Miami Dolphins remain one game out of AFC East: East recap
By Brian Miller
The Miami Dolphins sit at the bottom of the AFC East at 2-2 while the rest of the AFC East looks down at them. Miami has played one less game.
Despite what could be described as a rocky start, o.k. It has been a rocky start, the Dolphins still sit in a good position within the division. One game down at .500 the Dolphins will not find their schedule getting easier. This week the will face the Atlanta Falcons in Atlanta and then return home for their New York Jets rematch.
The suprising teams in the division are the Jets and the Buffalo Bills who both are 3-2. Just as surprising is the New England Patriots who sit at 3-2. Here is the AFC East weekend recap.
New England at Tampa Bay
The Patriots and Buccaneers kicked off the week early on Thursday night and the game cost Buc’s kicker Nick Folk his job. The Patriots needed luck on their side once again as they only produced 19 points in the game. The Patriots are looking nothing like the media expected and had the Buccaneers’ kicker made his field goals, the Buc’s could have won this game and Nick Folk would still have a job.
The Patriots have problems defensively and through the first five weeks they have come close to losing all but one. Against Houston two weeks ago the Patriots had to rally with seconds left in the game to pull out a win. This is a very un-Belichick like team but the Patriots are keeping pace and the end of the year could provide games that decide the division.
Tom Brady is still Tom Brady but the fact New England couldn’t post 20 points is something that other teams will take note of.
Next Game: At New York Jets
Buffalo Bills at Cincinnati Bengals
The previously Bengals picked up their second win of the season and the Bills lost their second in a row. The game featured three total touchdowns between the two teams and the rest of the scoring came on the feet of their respective kickers.
Tyrod Taylor didn’t play badly throwing one touchdown and one interception but it wasn’t enough as the Bills struggled. Buffalo has been a surprise this season as many thought they were rebuilding the team while trying to stay competitive. They have managed to it but the holes could be creating problems now as the season moves into the second quarter of regular schedule.
Next game: Bye
New York Jets at Cleveland Browns
The Browns are stuck at 0-5 and do not look like a team ready to get out of that trend any time soon. The Jets on the other hand were the odds on favorites to win the first overall pick. They have now won three in a row dating back to their home opening win against the Dolphins two weeks ago.
The Jets held the ball for 10 minutes less than the Browns but Cleveland couldn’t mount much offense against the Jets defense that has been playing surprisingly well in 2017. The Jets won the game 17-14 so it’s not like their offense is putting up major points but they are doing enough.
New York is building a momentum that has the players believing that they can win and that can be dangerous but it is hard to believe the Jets can continue their early success.
Next Game: New England Patriots