Miami’s downfall in 2002 could be traced to their inability to win when Jay Fiedler went down with an injury. Ray Lucas was released after looking lost on the field when he filled in for Fiedler, and Brian Griese, who was released by the Broncos on June 1st, should do a much better job filling that backup role, although he is out with a toe injury at this time.
Buffalo Bills
The Bills made great strides on offense last year with the addition of Drew Bledsoe at quarterback, and they shocked most of the NFL by selecting injured running back Willis McGahee in the first round of this year’s NFL Draft. The selection was a bit puzzling considering all the questions they have on defense and the fact that they already had a quality running back in Travis Henry and added another in Olandis Gary. A bit of the congestion in the backfield was relieved with the trade of Gary to Detroit, but McGahee is unlikely to make much, if any, contribution this year. But if he lives up to his pre-injury expectations, he’ll be worth the wait.
No. 2 wide receiver Peerless Price was traded to the Atlanta Falcons, but I think second-year man Josh Reed is ready to step into the role. Eric Moulds will draw most of the double teams, allowing Reed to run free, and Bobby Shaw, acquired from the Jaguars, will probably play the slot.
Having finished just one game behind the pack in the East, the Bills feel they can make a playoff run this year with just a little improvement on the defensive side of the ball. Takeo Spikes escaped from Cincinnati and should be a huge addition to the linebacking corps, which also saw the addition of Jeff Posey from the Houston Texans.
They also brought in defensive tackle Sam Adams to slow down opposing running games, but I’m not sure how much he has left. They got excellent value with their second-round draft pick in defensive end Chris Kelsay out of Nebraska. I felt this kid warranted a first-round pick and I look for him to make an immediate contribution to the pass rush. Safety Izell Reese (Broncos) and cornerback Dainon Sidney (Titans) should add depth to an improving secondary.
The Bills appear to have patched up the defense to the point where they should be an average unit at worst, but they failed to address an offensive line that allowed Bledsoe to be sacked 54 times. They also face a very tough schedule (11 teams above .500 in 2002) in a division that has four legitimate playoff contenders.
Having said all that, this is how I think the race in the AFC East will pan out:
