The AFC East may be the toughest division in the NFL. The two teams that met in the AFC Championship game, the Bills and Dolphins came from this division. The Jets would still win 10 games and make the playoffs themselves. And with a new Head Coach on board and a great draft, the Jets could win the division. And don’t count out the Patriots, who can truly make some noise if they improve on defense and make better decisions in close games. Let’s talk about it.
Bills– Although the Bills did not win the division, they would win the game that mattered most, the AFC Championship game. After the game, Bills players and coaches would mock the Dolphins. And rightfully so. The Bills clicked at the right time last season and found a formula that worked. The formula worked so well that they almost upset the eventual Super Bowl Champions. Josh Allen and the Bills finally overcame the Pat Mahomes hurdle and it now looks like they run the AFC. The Bills defense showed up big time in the playoffs. And after getting Genrty Williams at pick 30, the Bills defense will be even better. But offensively, the Bills were on fire. A 50 bomb against the 2nd ranked defense last year in the playoffs. And if we are being honest, they were tearing up the best defense in the NFL in the Super Bowl. After getting a taste of what it is like to play in the big game, I believe the Bills will be right back there.
Dolphins– Wow! This team was cooking last season. Brock Bowers proved the Dolphins right by putting up monster numbers. There is no question on who the best tight end in the NFL is right now. Tua would also put up monster numbers in his MVP-type season. Now that I think about it. What is up with Coach Mari-led teams getting snubbed from the MVP award? Anyway, the Dolphins’ defense was also one of the best. This team is ready for a revenge tour this season. Let’s remember, they were a blocked extra point away from making the Super Bowl. Will they be able to get the job done or will it be much of the same?
Jets– Although the Jets would end up third in the division, they still would make the playoffs. After their loss to the Dolphins in the Wildcard Round, the Jets Head Coach would step down. The Jets would hire Coach Austin in the offseason. A head coach who has a pretty good resume. By bringing in a guy like Coach Austin, the Jets not only gave themselves a shot at winning the division but also a real shot at winning the whole AFC conference. The Jets also had an amazing draft that saw them bring in players like Ben Perez and RJ Maryland. Defensively, the Jets played a lot of lockdown man coverage. Their big issue was offense. With Coach Austin that will not be a problem.
Patriots– The Patriots would draft Caleb Williams with the #1 pick in last year’s draft. And although things did not go as expected, the Patriots started to show flashes of their true potential throughout the season. Defense is no doubt a problem with this team, and the Patriots look to fix that with their #2 draft pick of Travis Hunter. And if I’m being honest, they have the players to be a top defense. It is on Coach Hunter to figure out a scheme that utilizes those weapons. Offensively though, on a good day, the Patriots can score with the best of them. Everyone is counting the Patriots out, but don’t be surprised if Coach Hunter has this team rocking out of the gate.
AGS AFC East Division Winner Prediction– Bills. We saw another classic photo of Diggs looking on as the Cowboys celebrated their Super Bowl victory. What does that have to do with anything? Well, the Bills will be locked in from start to finish. They will be building good habits throughout the whole season so that when they get back to the Super Bowl, they will get the job done. I don’t see anyone messing with the Bills this season. Not the Dolphins. Not the Jets. Not the Patriots. Not the Cowboys. Nobody. This is the year! ©Any Given Sunday News