East is still no contest
Division adds up to another Pats crown
Will it be another walk in the park for the Patriots? That’s usually how it goes in the division.
In recent years, the Patriots’ AFC East competitors haven’t put up much of a fight to snatch the division away. And this year doesn’t look like it’ll be much different, even if Bill Belichick’s team might not be as good as it’s been in years past.
The Buffalo Bills and New York Jets both drafted quarterbacks they hope will be the franchise quarterbacks of their future, while the Miami Dolphins are getting a quarterback back who hasn’t quite lived up to that billing after a prolonged absence.
The problem? These teams simply don’t have enough talent around their quarterbacks to compete just yet.
The Patriots have won the AFC East 15 times in the past 17 seasons, and nine straight. It’s almost automatic. That being said, let’s take a look at the Bills, Dolphins and Jets and how they shape up for 2018.
BILLS
2017: 9-7
Strengths: The quarterback position might eventually improve if rookie Josh Allen proves to be the franchise quarterback they sought when they moved up to select him with the seventh overall pick. But he won’t start right away and will need time to develop. For now, they did improve their front seven on defense by adding Star Lotulelei, Trent Murphy and first-round pick Tremaine Edwards.
Weaknesses: The offensive line continues to be a source of concern. While they like Dion Dawkins at left tackle — they wouldn’t have traded Cordy Glenn otherwise — they still have issues on the inside. Allen was sacked five times in the third preseason game. It’s not a line that instills much confidence.
Prognosis: They finally ended their 17-year playoff drought, getting that monkey off their back. But after trading their starting quarterback, Tyrod Taylor, and drafting Allen, it seems they’re more likely to regress and be in more of a developmental mode this season. Nathan Peterman will start at the outset. But this still has the feel of a restart.
DOLPHINS
2017: 6-10
Strengths: They’ve added quite a few character players and leaders, be it Danny Amendola, Frank Gore or Albert Wilson. Coach Adam Gase believes it was important to weed out some of the bad influences and bring in players who know how to win. Beyond the culture change, they should have a strong running attack with Gore and Kenyan Drake.
Weaknesses: The interior of their defensive line is suspect. The release of nose tackle Ndamukong Suh created a hole they haven’t plugged. Their run defense was porous during the preseason. A weak linebacking corps contributes to that. Their offensive line, which struggled last year, is another question mark.
Prognosis: Ryan Tannehill has returned after a lengthy absence. Everything is riding on him and his ability to lead. He has yet to show he can be a franchise quarterback. A lot is riding on whether or not quarterback whisperer Gase can help make it happen.
JETS
2017: 5-11
Strengths: They believe they finally found their franchise quarterback with Sam Darnold, the No. 3 overall pick. It still remains to be seen just how good the former USC quarterback turns out to be. They had Teddy Bridgewater, but used him as a trade chip, sending him to New Orleans for a third-round pick some believe will be used in another deal. That leaves veteran Josh McCown to mentor Darnold. Their secondary should also be strong with $72 million dollar man Trumaine Johnson and Morris Claiborne. They have two young stud safeties in Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye who are in their second year.
Weaknessess: Their offensive line is a question mark. They have decent receivers but they lack a true No. 1. They also lack a competent pass rush. It’s not a new development. Throughout Todd Bowles’ tenure with the Jets, they’ve had problems generating edge pressure.
Prognosis: They’re at least a year away from being a potential contender. But they have a base of young talent, more draft picks coming and more money to spend. They project to have the most salarycap space in the NFL next year, which gives GM Mike Maccagnan the ability to plug some holes.