AFC East gets interesting after two weeks of football
By Brian Miller
The Miami Dolphins currently sit atop the AFC East with a 2-0 record. Miami last started a season with two wins in 2013 but finished the season 8-8.
This year the Dolphins open the 2018 season atop the AFC East alone in first place but it will take a lot of adjustments and great game play to hold that position. After two weeks of NFL games here is what we know about the AFC East so far.
Buffalo Bills
The Bills are in last place in the AFC East with two losses. It’s still early obviously but the Bills are not a good football team. In fact, Sunday’s highlight from the Bills loss to San Diego came at half-time when starting corner back and former Dolphins’ Vontae’ Davis paced up his locker, took off his pads, and told the coaches he was done. Announcing in a way his retirement from football in the middle of the game.
That is the Bills highlight. Buffalo has been out-scored 23-78 in those two games. It is going to be a long season as they turn to rookie Josh Allen to lead them.
Next game: At Minnesota. It doesn’t get any easier for the rebuilding Bills
New York Jets
After a week one drubbing of the Detroit Lions the fast paced defense and superb play of rookie QB Sam Darnold was put in check by the Miami Dolphins. The Jets lost Sunday 20-12 and it could have been worse. The Jets are not playing bad football and should improve as the season goes on but can they improve enough to challenge for the division? A wild card spot? Unlikely given they are rolling with a rookie quarterback who will make mistakes.
Next game: Cleveland Browns on Thursday night.
New England Patriots
Every year NFL fans wait and speculate that the Patriots are starting to lose their superior hold on the AFC and the AFC East. On Sunday they got beat by a very good Jacksonville Jaguar defense but it was the Jaguars offense that exposed holes in the Patriots defense.
The Patriots started 2017 1-2 and many began to write them off. They recovered and made the Super Bowl.
Next up: Detroit Lions. The Patriots should have little problem bouncing back from Sunday’s loss in Detroit next week where they play an inconsistent Lions team. The Sunday night featured game will pit Bill Belichick and protegé’ Matt Patricia against each other.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins are 2-0 but it hasn’t always been pretty. Adam Gase was able to script his offense to beat the quick Jets defense and he kept his creativity flowing throughout the game. He will need a solid game plan again this week.
Next up: The Oakland Raiders will come to Miami. It’s a long early season travel for the Raiders who are still looking for their first win.