New York Jets
The strength: With the return of All-Pro CB Darrelle Revis(notes), the Jets have as good a cornerback tandem as any team in the NFL, and perhaps the best one. Opponents picked on Lito Sheppard(notes) last season, but it might not be so easy to repeatedly test Antonio Cromartie(notes), whose skills are suited for man-to-man coverage.
The weakness: Most of the Jets' offensive linemen are above average, but left guard could be a trouble spot. The nfl jerseys
Jets released veteran Alan Faneca(notes)—whose pass-protection skills were in decline—but both second-year pro Matt Slauson(notes) (the likely starter) and rookie Vladimir Ducasse(notes) were shaky in pass protection during preseason.
The rehab: NT Kris Jenkins(notes) missed the last 10 games of the '09 season plus the playoffs because of a torn ACL in his left knee, and he was brought along somewhat slowly in camp as a precaution. But he appears ready to roll, and judging by his performance in preseason games could again be a dominant force.
The key addition: Former Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson(notes) talked in the offseason about how he still had plenty left in his tank and backed up those words with a strong August. He appears to have rediscovered the burst he seemed to have lost in '09. He should be a big-time receiving threat on third downs as well as a good change-of-pace runner.
The bottom line: The Jets have a lot of talent at a lot of positions, but it remains to be seen how well all that personnel meshes, particularly on offense. With Revis and his suffocating man-to-man skills back in the fold, the defense could be even better than last year. The Jets could go far if they can handle being circled on every opponent's schedule.—J.P. Pelzman
New England Patriots
The strength: For all the moves the Patriots made, one facet won't change: Tom Brady(notes) is still the quarterback, giving the Patriots a big strategic advantage. As long as Brady is under center, he could play with ants and the team will would score. Brady, the '07 league MVP, is poised for a monster year.
The weakness: While bigger names signed with different teams, the Patriots rebuilt their pass rush with familiar faces. They drafted Jermaine Cunningham(notes), who didn't play in preseason. And they signed but cut Derrick Burgess(notes). Are Marques Murrell(notes) and Rob Ninkovich(notes) really the answer opposite Tully Banta-Cain(notes) (10 sacks)? They must be until Cunningham is ready.
The rehab: When WR Wes Welker(notes) tore his ACL on Jan. 3, the assumption was he would miss the first part of the '10 season. Instead, he has been ahead of schedule all the way, showing up for camp ready to work and playing in three preseason games. He's not 100 percent yet, but he's close enough to contribute early.
The key addition: For the past three seasons, the Patriots have struggled to find a matchup advantage from their tight ends. No longer. Rookie TE Aaron Hernandez(notes) gives them the receiving threat they need, and rookie TE Rob Gronkowski(notes) provides the ability to confuse a defense. He'll block and receive, making guessing a play nearly impossible. Both should play big roles in the red zone.
The bottom line: The defense has taken some hits from injuries to CB Leigh Bodden(notes) and DE Ty Warren(notes). But if they simply can avoid giving up big plays, they'll slow down opponents enough for Brady & Co. to outscore them. For the first half of the season, while the defense matures, high-scoring games will be common. Going young on defense should pay off when the playoffs come into view. — Ian R. Rapoport
Miami Dolphins
The strength: It's hard to imagine WR Brandon Marshall's(notes) case of the preseason drops lingering into the regular season, which makes Miami's passing game the anticipated strength of this team. Even after WR Greg Camarillo(notes) was traded to Minnesota, the Dolphins have a solid corps of Minnesota Vikings jersey
pass catchers. WR Brian Hartline(notes) looks to become a proven veteran in his second year, and slot receiver Davone Bess(notes) is a scrappy player with ideal consistency.
The weakness: Little about the cornerback position has been settled. Sean Smith(notes) struggled throughout camp, leading to Jason Allen's(notes) promotion to a starting job. Vontae Davis(notes) has a sore ankle, and veteran Will Allen was placed on season-ending I.R. despite his belief he'd be ready to play a month into the season.
The rehab: RB Ronnie Brown(notes), who sustained a lisfranc fracture in his foot midway through last season, has looked 100 percent since the start of camp. He wasn't all that productive in preseason games, but that could just as easily be pinned on poor play by the interior line. Brown typically hits his stride once the season starts—and that shouldn't be any different this year as he comes back from a season-ending injury for the second time in his career.
The key addition: ILB Karlos Dansby(notes) did not garner much attention in camp—but he has been everything the coaches expected when he was signed to a $43 million deal. He has shown great range, using his massive frame to get into the opposing backfield. He is disruptive all over the field, including in coverage, which makes him a welcomed addition to a defense that needs playmakers.
The bottom line: The Dolphins have more questions on their roster than when camp began, which never is a comforting sign at the start of a season. Miami still has plenty of firepower and potential on offense. If the chemistry kicks into gear sooner than later, the Dolphins still could be a legitimate contender for the AFC East crown.—Jeff Darlington
Buffalo Bills
The strength: The Bills had the second-ranked pass defense last season. It might not be that good this year, but it will be solid. Few teams can boast of a secondary with four starting-caliber safeties and a cornerback position that goes two-deep on both sides. The only question is can the front seven generate enough of a pass rush. If it does, the secondary will handle the rest.
The weakness: There are serious issues about the offensive tackle position, particularly when it comes to protecting the quarterback. LT Demetrius Bell(notes) and RT Cornell Green(notes) are OK run blockers, but both struggle against speedy pass rushers. QB Trent Edwards(notes) can make plays—but only if he stays off his back.
The rehab: RG Eric Wood(notes) was having an outstanding rookie year when he sustained a nasty compound fracture in his leg. The coaches have gradually worked him back into the lineup, limiting his snaps and giving him days off in camp. But he's fully healthy now, and he is the team's most talented lineman who could evolve into a Pro Bowler.
The key addition: For an offense devoid of Dallas Cowboys jersey
big-play ability last season, rookie RB C.J. Spiller(notes) is a welcomed addition. His sprinter's speed and open-field elusiveness make him a threat to score on any touch. He'll be featured prominently as a runner, receiver and kick returner in '10.
The bottom line: The Bills might surprise some people early before opponents get a handle on their offensive and defensive schemes. Ultimately, though, the game comes down to talent and the Bills don't have enough. They should be improved, but it's hard to imagine more than six wins.
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