AFC East: What To Watch For As The Season Unfolds
The AFC East might be one of the top divisions in football next season. With the Buffalo Bills seemingly owning the division for the past few years. The Miami Dolphins stockpiling trades to stay in the mix and keep fans excited. Then there’s the New York Jets’ interest in Aaron Rodgers. And now there are rumors the New England Patriots have been whispering interest in Lamar Jackson. What should fans be on the look out for?
Buffalo Bills
The Bills have been knocking on the door of the Super Bowl for the past few seasons. Unfortunately for them, their struggles have rattled the cages of their star WR Stefon Diggs. Whether or not they can smooth over those frustrations or they part ways, Buffalo could have their plates full behind the scenes before they even step on the football field. Add that to the rest of the division going all-in to try and catch up and it will be interesting to see how it plays out.
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins have stolen the headlines the past few seasons with trades. First, it was Tyreek Hill, then Bradley Chubb, and now Jalen Ramsey. As exciting as that is for fans, it all comes down to one huge question mark, the health of Tua Tagovailoa. The Dolphins have invested heavily in him and it has paid off but not well enough. So far it seems like again they’re not putting enough stock into the offensive line to keep Tua safe. This is the NFL and hits are unavoidable and the AFC East is tough. Miami has to find a way to keep Tua safe and on the field.
MORE NFL: Will the Saints Be Contenders This Season?
New York Jets
While they weren’t the worst team in the AFC East last year, they weren’t exactly competitive. It was a “close but no cigar” type situation. The main problem? Their blind faith in Zach Wilson. His arrogance and lack of performance has NY looking to make some major changes in the form of Aaron Rodgers but that’s a stall at best. Sure it might win them a Super Bowl if they’re lucky, but then they’re right back where they started. Will Rodgers help Wilson figure it out or will it be a huge waste of money?
New England Patriots
It’s been a while since the New England Patriots were at the bottom of the AFC East. Last season might have been a wake-up call. The Pats have to be hearing all the hype the other 3 teams are getting and it has to have poked the sleeping giant. With the back-and-forth frustration with Mac Jones last year, New England has a lot to think about this offseason. Lamar Jackson is available. The rest of the division is loading up. If Jones can’t take the next big step, then they might have to look elsewhere. No matter what it looks like on paper, the Pats need to hit the draft hard or land the big trade.
Despite the occasional upset, the AFC East has been a one-team show for the better part of two decades. 2023 might be the year it becomes the most competitive division in football.
Rick ODonnell aka Caveman Rick has many years covering the Miami Dolphins, Sports, and all sorts of movies and television.
