NFL Power Rankings: AFC East Week 7
One thing is completely clear when examining the AFC East under the microscope. The New England Patriots, New York Jets and Miami Dolphins have all upgraded their rosters during the off-season and all
three franchises are reaping the benefits from all their acquisitions. Make no mistake about it, the Patriots, Jets and Dolphins are teams with a legitimate shot at making the playoffs with nine weeks of football remaining before the post-season.
New York Jets
The New York Jets made headlines this off-season by acquiring every big name player that was on the free-agency list or by signing players on the trading block. Those new additions have been paying dividend
as the Jets sit atop the AFC East with a 5-1 record.
There are many factors that can explain the Jets’ recent success, but the predominant reason has to be LaDainian Tomlinson's ability to rejuvenate his career and the Jets' offensive attack in the process.
We all heard the rumours and chatter over the past three years that Tomlinson has lost a step, can't stay healthy and that he should probably retire with some dignity. Seeing him play with the Jets has put an end to all that and rightfully so.
The NFL team known as "Gang Green" went to the 2009 AFC Championship Game, but this season they have added a few missing pieces and are looking to extend their journey this time around and make it to the
Super Bowl.
New England Patriots
Many wondered if shipping Pro Bowl receiver Randy Moss to the Minnesota Vikings was a good decision for New England. How would their offence manage without the deep vertical threat that Moss presented
opposing teams on Sundays? Turns out, just fine. The Patriots acquired veteran receiver Deion Branch who seems to be a good fit as a replacement.
Branch, the former Super Bowl MVP with the Patriots back in 2005, was an integral part in the Patriots defeating the Baltimore Ravens in overtime in week six.
"I'm just so happy to be back," said Branch who finished with nine receptions for 98 yards in his first game back with New England. "Feels like I never left. Tom [Brady] and I have been away for four years
and I honestly don't feel we missed a beat.”
Quite frankly, it doesn’t really matter who is on the receiving end on Brady’s passes, the Patriots are going to find a way to win. They are averaging a league high 30 points a game and their only loss
came against their divisional rivals the New York Jets.
Miami Dolphins
The 3-2 Miami Dolphins are getting ready for their AFC showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers from Sun Life Stadium. Although much of the Dolphins’ success has come from the ground game with steady production
form Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown, receiver Brandon Marshall has infused Miami's offensive scheme with a solid passing attack.
Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said, ``If they give us one-on-one against Brandon, we've got to attack it and take our odds that he's going to come up with the ball.'' This is a luxury that Miami’s offence
has lacked in previous years. Marshall finished week six with 10 catches for 127 yards. He is a main reason why the Dolphins remain the AFC East race.
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are ranked last in their division and are the only team in the NFL without a win after six weeks. The 0-5 Bills have not been competitive in most of their games and simply look out of
sync. Their offence, led by quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, has not been able to convert on third downs and score many points.
Things are not looking up for Buffalo, who get set to visit the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday, 24 October. With an offence struggling to get production from its key players, the Bills
are looking at a 0-6 start, which would be impossible for them to overcome.
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