The New England Patriots reclaimed their division title after a half-decade hiatus last season, with the Bills ultimately succumbing to the Drake Maye and Mike Vrabel-led squad. Prior to the Bills having a vice grip on the division, it was New England's, as they won eleven straight seasons from 2009-2019.
Their 2008 blip was due to Tom Brady's ACL tear, as they won the division from 2003-2007 as well.
In total, from 2003-2019, the Patriots won the AFC East 16 out of 17 years. Their sworn rival, the New York Jets, finished third or fourth ten times in that same span and made the playoffs four times. They were unable to find any success during New England's dormancy in the 2020s either, finishing last in four of the six seasons, with a combined record of 28-73 (.277).
Last season, the Jets brought in Aaron Glenn, who ran the team into the ground. After a 1-7 start, they traded Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner, eventually falling to a 3-14 record. The Patriots beat them a combined 69-24 over their two games last year.
While there wasn't much to worry about with the Gang Green last season, their stash of draft picks led them to have a strong 2026 class. Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq is a tremendous athlete, while Indiana's Omar Cooper and D'Angelo Ponds are proven winners. Cade Klubnik was once a five-star prospect and could see run if Geno Smith flounders.
Among all Jets selections, however, one player has the chance to disrupt opposing offensive lines the most: David Bailey.
Jets' rookie David Bailey could be a problem for the Patriots
The Jets were often pegged to select either Ohio State's Arvell Reese or Miami's Rueben Bain Jr. early in the draft process, but as time went on, mock drafts began to see them select Texas Tech's David Bailey more often. In the end, that's who they selected.
Bailey was the crown jewel of the famed $7 million defensive line that featured four draft picks: Lee Hunter, Romello Height, and Skyler Gill-Howard. After transferring from Stanford, he led the NCAA in sacks with 14.5, as many as he had in his three years prior with the Cardinals.
Early in camp, Bailey has been a force to be reckoned with for the Jets, especially impressive considering their quality offensive tackles in Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou.
David Bailey has been ridiculous today. I have him with three “sacks” today. His speed has been impressive.
— Antwan V. Staley (@antwanstaley) July 30, 2026
Will Campbell and Morgan Moses ranked 11th at their respective positions in pressure rate last season, and with an upgraded interior, the line is more equipped to handle strong pass rushes.
The unit will have to be wary when facing the Jets this season, but New England's own first-round selection, Caleb Lomu, may be able to offer some insight into how to slow down Bailey.
Last season, the Red Raider notched a sack (not against Lomu) against Utah, but only four pressures for a 10.8% rate. In comparison, Bailey had a 22.4% rate across the rest of the season.
Between Bailey, Will McDonald, and defensive tackle Jowon Briggs, Josh McDaniels and Doug Marrone will have plenty to look out for against the Jets next season.
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