AFC East Breakdown: Week 10
By Matt DeLucia
(Matt DeLucia writes for Musket Fire, which is FSB’s Patriots blog. Representing the rest of the AFC East are Phin Phanatic, The J-E-T Press and The BuffaLowdown.)
Well football fans a few things have changed in the last week since the last AFC East breakdown. The Patriots and Jets are now tied atop the AFC East. And yes the Dolphins are sitting in second place after their close nail biting victory. Oh and the Bills have reverted back to their old form, by losing their third straight game in a row. The two big questions regarding these teams and this division is who wants it? And who will ultimately come out on top at the end. Thursday night’s game between the Jets and Patriots just might help make things a little clearer. The winner just might be alone on top by the close of the weekend, based upon what the Dolphins and Bills do. And now here’s this week’s breakdown.
Buffalo Bills (5-4):
Looking back: Buffalo’s offense forgot to show up until the final two minutes of their game with New England. Trent Edwards showed why he’s a middle of the pack quarterback with bad decisions and throws that I’m sure he’d love to have back. For the second time this season Buffalo was held without a rushing TD’s. Looking like the Bills of old now at 0-3 in the division.
Looking ahead: Buffalo returns to the home confines and face off with the Cleveland Browns on a Monday night football showdown. With Brady Quinn leading the Browns now, the Bills better be prepared for a shootout. Another loss just might spell the beginning of the end for any hopes of winning the East.
Miami Dolphins (5-3):
Looking back: The Dolphins are still only a game behind of the leaders. After a close 21-19 victory over the Seahawks. The Dolphins are riding high on a three game winning streak. Another fine showing on defense saved the day and preserved the victory. With Chad Pennington getting basically the entire receiving core involved in the passing day, the Seahawks had no clue as to who to cover or try and stop. And with Ricky Williams returning to his form of old as he topped 100 yards rushing.
Looking ahead: Up next on tap are the dreadful Raiders. Go ahead and call it right now, this should be an easy win for the Dolphins. This should prepare them for their battle with New England in two weeks. I know don’t look ahead, or it could bite you in the butt. But come on it’s the Raiders the place where players go to die and be forgotten. Start chalking up four in a row now.
New England Patriots (6-3):
Looking back: New England comes off an impressive victory over Buffalo where all side of the ball favored the Patriots. The defense came up strong, the offense was in sync. Matt Cassel played much improved this week than he did vs Indianapolis. The finally got the likes of Moss and Welker involved early and often. And rookie BenJarvus Green-Ellis rushed for over a hundred yards and scored a rushing TD for the third week in a row. And cutting out the mental mistakes is a huge plus, especially coming into this week’s match-up.
Looking ahead: The Jets arrive for a Thursday night showdown. With Farve and Jones and the rest of the crew coming in for a key division showdown. The defense better be ready to stop Jones and contain Favre. Cassel needs to play close to perfect for the Pats to have a better chance to win. Continue to pound the ball on the ground with Kevin Faulk and Green-Ellis, and keep the Jets offense on the sideline.
New York Jets (6-3):
Looking back: After an impressive showing at home over the lonely Rams, what can the Jets do next. Thomas Jones had a very impressive day running the ball with 149 yards and 3 TD’s. Favre had a normal day in a Jets uniform, nothing special but good enough to get the win. The defense was stellar with two sacks, two picks and three fumble recoveries. One of which was returned for a score by Calvin Pace.
Looking ahead: It’s the short trip up to Foxboro for a prime time showdown with the Patriots. Favre needs to be on his game as the Patriots know how to disrupt him and force him into mistakes. Can newly signed Ty Law return to the area he use to call home and help his new team’s cause. Jones should find it tougher to run this week with the defense of New England. The Jets can’t afford to lose this game as it would mean the Patriots would have won both meeting this year, and that just might hinder any playoff hopes if the tie breaker comes into play.