AFC east.(NFL)

BUFFALO BILLS

CB Terrence McGee (5-9, 195) lacks prototypical size, but he is tough and aggressive. He has gotten better in coverage, showing good ball skills and recovery speed. He has a nose for the football and is not afraid to attack the line of scrimmage and make tackles in run support.... Much is expected of DT Tim Anderson, who has replaced Ron Edwards (shoulder), Anderson works to get the most out of his ability. He doesn't have great size (6-3, 304) and can be engulfed by bigger linemen if he doesn't maintain separation. Quickness is his best asset. He is not a great pass rusher but can provide a push. OFFENSIVE SYSTEM CHECK: The downfield passing game has been nonexistent. The team has played it safe with QBs J.P. Lesman and Kelly Holcomb. The offense has relied mostly on the ball-control running of Willis McGahee. The vertical passing game could get better. As more defenses play eight men in the box to try to stop McGahee, it will create more one-on-one opportunities downfield.--Allen Wilson

MIAMI DOLPHINS

LB Junior Seau (calf) has been out the past two games, and his absence has had a bigger effect than expected on the run defense. With Seau sidelined, the Bucs and Chiefs gave the Dolphins problems on first and second downs, which led to easily convertible third-down situations.... The team is trying to find an effective way to rotate RBs Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown. The Dolphins might want to mirror the Chiefs' rotation of RBs Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson. The Chiefs alternate backs each series, which allows both players to know how they'll be used and helps them develop a rhythm. OFFENSIVE SYSTEM CHECK: QB Gus Frerotte has completed less than 50 percent of his throws in four of his six starts. He has not been able to complete enough deep passes to keep opponents from focusing on the team's running game, which has been bottled up the past two games despite Williams' return. Frerotte's poor play has some wondering whether it is time to give strong-arm backup Sage Resenfels a chance.--Jason Cole

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Heading into their off week. the Patriots ranked 24th in the NFL in pass defense and had the league's largest ratio of passing touchdowns allowed to interceptions (12-to-1). A big reason: Without FS Redney Hardson in the secondary, there's no player with the knowledge to take charge and make sure everyone is lined up correctly. His replacement, Eugene Wilson, hasn't warmed to that role.... Particularly with RB Kevin Faulk (foot) out, the Patriots have ...