The last time the New England Patriots failed to win AFC East was in 2008 when quarterback Tom Brady missed the season with a ripped ACL. Now that Brady is no longer in the division, could things close the loop with a new AFC East champion?
The Patriots’ 11-game winning streak is an NFL record, the closest team being the Los Angeles Rams, who have won the NFC West seven times in a row (from 1973 to 1979).
The Patriots join the Atlanta Braves (14) as the only NFL, NBA, MLB or NHL franchise to win at least 10 consecutive division titles.
The New York Yankees (1998-2006), Colorado Avalanche (1995-2003), Los Angeles Lakers (1982-90) and Boston Celtics (1957-65) are the other four major sports teams. which have sequences of nine consecutive titles.
Before their one-year deal with quarterback Cam Newton in late June, the Patriots without Brady seemed to be more vulnerable, while the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins and New York Jets all seemed to be progressing this offseason. Does Newton’s arrival change the outlook and tip the pendulum in favor of the Patriots?
ESPN NFL Nation journalists Rich Cimini (Jets), Marcel Louis-Jacques (Bills), Mike Reiss (Patriots) and Cameron Wolfe (Dolphins) argue for – and against – the teams they cover.
Buffalo bills
Why they will win AFC East: From top to bottom, it’s the most talented alignment on paper in the division. With 10 starters returning from both sides of the ball and a top three defense in each of the past two seasons, the Bills were already in a position to race for the division crown before Brady left the Patriots. Now that they’ve added wide receiver Stefon Diggs to boost last season’s sluggish offense, the Bills are ready to win their first division title since 1995.
Why they won’t: Buffalo’s schedule gets tough during week 5, which starts a four-game streak against the 2019 playoff teams in five weeks. If the Bills fall on this stretch, they may have trouble winning the division. In addition, Buffalo’s offensive continuity is essential, and a lot depends on quarterback Josh Allen’s connection to Diggs, which could take time after a limited offseason due to the coronavirus pandemic. – Louis-Jacques
Miami Dolphins
Why they will win AFC East: No AFC East team has improved more than the Dolphins during the off season. Tua Tagovailoa has more advantages than any quarterback here, and coach Brian Flores clocked a 5-11 record on the worst NFL lineup in 2019.
Brady is gone, and even with Newton’s arrival, this Patriots team isn’t as scared as it once was. The Bills are probably at least division co-favorites, but they don’t scare anyone. The Jets are still … the Jets. The division is wide open, so why not the dolphins?
Why they won’t: It’s a year too early. The Dolphins have a lot of young talent, but after a shortened offseason it is a lot to ask them to win the division with a rookie quarterback trying to enter the lineup, four or five new starters on the offensive line and two new coordinators. The Patriots and Bills have more proven talent and cohesion for the 2020 season. Miami should be competitive, but 2021 will likely be their year. – Wolfe
New York Jets
1:27
Rich Cimini weighs all the factors in Jamal Adams’ request for a Jets trade.
Why they will win AFC East: The defense is good enough to lead the team through the tough first part of the schedule, giving quarterback Sam Darnold & Co. a chance to build chemistry and establish an identity. After a slow start, Darnold will experience a season in small groups, with the help of rejuvenated ball carrier Le’Veon Bell and large rookie receiver Denzel Mims. They haven’t made the playoffs since 2010. There’s a law of averages, right?
Why they won’t: Whether Jamal Adams is part of the team or not, his contractual dispute will create a bad atmosphere that permeates the locker room. Coach Adam Gase will not be able to overcome the turmoil and everything will collapse. The main reason, however: there is still a shortage of talent on the list. When solid security (Adams) is clearly the best player on the team, it’s a problem. – Cimini
New England Patriots
2:39
Stephen A. Smith and Louis Riddick passionately discuss whether Jarrett Stidham or Cam Newton should enter the Patriots’ training camp as a starter.
Why they will win AFC East: Bill Belichick is still the coach, NFL defensive player of the year, Stephon Gilmore, is still in the cornerback, and there is a solid core of leadership that remains despite Brady’s departure. If Newton is in good health and can provide a solid level of play for the quarterback (assuming he beats sophomore Jarrett Stidham), that would answer the team’s biggest question, because his experience of the big game was something missing on this list.
Why they won’t: At some point, the quarterbacks need to step up and make championship shots, and there is a question of whether Newton (health, system / fit culture) or Stidham (experience) can do it consistently. Add a pandemic that has eliminated the chances of practicing, and the challenge is only increasing. In addition, the schedule should test the Patriots, with road games against Seattle, Kansas City, Houston, the Rams and the Chargers. – Reiss
.
