The reigning Super Bowl champions are once again in the same division as the Miami Dolphins. Quarterback Tom Brady and New England won their fifth championship Sunday in a 34-28 overtime win against Atlanta.
That means the Dolphins, who won 10 games and made the postseason, still have a steep mountain to climb to catch their biggest rival.
Here is how Miami can help close the gap with New England next season:
No. 1: Improve the defense
Analysis: This was the top issue that held Miami back in its two meetings with the Patriots last season.