AFC East Power Rankings: Week 3
By Alex Cuffe
Dec 30, 2012; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) greets Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) after the game at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots defeated the Miami Dolphins 28-0. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
What up guys, here’s the week 3 edition of the AFC East Power Rankings with the Dolphins once again ranked number 1. Don’t forget to follow me on twitter @thecuffester and feel free to shoot me any questions or comments about the Dolphins, Football, Fantasy Sports of life in general.
1. Miami Dolphins (3-0) -0
Miami put down the Falcons in emphatic fashion this past week, proving that they are in the conversation as a legitimate playoff contender. One big reason for the Dolphins’ success has been their excellent play in the 4th quarter. So far this year the ‘Phins have scored 17 points and given up just 3 points in the 4th quarter. The biggest question moving forward is whether the Dolphins’ Offensive Line will be able to hold up throughout the rest of the season. Miami gave up another 5 sacks to the Falcons bringing their season total to 14, tied for second most in the NFL. Additionally the ‘Phins have rushed for just 211 yards and a meager 3.2 yards per attempt so far this year, both ranked in the bottom 7 teams in the NFL. The line is clearly a weakness and one that could lead to major problems and even injuries if something isn’t done.
2. New England Patriots (3-0) -0
The Pats looked vastly improved this past weekend and their defense has been one of the stingiest in the league giving up just 11.3 pts/game through the first 3 weeks. The offense still looks a little out of sync but getting Gronk and potentially Amendola back this week should be big for Brady. This being said, New England hasn’t been tested at all yet playing three teams most would qualify as below average at best. A matchup against the Falcons in Atlanta should be a good gauge for how good this team really is.
3. New York Jets (2-1) +1
So far, every game the Jets have played has come down to 7 points or less. That’s one reason why I’m starting to believe this team could surprise some people this year. Their defense is clearly for real, ranking 3rd in total defense in the NFL behind just Houston and Seattle. If the Jets can continue to keep their opponents’ offenses in check, anything can happen in the last few minutes of a 3 or 7 point game. This being said, I don’t expect Bilal Powell to run for 149 yards every week.
4. Buffalo Bills (1-2) -1
Dan Carpenter, the former Dolphins kicker who was released in favor of Rookie Caleb Sturgis this preseason, accounted for 12 of the Bills’ 20 points this week against the Jets. That just isn’t gonna cut it. The worst thing for a rookie QB is to consistently be placed in third and long situations, an outcome that occurred many times on Sunday and resulted in the Bills converting just 4 of 18 third down opportunities. To make things worse, It’s not like he received any help from star offensive player CJ Spiller who rushed for just 9 yards on 10 carries before leaving the game with a quad injury. Spiller and the Bills offense will have to get it together in a hurry as they return home to face Baltimore this weekend.