Another week is in the books for the AFC East with the standings looking the same. The Buffalo Bills are still leading the way at 4-1 even after a big loss to the Tennessee Titans. New England is still in second place after their game against the Denver Broncos got moved. Wrapping up the division are the Miami Dolphins (2-3) and the winless New York Jets. This week for the AFC East Roundup we look at some of the takeaways from the division in Week 5.
To say the Buffalo Bills got it handed to them Tuesday night against the Titans would be an understatement as they lost big time, 42-16. The defense was unable to get needed stops as Ryan Tannehill carved them up to the tune of three touchdowns on the evening. On offense, Josh Allen did not play badly, if you consider that one interception was off a deflection. However, he had another one that was easy pickings for Malcolm Butler, which led to points for the Titans. This loss was a gut-check to Buffalo as things have been mostly smooth sailing up to this point. Next up, the defending champions Kansas City Chiefs who are also coming off their first loss of the season.
The New England Patriots ended up having a week off as their game against the Broncos got moved to this coming Sunday after positive COVID-19 tests. The good news for the Patriots is that quarterback Cam Newton is off the COVID list and will return to the team on Thursday. As long as everything goes well, Newton will end up only missing the one game against the Chiefs after testing positive on October 3. Cornerback Stephon Gilmore is also getting ready tor return after his positive test but he still has a couple of challenges to complete before he is given the go ahead.
On to Miami who completed one of the biggest upsets of the week, thrashing the San Francisco 49ers 43-17. Dolphins’ quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was able to quiet the people calling for Tua by passing for 350 yards with a cool three touchdowns. The defense was able to control Jimmy Garoppolo with ease and ultimately led to his benching. Even when C.J. Beathard came in to replace him it was more of the same. Be aware of this Miami team sitting at 2-3 on the season because they certainly have the potential to make a run as the season goes on.
Lastly, there are the New York Jets who are still looking for their first win of the season. The big news coming this week for the team is the release of Le’Veon Bell on Tuesday. The Adam Gase/Bell marriage seemed doomed from the start as it never appeared that the head coach wanted the running back in the first place. The Jets still have to pay him quite a bit of money but it was a decision that was said to be the best for team. Now the Jets are without two star players after getting rid of safety Jamal Adams before the season. Stepping in for the bulk of the carries now will be ageless wonder Frank Gore.