Pats adjust to new players; Bills, Jets face challenges

Buffalo Bills

	The Bills were thrilled linebacker Paul Posluszny lasted until the second round of the draft. Jerome Davis/WireImage.com
	Training Camp Challenges AFC East: Patriots try to adjust to new stars AFC North: Steelers search for old Big Ben AFC South: Can Addai carry Colts' load? AFC West: Broncos hope Cutler is ready NFC East: Cowboys need to use Owens earlier NFC North: Are Bears suddenly vulnerable? NFC South: Can Vick become pocket passer? NFC West: Niners may be team to beat

Challenge No. 1: Improve the offensive line.

After ranking near the bottom of the league in several offensive categories, the Bills sought to upgrade their porous offensive line by signing Derrick Dockery and Langston Walker during free agency. Star tackle Jason Peters and Dockery should form one of the league's better tandems on the left side, while Walker should solidify right tackle.

They'll have to jell quickly for the offense to make major improvements this season, so look for the starters to get more snaps during the early preseason games to speed up that transition.

Challenge No. 2: Get the young guys ready to play on defense.

The loss of defensive back Nate Clements and linebackers Takeo Spikes and London Fletcher-Baker leaves huge holes in terms of leadership and production. The Bills are optimistic that Keith Ellison and Angelo Crowell can fill the void at linebacker, and they're also high on 2007 second-round draft pick Paul Posluszny. But making up for Clements' absence will be tougher. Ashton Youboty and Kiauwakee Thomas were penciled in to battle for the starting spot before free agent Jason Webster impressed during the OTAs (optional team activities). Webster appears to be a lock to win the starting job if he stays healthy. Still, the unit is likely to experience growing pains, even if the version of the Cover Two that Buffalo runs is simpler than most.

Challenge No. 3: Settle the running back situation.

While first-round pick Marshawn Lynch will be the feature back, the battle between fourth-round pick Dwayne Wright and sixth-year veteran Anthony Thomas for the backup position should be closely watched. With the Bills seeking to create a productive duo in the backfield, the importance of finding a complementary runner is essential. Though Thomas has been productive throughout his career, many feel Wright would bring more juice to the lineup. The rookie will get every opportunity to win the job, but will need an impressive showing during the preseason to unseat Thomas, a second-round draft choice in 2001 by then-Bears head coach (and current Bills coach) Dick Jauron.

Miami Dolphins

Challenge No. 1: Get Trent Green acclimated with the offense -- and his teammates.

By not closing the deal quickly on the Green trade, the Dolphins hampered the development of their offense. Green was handpicked by coach Cam Cameron to orchestrate Miami's attack, but he and Cameron have not worked together since their days in Washington in 1996. Despite having familiarity with Cameron's offense, Green has just six weeks in training camp to establish a rhythm with his teammates. He will have to take a higher number of reps with the first unit early in training camp, but his reps and throws will be monitored to prevent him from overworking his arm. Green will be ready to go by the season opener. It'll be interesting to see how effective he is.

Challenge No. 2: Find the right combination along the offensive line.

The Dolphins are implementing a youth movement along the offensive line. Rookie Samson Satele will start at center and sixth-round pick Drew Mormino is battling for the starting spot at left guard. Former center Rex Hadnot is moving to right guard while left tackle Vernon Carey and right tackle L.J. Shelton seem set at those positions. With so many new faces playing together for the first time, it is important that Miami play various combinations during the preseason.