NFL
By: Greg Rector
The AFC Eastern division is loaded. Where do I see these teams falling for the 2023 season? Let us start with the New York Jets who added Aaron Rodgers as their quarterback and then we can work our way through this division which will be an absolute dogfight.
Aaron Rodgers signs new two-year, $75M guaranteed deal with Jets through 2024 season. (via @tompelissero) pic.twitter.com/9a1m3f9wFK
— NFL (@NFL) July 26, 2023
New York Jets
Along with Aaron Rodgers coming to play quarterback as we see above he re-signed his contract to give the New York Jets the ability to keep and sign other players. This team should be a contender for the division title if they can get their young group of players to remain healthy. Breece Hall was on pace to be a rookie of the year until he was injured last season. Israel Abanikanda from Pitt should also be a great addition to the Jets’ backfield.
Garrett Wilson is coming back after being the NFL offensive rookie of the year and to think of him catching passes from Rodgers should scare plenty of defensive coordinators. They also added two former Packers receivers in Allan Lazard and Randall Cobb and the Jets also added speedster Mecole Hardman from the Kansas City Chiefs.
If the Jets can keep their offensive line healthy this will be a dangerous group.
The Jets’ defense has the other rookie of the year as well in Sauce Gardner who was spectacular as a rookie. Along with DJ Reed, they make a great tandem at the corner position. The Jets are loaded up front, especially at the defensive end.
I see a whole of Jets fans online who are really confident they will win the AFC East this season.
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are wanting to make the Super Bowl. They don’t want to be second fiddle anymore. The AFC East division that has been theirs for the last two seasons though is loaded. Can the Bills overcome the challengers? Josh Allen must not try to win games on his own legs at every attempt. Devin Singletary is gone so James Cook is the new number-one running back. The Bills added Latavius Murray and Damian Harris to give Cook two veteran associates.
This is the best: A young #Bills fan told Josh Allen that his sister has been wanting to meet him and was literally crying while waiting.
Josh went over, and the reaction is awesome.
This is what it’s all about.
(🎥 @WHEC_JLewke, @BuffaloBills)
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) July 26, 2023
I can see Dawson Knox and rookie Dalton Kincaid both having solid seasons for the Bills as well from their tight-end positions.
Stephon Diggs and Gabe Davis will lead the receivers along with Kahlil Shakir the rookie out of Michigan State.
The Buffalo Bills defense however needs some assistance. So they went out and signed veteran linebacker Leonard Floyd. Can Floyd be the menacing linebacker he was with the Rams remains to be seen. The other piece of the puzzle that was missing for the playoffs was, of course, Von Miller. If the Bills can keep Miller on the field they have a legitimate shot at winning the AFC East.
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are another team that is loaded from one side of the football to the other. They re-signed all their running backs Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson and they drafted Devon Achane as well.
Their dynamic duo of receivers featuring Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle can cause nightmares for any opposing secondary.
This #CampCam was ✨ wholesome ✨ pic.twitter.com/F9gO1tGWI9
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) July 27, 2023
The offensive line isn’t loaded with stars but they are capable. They must stay healthy in order to keep Tua Tuagavoila healthy as he can be in order to be a challenger in the AFC East.
The Dolphins’ defense is loaded with talent in the secondary and has four solid linebackers as well. Jalen Ramsey needs to return to his old ways at the corner position. So much for that statement as Jalen Ramsey is out until at least December after injuring his left meniscus.
New England Patriots
The Patriots are still the Patriots. That means they will give you a fight no matter what. Mac Jones should be much happier as the quarterback with Bill O’Brien as his offensive coordinator. Remains to be seen as to how the rest of the offense will work. They added Ju Ju Smith Schuster and also drafted Kayshon Boutte from LSU at the wide receiver position.
Possible Patriots opportunities for @TeamJuJu and other offensive notes following the second day of #PatsCamp.@ezlazar's takeaways: https://t.co/F1W32B3cVF
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) July 27, 2023
With Damien Harris now gone Rhamondre Stevenson is the new number one at running back.
The Patriots landed Christina Gonazalez out of Oregon for their secondary and the rest of the defense are simply solid players all around. How the Patriots play the AFC East will determine their fate this season.
How The AFC East Will Go
I have the Buffalo Bills remaining as the winners of the AFC East division with the New York Jets being right behind them. The Dolphins and the Patriots in that order. The Bills should finish at 12-5 the Jets will be 11-6 the Dolphins should be 10-7 and the Patriots will be 9-8. Yes folks every team could be above .500 in the AFC East this season.
