From the West to the East, opposite of the setting sun, we roll through the AFC East next in our NFL season preview. The Patriots way is long gone, officially now with the departure of Bill Belicheat. The battle between the Bills and the Fins for division supremacy is on, but oh yeah… what about that QB who’s returning for the Jets? In a peek at our third division, we finally have some uncertainty. Let’s go.
Where did all the WRs go? The Bills will be down both Diggs and Gabe Davis as the new season begins; does it matter? Honestly, I think Diggs, although a great player, was probably a pain in the ass. Although Allen will be looking for some WRs to throw to, he’ll still have Kincaid and Knox at TE, plus Cook in the backfield with a good OL turned out to be decent when the Bills decided to run the ball down teams’ throats. I think the lack of a #1 WR is actually a good thing, allowing Allen to make the best decision with the football without trying to force it in to Stefon, before he starts whining. We’ll see. The defense was severely banged up last year; they’ll be healthier, but won’t have everybody back either. Can the Bills continue their solid run? Yes. Will they be able to take the next steps? TBD, but with Josh Allen at QB, anything is possible.
QB play is pretty important huh? Just ask the Jets, who grabbed A-Ron, only to see him go down a couple plays into the season; I didn’t shed a tear. He’ll be back, and with their solid defense, will improve things drastically; enough to dethrone the Bills? Not sure about that. How about the Dolphins? Well, we’re getting there… I do love Breece Hall at RB, but not completely sold on their coach, but does it really matter with Rodgers back in the pocket? He is getting old though… he may be retiring with just that one ring on his finger.
The Dolphins look to close the deal this year and win the division; they squandered a lead down the stretch last season. I like their squad; Tua has two awesome weapons to throw the ball to, plus some nice RBs. Their offense is solid, except they couldn’t score in the cold in the playoffs; tell me I bet on that game. I do like their coach. I do think the Dolphins could win this division, if the Bills can’t gel quickly on both sides of the ball.
One team that will not be winning the division is the Patriots; haven’t they won enough? Yes, so… go away now. With a new coach, they will rely heavily on their defense, because their offense is going to be putrid. But wait, Drake Maye… yeah, we’ll see. Just as my interest in the Cardinals, I look at this Pats team on the road in Week 1 at Cincy, and think… this is the game to pick. Those are my top two at least, before talking to the rest of the “team”.
There will be multiple teams from this division in the playoffs. Honestly, the safest bet is the Dolphins IMO. The Bills or Jets will be in the postseason as well; I lean Bills, but maybe that’s because I hate the NYJ QB. Finally, a competitive division; what’s next?
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