It’s pretty rare one player can shake up an entire division, but if anyone can it’s Aaron Rodgers. For over a decade the Jets have been the laughing stock of the AFC East, but now everyone is ready to hand over the Lombardi trophy. Not so fast, some of the other teams in the division got something to say.
New York Jets
The talk of the league, the New York Jets have a lot to prove this season. The first second of struggle will be overanalyzed, scrutinized and everyone will be calling for Rodgers to be benched.
Welcome to New York Aaron.
In all seriousness, this is a very impressive defense both up front led by Quinine Williams and the secondary led by Sauce Gardner. The Jets made a smart decision, not something you say often, and picked up running back Dalvin Cook while Breece Hall recovers from a torn ACL. The Jets have to keep their quarterback protected and there are questions at both starting tackle positions. Mekhi Becton was great during his rookie season, but he has failed to remain on the field since then.
Buffalo Bills
Most important there is nothing better than seeing Damar Hamlin healthy and back on the football field.
Something is off about this Buffalo team. Maybe it was the last time we saw them it seemed like star wideout Stefon Diggs was unhappy. It’s not uncommon to see star wideouts get frustrated, but if the Bills want to succeed they need potential MVP Josh Allen and Diggs firing on all cylinders. Their weapons after that are pretty weak especially in a very competitive division. Allen has struggled especially with turnovers since offensive coordinator Brian Daboll departed for the New York Giants head coaching job. There are a lot of questions about this defense who is still waiting for Von Miller to return from injury and lost Tremaine Edwards who went to the Bears in free agency. The team did not do much to address their absences.
Buffalo is still the best team going into the season as they look for their fourth consecutive division title.
Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa needs to stay healthy, the end. If he doesn’t, Miami’s season is over. It’s not off to a good start with the announcement that left tackle Terron Armstead will not be available for week one. The difference in Tagovalioa’s accuracy is significant when Armstead is blocking him versus not.
The team still boasts the best wide-receiver tandem in Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill. They are still waiting for Jalen Ramsey to return from knee surgery. The Dolphins got off to a hot start last season, but lost five games in a row and had to beat the Jets in the season finale to make the playoffs.
New England Patriots
The Patriots are still trying to find their way since the Tom Brady dynasty ended. There have been some good moments, but they are still looking to build a solid foundation. This will be the year we find out if Mac Jones is the guy. We’ll see h0w he does in new offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien’s system.
When compared to the other teams in the AFC East it’s clear the Patriots just don’t have enough talent to really compete for a division title. They have not finished with less than seven wins since 2000 so they could sneak a division win here and there, but it’s more about determining if Jones is their franchise quarterback.
