being our Homer of the Week.

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We have a lot of topics to get to this week. Let's get started.

Mr. Wakefield from Fort Collins, Colo., writes: What is the main factor holding the Buffalo Bills from having a successful defense?

James Walker: I talked to several Bills after their loss to the New York Giants, Mr. Wakefield. The common theme was they are not winning their one-on-one matchups. I agree. Football is both a complicated and easy game. There are things schematically that you can do to beat your opponent. But at the same time, the player has to beat the man in front of him. How many Buffalo defenders to do you see fighting off a block to sack the quarterback or sticking to a receiver in man-to-man coverage? It doesn't happen often. I like the scrappiness of the defense. But the Bills lack defensive players who can truly dominate and take over a game.

David P. Summers from Menlo Park, Calif., writes: What are the odds Buffalo's defense could improve significantly this year?

Walker: I don't know about significant improvement, David. About midway into the season we have a pretty good feel for strengths and weaknesses. But Buffalo needs to take a page out of the New England Patriots' playbook. The Bills must make small strides defensively week to week. A few weeks ago, New England was just as horrendous on defense. But the Patriots made a few improvements here and there, and now the defense isn't playing bad, despite the overall rankings. Buffalo is an offensive team. That's not going to change this season. But its defense needs to do more to carry its weight if the Bills want to make the playoffs.

Jerry K from Pittsburgh writes: Does losing linebacker Shawne Merriman actually mean anything for the Bills?

Walker: Anytime you lose a starting outside linebacker, I think it hurts. It gives Buffalo one less pass-rushing threat, although Merriman doesn't have the explosiveness he once had. The key is whether the Bills honor the final year of Merriman's contract or release him 2012 coming off Achilles surgery. Linebackers Arthur Moats and Danny Batten are both young and have to learn on the fly in Merriman’s place.

Jeff from London, Ky., writes: James, do you see the Dolphins pursuing Bill Cowher at the end of the season?

Walker: Absolutely, Jeff. It’s no secret that Cowher is on owner Stephen Ross' wish list. I did a blog this week saying Cowher needs to be Ross' top priority. The question is, does Cowher want to coach the Dolphins? There are reasons for and against going to Miami, and Cowher will have his pick of teams if he decides to come back in 2012. Cowher will take the most attractive job where he can win right away. I don't know if winless Miami is that place.

Wayne from Lake Worth, Fla., writes: Why hasn't practice-squad QB Pat Devlin been given any consideration?

Walker: The Miami coaching staff is fighting for their jobs and don't think Devlin is ready, Wayne. He's an undrafted rookie who didn't get any offseason work because of the lockout. Many Dolphins fans are curious. But playing Devlin could send the wrong message to the locker room that Miami is waving the white flag on the season. I've talked to him several times, and he has a good head on his shoulders. He's staying patient. There are 10 games left in the season. So you never know.

Kevin Huxford from Chesapeake, Va., writes: Which do you think is the most likely explanation for New York Jets coach Rex Ryan trying to change to a passing attack without a full offseason?

Walker: Kevin, I think the biggest thing that is New York's coaching staff believed Mark Sanchez was ready for it. He led the team to back-to-back AFC title games, and that most likely had Ryan and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer thinking it was time to take the leash off Sanchez in his third season. Add the fact that New York kept receiver Santonio Holmes and added Plaxico Burress and Derrick Mason (since traded), and it probably made sense to the Jets. But that was a mistake and Ryan has admitted as much. Sanchez wasn't ready, Mason was a bust, and Burress is just warming up. Sometime coaches can trick themselves by over-thinking, and this was one of those cases. But I give credit to Ryan for not being stubborn and continuing to throw 40 times a game when it’s not working.

Vin F. from Long Island, NY, writes: Do you think the bye week will help or hurt the Jets?

Walker: Good question, Vin. I always think bye weeks are a good thing. Not only does it give teams two weeks to rest and recuperate from injuries, but it also provides two weeks to prepare for an opponent. But for some odd reason, teams coming off byes are 3-9 this season. I think it's a fluke due to the NFL lockout. But byes have been generally good overall.

Ryan from Waterville, Maine, writes: Do you see the Patriots giving any consideration to adding T.O. this season?

Walker: I don't see it, Ryan. The Patriots have the No. 1 offense in the NFL. Why would they need Terrell Owens? They are better off getting Chad Ochocinco up to speed than spending more money on a receiver coming off a major knee injury.

Brandon Caron from West Haven, Conn., writes: James, when comparing Big Ben and Tom Brady both have tremendous success. But I would be hesitant to put Ben on Tom's level because of the head-to-head struggles he has had?

Walker: I agree, Brandon. I have a lot of respect for the ability of both quarterbacks. But Brady is a better quarterback than Ben Roethlisberger hands down. Both may end up in the Hall of Fame. But only Brady is top-five all-time, in my opinion.

Comment and complaint department

Here are some comments and complaints from our AFC East community:

Zack from Somerville, Mass., writes: Hey James, the Jets are going to grab the wild card coming out of the AFC East this year. The Bills are pretenders, as in past years. The Jets get to play them twice, and the remaining schedule includes the Broncos, Chiefs and Phins, Pats at home and then the overrated Eagles and the Redskins. I'm a Pats fan. But I think the Jets will be there in the end.

Walker: Your projection is not out of the question, Zack. The Jets certainly have the talent and experience to make a playoff push. But I don't expect the Bills to lay down, either. I agree that it will probably come down to one of those two teams. But since I'm staying out of the prediction biz this year, I’m not ready to pick.

Jets fan in NH from Brentwood, N.H., writes: It has been frustrating watching the Jets this year in that every time that there offense starts to get going they seem to change away from what is working, and try some sort of trickery. Why can't Shotty stay focused on just moving the sticks and instead of going for the big strike? Or am I just off on this?

Walker: I see what you're saying, Jets fan. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer does have a penchant for making odd play calls at times. Remember the botched halfback throw against Miami that never got off the ground? Schottenheimer isn't having the best year calling plays. But I don't think he's the biggest issue on offense. I think the offensive line (until last week) put the Jets in a tough spot. If the line couldn't run-block or pass-block, what can an offense really accomplish?

James C. from FL writes: The Dolphin fans are in full on "Suck for Luck mode", but Andrew Luck has turned down a chance at being the No. 1 overall pick once before. With another year of eligibility, and the Dolphins looking like a much worse landing spot in terms of talent than last year’s Carolina team, do you think its possible that Luck would turn his back on the Dolphins if they were to obtain the No. 1 pick?

Walker: This theory has been thrown out several times, James, and I don't see it happening. First off, Miami is not a bad landing spot. The team has talent, particularly on offense with left tackle Jake Long, receiver Brandon Marshall, center Mike Pouncey and running backs Daniel Thomas and Reggie Bush. The new head coach (Cowher?) also will be an upgrade and the city of Miami is one of the top destinations for rich athletes to live. Luck is going to be the No. 1 pick whether he comes out this year or next year. Therefore, he's going to go to the worst team either way. I don't see the team factoring into his thinking.

AFC East Homer of the Week

This week's biggest homer is a Dolphins fan, who has a unique view on how they should handle their quarterback situation in 2012.

Pete from Pompano Beach, Fla., writes: James, am I one of the few Dolphins fans that has been happy with Chad Henne? He has shown vast improvement from his rookie season and hadn't stopped improving right up until he went down with the injury. The offensive problems the Dolphins have seem to be more with the wide receivers, mainly Brandon "Butterfingers" Marshall dropping passes and not necessarily bad passes. I'm not sure the whole "Suck For Luck" campaign is the best idea. He's a great college quarterback, but he could just as easily be the next Ryan Leaf or the next Peyton Manning. Why not go ahead and give Chad Henne another couple of years and see what his potential turns into?

Walker: Wow, Pete. You might be the only Dolphins fan who wants Henne over Luck. Henne had four years to show what he can do. You want to give Henne two more years to prove himself to Miami? That's not going to happen. Henne was the quarterback to the old regime of general manager Jeff Ireland and coach Tony Sparano. The new regime will not take on someone else's drafted, unproven quarterback who is coming off a season-ending shoulder injury. Congrats on being our "Homer of the Week" for Henne.

AFC East Haters of the Week

But we're not done...

There were a lot of haters from our Tim Tebow column following his win over the Dolphins. Tebow has a huge following and I got crushed for giving my honest take on the quarterback.

Enjoy.

Tim Ernest from Ft. Myers, Fla., writes: You elite think-you-know it all, college-educated media people are UNBELIEVABLE! Unless I was misinformed, when I played football the object of the game is to WIN!!! Did the Denver Broncos win in Miami, with the eyes of the ENTIRE world watching, with Tim Tebow, as their quarterback? In case you were too caught up evaluating his footwork or throwing motion, the answer to the question is a BIG FAT EMPHATIC YES!!!!!!!! No matter what you say Tim Tebow is a WINNER!

Dan from Rockledge, Fla., writes: Hmmm, you’ve been drinking with Merril Hoge and that Hall of Famer Trent Dilfer? Tebow will get better because he is a winner. But then again you went to Temple. You wouldn’t know about winning SEC, big boy football. Keep bashing. Keep sending subtle little digs. You too will look stupid in hindsight.

Walker: We received a lot of e-mails like these. Some had a lot worse language and were unprintable. The strange thing is I thought my Tebow column was pretty balanced. It provided pros and the cons that he fed into his legend and myth. "After watching Tebow on Sunday, I don't have a clear answer. Neither do the Denver Broncos," I wrote in the third graph. Some took away that I only ripped Tebow’s throwing mechanics and awful play for three-plus quarters. But I also praised his heart and ability to lead a huge comeback. Dan and Tim, thanks for being our AFC East blog "Haters of the Week."

If you have any questions, complaints, homer or hater comments, send them to our AFC East inbox.

» Best of NFC: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

As part of the Best of the NFL Week on ESPN.com, here are five bests for the AFC East:

Best hands, Davone Bess: Just to get a rise out of everybody, I could have gone with New York Jets receiver Braylon Edwards here. After all, he dropped only one ball last season on 98 targets and 53 receptions. But I couldn't bring myself to do it based on his track record. So I'm going with Bess, the Miami Dolphins' slot receiver, who drops one on occasion, but that's expected given his volume. The past two seasons, Bess has dropped 10 passes -- but on 233 targets and 155 receptions.

Best celebrator, Steve Johnson: The flamboyant receiver endeared himself to Buffalo Bills fans with his breakout 2010 season. He caught 82 passes for 1,073 yards and 10 touchdowns. But his signature moment -- well, his positive signature moment -- came in Week 11 against the Cincinnati Bengals. He caught eight passes for 137 yards and three touchdowns. He further showed up the self-proclaimed "Batman and Robin" duo of Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco. Johnson scored a TD and triumphantly lifted his jersey to reveal a T-shirt with a line from the Joker: "Why so serious?"

Best trash talker, Channing Crowder: Not many players would get into a verbal sparring match with an NFL coach, but the Dolphins linebacker gleefully engaged Rex Ryan two summers ago. Crowder's diatribes are enthralling, although sometimes dotted with malapropisms. After he accused Baltimore Ravens fullback Le'Ron McClain of spitting in his face, Crowder went on a rant that invoked Anne Frank when trying to mock officials for being blind. He meant Helen Keller.

Best nickname, Meat: That's what the Jets call right guard Brandon Moore. Why is it the best nickname? I don't know. Because it makes me laugh when I hear it, I guess. Maybe because it reminds me of the dialogue between Crash Davis and Nuke LaLoosh in "Bull Durham."

Best intimidator, Darrelle Revis: He's not a snarling, frothing menace on the other side of scrimmage. But when it comes to eliminating top receivers, Revis is the best in the business -- and the opposition knows it. He causes dread in coaches, quarterbacks and receivers the week they play the Jets.

In ESPN.com's latest "Hot Button" debate, senior writer John Clayton and Scouts Inc. analyst Matt Williamson stated the case for which controversial receiver would be worth the risk in 2011: Plaxico Burress, Randy Moss, Chad Ochocinco or Terrell Owens?

Moss and Owens are longtime rivals who rank among the top eight in career catches, yards and receiving touchdowns and have passed through the AFC East.

It just so happens a couple of AFC East clubs, the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets, could be in the market for receiver help.

Clayton prefers Moss:

Why Randy Moss? The answer is speed. Moss may have a reputation of taking a few plays off when things get tough, but he can still get off the line of scrimmage and get downfield. Moss admittedly made the mistake of talking himself off the New England Patriots' roster, but there are still enough big plays left in his 6-foot-4 body to help an offense.

Williamson sides with Owens:

Owens is a very big, strong body and keeps himself in tremendous shape. More than the other receivers mentioned, Owens fits any offensive scheme that he might go to for the 2011 season. He can run short, quick-hitting routes like slants and is a handful to get to the ground after the catch. He can still get deep and use his size and ability to make big plays downfield.

If you had to add one of those receivers to your favorite team, who would be your pick? You can click on the above link and place your vote, or you can debate that question in the comments section under this article.

ESPN.com senior writer Jeffri Chadiha examines the top 10 players at a crossroads.

All of the players on the list play offensive skill positions: six receivers, three quarterbacks and a running back. Free agent receiver Plaxico Burress is atop the chart, and some players with AFC East ties are right behind him.

Former New England Patriots receiver Randy Moss comes in at No. 4. Chadiha writes Moss still can stretch defenses, but "can be insufferable" and "toxic" and "cancerous." The St. Louis Rams, where Josh McDaniels is offensive coordinator, could be a fit.

Right behind Moss on the list is receiver Terrell Owens, who bounced back from a disappointing Buffalo Bills season in 2009 to post remarkable numbers with the Cincinnati Bengals. Because Owens has been on his best behavior two years in a row, Chadiha predicts T.O. will get another shot as somebody's No. 2 receiver.

Braylon Edwards, whose contract with the New York Jets is up, was No. 9 in the column, but Chadiha predicts Edwards will remain a target for Mark Sanchez.

Longtime friend of the blog Bill Barnwell forwarded a link Buffalo Bills fans should get a kick out of.

BaltimoreRavens.com blogger Ryan Mink says former Bills receiver James Hardy still plans on becoming a superstar NFL receiver because of what he learned from Terrell Owens in 2009.

"I learned to be a professional [in Buffalo]," Hardy said while working out with the Ravens recently at Towson State. "I learned how to do things behind closed doors by watching Terrell Owens, so I can be that elite receiver. Hopefully that will happen here."

The Bills drafted Hardy 41st overall in 2008 and cut him after just 10 receptions over two seasons. He remained unemployed for the entire regular season. The Ravens signed him in January to a futures contract.

Out of prison, Plaxico Burress will be pursued by NFL teams and won't have trouble finding work in 2011.

That's what his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, claimed in an email to The Associated Press: "Many teams will want [Burress]. He will be a top free agent. He is healthy and ready to go. He will be signed shortly after the lockout ends."

Rosenhaus has been known to bluff about interest in his clients before. He declared "several teams" were hot for Terrell Owens in 2009, when the receiver made the Buffalo Bills his first visit and then signed before leaving town.

Teams must approach Burress with a healthy amount of skepticism. He will be 34 in August, hasn't caught a pass since before Thanksgiving 2008 and was slowing down even then. His average yards per catch had diminished for four straight seasons.

That said, Burress still is 6-foot-5 and can outmaneuver defensive backs as a third-down and red-zone threat.

Michael Vick's successful NFL return from prison also will make more teams open-minded about Burress, who spent 20 months in prison on handgun charges.

ESPN analyst Cris Carter estimated "a half-dozen" teams would be interested in Burress but expressed concern over Burress' ability to remain explosive. Burress had motivation problems to begin with and has had limited access to training facilities for nearly two years. Carter used New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis as an example. Revis merely missed training camp last year, yet was dogged by hamstring problems. Revis is eight years younger than Burress.

ESPN.com's blog network examined each NFL club's potential interest in Burress. You can read the rundown in chart form. I predicted the Jets would be the most interested, the Miami Dolphins would be lukewarm and the Bills and New England Patriots largely uninterested.

In honor of Chad Ochocinco's recent bull-riding exhibition, NFL.com blogger Adam Rank listed the "top six NFL divas who need to go away."

There was a strong AFC East thread:

1. 1972 Dolphins
2. Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens, Bengals receivers
3. Jay Cutler, Bears quarterback
4. Mark Sanchez, Jets quarterback
5. LaDainian Tomlinson, Jets running back
6. Albert Haynesworth, Redskins defensive tackle

Mercury Morris, the outspoken running back from that undefeated Dolphins team, took offense in an interview with "The Finsiders," a podcast produced by the team.

"That's why you have these sour grapes like people calling us a diva," Morris said. "People don't really understand what it takes to get there. They think it's simply winning, it's more than that. Because of the 4,680 tries that they've had since the National Football League came into existence, it's only happened one time, and we're sitting in that seat."

The NFL assigned a grand total of two compensatory draft picks to the AFC East this year.

The Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills each are the recipients of a shiny seventh-round choice. The Dolphins get the 234th overall selection and the Bills get the 244th.

Compensatory picks were announced Friday. The New England Patriots and New York Jets got zippo.

Compensatory draft choices are awarded through a closely guarded formula of free agents lost and acquired the previous offseason. If a team signs more or better free agents than it loses, compensatory picks aren't given.

Miami lost cornerback Nate Jones and outside linebacker Jason Taylor, but signed inside linebacker Karlos Dansby.

Buffalo lost receivers Terrell Owens and Josh Reed and defensive end Ryan Denney. They signed defensive end Dwan Edwards and linebacker Andra Davis.

Since compensatory picks were first awarded in 1994, New England leads the division with 25 of them. Quarterback Tom Brady is the most famous -- the 199th pick in 2000.

Buffalo is next with 25 compensatory picks, followed by Miami with 15 and New York with five.

Steve Johnson is the tallest guy at his gym and the only one with a piercing near his cheekbone.

Johnson would stand out even if he hadn't amassed more than 1,000 yards and 10 touchdown receptions in the NFL. But he's still stunned when people identify him in quiet Elk Grove, Calif.

"How the heck?" Johnson said in disbelief. "But for the most part I'm just a regular dude out here. Nobody recognizes me as playing for the Buffalo Bills."

Johnson is keenly aware of his place in the universe. He's kind of a big deal yet refuses to act like it, regardless of how much he (mostly) enjoyed a wild breakout season.

Johnson caught 82 passes and threatened Buffalo's touchdown record. His stats plus a $470,000 base salary earned him the Vizio Top Value Performer Award. He's entering the final year of his contract. The Bills would be wise to make signing him to an extension a priority as soon as the collective bargaining agreement is settled.

But as the stepson of a noted Bay Area music producer, Johnson knows well enough to avoid being a one-hit wonder. He doesn't want his production or the Bills' record to regress.

"It's still only one season," Johnson said. "I'm eager to get back out there and do more and be better than last year. I really want to make a huge impact. I don't want to slip or fall off. I want to come back ready and do my part."

That's why Johnson has declared personal goals for 2011. He wants to lead the NFL in touchdown receptions and gain at least 1,000 yards. His reception total doesn't matter much. DeSean Jackson proved what kind of damage a receiver can do with 47 catches and a 22.5-yard average.

But Johnson adds the organization's primary objective is one he can embrace: closing out games.

The Bills built momentum heading into the offseason with four victories in their last eight games. An admirable finish was overshadowed by their 0-8 start. Their 4-12 record earned them last place in the AFC East.

The Bills can find a modicum of solace in the ones that got away. They took three playoff teams into overtime -- two on the road -- before losing by a sudden-death field goal to the Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers. They also lost by three points to the Chicago Bears.

"We've seen what we can do," Johnson said. "We've seen we can play with the elite teams. We just have to finish games. That'll be built once we all get together. It's a mentality we have to have."

Johnson is aware some of that responsibility falls on him because of the pass that fell through his hands. Johnson's infamous overtime drop in the end zone against the Steelers turned a third consecutive victory into another heartbreaking defeat.

Johnson went into that game scalding hot. He'd become a national media sensation, scoring nine touchdowns in the previous eight games. He had three touchdowns in an outrageous 49-31 comeback victory over the Cincinnati Bengals a week earlier. In that game, he revealed an undershirt with the handwritten message "Why So Serious?" scrawled in homage to the Joker, spoiling Cincinnati's self-proclaimed Batman and Robin (Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco).

Then he was quickly reminded how fickle the NFL and public sentiment can be.

Right after Johnson dropped the ball and exited Ralph Wilson Stadium, he tweeted a note that seemed to question God, creating a national mainstream media uproar that was debated on "The View" and CNN.com.

"It doesn't stick out, but who can forget it?" Johnson said. "I can't wake up and think 'Man, I don't even remember what happened!' I wish that could happen. I was the main reason we lost. It's not affecting me at all, but it's going to make me work harder."

Johnson conceded the NFL's labor situation could hurt the Bills more than others. The Bills are a young team with newer coaches. If a prolonged lockout erases offseason workouts or compresses training camp, then the Bills would suffer.

"It can affect us in a bad way," Johnson said. "Record-wise, we're coming off a bad season, but we saw some growth and maturity in young guys.

"We're expecting the season right away, that we're going to have OTAs and come to work at training camp. We'll be rocking. But if we have a long lockout, guys might start thinking 'I don't know if we're going to be working. Maybe I should just chill. We ain't got practice. We'll just kick it.'"

Johnson claimed he's motivated to stay in shape. Even with a lockout, players must be ready to roll as soon as there's a new CBA, and it can happen any day. Players are trying to motivate one another to stay on task through phone calls, e-mails, text messages and tweets.

But the Bills haven't arranged any informal lockout practices with Ryan Fitzpatrick, Lee Evans or the rest of the gang. Miami Dolphins quarterback Chad Henne revealed two weeks ago he and some teammates already have a workout location and sessions scheduled for a lockout. New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez convened his "Jets West" camp last summer in California.

"It's good to work out and all, but once we get on the practice field or whatever, I think we'll still be cool," Johnson said. "I guess it's the mentality you have. You can go all offseason and not work out but come in with the mentality you're ready to prepare. Then I think you'll be all right.

"So whether we have full workout sessions with the groups or the team, you've still got to perform. Games are in September and guys are professionals. They'll all be working on their craft."

In the meantime, Johnson has signed up 3-year-old daughter Miyah for T-ball. In the event of a lockout, he's looking forward to maximizing time with family.

"We still have a mission: As soon as the lockout is over, we have to get to work and put up some W's for the Buffalo Bills," Johnson said.

Pro Football Weekly recently assembled its "Super 50" rankings for the 2010 season.

You might be surprised by the dearth of highly placed AFC East names. You can guess who earned the top spot, but there's a large gap until the next one and an even larger drop until the third.

Two New England Patriots made the top 50 and another pair appeared among 25 honorable mentions. The New York Jets had three players total, the Miami Dolphins two. No Buffalo Bills made the cut.

The list, which appears in the Feb. 6 edition, was compiled "with the help of coaches and evaluators from around the NFL."

Here are the AFC East representatives with a comment from Pro Football Weekly's staff:

1. Tom Brady, Patriots quarterback: "Brady was exceptional in the regular season, completing 324 of 492 passes for 3,900 yards with 36 touchdowns and a mere four interceptions. Including the postseason, Brady went 339 passes without throwing a pick."

13. Darrelle Revis, Jets cornerback: "His statistics don't show it -- no sacks, interceptions or forced fumbles this season -- but Revis remains one of the best cover corners in the league. During a stretch in the middle of the season, the Jets' corner limited Greg Jennings, Calvin Johnson, Andre Johnson and Terrell Owens to a combined nine catches for 74 yards."

45. Cameron Wake, Dolphins outside linebacker: "The former CFL star finished third in the league with 14 sacks. He helped the Dolphins' defense improve from 22nd in 2009 to sixth in '10. He is a relentless pass-rusher, using his speed to get past tackles to the quarterback."

46. Jake Long, Dolphins left tackle: "Long has established himself among the elite at his position. Despite knee and shoulder injuries, he started all 16 games for the third consecutive season."

48. Nick Mangold, Jets center: "The Jets' offensive line is one of the NFL's best, and Mangold is the team's most important player up front. He hasn't missed a start in five NFL seasons."

49. Jerod Mayo, Patriots linebacker: "Mayo seemed to always be around the ball in 2010, leading the league with 175 tackles and adding three fumble recoveries. ... With injuries on the defensive line and lots of youth, Mayo picked a good year to have his best season."

Listed among the 25 honorable mentions (in alphabetical order): Jets left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Patriots receiver Wes Welker, Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork.

The New York Jets will have some difficult decisions to make in free agency over the coming months.

The most fascinating position will be wide receiver, where the Jets could lose a pair of stars who were instrumental to their success and Mark Sanchez's development.

Contracts are up for Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes.

Can the Jets bring them both back? Will they choose one over the other? Might they lose both?

New York Post reporter Mark Cannizzaro set the stage with an overview of the Holmes-Edwards situation, which becomes even more intriguing when you consider Edwards and Holmes each have had off-field issues. The Jets acquired both in trades, but when it's time to commit with signing bonuses and multiyear contracts, the Jets have much to weigh.

What makes the Jets' decision particularly difficult is that both receivers are coming off great seasons.

Holmes missed the first four games while serving a suspension but had 52 receptions for 746 yards and six touchdowns, many of them biggies to win games. Edwards distanced himself from his reputation as a chronic ball-dropper with 53 receptions for a team-high 904 yards and seven touchdowns. He made several clutch catches throughout the year.

Another factor in the equation could be tight end Dustin Keller. The Jets might be more willing to part with Holmes or Edwards because they have Keller, who posted phenomenal stats while Holmes was away (19 receptions, five touchdowns) and then receded into the background (no touchdowns the rest of the season).

Cannizzaro explored the topic by asking agents to predict what will unfold. The consensus was the Jets would bring Holmes back and let Edwards hit free agency.

At least one agent mentioned the possibility of replacing Edwards with a short-term veteran solution such as Terrell Owens or Randy Moss.

As long as Rex Ryan is head coach and they are winning, they Jets will be a popular destination for any free agent, especially at a position where players like to express themselves. In that way, the Jets are a team that can afford to roll the dice by not having all their players locked up before the free-agency period begins.

New York Jets receiver Santonio Holmes dropped a pass in the end zone Sunday. A few weeks earlier, Buffalo Bills receiver Steve Johnson had an infamous drop-and-tweet sequence that landed him in late-night comedy monologues.

The AFC East has produced quite a few notable end-zone drops, contributing to an epic season for that discomfiting statistic.

ESPN Stats & Information has charted 47 end-zone drops this year. That already matched last year's total and is 10 more than 2008.

Eighteen of those drops have occurred in the fourth quarter or overtime, equaling last year's total and doubling the total for 2008.

There have been three weeks with at least five end zone drops, including a season-high six on opening weekend.

ESPN researcher John Fisher passed along the names they've tracked over the past three seasons so I could add up how AFC East players have fared. I've included stats they might have accumulated with other teams they played for in that span.

• Randy Moss 6
• Santonio Holmes 3
• Terrell Owens 2
• Ronnie Brown 1
• David Clowney 1
• Laveranues Coles 1
• Braylon Edwards 1
• Ted Ginn Jr. 1
• BenJarvus Green-Ellis 1
• Aaron Hernandez 1
• Steve Johnson 1
• Dustin Keller 1
• Roberto Wallace 1

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Tears still were welled in Steve Johnson's bloodshot eyes when he stepped down from the podium, walked out of the postgame interview room and exited Ralph Wilson Stadium up the tunnel ramp.

Based on how he was dressed, he should have headed back to the locker room. But Johnson clearly was in another world as he dejectedly trudged toward the parking lot in a sleeveless shirt, basketball shorts, his red Buffalo Bills leggings and untied sneakers.

The wind made it feel like 31 degrees and there was snow on the ground. On this day, though, Johnson couldn't catch a cold.

Johnson has been Buffalo's breakout star, a 2008 seventh-round draft pick on pace to break the club's season record for touchdown receptions.

He should have caught his 10th touchdown Sunday. He should have beaten the Pittsburgh Steelers in overtime Sunday. He was wide open for an arcing 40-yard bomb. He dropped it in the end zone.

The Steelers kicked a field goal on the next possession to win 19-16.

A third straight Bills victory caromed off Johnson's fingers. They lost for the third time in sudden death, becoming the fifth team to do so since overtime was instituted in 1974 and just the second over the past 20 seasons.

Johnson was so despondent after the game, he took to Twitter where he questioned a higher power for allowing him to drop the would-be touchdown.

"I PRAISE YOU 24/7!!!!!! AND THIS HOW YOU DO ME!!!!! YOU EXPECT ME TO LEARN FROM THIS??? HOW???!!! ILL NEVER FORGET THIS!! EVER!!! THX THO..."

In his postgame news conference before he left the stadium, Johnson's emotions were raw.

"It comes down to one play and you drop the ball," Johnson said. "We'll bounce back, of course. The season's not over yet. We're going to have to bounce back, and we will.

"I'll never get over it. Ever. The Buffalo Bills will get over it, but I won't. You're a receiver. You don't drop the ball. I won't get over it."

The Bills (2-9) are playing terrifically lately and have grown significantly since the season began. They have lost three games by an overtime field goal to teams that are at least tied for first place in their divisions. They are clearly not the NFL's worst team, a distinction that was in question a few weeks ago.

The loss should not be blamed solely on Johnson. His end zone flub came on first down, giving the Bills two more chances to move the chains or get into field goal range for Rian Lindell, who had kicked a 49-yarder with two seconds left in regulation time.

After Johnson's end zone drop, the Bills' defense could have made a stop on the next possession. Instead, the Steelers ended the game with a 13-play drive, converting a third-and-8 along the way.

Leodis McKelvin would have returned the overtime kickoff for a touchdown had he not tripped over teammate Arthur Moats in the open field.

But Johnson's failure to latch on will take the spotlight because it could have ended the game right then and there.

"We're playing the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Buffalo Bills come to play football, and it just so happened today that I had 75 drops in the game," said Johnson, who has become a bit of a media sensation the past couple weeks.

Johnson made a statement a week earlier with three touchdowns in the Bills' amazing comeback victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. He had more catches, yards and points than Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco combined. Johnson wore an undershirt that read "Why So Serious" in reference to The Joker, a message to the receiving tandem who call themselves Batman and Robin.

Johnson could not laugh Sunday. His magical season was interrupted.

"You talk about a guy who has been extremely hot, making a ton of plays for them," Steelers safety Ryan Clark said.

Drops are not an official NFL statistic and are open to interpretation, but CBS Sports had Johnson down for five. Another drop resulted in a Troy Polamalu interception near the goal line in the fourth quarter.

Clark explained there was not a blown coverage on the play in overtime. Johnson was wide open because he ran a fabulous route.

Johnson scorched Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor so badly up the left sideline that even after Johnson dropped Ryan Fitzpatrick's perfect pass, the Bills' sideline celebrated what they thought was their third straight victory.

"Game over," Steelers linebacker James Farrior said. "That's what everybody else was thinking. The Buffalo fans, the Buffalo sideline, our sideline. I think everybody thought it was a catch."

Johnson sat stunned in the end zone for several seconds until receiver David Nelson pulled him up. Johnson took the end zone gaffe hard in the locker room, too.

"If you're not emotional and hard on yourself, then I would question his passion for the game," Bills safety George Wilson said. "But, man, that guy is over there crying his eyes out. He knows how precious those moments are.

"If we want to be one of the elite teams in this league, we have to make the big plays in the big moments. Steve has been making big plays for us all year. That play doesn't make me believe any less in him. He's been beasting out on the field all year."

Johnson did have seven receptions for 68 yards. He leads the Bills with 59 catches for 796 yards and nine touchdowns. Bill Brooks holds Buffalo's record with 11 touchdown receptions.

"No matter what, I want him on my team for the rest of my career," said Bills running back Fred Jackson, who gained 163 yards from scrimmage and scored the lone Bills touchdown.

"It's uncharacteristic of him, and I know that. I know he's going to make plays for us. I'm not going to define his whole season off of that one play."

Last week, Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco, aka Batman and Robin, were upstaged by the Joker.

On Thanksgiving night, they were outdone by Ren and Stimpy.

The Cincinnati Bengals season would appear suitable for the Cartoon Network. Animated receivers Owens and Ochocinco have driven the storylines more than the team's success.

The Bengals are 2-8 despite Owens and Ochocinco's proclamations. Buffalo Bills receiver Steve Johnson, evoking the Joker with his "Why So Serious" undershirt, outperformed Owens and Ochocinco combined in Week 10.

On the most recent episode of "The T.Ocho Show" on Versus, Owens said New York Jets cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie were "more like 'Ren and Stimpy,' " the dim-witted Nickelodeon duo.

In a runaway Jets victory Thursday night at the Meadowlands, Ochocinco had four receptions (on nine targets) for 41 yards and no touchdowns, while Owens had three catches (on eight targets) for 17 yards and no touchdowns.

"The stats show," Revis said. "That's all I got to say. He called me average, and I showed him how an average corner plays.

"You can't hide away from the stats. You can't change the stats. You can't add a zero after the 17 [yards]."

ESPN Stats & Information noted Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer had a 6.3 passer rating (not a misprint) when throwing to Owens. Revis covered Owens almost every play.

Kristian R. Dyer took a look at their cartoonish posturing for "The Fifth Down" blog at NYTimes.com.

Dyer spoke to body-language expert Patti Wood for her opinion on what Owens and Ochocinco were saying subliminally when they suggest they'll dominate Revis and Cromartie.

"The guys were reading their prewritten lines off a teleprompter with a stiff, slow, awkward delivery. They are not showing the alpha power moves they think they are," Wood said. "Even when Ochocinco used the bullhorn, his body -- his head and shoulder posture -- didn’t go up with enthusiasm or forward with aggression, nor did his paralanguage such as voice tone, volume and speaking rate show he was energized."

In other words, whatever Owens and Ochocinco said, they didn't believe it.

So deep down inside, their doubts were justified -- again.