The offseason previews have finally arrived and we’re kicking off with the AFC East.
This division has been the Bill’s for the last 5 years but is there any chance of that changing? They’ve locked up Josh Allen on an updated long-term deal, picked up the customary aged pash rusher and brought in rookies to bolster the defensive backfield. Their eyes are firmly on Superbowl or bust, but have they done enough?
The Dolphins are bringing back a broadly similar group of players from recent years, Achane sits atop the running back chart, Hill has apparently found religion and their first round rookie might help solidify the defensive line. But has the speed kills offence been figured out, poor recent performances would point to it not being a runner for post-season football. Will it click this year or are we looking at the end of McDaniel’s tenure in Miami?
The Jets are getting out from underneath an Aaron Rodgers shaped boulder slowly but surely. They got the new head coach – check, they got the new quarterback – check, they are “changing the culture” – check, but how much can it turn around in a single year? There are blue chip players on this roster (Hall, Wilson, Williams), ex stars who have waned from early heights but have potential if motivated (Gardiner), could the Jets manage a single year swing from 5 wins to the playoffs?
The Patriots have found the heir to the Brady throne in Drake Maye. They have brought in a Belichick disciple in Mike Vrabel to coach him. They spent the offseason bringing in linemen to build protection for him, veteran receivers to help build out the passing game (albeit ones with some boat issues), rookies at RB and WR to build it out. All in all, a solid offseason, noting too splashy, but solid. Given how tumultuous the rest of the division is outside of the Bills, could this be a quick return to competitive football. While the moves sound boring, this coach built the most boring perennial playoff team in the Tennessee Titans previously, why cant Boston get some of that hot mid-tier also ran action?
All this and much, much more on your one-stop shop for news, views and overreactions to all things NFL, the All Four Quarters podcast!
