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Examining who faces the most challenging season for the Jets and why.

Tony Sparano is very likable and well-respected in NFL circles. But even he might not be sure exactly what he's getting into by taking over the New York Jets' combustible offense.

Sparano was a longtime rival of the Jets as former head coach of the Miami Dolphins. He's well aware of the talent but also the personalities in New York. Sparano's biggest responsibility this season isn't X's and O's. It's fixing chemistry and getting everyone to play as a group.

Quarterback Mark Sanchez and No. 1 receiver Santonio Holmes didn't get along last season. Neither did Holmes and right tackle Wayne Hunter. The defense also bickered with the offense last season for not holding up its end. Oh, by the way, there's also a brewing quarterback controversy between Sanchez and wildly popular backup Tim Tebow. This is a lot for Sparano to manage.

In terms of strategy, Sparano has to step up his game. The Sparano I saw in Miami was very conservative and often criticized for going for (and celebrating) too many field goals. That won't fly in New York. It's Sparano's job to produce more touchdowns on the field and better chemistry off it.

By now everyone is aware of New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow's biggest strengths and weaknesses. He is an athletic and powerful runner, but his passing often misses the mark.

As a result, the Jets' backup quarterback said he has been working diligently to improve as a passer. Last week Jets offensive coordinator Tony Sparano praised Tebow's passing. Improvement in that area would make Tebow a more dangerous quarterback in 2012.

"I've been working pretty hard at doing that," Tebow told reporters after organized team activities. "I feel like I had a good offseason before I got here, and being here and working with Coach Sparano and working with Mark [Sanchez] and working with Coach [Cavanaugh] on our drills and footwork and mechanics every day, I hope I'm improving. That’s my goal and I believe it's happening."

Tebow entered the NFL with faulty mechanics. He's in his third season and has a career completion percentage of 47.3. Tebow completed a career-low 46.5 percent of his passes in 2011.

Quality NFL quarterbacks complete about 60 percent of their passes. So Tebow has a long way to go in that department. He makes up for it in some ways with his ability to move the chains with his legs.

Tebow had nothing but good things to say about Jets starting quarterback Mark Sanchez. Tebow is pushing Sanchez every day, but the pair do not seem bothered by the competition.

"It's been great," Tebow said. "We've had a great relationship ever since he hosted me at USC and we had a lot of fun together and a great experience. We got a lot of stuff to talk about, and always going back and forth, we have a very fun quarterback room, we have a good time."

Tebow said he went to dinner with Sanchez in New York City the other night. If this quarterback pair can be effective and work together in harmony next season, the Jets have a chance to make some noise in the AFC East.

The New York Jets are expected to have an extensive Wildcat package this season. New York acquired former Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow, who has experience with the read-option offense in college and the pros.

New Jets offensive coordinator Tony Sparano unleashed the Wildcat on the NFL several years ago with the Miami Dolphins. Sparano used two running backs – Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams -- in Miami, and he talked about the differences this week with using Tebow, a quarterback, in New York.

"With Ricky (Williams) and Ronnie (Brown), the reason that we had to do it in Miami at that time was those were really our two best players at that point, and part of the philosophy was to get the two best players on the field at the same time. And in doing so, we created some matchup problems that way. I think the difference (with Williams and Brown) is there was very little element of pass involved in that, where obviously with Tim, that's a different element. So if we decide to go down that road, the element of being able to throw the football out of that brings a complete different dynamic into the picture here."

If effective, Tebow is expected to take some pressure off starting quarterback Mark Sanchez and add a unique element to the running game. Tebow averaged 5.4 yards per carry in 2011, and has the athleticism and toughness to move the chains.

Many feel there is a brewing quarterback controversy in New York. But Sparano thinks Sanchez will respond fine with fewer snaps. Tebow could get anywhere between 1-20 plays per game, depending on the game plan and opponent.

"I'm not concerned about that, no, I don't think so," Sparano said. "I think with all the work that we'll be doing between now and the time the season starts and all the steps, I think we have to remember that Mark, he's been under center here for a lot of games, for the three years that he's been here, and I think that between now and training camp and through training camp (with) all the snaps that Mark will get, I think we'll be in good shape."

New York Jets offensive coordinator Tony Sparano is getting a chance to work with newly acquired quarterback Tim Tebow. The Jets acquired Tebow in an offseason trade with the Denver Broncos.

Sparano had the luxury of playing against Tebow last year as head coach of the Miami Dolphins. Sparano even coached Tebow two years ago at the Senior Bowl when the former University of Florida star entered the draft.

But Sparano said on a conference call Thursday that this is the best he's seen Tebow as a passer, which is one of Tebow's biggest critiques.

"I thought fundamentally Tim has gotten much better," Sparano said of Tebow's throwing. "You can see the amount of time he spent on it, and really this kid has put a lot of time in the offseason from a fundamental standpoint. He's completely different now than he was when he came out of college."

Tebow is expected to play a unique role in the offense, which should include plenty of work at quarterback in New York's Wildcat package. Sparano was coy about the team's plans with Tebow but said everything is on the table.

The Jets are hopeful to improve their 25th-ranked offense from a year ago under Sparano. They have some talented pieces, such as Tebow, tight end Dustin Keller, and receivers Santonio Holmes, Jeremy Kerley and Stephen Hill.

"A lot of guys have a lot of hands in this and done a great job," Sparano said. "I'm excited about the possibilities that we have."

PALM BEACH, Fla. -- It was approximately 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, and a grumpy Bill Belichick wanted no part of discussing the AFC East's newest addition: Jets quarterback Tim Tebow.

"I'm just concentrating on our team," the New England Patriots coach said bluntly.

Does Tebow impact what the Patriots do defensively?

"I'm just trying to get better in the offseason, like we always do," Belichick scoffed.

The media kept trying with Tebow, but Belichick kept swatting it away.

"I'm trying to get ready with what we're doing," Belichick said. "I'm not really worried about the other three [division] teams."

Belichick wasn't interested in Tebow-mania. But, eventually, will Belichick's Patriots have a problem on their hands? Does the rest of the AFC East have a problem, as well?

"I think the Wildcat is alive and well," an excited Jets head coach Rex Ryan said this week at the NFL owners meeting.

Here's how Tebow and the Wildcat matches up with the other three teams in the AFC East. The Tebow trouble meter is based on a 10-point scale, with a 10 meaning he'll be a huge headache for a team to defend:

Patriots

Analysis: Tebow had mixed results against the Patriots in two games last season. Tebow had a field day in the first meeting, particularly early. He rushed for 93 yards and two touchdowns, as the Patriots seemed caught off-guard by Denver's offense in the regular season. The Broncos led 16-7 at one point before the Patriots' offense took over and scored 27 unanswered points. New England won 41-23.

The second meeting against Tebow was more one-sided in favor of the Patriots. New England was much more prepared for Tebow's read-option offense. He rushed for just 13 yards on five carries (2.6 yard average). Tebow actually gained 14 yards rushing on one play, but his other four attempts lost yards. Tebow also lost a fumble and New England won easily, 45-10.

In two games against New England, Tebow rushed for 107 yards and two touchdowns. The Patriots have to prove that their postseason performance against the Broncos is more indicative of how they will stop Tebow in 2012, as opposed to the regular-season meeting.

Tebow trouble meter: 7

Buffalo Bills

Analysis: The Bills were the most prepared team against Tebow and the Broncos last season. Buffalo pummeled Tebow in Week 16 in a 40-14 victory. He threw three interceptions in the game and also lost a fumble. It was one of Tebow's worst performances of the year.

Bills head coach Chan Gailey believes his team was well-prepared for Tebow's read-option offense because the Bills have their own Wildcat package featuring versatile receiver/quarterback Brad Smith. Gailey is hopeful Buffalo's success against Tebow continues next season.

"We will get some work against the Wildcat-type offense in training camp, if nothing else," Gailey said. "To be honest, one of the reasons we have it is we think it is a definite advantage. What we say is this, 'If you got something that's unusual, the coaches are going to take an hour to sit down and talk about it, and you get on the field and do a 10-minute walkthrough on the Wildcat and in practice, out of 45 plays, teams will take maybe five of them on the Wildcat.'"

It also helps that the Bills invested a ton of money this offseason on their defensive line. Free-agent defensive ends Mario Williams and Mark Anderson should do a great job setting the edge against the Wildcat, which is key. Buffalo's defense has had other issues in the past, such as rushing the quarterback. But I don't see Tebow and the Wildcat giving the Bills too many problems based on the additions and what I saw last season.

Tebow trouble meter: 4

Miami Dolphins

Analysis: The Dolphins are an interesting case. They were the masters of the Wildcat under former head coach Tony Sparano. Now, Sparano is bringing the package to the Jets as their new offensive coordinator.

"I think it's hilarious," Jets coach Rex Ryan said. "With Tony, everybody looks at this rough, tough, bloody-your-nose type of guy, which he is. But he’s very creative also, one of the most creative guys I’ve been around. I’m excited with what he can do with a guy with the skill set that Tim has."

There are still players on the Dolphins, both on offense and defense, who know the formation well.

However, Miami will be as far removed from the Wildcat as possible under first-year head coach Joe Philbin. The Dolphins are implementing a classic West Coast offense based on timing, precision and rhythm. The Wildcat goes against all that. So there won't be much prep time against Tebow until the week leading up to the Jets games.

Miami did a good job for more than three quarters against Tebow last season at Sun Life Stadium. Denver was scoreless until the final 2 minutes, 44 seconds of the game and pulled off a miraculous comeback by scoring 18 unanswered points in the fourth quarter and overtime. That game actually jump-started Tebow-mania.

Miami is stout against the run. But Tebow rushed for 59 yards and averaged 6.6 yards per carry against Miami. The Dolphins need to do a better job of stopping Tebow in their two meetings next season.

Tebow trouble meter: 7

Overall, Tebow has a chance to make an impact in the AFC East. But his success will vary, depending on the matchup. Tebow won't be able to win many games by himself with limited snaps as New York's backup quarterback. It will be up to starter Mark Sanchez to do his part with the passing offense for the Jets to reach their offensive potential.

Believe it or not, the biggest key to making Tebow-mania work in New York is not Tim Tebow.

The linchpin in this is New York Jets starting quarterback Mark Sanchez.

The Jets acquired Tebow on Wednesday for a pair of 2012 draft picks. It's a modest price for a player who was taken in the first round in 2010 and has many good traits that you want in a football player.

But what the Jets don't want is Tebow as their starter. That is Sanchez's job, and if it doesn't stay true to form, that is when problems will arise.

The Jets traded for Tebow because they want to run the ball a lot, and Tebow is a perfect fit for new offensive coordinator Tony Sparano's Wildcat package. No team ran that package better than Sparano when he was in Miami. Expect a Tebow/Wildcat resurgence with the Jets in 2012.

Tebow-mania has the potential to be great for New York -- as long as it's in moderation. Therefore, Sanchez must handle his end as the starting quarterback.

Sanchez can no longer have three bad games in a row, as he did last year, with Tebow waiting on the sideline. Sanchez has to be consistent, accurate, move the offense and score points. The Jets showed their faith in Sanchez this offseason by giving him a $58.25 million contract. It's time for Sanchez to produce. No excuses.

If Sanchez successfully runs New York's base offense, everything with Tebow falls perfectly into place. Sanchez can do the throwing, Tebow can do the running and New York's 25th-ranked offense will be scoring at a higher clip than last season. That's a win-win for the Jets.

But if Sanchez doesn't play well, especially early, fans will want the wildly popular Tebow as the starting quarterback. That's when things would unravel for the Jets. There is already a nervousness about Sanchez going into the season. It wouldn't take long for there to be immense fan pressure in New York to push for a quarterback change.

As usual, there's no in-between when it comes to Tebow. This move by the Jets has the potential to be genius or disastrous.

Everything rests on Sanchez's shoulders.

The New York Jets are one of four teams reportedly interested in Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow.

Is this is a good idea or bad idea for the Jets? Here are some thoughts:

• You naturally link Tebow to Jets offensive coordinator Tony Sparano, who ran the Wildcat in Miami. Tebow would be great at it. This gimmick offense would suit his skills well. The Jets want to run the ball -- a lot. With Tebow, Denver was one of the top running teams in the NFL. The Jets don't have a blue-chip running back on the roster. Tebow can add a few hundred yards to the pile and a good yards-per-carry average to New York's ground-and-pound offense. From an X's and O's standpoint, it makes sense.
• Here is the rub: Would starting quarterback Mark Sanchez be OK with adding Tebow? I'm sure there would be mixed feelings. On one hand, Sanchez has the security with the Jets after getting a five-year extension. He will be New York's quarterback for at least the next two years. That could be enough for Sanchez to be fine with adding Tebow as his backup. However, the fans don't care about finances, particularly in the win-now culture of New York. If Sanchez has a bad stretch of two or three games, fans will be clamoring for the wildly popular Tebow, especially after Tebow propelled Denver last season and won a playoff game. Sanchez would have to play well and consistent throughout the season or there will be plenty of fan pressure. That is something the Jets have to consider.
• Finally, keep in mind Tebow beat the Jets last year. I think that game earned Tebow a lot of respect in New York's locker room, coaching staff and front office. Regardless of how you feel about Tebow as a quarterback, he has a lot of good football traits. He's tough, can run, is hard-nosed and works very hard. Tebow's biggest issue is he can't throw the football accurately. But if the Jets can add him as a backup quarterback to run gimmick plays several times a game, it can work. I like the idea of Tebow to New York as long as Sanchez can handle it and the Jets don't give up any high draft picks.

The New York Jets wanted to sign a quality backup quarterback this offseason who could provide support and a push for starter Mark Sanchez.

Then they gave Sanchez a five-year, $58.25 million extension that ensures he will be the starter for at least the next two seasons. Will that hurt New York's chances of getting a quality backup when free agency opens Tuesday?

Solid No. 2 quarterback options like Chad Henne and others might look the other way now when it comes to the Jets. Sanchez, before the extension, entered the season on the hot seat. But New York's commitment sends a clear message that the Jets are all-in with the fourth-year quarterback. Injury is pretty much the only way Sanchez isn't starting.

The Jets have a connection with Henne in new offensive coordinator Tony Sparano, most recently the Dolphins' head coach. But Henne will have options, which the AFC East blog listed here. The same goes for Jason Campbell, Kyle Orton or any other veteran starter looking to challenge for a starting job.

It could be tough for New York to find a middle ground. The Jets don't want another Mark Brunell situation in 2012. But finding a quality backup like Henne just got tougher with Sanchez so firmly in the fold.

Many New York Jets fans are torn on the decision to sign starting quarterback Mark Sanchez to a five-year, $58.25 million contract. It essentially ensures Sanchez is New York's franchise quarterback for at least the next two seasons.

But for better or for worse, the Jets have made their decision. Now it's time to maximize on their investment. This offseason for New York should mostly be about helping Sanchez become the best quarterback he can be during the life of this contract.

Here are four ways the Jets can help their fourth-year quarterback succeed:

Move No. 1: Build a scheme that fits Sanchez

Former Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer's offense was a disaster last year. It was very bland and the play-calling was predictable, which led to Schottenheimer's resignation. New York's offense was ranked 25th in the NFL last season, despite some talented players.

There is no question Schottenheimer's struggles hurt Sanchez. We just don't know how much — until now.

New offensive coordinator Tony Sparano has a very important job with the Jets. It will be Sparano's responsibility to put together an offense that best suits Sanchez. Sparano most likely spent plenty of time this offseason studying tape of Sanchez to figure out what the quarterback does well and where he struggles. Similar to what the San Francisco 49ers did with Alex Smith last season, New York must maximize Sanchez's strengths and minimize his weaknesses.

Some feel Sanchez’s ceiling isn't very high and we’ve seen pretty much all he can do. But a new and improved offense could reinvigorate Sanchez and highlight some of the skills he couldn't show under Schottenheimer.

Move No. 2: Get Sanchez another WR

New York's feud between Sanchez and No. 1 receiver Santonio Holmes last season was well-documented. The two didn't get along on or off the field and it finally boiled over in the regular-season finale against the Miami Dolphins.

But the Jets this offseason should be less worried about Holmes and more worried about who will start opposite their leading receiver. Plaxico Burress wasn't the answer and will not return in free agency.

Sanchez needs a deep threat at receiver. Holmes is a good, all-around player. But he's not a speedster that's going to put fear in a defense to keep teams honest.

Right now Jeremy Kerley is the projected starter. Kerley is more suited to be a slot receiver at this stage of his career. If the Jets are serious about Sanchez improving, they need to get him a big-play receiver.

Move No. 3: Get a starting right tackle

It's hard to get a firm read on what the Jets thinks of Wayne Hunter. First, they guaranteed Hunter's contract for 2012 and general manager Mike Tannenbaum said he's the starter. Then, the Jets reportedly put Hunter on the trading block.

My take is Hunter was the worst starting offensive tackle I watched in the AFC East. Pass-rushers ran by him and through him too often. There were times when I thought Hunter would get Sanchez knocked out of the game with his inability to protect the edge. Sanchez was sacked a career-high 39 times in 2011.

New York's offensive line had three Pro Bowlers last season. This isn't a group lacking talent. But the right tackle spot is definitely a spot that needs to be upgraded if the Jets want to keep Sanchez upright and healthy.

Move No. 4: Add to the running game

I list the running game last, because that was probably the strength of New York's offense last season. Jets starting running back Shonn Greene rushed for a career-high 1,054 yards last year. Backup tailback Joe McKnight also showed flashes of being an exciting player. He may be ready for a bigger role next season.

But something is still missing with the Jets' ground-and-pound formula. Adding a blue-chip running back would be ideal. If Alabama's Trent Richardson somehow fell to No. 16, the Jets shouldn't think twice about taking him. But that doesn’t seem likely.

Perhaps the Jets need to sign someone in free agency who can simply add to the pile. There are some veteran free agents who are affordable options, such as BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Cedric Benson and Peyton Hillis. A solid stable of rushers is what Sanchez needs. One of his biggest strengths is play-action passing.

It remains to be seen whether Sanchez develops into a franchise quarterback or becomes a bust over the next two years. But if New York follows these four steps, the Jets would give Sanchez a better chance to succeed.

The market for starting quarterbacks isn't very deep this offseason. That means soon-to-be former Miami Dolphins starting quarterback Chad Henne will get plenty of interest.

Henne, 26, is a young quarterback who might perform well in the right situation. Here's five potential landing spots:

New York Jets (8-8)

Starter: Mark Sanchez

Why Henne fits: New Jets offensive coordinator Tony Sparano spent four seasons with Henne in Miami. The pair are very familiar with each other. The Jets are looking for someone capable of pushing Sanchez. Henne can do that much better than former backup Mark Brunell. There has been plenty of debate over the years in the AFC East blog about which quarterback was better: Sanchez or Henne? Although Sanchez is the starter in New York, it would be interesting to see both players throw against each other everyday in training camp and practices.

Denver Broncos (8-8)

Starter: Tim Tebow

Why Henne fits: Is Tebow really the long-term solution in Denver? The Broncos are still wondering after Tebow had an amazing run to get Denver to the divisional round of the playoffs. The Broncos need quarterback insurance for Tebow. Kyle Orton was traded last season, and backup Brady Quinn may have talked his way out of Denver with recent controversial comments toward the starter. Henne would be a good fallback option if Tebow falters or gets injured. Tebow's rugged style includes a lot of running, and his body may not hold up to the pounding over 16 games.

Kansas City Chiefs (7-9)

Starter: Matt Cassel

Why Henne fits: Cassel had his ups and downs in Kansas City. He was hurt and played in just nine games last season. You get the sense Kansas City is tired of waiting on the seven-year quarterback, especially since they are now changing to new head coach Romeo Crennel. The Chiefs acquiring Orton last season says something about their current quarterback situation. Henne probably wouldn't start in Kansas City, but he could be good insurance. The Chiefs also are rumored to be in the Peyton Manning sweepstakes.

Chicago Bears (8-8)

Starter: Jay Cutler

Why Henne fits: Don't sleep on the Bears. They could be a dark horse in this race. Obviously, Cutler is the starter in Chicago. But he's had injuries in back-to-back seasons that have hurt the team. Chicago needs a backup quarterback it can rely on. Bears No. 2 quarterback Caleb Hanie (three touchdowns, nine interceptions) didn't get the job done and will be a free agent. Chicago can upgrade its backup quarterback position by signing Henne, who is a better option if Cutler gets hurt again in 2012.

Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11)

Starter: Blaine Gabbert

Why Henne fits: Based on last season's play, Gabbert still has a lot to learn in the NFL. The 2011 first-round pick didn't look ready to be a franchise quarterback. He only completed 50.8 percent of his passes to go with 12 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Henne could add competition for Gabbert or be a veteran backup waiting if Gabbert falters. New head coach Mike Mularkey is installing a new offense in Jacksonville, and everyone will be starting over.

Earlier this week, we outlined the reasons the Miami Dolphins should strongly consider trading back from the No. 8 overall pick in April's NFL draft. But Friday we're going to take it a step further.

Here are two potential trade partners for Miami at No. 8:

Team No. 1: Cincinnati Bengals

Analysis: The Bengals have two first-round picks -- No. 17 and No. 21. But one of Cincinnati's biggest needs is finding a starting running back. The lynchpin to a potential trade here is Alabama tailback Trent Richardson. Once thought to be a top-five pick, Richardson's stock has fallen somewhat after recent knee surgery and skipping the combine. There's a decent chance Richardson could fall to the Dolphins at No. 8, and Miami doesn't need a running back. Miami and Cincinnati could swap first-round picks, in addition to the Dolphins getting an extra second-rounder and a later pick to move back nine spots. The Bengals would get their new star running back and still keep the 21st overall pick. The Dolphins would have two additional picks and can still draft a right tackle, safety or possibly Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill at No. 17. Everybody could win under this scenario.

Team No. 2: New York Jets

Analysis: Would the Dolphins do business with a division rival? That's tough but not completely foreign if it helps both teams. Richardson once again is the focal point. If he falls to No. 8, that increases the value of Miami's pick. The Jets don't have a huge need at running back. But the team will run the ball a lot next season, and Richardson would be perfect for New York's "ground and pound" offense. A pairing of Richardson and Shonn Greene would take a lot of pressure off quarterback Mark Sanchez. Would the Dolphins help the Jets' offense, led by former Miami head coach Tony Sparano, get back on track? Miami could probably get New York's No. 16 pick, a second-rounder and a later pick in return.

The AFC East blog continues this week's series on ranking team needs entering free agency and the NFL draft.

Next up is the Miami Dolphins, who finished 6-10 last season.

No. 1 need: Quarterback

Analysis: This has been talked about for months now. The Dolphins need a franchise quarterback who can get them to the next level. Matt Moore did a solid job for Miami last year and had a 6-6 record as the starter, including six wins in his last nine games. He's 13-12 as a starter for his career. If the Dolphins want to go 8-8 every year, Moore is the guy. But Miami has bigger aspiration of building a championship team. That is why the team is expected to explore options like Peyton Manning and Matt Flynn.

No. 2 need: Right tackle

Analysis: In addition to all the quarterback questions, Miami also will need someone to protect that player's front side. Starting right tackle Marc Colombo struggled last year and will be an unrestricted free agent. He was a favorite of former Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano and is not expected to return to Miami. The Dolphins also need to decide what to do with veteran guard Vernon Carey, another unrestricted free agent. But finding a quality replacement at offensive tackle is more difficult than finding a good guard. Fortunately for the Dolphins, this is a good draft class for offensive tackles.

No. 3 need: Safety

Analysis: The Dolphins are mostly set in the secondary. Vontae Davis and Sean Smith are two young corners approaching their primes, and safety Yeremiah Bell recorded his fourth consecutive 100-tackle season in 2011. But there is one missing piece at safety in Miami's secondary. Reshad Jones, 24, showed some promise filling in during the second half of the season, but he's not a game-changer or the long-term solution. The Dolphins could use a playmaker on the back end of the defense.

Agree or disagree? Vote on Miami's biggest offseason need using our SportsNation poll.

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

• The New York Jets reportedly are one of several teams interested in free-agent quarterback Chad Henne.

Morning take: The AFC East blog called this one weeks ago. New Jets offensive coordinator Tony Sparano was a big supporter of Henne while in Miami. It didn't work out for either party. But it makes a lot of sense to have Henne reunited with Sparano and push Jets starting quarterback Mark Sanchez next season.

• Will the New England Patriots make a play for free agent defensive end/linebacker Mario Williams?

Morning take: In a perfect world, Williams is just what New England's defense needs. He's a game-changer who can get to the quarterback. But financially this would be tough. New England has the cap room, but Williams and receiver Wes Welker would take up a majority of it.

• Should the Miami Dolphins pay the price to move up for Robert Griffin III?

Morning take: I think Miami should go the route of free agency. Peyton Manning or Matt Flynn are better options at this point, considering it only takes money to get these quarterbacks. The price for Griffin III is going to be a lot, and Miami needs its draft picks to help other areas.

• The Buffalo Bills' special teams were ranked 11th according to the Dallas Morning News.

Morning take: Buffalo's third unit was solid, especially when Rian Lindell was healthy early in the season. The kicking and punting from Lindell and Brian Moorman, respectivley, combined with big returns from Leodis McKelvin helped Buffalo's numbers.

Here is a memo to the Miami Dolphins: Avoid drafting quarterbacks in the second round this year.

I'm not very superstitious, but I know a trend when I see one. For Miami, picking three quarterbacks in the second round since 2007 has been nothing short of disastrous.

Lets start in '07 with the first second-round pick: John Beck. This was former Dolphins head coach Cam Cameron's quarterback of the future. Beck was taken in the second round (No. 40 overall) out of BYU and showed nothing in his two years in Miami. He threw one touchdown, three interceptions and had a 62.0 passer rating before being traded to Baltimore, where Cameron landed after getting fired in Miami after one season.

The next year, new head coach Tony Sparano was looking for his long-term solution at quarterback. In '08 the Dolphins selected Chad Henne in the second round (No. 57 overall). Sparano backed Henne all the way to the bitter end, when Sparano was fired in 2011 and Henne suffered a season-ending injury. Henne will be let go by Miami this offseason.

Finally, in '09 Miami drafted Pat White in the second round (No. 44 overall) with hopes of adding a dynamic element to the Wildcat offense. The Dolphins were criticized for this pick, because it was clear that White would struggle in the NFL as a conventional quarterback. His only potential impact would be for gimmick plays, and Miami wasted a second-round choice on that possibility. White made just five pass attempts in his one year in the NFL.

It's no secret the Dolphins will look at free-agent options first, such as Peyton Manning and Matt Flynn. But when it comes to the draft, they should avoid second-round quarterbacks. They simply don't pan out in Miami.

With the offseason in full swing, let's take a look at one major question facing each AFC East team as it begins preparations for the 2012 season:

MIAMI DOLPHINS

Who is the quarterback?

It won't be Matt Moore. That much is clear entering the offseason. Miami has not been shy to say the team will explore all options to find a franchise quarterback for 2012.

Is it Peyton Manning? Is it Matt Flynn? What about Robert Griffin III? Everything is up for discussion, according to Dolphins owner Stephen Ross and general manager Jeff Ireland. Expect Miami to be in the hunt for every big name at quarterback who becomes available.

Look for Miami to see what happens with Manning first. The Dolphins want to make a splash with a proven quarterback who can put fans back in Sun Life Stadium. Manning obviously fits the bill. The only question is his surgically repaired neck, which reportedly has been operated on four times.

The next option would be Flynn, who played under rookie Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin in Green Bay. Flynn is a bit of an unknown commodity, but he has played very well in limited opportunities.

Griffin would be a third and unlikely option. The Dolphins hold the No. 8 or No. 9 pick and would have to trade up to get the Baylor quarterback. With so many teams interested in Griffin, the Dolphins don't have a strong chance.

But a lot of parts are in place in Miami. The Dolphins are a franchise quarterback away from being a playoff contender. The Dolphins will be a team to watch in 2012 if they fill that void.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

How will they improve the defense?

You know Patriots coach Bill Belichick isn't happy with his 31st-ranked defense. He built a reputation being a defensive guru, and Belichick will do all he can to get that side of the ball fixed.

The good news for New England is the team has plenty of cap room and flexibility. Twenty free agents have cleared up more than $20 million in cap space. Belichick will have the option of trying to re-sign the players he wants to keep -- Wes Welker and Matthew Slater, for example -- while using the rest of the salary cap to upgrade the roster with outside free agents.

In terms of the draft, the Patriots have two first-round picks and two second-round picks. Belichick is always looking to trade down for more picks. But this could be the year he cashes in and gets the most out of his picks. New England can use help at cornerback, safety and another pass-rusher on the edge.

BUFFALO BILLS

Will they really be players in free agency?

Bills general manager Buddy Nix surprised a lot of football observers this offseason when he said the team will spend to the cap and chase the best free agents. Buffalo is infamous for keeping a low payroll, but Nix said the Bills will spend this year.

Buffalo lived up to that early billing by recently going after CB Stanford Routt, who has reached an agreement with Kansas City. Even though Routt didn't choose Buffalo, it was a good sign the Bills are willing to go after top-end talent.

The biggest issue for the Bills: Can they convince big-name free agents to come to Buffalo? It's not often talked about, but the Bills traditionally struggle to land good free agents when competing against winning teams in more desirable cities. If the money and years are equal, Buffalo often comes up short.

This is a good year to spend money in free agency. There are a lot of very good players available, and Buffalo may have to overpay to get some on the roster.

NEW YORK JETS

Can they fix the offense?

New York's 25th-ranked offense sprung leaks everywhere last season. Sometimes it was the offensive line. Sometimes it was the quarterback and receivers. Poor play calling also was a factor.

This offseason the Jets' biggest priority is getting their offense back on track. The Jets already made steps in that direction by replacing offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer with former Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano, who is responsible for improving chemistry and getting everyone on the same page.

Veterans such as starting receiver Plaxico Burress and future Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson are not expected to return. New York won't have much cap space, so the team must get creative while making upgrades.

This is also a huge offseason for quarterback Mark Sanchez, who has made only marginal strides in his three seasons. The Jets publicly back the third-year quarterback. The team knows if Sanchez plays well and remains confident, everything else on offense falls into place.