AFC East: Biggest question for each team in 2021
New England Patriots: Can a new-look offense gel quickly regardless of the quarterback?
It’s a franchise that is known to be a little frugal in terms of creating in terms of free agency for many years. It’s not that the New England Patriots have not signed their share of players there are players but the team under Bill Belichick has relied on his prowess as a coach, as well as the will of quarterback Tom Brady.
But the latter moved on in 2020 and the skill position talent pool in New England has dried up slowly but surely. Hence this year’s additions of wide receivers Kendrick Bourne and Nelson Agholor and tight ends Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry. Cam Newton is back and looking a lot healthier and the Patriots used the 15th overall pick on University of Alabama quarterback Mac Jones.
Depending on who you read, either signal-caller could be the Week 1 starter. But will this entire unit be ready when they host the Dolphins?
New York Jets: Will new head coach Robert Saleh put his stamp on the defense?
The last time we saw the franchise in the postseason, Rex Ryan was the head coach and Mark Sanchez was the quarterback. That was the 2010 AFC Championship Game. Since then, the team has managed only one winning season and are the owners of the longest current playoff drought in the league.
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With so much made of the trading of Sam Darnold and the drafting of quarterback Zach Wilson, what about the Jets’ ability to stop the opposition? The team slumped to 24th in the league in total defense this past year and only five clubs allowed more passing yards through the air. New head coach Robert Saleh comes with big expectations.