AFC EAST Final Outcome
Not much changed in the AFC East in 2017. The Patriots once again reigned supreme winning the division with a 3-13 record. However the most surprising development in the AFC East division was the emergence of the Buffalo Bills who after 18 long years finally reached the postseason.
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Buffalo Bills
Although it took a little help, in the form of a Baltimore Ravens collapse the Bills made the playoffs. Buffalo finished with a 9-7 record mainly do to the consistent running game led by LeSean McCoy. McCoy’s ability to pound the rock combined with a stingy defense proved to be just the right formula for success in coach Sean McDermott’s first year.
Overachiever or Underachiever?
It is clear the Bills overachieved. Not many had them making the playoffs especially under the tootlage of a rookie head coach. More of the same was expected from Buffalo and they were happy to disappoint.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins failed to return to the playoffs in 2017, mainly due to the loss of starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Jay Cutler proved to be a less than capable replacement and the Miami offense struggled all year long. The Dolphins finished with double digit loses in what was one of their worst seasons in recent memory.
Overachiever or Underachiever?
There is no doubt Miami underachieved. They loss 10 games just a season after making the playoffs with double digit wins. There were high hopes that they could possibly challenge New England for the AFC East division this year, but that just wasn’t the case.
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New York Jets
There are several words that come to mind when describing the Jets season, abysmal, putrid, atrocious just to name a few. There was no team more inconsistent this season than the New York Jets. They beat teams they shouldn’t have and lost to virtually everyone else, finishing with a 5-11 record. How Todd Bowles was able to keep his job despite being a defensive minded coach who posted a -4 turnover ratio.
Overachiever or Underachiever?
Surprisingly the Jets actually overachieved. The fact they actually won 5 games with a roster devoid of basically any real talent is an achievement in its self. Quarterback Josh McCown showed flashes of brilliance before he went down with a hand injury and gave New York a glimmer of hope for the future.
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New England Patriots
This season was no different many others since the turn of the century for the Patriots. They won the division and locked up the #1 seed in the AFC playoffs. Tom Brady was once again terrific, leading the league in passing yards, despite a barrage of injuries to the offense. And the defense that struggled early in the season, giving up nearly 35 points a game in the first 3 weeks, came together and started making key stops.
Overachiever or Underachiever?
The Patriots slightly underachieved and lost a few games they were favored in. A large number of experts had them winning more than the 13 games that they did. Some even had them running the table. So it is only fair that they be considered to have not lived up to their full potential.