I may be wearing Aqua and green glasses, but i didn't then and don't now think miami is that far from the pats. I believe we had a more skilled starting team and they had the better coaching staff.
It remains to be seen but the group of offensive coaches we have this year excites me more than the one we had last year. With Sullivan and Tresman devoted soley to our pasing game, not to mention Boston, its hard not to see a production increase in that aspect of our offence. However, the play calling will take a step back without Turner (Although he couldn't call his game because of DW and Fiedler).
IMO these changes will close the gap with the pats and therefor i belive the phins will win the east. The pats are world champs right now and they earned it, they are a great team. Being champs though, means nothing next year except everyone will be gunning against you. The last three superbowl champs before the pats all missed the playoffs the year after their championship, including the pats (That year they were talking repeat/We are the best too).