As training camp is drawing near for the NFL, this is the time when people talk about expectations for teams going into the season. This includes talking about streaks that each team has that they are either trying to continue or break. In this edition of the AFC East Roundup we pinpoint one streak that each of the four teams have that they hope to either wave goodbye to or continue nurturing.
Buffalo Bills: 24 years
That’s how long it’s been since Buffalo last won a playoff game. They were able to break the playoff drought a couple of seasons ago, but now it’s time to take the next step and get that playoff victory the franchise hasn’t had since defeating the Miami Dolphins in a December 1995 Wild Card game. The current team has the talent but it will mostly depend on Josh Allen who is entering year two of his young career. Defensively, the team looks to continue their top-five performance from a year ago to keep this streak from getting any longer.
New England Patriots: Four Straight
New England is trying to join the history books with one other team in the NFL by making it to their fourth straight Super Bowl. That other team would be the Buffalo Bills. The dominance that Belichick and Brady have shown in the sport has been amazing to watch but this would be their greatest achievement yet. They are already the last team to win back to back titles in 2004-2005 so this streak would be the best yet. Another streak worth an honorable mention is their streak of ten straight AFC East titles they also hope to continue.
New York Jets: Offense Performance
This streak involves the level of play the Jets have been getting out of their offense recently. It’s been three straight seasons since the team has ranked in the top ten for total offense (29, 28, 26). Much like Buffalo, the Jets will be leaning on the development of second-year quarterback Sam Darnold who looks to take the jump after a lot of bright spots last season. He will have help behind him as the team signed Le’Veon Bell in the off season. New coach Adam Gase will be hoping his wisdom results in the offense being a well-oiled machine this season.
Miami Dolphins: 18 Seasons
We end our analysis the same way we started: Miami has a similar streak as the Bills, but one that hasn’t lasted as long. It’s been 18 seasons since the team won their last playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts in a Wild Card game. However, it won’t be easy for the team to overcome the streak this season. The Dolphins have a new head coach in Brian Flores and are guaranteed to have a new starting quarterback after moving on from Ryan Tannehill in the offseason. It will be either veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick or second-year quarterback Josh Rosen who leading the team in 2019—and trying to bring Miami back to relevance after being a playoff team a couple of seasons ago.