AFC EAST

Buffalo Bills (3-5)
Grade: D

What they've done well: The Bills know how to intercept passes. Led by rookie safety Jairus Byrd, they had nine picks in their two-game winning streak over the Jets and Panthers, the most the team had recorded in a two-game span since 1967. Byrd, the son of former Chargers defensive back Gill Byrd, had two more in the 31-10 loss to the Houston Texans and has 7 at the halfway point. He is in position to challenge Dick "Night Train" Lane's all-time record of 14 pick in one season.

What needs improvement: The Bills' offense is inconsistent and that won't change until quarterback Trent Edwards (concussion) is back. Buffalo has been using backup Ryan Fitzpatrick behind center and he doesn't have the accuracy, consistency or arm strength to get the team rolling. The Bills rank 27th on offense and that unit could only muster 204 yards against the Texans.

Miami Dolphins (3-4)
Grade: C-minus

What they've done well: The unconventional. Other teams try the Wildcat offense, but it's the Dolphins who do it best with Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown. They are also a resourceful crew who can get badly outplayed badly -- like in Week 8 against the Jets -- but can still win thanks to special teams play. Also key? They also are converting 50.5 percent of their third-down attempts, second in the league.

Needs improvement: Tony Sparano's coaching gaffes are getting laughable. His timeout at the end of the first half in Week 7 gave the Saints the chance to score on Drew Brees' 1-yard run. Otherwise the clock would have run out.