AFC East Preview
Since 2002, there has only been 1 year that the Patriots haven’t won the AFC East. The Dolphins won it in 2008 despite the Patriots having the same 11-5 record, scoring more points and conceding less points. Belichick’s dynasty has dominated the division for nearly two decades. I predict much of the same this year as the rest of the division suffers with dysfunction.
New England Patriots
Last year 14-2
This year 15-1
The Patriots have arguably the most complete roster in the league, if not of all time. The reigning SuperBowl champions have improved even more during the offseason and are firm favourites to win the Lombardi trophy again. Many are saying that they will go 19-0. Tom Brady has just turned 40 as the Patriots look to win their sixth SuperBowl. The team have added Brandin Cooks (WR), Dwayne Allen (TE), Mike Gillislee (RB) and Rex Burkhead (RB) to an offense which, combined with a top 10 O line, should look to be the top offensive unit in the league. The defense should be a formidable unit too as they’ve added Stephon Gilmore to start opposite Malcolm Butler at cornerback. The Patriots are red hot favourites to win the division and the SuperBowl.
Miami Dolphins
Last year 10-6
This year 10-5
The Dolphins had a sneaky good year last year under Adam Gase, earning themselves a playoff spot which ended after losing against the Steelers in the Wild Card round. Jay Ajayi had a breakout year for the team notching up back to back 200 yard rushing performances in weeks 6 & 7 and looks set to be the bell cow for the team again this year. They have a decent receiving core with Jarvis Landry, Kenny Stills, Julius Thomas and Devante Parker although Ryan Tannehill’s season has ended before it’s begun as he has had surgery on his ACL.
The team have reunited Adam Gase with Jay Cutler who was set to become an analyst for FOX. Their poor offensive line is compensated for with an excellent defensive line but the team lacks at linebacker and cornerback which were both addressed in the draft. The Dolphins should have 4 effectively ‘free’ wins against the Bills and the Jets as both teams look to rebuild. Losing your franchise quarterback is never an easy thing to overcome, but I believe the Dolphins still push for the playoffs.
Buffalo Bills
Last year 7-9
This year 4-12
The Bills appear to be the latest team to join the #scamforsam campaign as they traded away Sammy Watkins and Ronald Darby to the Rams and Eagles respectively. The Bills received an abundance of high picks next year but Jordan Matthews, acquired from the Eagles, has already picked up an injury and is in a race to be ready for the season opener. Since then, free agent signing Anquan Boldin has announced his retirement for the game, adding to the Bills woes.
The Bills should have a decent running attack with LeSean McCoy, Tyrod Taylor and a top 10 O line, but will that be utilized if the Bills are behind in as many games as projected? They ran the ball more than any other team last year but I can’t see that happening again this year. Buffalo boast a decent D line too, but having lost their two cornerbacks, I think the unit will struggle again this year. Bills are in rebuild mode and won’t be challenging for the division this year.
New York Jets
Last year 5-11
This year 1-15
The 5-11 record of the Jets doesn’t indicate just how bad they were. 4 of those wins were by 1 score, including the Browns and an overtime victory against the 49ers. Ryan Fitzpatrick threw 17 interceptions to a mere 12 TDs rendering Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker almost redundant. Bilal Powell outshone Matt Forte in the backfield but opportunity was limited with the Jets trailing so often.
Fast forward to now? Fitzpatrick is now a Tampa Bay Buccaneer. Marshall is a New York Giant. Decker a Tennessee Titan and Quincy Enunwa has suffered a season ending neck injury. Hackenberg/McCown’s top targets will be Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Robby Anderson which leaves much to be desired. The Jets invested a top draft pick in safety Jamal Adams, who looks to be a pivotal part of their defense. I just hope the Jets do go 1-15 and secure Sam Darnold. Otherwise, it might be quite some years before this team becomes close to competitive.
By David Davenport
@Dav_TidyNFL