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

Tony Sparano is very likeable and well-respected in NFL circles. But even Sparano 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.

The quarterback controversy has already begun in Browns minicamp, Damien Woody thinks the Jets should skip "Hard Knocks" and Herm says Vince Young will be more than just a backup in Buffalo.

With the stench of last year's late-season implosion still fresh, the New York Jets got together as a team for the first time in 2012 for the start of the offseason workout program.

The workouts Monday were voluntary and not open to the media. But three members of the Jets were available for a conference call. The key theme was last year, and this is the start of something new.

"We made some mistakes in 2011, but we are focused on 2012," Jets head coach Rex Ryan said of the team's fresh start. "We are excited. ... When you don't meet expectations it kills you."

Ryan went on to address the chemistry issues and eventual implosion that took place during the final month of last season. The Jets were 8-5 and on the cusp of another playoff bid before losing three straight games.

At the center of the internal issues were Jets No. 1 receiver Santonio Holmes and quarterback Mark Sanchez. The pair were not on the same page on or off the field, and things blew up in the season finale. The pair have since talked things over and recently worked out together in Florida to make amends.

Holmes also praised Sanchez on Monday for coming out to Florida and helping get key members of the offense together.

"[Sanchez] is portraying those leadership qualities," Holmes said on the conference call. "We are both looking forward to bigger and better days."

Holmes, in his first public comments since the end of last season, didn't care to address all that went wrong down the stretch.

"That was too long ago," Holmes said, while also repeating the team-wide sentiment that last season was last season.

With a talented and veteran team, it's hard to know which way the arrow is pointing for the Jets. Was last season simply a one-year misstep or the beginning of a downward spiral? The Jets are not far removed from back-to-back AFC title games in 2009 and 2010. But last year New York looked like an aging team that lost its edge.

Jets Pro Bowl center Nick Mangold says the "future is bright" for New York. The Jets will have a lot of detractors this season that think otherwise, especially if this group cannot stay together in the locker room. The important team-building process for New York starts now.

A handful of teams are interested in trading for Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace, a league source told Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

There's one snag to this happening -- the Steelers shouldn't be interested in trading Wallace. There's no logical reason for the Steelers to do this. Wallace isn't happy that he is playing under his restricted free-agent tender, and the Steelers won't be happy if Wallace decides to skip offseason workouts because of that. But all signs point to Wallace catching long passes from Ben Roethlisberger this season.

First of all, the Steelers can't expect to get a first-round pick for Wallace on draft day because that's the price to acquire him right now as a restricted free agent. If any team is willing to part with a first-rounder, it will sign Wallace to an offer sheet before the April 20 deadline.

Another nugget of information to remember when trying to validate this trade rumor: The Steelers know they will get a compensatory third-round pick for Wallace if he leaves as a free agent after this season. While no one really knows the league formula for handing out compensatory picks, the Cincinnati Bengals received a third-round compensatory pick for wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh in 2009. Enough said.

The only remaining scenario is a team offering a second-round pick (and perhaps a package that includes a second-rounder and multiple later-round picks) for Wallace. But this deal shouldn't interest the Steelers either. Why get only a second-round pick for a No. 1 wide receiver? He's an integral part of the Steelers making another Super Bowl run this year, and Pittsburgh still has 10 months to get Wallace signed to a long-term deal. And, if the Steelers fail to sign Wallace, they still get a third-rounder for him.

Trading their top wide receiver wouldn't be unprecedented for the Steelers. Pittsburgh traded Santonio Holmes to the New York Jets for a fifth-round pick 10 days before the 2010 draft. But Holmes and Wallace are two receivers who represent two different issues. Holmes was facing a four-game suspension at the time after a series of off-the-field incidents. Wallace is coming off a Pro Bowl season and has produced the second-most receiving yards ever (3,206) in a player's first three seasons in the NFL.

So, there's no surprise that there's a handful of teams interested in trading for Wallace. It would just be shocking to see the Steelers actually trading him.

Wide receiver is one of the deepest areas of this year's NFL draft, and the New York Jets need a starting receiver. Sounds like we have a match.

On Monday ESPN.com's blogger mock draft pegged Notre Dame receiver Michael Floyd to New York at No. 16. ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay talked about the possibility of Floyd to New York earlier this week.

"I mean, if you're going to run the football and be successful, you've got to have the threat of the pass. If Michael Floyd was there [at No. 16], I think he would fit very well in terms of a compliment, and what, I believe, they need on this roster. You start to look at what they have. Chaz Schilens opposite Santonio Holmes, and Jeremy Kerley, doesn't strike a lot of fear. I get it. You're in the lineup and run the football, but you've got to back defenses off, unless this becomes the Tebow show and they turn into the Denver Broncos from a year ago which is a whole other story."

McShay went on to elaborate by saying there could be other great options available in the second and third rounds. The Jets have other needs, such as right tackle and safety. But is Floyd the best fit for New York?

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.

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.

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.

This week the AFC East blog will look at each division team and examine the biggest needs entering free agency and the draft. On Tuesday we start with the New York Jets, who finished 8-8 last season.

No. 1 need: Safety

Analysis: The Jets are hurting badly at safety. Opponents found the weakness in New York's defense last season by avoiding corners Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie and attacking the middle of the field. The Jets allowed several big games by tight ends last season. Starting safety Jim Leonhard is coming off a season-ending knee injury and is a free agent. He probably won't find a job until he's 100 percent again, which could be several months down the line. The other starter, Eric Smith, struggled mightily in 2011. The Jets need upgrades at both safety spots, making it doubly tough to fill this position. Look for New York to address this need in both the draft and free agency. Fortunately for New York, there are plenty of good safeties entering free agency this year.

No. 2 need: Right tackle

Analysis: The Jets surprised many by guaranteeing Wayne Hunter’s contract for 2012, but that doesn't guarantee he will be a starter. Hunter was very inconsistent last season, and the Jets need help at right tackle to give quarterback Mark Sanchez enough time in the pocket. Hunter was better in a backup role than as a full-time starter. Perhaps getting help at right tackle would upgrade the starting position and help Hunter, who would be in a more comfortable role.

No. 3 need: Receiver

Analysis: With starting receiver Plaxico Burress about to hit free agency and unlikely to return, the Jets need to find another starting-caliber receiver for their 25th-ranked offense. Jeremy Kerley (a 2011 draft pick) showed flashes last season. He caught 29 passes for 314 yards and one touchdown. But Kerley may not be ready for a starting role. The Jets could use a big and fast receiver via the draft or free agency to pair with Santonio Holmes.

That is our list. But feel free to let the AFC East blog know what you think New York's biggest need is by voting in our SportsNation poll.

Wendi and Marcellus discuss if T.O. can make his way back to the NFL, Darren talks about the Jets offseason needs, and in Did You Hear That?, Chase Blackburn tells the amazing tale of his road back to the NFL.

INDIANAPOLIS -- New York Giants punter Steve Weatherford set a Super Bowl record on Sunday night with three punts that forced the New England Patriots to start inside their own 10-yard line. Elias Sports Bureau reports that Weatherford is the first Super Bowl punter ever with three such punts. He could have had four, but a bad bounce carried his second one into the end zone before the Giants' coverage team could down it.

Now, I know some of you complain when I talk about punters, but Giants fans who remember the Matt Dodge era know what Weatherford has meant to the team. He was one of the "non-sexy" signings GM Jerry Reese talked about in the offseason when I and others were ripping Reese for inactivity, and Weatherford's performance in the NFC Championship Game and the Super Bowl capped an outstanding season.

A couple of other Giants set records Sunday night as well. Tom Coughlin became the oldest coach ever to win a Super Bowl, at the age of 65. And Eli Manning set a Super Bowl record for most consecutive completed passes to start a game. Manning completed his first nine.

Additionally, Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw became the fourth player to score the game-winning touchdown in the final minute of the Super Bowl (even though his team was telling him not to score it). The others are John Taylor, Plaxico Burress and Santonio Holmes, which means it's now been done in three of the last five Super Bowls.

As the weeks go by following the New York Jets' implosion towards the end of the regular season, more details continue to emerge from behind the scenes. The latest comes from Jets running back LaDainian Tomlinson, who exposed an intense rift between New York starting quarterback Mark Sanchez and No. 1 receiver Santonio Holmes.

"I've been around some locker rooms and quarterback-receiver situations and what-not, but it was as bad as I've been around," Tomlinson said on Showtime's "Inside the NFL" on Wednesday night. "You know, it was at the point where I think the players could no longer do anything about it. There was nothing that the players could do. So when it gets to that point, there are certain changes that need to happen. Can it be fixed? I think absolutely it can be. But they're going to have to make some tough decisions."

Tough indeed.

It was clear Sanchez and Holmes were not on the same page on the field. The two did not connect on nearly enough big plays to be successful this past season. That created frustration for the entire offense.

But if Sanchez and Holmes have issues with each other personally, this needs to be repaired as soon as possible. There is little chance for success on offense if the quarterback and top receiver cannot get along. This will be the job of head coach Rex Ryan and offensive coordinator Tony Sparano to fix.

Barring a dream scenario of New York acquiring quarterback Peyton Manning, neither player is going anywhere. Sanchez and Holmes both have to make it work or the Jets are in trouble again next season.

» NFC Wrap-ups: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

Arrow indicates direction team is trending.

Final Power Ranking: 19
Preseason Power Ranking: 7

Biggest surprise: Guess who led the Jets in sacks this season? Aaron Maybin. Yes, that Aaron Maybin. The same Maybin who was a draft bust for the Buffalo Bills and cut before training camp. The Jets saw potential in Maybin and invited him to training camp. With a change of scenery and scheme, Maybin showed some of the things in New York that he showed in college to make him a first-round pick. Maybin briefly made New York's 53-man roster out of training camp. Then, he was released. When the Jets picked Maybin up again during the season he was ready. Maybin helped the Jets with a team-high six sacks, which should put him in consideration for the NFL's Most Improved Player.

Biggest disappointment: This was the year New York's coaching staff thought quarterback Mark Sanchez would make major strides. This was the year the offense would be put in Sanchez's hands and would finally catch up to New York's talented defense. But that plan didn't pan out. Sanchez wasn't ready to take the next step in his third season and coach Rex Ryan pulled back the reigns. The Jets went back to their ground-and-pound offense and tried to protect Sanchez. The offense was bland, predictable and Sanchez struggled. New York's offense was ranked No. 25 in the NFL. Sanchez's numbers slightly improved. But the team still had to protect him in his third season, and that's not acceptable for a top-five draft pick. Sanchez needs to make a lot of improvements next season to be considered among the upper-echelon quarterbacks in the NFL.

Biggest need: There are several reasons the Jets were inconsistent, but the biggest reason was the offensive line. The Jets need to upgrade the right tackle position immediately. Wayne Hunter draws too many flags and struggles in pass protection. The front office needs to find a better front-side protector for Sanchez. The offensive line as a group played a notch or two lower than it was capable of. The Jets need to add depth and competition at guard. Center Nick Mangold was fine, but D'Brickashaw Ferguson wasn't as good as previous years. Both made the Pro Bowl, although Ferguson made it more on name recognition.

Team MVP: I know it's early. But I feel pretty safe in saying that Darrelle Revis will be an all-time great. Revis put together another Pro Bowl year and is easily the team's MVP. Revis is dominating a position that is nearly impossible to dominate. The rules are tilted in favor of the offense and receivers to promote scoring. But Revis has found a way to consistently shut down opponents from the cornerback position. His ability to stick to and frustrate receivers is fun to watch. His hand-eye coordination is the best in the NFL. It's considered an event when a receiver catches a couple passes on Revis. Perhaps the biggest shame is that Revis, 26, is a unique talent in his prime, and the Jets are wasting those prime years by fumbling around in other areas.

Free-agent watch: The Jets have several interesting free agents. Offensively, New York has to decide whether to bring back starting receiver Plaxico Burress and/or backup tailback LaDainian Tomlinson. Burress was signed on a one-year rental to see if he has anything left after spending time in prison. Burress showed flashes, particularly in the red zone. But he will be 35 in August and struggles to get vertical. The Jets may need an upgrade opposite receiver Santonio Holmes. Tomlinson's role was reduced this year and he is considering retirement. Defensively, New York has to decide what to do with starting safety Jim Leonhard. He's an underrated player. It's evident as the defense fell apart this season when he was out of the lineup. Leonhard suffered a season-ending knee injury late in the year and has a long rehabilitation process ahead. That could impact and delay whether the Jets pursue him.

Now it's clear why New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez and top receiver Santonio Holmes weren't on the same page on the field.

It turns out the pair couldn't on the same page off the field, either.

ESPNNewYork.com's Rich Cimini reports Sanchez and Holmes clashed the week leading up to Sunday's 19-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins. Two of New York's most important offensive players exchanged words during one quarterbacks and receivers meeting, and Holmes reportedly skipped another.

This was the genesis of Sunday's regular-season finale when Holmes got into a heated exchange in the huddle and was subsequently benched in the fourth quarter. Everything that was brewing behind the scenes came to the forefront in the final minutes of a must-win game.

The Jets (8-8) certainly had the talent to make the playoffs but team chemistry held them back. Now there's a disconnect between the starting quarterback and No. 1 receiver that needs to be resolved.

Here are seven notes and observations from Week 17:

• Many Jets players in the locker room admitted chemistry and team unity were an issue this season. The Jets have a combustible mix of personalities, and that only heightens playing in New York, where pressure is at its highest. The Jets were close to imploding during their first three-game losing streak in early October. But head coach Rex Ryan was able to keep the team together. But as the offense continued to struggle and the Jets lost big games down the stretch, it became more difficult to keep the team together, and it showed on the field. Cornerback Antonio Cromartie hinted at a divide between the Jets' defense and offense, and receiver Santonio Holmes' benching in a loss to the Miami Dolphins highlighted more issues within the offense.
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Howard Smith/US PresswireThe Jets' struggles on offense might cost coordinator Brian Schottenheimer his job.
• It’s difficult to get a read publicly on what the Jets will do with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer this offseason. But I think a move should be made. The Jets were ranked 25th, and the offense needs a new voice. There is too much unrest and players losing confidence in the system. Someone has to take the fall for the Jets (8-8) finishing .500. There were several reasons, but Schottenheimer's game plans and play-calling were among the biggest issues.
• The New England Patriots' defense has played great football the past two weeks in the second half. That's a start. New England has allowed just seven points in the third and fourth quarters against the Dolphins and Buffalo Bills. If New England can channel that energy into four full quarters, the team will be dangerous in the playoffs. Much of it will depend on the matchup. The Pittsburgh Steelers pose the biggest threat in the divisional round. But the Steelers would be without starting running back Rashard Mendenhall (knee) and with a gimpy quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (ankle).
• A quiet but important key to New England’s playoff run will be rookie running back Stevan Ridley. He has the hot hand and is probably the team's most complete running back. Ridley rushed for 81 yards on 15 carries in Sunday's win against Buffalo. Someone needs to give the Patriots balance in the running game, especially with the quality defenses in the AFC playoff bracket.
• Receiver Steve Johnson's decision to cost the Bills another 15 yards with a celebration penalty shows he’s not learning from his mistakes. That has to be concerning for the Bills, who have to decide whether to give Johnson a multi-million dollar extension this offseason. Johnson reportedly is seeking $7-$8 million per year. He's not going to get that in Buffalo, and probably increased his chances of leaving after getting benched in his final game of the season. Johnson is a good teammate and a good player. But some of his antics are perplexing.
• Miami Dolphins interim head coach Todd Bowles deserves kudos for excelling in a tough situation. Bowles finished his interim stint 2-1. He nearly went undefeated, but suffered a close loss to the Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross said Bowles is a candidate for the job and will get an interview. But Miami wants to make a splash and is expected to chase a bigger name. Based on the team's strong finish, the new head coach might want to consider retaining Bowles and the rest of the defensive coaching staff.
• Miami would be wise to pursue Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Matt Flynn in free agency. Miami will hold the No. 8 or No. 9 overall pick, which most likely isn't good enough to draft Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III. Flynn came off the bench in Week 17 and threw for 480 yards and six touchdowns against the Detroit Lions. He made himself a lot of money with that performance. Miami quarterback Matt Moore played well in spurts, but isn't the long-term solution. The Dolphins need a quarterback who get them to the next level.