It has been a while since the AFC East has been this interesting. The Patriots’ dominance of the division has led to ho-hum division races each year. The Bills have not made the playoffs since 1999.
The Dolphins have made it twice in the past 15 years. The Jets made it interesting a few times under Rex Ryan, but ultimately faded away.
But maybe, just maybe, the division will be worth watching this season. The Jets, Bills and Dolphins all have been reinvigorated by various offseason moves. Todd Bowles took over in New York and the team took Darrelle Revis back from the Patriots. Ryan headed to Buffalo after the Jets fired him and has rejuvenated a fan base. The Dolphins spent huge money on Ndamukong Suh and believe Ryan Tannehill is ready to break out.
All of it looked good last weekend, when every team in the division won its opener for the first time since the divisions were realigned in 2002.
The Bills and Patriots meet this week in Buffalo, and Ryan is already pumping the game up to feel like Super Bowl 49¹/₂.
Besides the football, there are enough story lines in the division to fill a reality show. Ryan moving inside the division and still trying to topple Tom Brady. Former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum taking over in Miami and bringing his aggressive approach with him. Brady and the Patriots hell-bent for vengeance after the Deflategate saga of the offseason.
It looks good in September. Let’s hope it’s as interesting come December.
The Jets waived guard Oday Aboushi, who was suspended for the first game of the season for a drug violation. Aboushi was a fifth-round pick in 2013 and started 10 games last season.