What are the biggest issues still facing the four teams in the AFC East in 2020?
It has been an offseason unlike any other. Life has changed dramatically for everyone but the NFL found a way to go about its business and has been undaunted in the process. Free agency went off without a hitch and the draft in late April was a virtual experience enjoyed by millions.
As of now, the league will kick off its 101st season on the night of Thursday, Sept. 10, when the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs host the Houston Texans at vaunted Arrowhead Stadium.
This is the first of an eight-part series dealing with each NFL division and what are the top questions facing each club. The AFC East has been ruled by the New England Patriots every season since 2009.
The Miami Dolphins were the last team other than Bill Belichick’s club to win this division (2008) and there is a lot of excitement in South Florida these days.
Of course, there’s also a lot of anticipation when it comes to Sean McDermott’s Buffalo Bills, a playoff participant in two of the past three seasons but without an AFC East title since 1995. And the New York Jets are looking to reach the postseason for the first time since 2010.
So what are the biggest issues for each of these four clubs? And are there any possible solutions on the horizon? There are still nearly three months before the start of NFL in 2020.
NOTE: Teams are listed in order of finish in 2019.
New England Patriots: Who will be the opening day starter at quarterback?
This just in, quarterback Tom Brady is now a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. So Bill Belichick, who was hired as head coach the same year (2000) the six-time Super Bowl champion signal-caller was a sixth-round draft choice, now has a decision to make when it comes to his starter behind center.
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A year ago, the organization used a fourth-round pick on Auburn prospect Jarrett Stidham. He only saw action during the regular season in three contests and one of his throws was “memorable,” serving up a pick-six to New York Jets’ safety Jamal Adams in what proved to be a lopsided 30-14 victory in Week 3 at Foxborough.
This offseason, the organization re-acquired the services of veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer, released by the Indianapolis Colts. It will be his third stint with the team after entering the league back in 2009 as an unrestricted free agent. He’s been a member of eight NFL teams but in all his days with the Patriots, he’s never started a game for Belichick’s club.
But that could change in Week 1 this season vs. the Dolphins at Miami. While Stidham did beat out Hoyer a year ago for the backup job behind Brady, it wouldn’t be a shock to see the team go with the more experienced performer — especially early in the season. Stay tuned.
Buffalo Bills: Is bolstered defense improved enough to consistently stop the run?
The 2019 Buffalo Bills made strides from the previous season. A big part of that was the play of quarterback Josh Allen, who did more with his arm then he did with his legs – which was somewhat of the opposite of his rookie campaign. In ’18, he spent the vast majority of the year running for his life behind an offensive line that left a lot to be desired.
Last offense, general manager Brandon Beane being worked hard at fixing the problems up front and the play from that unit was much better. Buffalo’s ground attack was more reliant on Devin Singletary and ageless Frank Gore (now with the New York Jets) than it was on Allen – although the latter led the team with nine rushing TDs.
Ironically, one shortcoming for Buffalo’s vaunted defense was its inability to match up against some of the power football teams in the league. And too often teams were able to run the ball down the Bills’ throat as the club surrendered 131.0 yards per game rushing in six regular-season setbacks and 141 on the ground in the overtime playoff loss at Houston.
This year, free-agent additions such as one-time Carolina Panthers such as defensive linemen Vernon Butler and Mario Addison and linebacker A.J. Klein hope to remedy that situation. Can they help get the job done?
New York Jets: Has Joe Douglas sufficiently rebuilt the offensive line?
It was a major weakness for the team throughout the season and in some ways a problem for this team the last few years. The offensive line of the New York Jets had its issues throughout 2019 and newest general manager Joe Douglas was determined to address the situation throughout the offseason.
The veteran free-agent additions include tackle George Fant (Seattle Seahawks), center Connor McGovern (Denver Broncos) and guards Josh Andrews (Indianapolis Colts) and Greg Van Roten (Carolina Panthers). They join a group that includes guards Alex Lewis and Brian Winters — the latter limited to nine games this past season — and 2019 third-round tackle Chuma Edoga, who made eight starts as a rookie.
Of course, Douglas’ big move in April was to grab University of Louisville prospect Mekhi Becton with the 11th overall selection. The 6’7”, 364-pound blocker figures to man the left side this season and this revamped unit, which now features a little experienced depth as well, hopes to make life easier for the running game and quarterback Sam Darnold. It’s worth noting that the club also invested a fourth-round pick on guard Cameron Clarke (Charlotte).
All told, the Jets ran for only 78.6 yards per game and surrendered a disappointing 52 sacks this past season.
Miami Dolphins: Have they addressed the league’s worst running game enough?
It was quite a dismal performance when it came to Miami’s ground attack this past season. Granted, dealing running back Kenyan Drake to the Arizona Cardinals during the season didn’t help matters. But who would have thought that the team’s leading rusher by season’s end would actually be ageless quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick?
The journeyman field general wound up gaining 243 yards on 54 attempts while reaching the end zone four times. The team’s top ball-carrier in terms of attempt was Kalen Ballage, who amazingly managed only 135 yards on 74 carries albeit running for three scores.
Of course, general manager Chris Grier was pretty proactive when it came to adding some talent to the backfield. Miami picked up one-time Bears and Eagles running back Jordan Howard in free agency. And during April’s draft, the Dolphins swung a trade to acquire Matt Breida from the reigning NFC champion San Francisco 49ers.
Then again, bolstering the offensive line was on the team’s bucket list as well as Miami was dead last in the NFL this past season when it came to rushing offense (72.3 yards per game) and along with the Carolina Panthers, allowed a league-high 58 sacks. Hence the addition of rookie tackle Austin Jackson (1b-USC) and free-agents Ereck Flowers (Redskins) and Ted Karras (Patriots).