The AFC East Division was turned on its head a year ago after Tom Brady’s season ended in the opener because of a knee injury.

The Dolphins went from 1-15 to division champions, the Patriots rallied to finish 11-5 but missed the playoffs, and the Bills (early) and the Jets (late) imploded after good starts.
Now Brady is back and New England, with a noticeably younger defense after the departures of Mike Vrabel and Richard Seymour (trade) and Tedy Bruschi and Rodney Harrison (retirement), surely has a chip on its shoulder.
That doesn’t bode well for the rest of the division, but unlike two seasons ago when the Pats went 16-0, the Dolphins, Jets and Bills aren’t nearly as bad.
The Jets are breaking in a new coach (Rex Ryan) and rookie quarterback (Mark Sanchez) and the Bills abruptly switched offensive coordinators last week, but Buffalo’s offense will get a boost from Terrell Owens, who should draw attention away from Lee Evans.
Bottom line: New England is the heavy favorite, but it should meet some resistance.
Next-level players
Leon Washington, RB, Jets: The speedster is like a smaller version of Reggie Bush, only more productive and less injury-prone. Word is he’ll get more carries in the Jets’ new offense, and he’s already proven to be a threat catching passes out of the backfield. Plus, he made the Pro Bowl last season as a kick returner.
Ted Ginn Jr., WR, Dolphins: His numbers haven’t been overwhelming thus far, but he increased his receptions total from 34 as a rookie to 56 last season, and supposedly receivers hit their stride by their third year in the league. He didn’t do much in the preseason, but he’s Miami’s No. 1 receiver and has excellent speed.
Jerod Mayo, LB, Patriots: He began his career brilliantly last season, leading all rookies with 128 tackles and adding four sacks, and he will take over Tedy Bruschi’s role as the defensive play-caller. With some veterans gone, New England’s defense is in Mayo’s hands for years to come.
Leodis McKelvin, CB, Bills: He lacks polish as a defensive back, but he got five starts last season and grabbed two interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. What sets him apart is his blazing speed in the return game. He set a Buffalo record with 1,468 yards on kickoff returns last season, including a 98-yard TD.
Elite game
Dolphins at Patriots, Nov. 8: Miami broke out the Wildcat offense last season in Week 3 and embarrassed New England 38-13. Bill Belichick no doubt would like to serve up a cold plate of revenge.
Elite player
Tom Brady, QB, Patriots: Already a three-time Super Bowl champion, he set an NFL record with 50 TD passes in 2007. All reports are his reconstructed left knee is fine, and with Randy Moss, Wes Welker and Joey Galloway as his receivers, a big year is certain.