Training Camp Round Ups: AFC East
After being dominated by the New England Patriots for the past decade, the AFC East has a new top team. Entering 2022, the Buffalo Bills not only remain as divisional favorites. But also for the Super Bowl, too.
The New York Jets and Miami Dolphins meanwhile, like the Patriots on the backs of their young QB’s, are all vying for number two spot and a wild card place in the post-season.
Miami Dolphins
It never bodes well when the biggest news of the offseason had nothing to do with on the play field. The tanking allegations, the Flores lawsuit, the Tom Brady connection, all mired the build-up to a crucial year three for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Camp Highlights: The Tua-Tyreek connection.
Floor: Tua lacks progress, offense is not explosive – 4-6 wins.
This is the make-or-break year for the Tua and the Dolphins. After two years of inconsistency, the Dolphins spent the off-season bolstering the weapons on the outside, most notably with All-Pro wide out Tyreek Hill. There are no more excuses, this is the last chance for Tua to prove he can be a franchise QB.
Ceiling: Tua catches fire. The pass catching group is tops in NFL – 10 wins and the playoffs
Every team in the AFC East is going to be looking up to the Bills this season. But there is a scenario where the Dolphins can get to double digit wins and a wild card berth.
None of this will be possible unless Tua shows why he was worth the first-round pick. His teammates have raved about his arm this offseason, if his play backs that up, the dolphins have a chance.
New England Patriots
It’s been a quiet few months in New England. After setting a record for offseason spending in 2021, the Patriots took a different approach for 2022. They stayed mostly out of the free agent market, compared to their AFC East rivals. Though there has been an overhaul on the offensive coaching staff, Belichick remains, which always bodes well.
Camp Highlights: Second year QB Mac Jones is looking good!
Floor – Defense regresses, lack of cohesion on offensive staff – 8 wins.
The Patriots are in a new era. Brady, OC Josh McDaniels, are gone. All that remains from the dynasty of the 2000s is Head Coach Bill Belichick. And honestly? Belichick is probably enough for any roster to go at least .500.
Ceiling – Mac Jones takes the leap; defense is top ten unit – 10-11 wins.
Everyone remembers the picture. Mac Jones posing shirtless, cigar in mouth, slight gut. The Jones pictured is long gone.
Mac came into the offseason looking absolutely ripped. Drafted in the first-round last year, Jones was considered the most pro ready QB due to his quick release and decision making. If Jones can match the physical skills to his mental skills, expect a year 2 leap.
New York Jets
Living in the bottom of the AFC East for years, The Jets finally had some optimism heading into the 2022 season. Then, second year QB Zach Wilson got a leg injury, and Joe Flacco is now the expected starter for the beginning of the season. There season rests fully on Wilson’s speedy return.
Camp Highlights: the emergence of rookie WR Garret Wilson
Floor – Wilson has delayed return and injuries pile up, 2-4 wins.
The bad could be really bad this season for the Jets. The lines on both sides of the ball lack depth, and one or two key injuries could completely derail the season.
Zach Wilson is entering his second year as starting QB, and in this ‘what have you done for me lately?’ league, Wilson will not have many more chances to cement himself as the long-term future at QB.
Ceiling – QB and lines stay healthy – 6-8 wins
The good for the Jets this season is not much higher than mediocre. Best case scenario for the Jets is to keep their young QB healthy and give him every opportunity to be their franchise QB. If Wilson can deliver, Jets could get to .500 and set the stage for a great 2023.
Buffalo Bills
It all came down to a coin flip. The Bills ended their season on heartbreak but are set as the over all favorites to hoist the Lombardi trophy next February. This is Josh Allen’s division now.
And Jets, Pats, and Dolphins are just living in it. The AFC East should comfortably be theirs.
Camp Highlights: newly acquired DE Von Miller and the D-line looked devastating in Camp/preseason
Floor – A few fluke losses, 10-12 wins and division crown.
The Bills have one of the highest floors in the NFL this season. Playing in a less than stellar division, drawing the NFC North, and the Bills should be able to walk through the regular season.
Ceiling – The Bills do what we expect, lock up top seed in AFC 12-14 wins.
Josh Allen is a monster who can make every throw on the field and move the chains with his legs. On defense, a top ten D-line added Von Miller to the already vaunted unit.
The Bills are entering the season with a mission, and anything less than a Super Bowl berth would be considered a failure.
