2015 NFL Playoff Picture: Week 3
By Martin Bater
AFC Wild Cards
- New York Jets (2-1)
Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
I mean, damn…what happened? The Jets’ defense had left everyone stunned with 10 turnovers caused and just 17 points allowed in their first two games against the Indianapolis Cots and Cleveland Browns. Then they laid an egg and helped revive the moribund Philadelphia Eagles offense by falling into a 24-0 hole in the first half at home last Sunday.
They failed in every aspect of their game: The offense was stagnant until it was way too late, the defense sacked Sam Bradford just once, and special teams allowed an 89-yard punt return.
They were perfect for a “Wanna get away?“ commercial, and they will do just that heading off to London next Sunday as they prepare to face a Miami Dolphins team that seems to be more than willing to continually be punched in the mouth, if their home opener against Buffalo was any indication.
- Buffalo Bills (2-1)
Mandatory Credit: Andrew Innerarity-USA TODAY Sports
The Bills were a force of nature on Sunday night, bouncing back from a disappointing 40-32 loss against the Patriots by making the Dolphins look absolutely ridiculous.
It all started with a 25-yard pass from Tyrod Taylor to former Dolphin tight end Charles Clay for a touchdown that featured Miami defenders as mere training cones.
Another former Dolphin, Chris Hogan, also burned the Fins defense for a huge play.
However, the defense was the one that stole the show as they forced three interceptions from Ryan Tannehill, who hadn’t thrown one yet this season.
Go to the 42-second mark of that video and witness the sheer force of brutality. The Dolphins never saw that blitz coming, and that was the dagger that sealed the game.
The next three weeks feature the Bills visiting the Tennessee Titans and the Jaguars with a home date against the Bengals sandwiched between those games. Then the Dolphins come to Buffalo on November 8.
It is not a stretch to say that they could finish that four-game slate at 5-2 or even 6-1 if they keep this up.
Next: AFC Division Winners