Our AFC East Preview 2019 certainly likes the Pats. Also, this AFC East Preview 2019 sees the Jets as breaking through this season. The New England Patriots, despite facing challenges every season, always seem to find a road to the division title and Super Bowl. The New York Jets’ search for a premium quarterback could be over. That is if Sam Darnold matures and comes through. The Jets have retooled their coaching staff as have the Dolphins. How well will either be served by such efforts is left to be seen. The Bills face numerous challenges and growing pains. This is how we see AFC East unfolding in 2019.
AFC East Preview 2019 – Teams
Buffalo Bills
QB Josh Allen comes back for a second season after a decent inaugural year with the Bills. Allen won five of 11 starts, which was impressive, although his quarterback statistics, which included a 67.9 passer rating and 10 TD passes along with 12 picks, were not. RB Frank Gore joins the team, but the team’s top rusher, LeSean McCoy, is gone. Florida Atlantic running back Devin Singletary, who over two college seasons posted 56 running scores, could prove to be a more than adequate replacement. The defense was solid last season, but they must perform better in tracking down quarterbacks, shutting down the pass, and limiting scoring.
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins bring in first-time head coach Brian Flores, a former team Belichick member, to run the team. The 38-year-old Flores is joined by various veterans, including assistant Jim Caldwell (18 years), defensive coordinator Patrick Graham (11 years), and special teams coordinator Danny Crossman (17 years). This coaching group certainly has a lot of potential. The quarterback situation offers the Fins two choices, steady veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick or promising but disappointing second-year man Josh Rosen. For this team to succeed, one of these QBs must find a way to score points while keeping mistakes to a minimum.
New England Patriots
Our AFC East Preview 2019 acknowledges that Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are the most successful dynamic duo in the NFL. They’re back for another season. Brady has appeared in the Super Bowl nine times and has six rings. Although the ageless QB is 42 years old, he’s still got what it takes mentally and physically to win games. Belichick ramped up his draft picks by making five trades and garnering 10 young, promising players. The addition of wideout Antonio Brown may not be the panacea many had imagined, as Brown possibly faces accusations of rape.
New York Jets
Is QB Sam Darnold the answer to this team’s problems? He may be along with the new free agents they picked up in the offseason. Joining the team are running back Le’Veon Bell, linebacker C.J. Mosley, wide receiver Jamison Crowder, and guard Kelechi Osemele. Plus, they used the draft to strengthen their defense, taking tackle Quinnen Williams, edge rusher Jachal Polite, and linebacker Blake Cashman. Head coach Adam Gase comes to the Jets after being fired by the Dolphins. He’ll focus on offense, while two vets, Gregg Williams and Brant Boyer take over the defense and special teams respectively.
AFC East Preview 2019 – Prediction
In our AFC East Preview 2019 order of finish projections below, we are going with the Patriots, again. They always find a way to not only make their way into the playoffs, but to win the division. After that, we find it’s a close call, but we’re going with the Jets. This could be a big year for this team. Miami and Buffalo could become contenders if they can pull off a few upsets.
- New England Patriots
- New York Jets (Wildcard)
- Miami Dolphins
- Buffalo Bills
AFC West Preview
