AFC East defenses right now
By: Jake Rajala
The AFC East doesn’t exactly have the most imposing defenses. They have the worst defense in the league in the New England Patriots, and then the three other defenses are in the middle of the pack. With that said, I’m going to unfold where these defenses rank.
New England Patriots
The Pats hired Jerod Mayo to retool the defense, but he clearly failed, which led to his demise. The Pats recorded 12 turnovers, which was second to last in the league. The Pats also ranked dead last in sacks last season with 28. It was hard for Drake Maye to carry the Pats in his rookie season.
New York Jets
The Jets were 24th in takeaways with 17. They ranked 11th in sacks with 43 sacks. They also ranked 19th in PPG allowed with 24 PPG allowed. The Jets don’t have Darrelle Revis, but they still have pieces like Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner. Gardner just signed a contract for four years worth $120 million!
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins defense was all over the map. The Miami Dolphins were 27th in takeaways with 16. At the same time, they ranked 9th in PPG allowed. Then they ranked 27th in sacks with 35 sacks. The Phins can bend not break. However, they need to make more plays against the likes of Josh Allen, who they will play twice a season.
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills don’t only bully their foes on offense, but defense, as well. They were third in takeaways with 32. The Bills ranked 12th in PPG allowed. They added Joey Bosa to help their pass rush. Von Miller departed and recently signed with the Washington Commanders.
The only positive aspect of the AFC East defenses being sub-par is that there is only two Pro Bowl-caliber QBs in the division. Drake Maye made the Pro Bowl last season, but he only threw for 16 TDs to 10 ints. I don’t consider him a Pro Bowl-caliber QB. The Bills may have the best defense in the division, but they need to show up and dominate against the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson.
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