A WEEKLY LOOK AT THE PATRIOTS, DOLPHINS, AND BILLS
New England Patriots (1-1): Alright, so we’re well aware of the Jets’ improbable 16-9 win Sunday against the Patriots, but more needs to be said about New England. With Tom Brady 
back, most NFL observers thought that the Patriots’ high-powered offense would steamroll through defenses, and that Bill Belichick would continue drawing up his crafty and intuitive defensive gameplans. Two problems: First, Brady & Co. have yet to hit stride (though New York’s defense had a lot to do with that), and second, the defense is in rebuilding mode, though I’d expect them to get better as the season progresses. They missed Wes Welker Sunday and they’ll miss Richard Seymour all year. The Patriots are still a playoff team - still one of the best teams in the AFC - but a couple more “off” performances and we’ll have to reevaluate. New England hosts Atlanta this week and should get a win.
Buffalo Bills (1-1): The Bills have been impressive, and yes, they should be 2-0. In Sunday’s 33-20 win over Tampa Bay, Buffalo gained 438 total yards, 220 through the air and 218 on the 
ground. Trent Edwards threw two touchdown passes (one to T.O.), and Fred Jackson rushed for 163 yards and caught six passes. Buffalo held Tampa to 57 yards on the ground and 4-of-16 on third-down conversions, and though the Bucs aren’t a very good offensive team, those are impressive numbers. Buffalo had a 17-0 lead after the first quarter and this time they held on for the win. We’ll learn a lot about the Bills this week when they host the red-hot, and explosive, New Orleans Saints.
Miami Dolphins (0-2): The surprise team of 2008 is finding 2009 to be far less welcoming. Against the Colts Monday night, the Dolphins lost the lead four times in a game they dominated 
on paper. Miami had 27 first downs to the Colts 14. They ran 84 plays to Indy’s 35. And they outgained the Colts on the ground, 239-61. One more eye-opening stat: Miami had the ball for 45:07, Indy for 14:53. How did the Dolphins lose you ask? Three-hundred-three yards passing by Peyton Manning (including two long touchdown passes of 80 yards and 48 yards), seven catches for 183 yards from Dallas Clark, and 14 fourth-quarter points. Still, when you put up the numbers Miami did, especially first downs and time of possession, you have to win the game. It doesn’t get any easier for Miami with a road game at San Diego this week.
