NFL Midseason Report Card: AFC East

With the first half of the NFL season over, here is a look at how each AFC East team performed with respect to preseason expectations:

New England Patriots (6-2): A-

Outside of New England, did anyone really think Tom Brady would return to 2007 form right out of the gate? Brady and the Patriots started slowly, but have started to click things into high gear as of late. The third quarter of the season, a stretch that includes playing at the Colts, Jets, at the Saints and at Miami could spell doom for the Patriots, or it could show the rest of the league exactly how good they really are.

New York Jets (4-4): B-

The Jets have been up and down this season, which is exactly what you would expect from a team led by a rookie quarterback. What most didn't expect was the Jets' win against New England. Despite that win, the Jets haven't been able to use that as momentum this season. Aside from New England, the Jets have beaten three mediocre to poor teams: Houston, Tennessee, and Oakland. The Jets have been slightly better than average this season, primarily when you consider that expectations are low anytime a rookie quarterback is named the starter. Thomas Jones has been exceptional, but the Jets really need newly acquired Braylon Edwards and quickly forgotten tight end Dustin Keller to help out Sanchez more in the second half.

Miami Dolphins (3-5): C

After last year's wildcat phenomenon was introduced, the Dolphins had their eyes set on the playoffs heading into 2009. Unfortunately they forgot about offensive balance. Dolphins fans might be quick to point out that they lost starting quarterback Chad Pennington to injury, but Pennington was 0-3. Replacement Chad Henne has played a conservative role, but has still managed a winning record while under center. The Dolphins problem is their inability to stretch defenses downfield, as they are ranked 29th in the league in passing offense. Until the Dolphins prove that they can play vertically, defenses will continue to load up the box and slow down their offense. The Dolphins will still score, because their running game is very good, but they will not be able to score enough points to be competitive with the other high scoring offenses in the AFC.

Buffalo Bills (3-5): D

The Bills made one of the biggest splashes of the off-season, when they signed Terrell Owens. However, Bills fans have to be questioning their investment considering the Bills' inability or lack of effort in getting Owens the ball. Owens has only 23 catches and one touchdown mid-way through the season, numbers far below his career averages, and the likes of which we have not seen since his rookie season in San Francisco. The low point for the Bills came in a 3-6 loss at home against the hapless Cleveland Browns in Week 5. The Bills rank 30th in the NFL in passing yards, 28th in scoring, and 29th in total offense. With winter rolling into Buffalo, expect more of the same unless they can find a way to get Owens the ball.