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Where do Patriots fall in AFC East ranking after week one?

By Lou Scataglia

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - JANUARY 15: Trent Brown #77 of the New England Patriots walks off the field during halftime /ab at Highmark Stadium on January 15, 2022 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NEW YORK - JANUARY 15: Trent Brown #77 of the New England Patriots walks off the field during halftime /ab at Highmark Stadium on January 15, 2022 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Week one in the AFC East is over after Sunday’s slate of games. Where could we rank the Patriots after the first week of the season?  The teams in the AFC East had an up and down start to their respective seasons.

The Buffalo Bills trounced the Los Angeles Rams in Los Angeles, putting the entire league on notice.  The New York Jets got beaten badly by the Baltimore Ravens, and Zach Wilson isn’t yet healthy.  And finally, the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots squared off in week one, only to have the Patriots lose in depressing fashion.

The AFC East is 2-2 as a division.  Both the Bills and Dolphins are 1-0, and the Patriots and Jets are 0-1.  Unfortunately, the Patriots are officially last in the division after week one because they’ve already lost a divisional game.

AFC East standings after week one

4. New York Jets (0-1)

The Jets are the worst team in the division as of now.  New York was able to outgain the Ravens by over 100 yards.  Joe Flacco threw the ball nearly 50 times and New York won the time of possession battle.

However, they are clearly the last place team after week one.  Even with Zach Wilson healthy and playing, I think the Jets are a year or two away from being a legitimate NFL team.  They’ve got some nice, young players on both sides of the ball, but they are a distant fourth in the AFC East.

3. New England Patriots (0-1)

The Patriots are the third best team in the AFC East after week one of NFL action.  Against the Dolphins, the defense was mostly able to hold their own, only allowing Miami to score one offensive touchdown.

However, inopportune mistakes cost them at the end of the day.  The offense just wasn’t what it needed to be, either.  The Patriots’ defense might end up having to carry most of the workload in 2022 if New England wants to compete for a playoff spot.

2. Miami Dolphins (1-0)

The Mike McDaniel era started off on the right foot for the Dolphins.  It was by no means a great game for them, but their defense played well and they were, for the most part, able to move the ball.  The defense was able to force a few turnovers and score a touchdown and Tua Tagovailoa looked just fine.

Tyreek Hill proved to still be an effective player as well, even with a new quarterback.  The Dolphins appear to be heading in the right direction, and their Sunday win against the Patriots was a great start.

1. Buffalo Bills (1-0)

For years, the Buffalo Bills were a mediocre team.  They were never able to get the quarterback right until Josh Allen came to town.  Now, they appear to be unstoppable.  Their 31-10 drubbing of the defending Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams in Los Angeles was a massive win for the team.

Largely seen as Super Bowl favorites, Buffalo lived up to that hype in their first game.  Their defense is wicked talented, and Josh Allen is the most dynamic player in the NFL right now.  They’ve got talent at every single position on their roster.

General Manager Brandon Beane has built a powerhouse, and I unfortunately do not expect the Patriots to be able to beat this team in 2022.

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