The last time the New England Patriots failed to win the AFC East was in 2008, when quarterback Tom Brady missed the season with a torn ACL. Now that Brady is no longer in the division, could things close the circle with a new AFC East champion?
The Patriots’ streak of 11 consecutive division crowns is an NFL record, the closest team being the Los Angeles Rams, who won the NFC West seven consecutive times (1973 to ’79).
The Patriots join the Atlanta Braves (14) as the only franchises in the NFL, NBA, MLB, or NHL to win at least 10 consecutive division titles.
The New York Yankees (1998-2006), the Colorado Avalanche (1995-2003), the Los Angeles Lakers (1982-90), and the Boston Celtics (1957-65) are the teams in the other four major sports. they have nine consecutive titles. .
Before their one-year deal with quarterback Cam Newton in late June, the Patriots without Brady appeared to be more vulnerable, while the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, and New York Jets appeared to have progressed this offseason. Does Newton’s arrival alter perspective and swing the pendulum in favor of the Patriots?
ESPN NFL Nation reporters Rich Cimini (Jets), Marcel Louis-Jacques (Bills), Mike Reiss (Patriots) and Cameron Wolfe (Dolphins) defend for and against the teams they cover.
Buffalo Bills
Why the AFC East Will Win: From top to bottom, this is the most talented list on paper in the division. With 10 starters returning to either side of the ball and a scoring defense in the top three in each of the past two seasons, the Bills were already in position to run in the division crown before Brady left the Patriots. Now that they’ve added catcher Stefon Diggs to fuel last season’s anemic passive offense, the Bills are poised to win their first division title since 1995.
Why they won’t: Buffalo’s schedule turns difficult in Week 5, which begins a four-game streak against the 2019 playoff teams in five weeks. If the Bills stumble on this stretch, they could have trouble winning the division. Additionally, Buffalo’s offensive continuity is key, and a lot depends on quarterback Josh Allen’s connection to Diggs, which may take time after a limited offseason due to the coronavirus pandemic. – Louis-Jacques
Miami dolphins
Why the AFC East Will Win: No AFC East team improved more than the Dolphins this offseason. Tua Tagovailoa has more advantages than any quarterback here, and coach Brian Flores set a 5-11 record for the worst NFL roster in 2019.
Brady left, and even with the arrival of Newton, this Patriots team is not as scared as before. The Bills are probably at least co-favorites in the division, but they don’t scare anyone. The Jets are still … the Jets. The division is open, so why not the Dolphins?
Why they won’t: It is a very early year. The Dolphins have plenty of young talent, but after a shortened offseason, it’s too much to ask them to win the division with a rookie quarterback trying to get into the lineup, four or five new offensive line starters and two new coordinators. . The Patriots and Bills have more proven talent and cohesion in the 2020 season. Miami should be competitive, but 2021 will be more likely to be their year. – Wolfe
New York Jets
1:27
Rich Cimini weighs all the factors in Jamal Adams’ request for a Jets trade.
Why the AFC East Will Win: The defense is good enough to carry the team through the opening part of the schedule, giving quarterback Sam Darnold & Co. a chance to develop chemistry and establish an identity. After a slow start, Darnold will enjoy a season of rest, with the help of rejuvenated running back Le’Veon Bell and rookie catcher Denzel Mims. They haven’t made the playoffs since 2010. There is an averages law, right?
Why they won’t: Whether Jamal Adams is on the team or not, their contract dispute will create a bad vibe that permeates the locker room. Coach Adam Gase will not be able to overcome the confusion and everything will fall apart. However, the most important reason: There is still a shortage of talent on the list. When a strong insurance (Adams) is clearly the best player on the team, it is 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 the AFC East Will Win: Bill Belichick remains the coach, current NFL Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore still lines up on the corner, and there is a strong core of leadership that remains despite Brady’s departure. If Newton is healthy and can provide a solid level of play as a quarterback (assuming he beats sophomore Jarrett Stidham), that would answer the team’s most important question, since his experience in the big game is something that was missing from this list. .
Why they won’t: At some point, quarterbacks have to step up and make championship-type pitches, and there remains the question of whether Newton (health, system / culture tuning) or Stidham (experience) can do it consistently. Add a pandemic that eliminated the chance to practice, and the challenge only increases. Plus, the schedule should put the Patriots to the test, with road games against Seattle, Kansas City, Houston, the Rams and the Chargers. – Reiss
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