NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
Outside of the NFC East, the AFC East was just as good division-wise. 3 of the 4 teams posted winning seasons while 2 advanced to the playoffs. The New York Jets held out as long as they could until they faltered down the stretch. However, the division has changed just a bit with the addition of Aaron Rodgers in New York. Josh Allen is still leading the way for the Buffalo Bills while Mac Jones is trying to hold on to his job with the New England Patriots. Can Tua Tagovailoa stay healthy and lead the Miami Dolphins atop the division?
The AFC East is sure to have a lot of eyes on them this season, especially with the Jets begin featured on HBO Hard Knocks during Training Camp. The Bills have won the division for 3 straight seasons but that run may be over.
New England Patriots
To be fair, someone has to be in 4th place. The New England Patriots are no longer the shaykh that was led by Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. While these Patriots are a scrappy bunch, they have yet to make it all click. Most of the blame has been placed on the shoulders of QB Mac Jones. And while some of that is deserving, Belichick just can’t squeeze out of these guys the same intensity he did with his Brady-led teams.
This is the do-or-die season for Jones at the QB position. Heading into his 3rd season as the starter, Jones must take command of the team and lead them back to the playoffs. While the Pats have tried to give him weapons by either draft or free agency, the once dynasty is no longer drawing interest from some of the bigger names. This has to be one of Belichick’s best coaching seasons or else.
The same with every team in this AFC East, it comes down to the defensive side of the ball. Do they have enough to stop Allen, Rodgers, and Tua? The Patriots will need to grow up quick this season or it could all be downhill by their Bye Week.
Buffalo Bills
Are the Buffalo Bills still the team to beat in the AFC East? the Bills have run the East for the last 3 seasons but it seems their grip is not as tight as it once was. The Bills have been right there but have fallen short. Is this the season where Josh Allen and Co puts it all together?
The offensive is still led by one of the best in the game in Allen and while the Bills have taken countless shots from the media and fans regarding their lack of a ground game, they may have changed the tide this offseason with the move for Damien Harris and Latavius Murray. As far as receivers go, anytime you have a magical player like Stefon Diggs plus Gabe Davis, you’re always in good shape. Allen also has TE Dawson Knox as another weapon.
Who Will Win The AFC East
The defense took a blow last season with the injury of Demar Hamlin but he’s expected back and with that should be a boost to a unit looking to make a statement. What they will need to fix is getting to the QB with consistency. Last season, the Bills registered just 40 sacks, and in a division where QB play will be talked about heavily, the Bills cannot afford to let their opponents make the Pro Bowl off 2 games played against them.
New York Jets
What a difference an offseason makes. Not saying the New York Jets were a forgotten team, but now, they’re really in the spotlight. With news that they will be the featured team on HBO Hard Knocks, everyone will be watching. Will they become the darlings of the NFL like the Detroit Lions were or will they fade into obscurity muck like the Arizona Cardinals did? Rodgers is key but he’s not the only key.
Rodgers is a sure-fire Hall of Famer and he’s pretty much going to do what Rodgers does. His excellence is expected. However, the Jets are still young and the hope is that why don’t try to prove each game that last season was not a fluke. They have to stay grounded and committed. Rodgers will have weapons at his disposal it’s Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson, and Allen Lazard. The Jets showed growth and potential last season and now they have the pieces on offense to prove they’re ready to take that next step.
The Jets have one of the best secondaries in the NFL led by Sauce Gardner. If the defense can step it up on stopping the run, they will make a serious run for the division crown. Getting pressure on Allen, Tua, and Jones is also vital. When it comes to the AFC East, this division is a toss-up. One game could really change the dynamic of all 4 teams.
Miami Dolphins
Can Tua Tagovailoa stay healthy? Yes, it sounds like a broken record but at this point and with so many head injuries, that has to be asked over and over. It’s clear that the Miami Dolphins are a different team with him under center. He understands his role but most important, he knows where his teammates are as well.
If the Dolphins can find a scheme to fit their RBs to go with that aerial attack led by Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, the rest of the Division could be watching a changing of the guard in the East. The Dolphins are high-powered and they’re hungry. Tua is the key here. While another QB can lead them to wins, Tua can lead them to a Super Bowl. It’s that simple for this team.
Can the Dolphins find their swag on the defensive side of the ball? While the offense will definitely click, if you can’t stop anyone from scoring, you won’t win a championship. Last season, the Dolphins averaged 23.8 points per game but gave up 24.1 per game. That’s too close for comfort. And now you have Aaron Rodgers across from them twice a season, things could get ugly. If they can get consistent pressure on Allen, Rodgers, and the young Jones, the Dolphins will take this division.
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