Steve Serby previews the AFC East as The Publish provides division-by-division breakdowns forward of the 2024 NFL season.
1. Jets
Coach: Robert Saleh
2023 file: 7-10 | O/U wins: 10.5
Key additions: LT Tyron Smith, RT Morgan Moses, LG John Simpson; DE Haason Reddick, DT Javon Kinlaw, DT Leki Fotu, WR Mike Williams, QB Tyrod Taylor, OT Olu Fashanu, WR Malachi Corley, RB Braelon Allen, RB Isaiah Davis
Key departures: DE Bryce Huff, DT Quinton Jefferson, TE C.J. Uzomah, OT Duane Brown, OT Billy Turner, G Laken Tomlinson, C Connor McGovern, DE Carl Lawson, S Jordan Whitehead
First-and-goal: Aaron Rodgers! Aaron Rodgers! Aaron Rodgers! WR Garrett Wilson and RB Breece Corridor are third-year stars. Smith is an eight-time Professional Bowler on a fortified O-line. DC Jeff Ulbrich fields an elite protection with studs at every stage — DT Quinnen Williams, ILB C.J. Mosley and CBs Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed. Third-year DE Jermaine Johnson may very well be a double-digit sacker and second-year DE Will McDonald has a hellacious spin transfer. WR Xavier Gipson is a harmful returner. Brant Boyer’s kicking recreation is strong with P Thomas Morstead and Okay Greg Zuerlein. Taylor is an elite backup QB.
Fourth-and-long: Rodgers will probably be 41 in December. Can his Achilles maintain up? Can OC Nathaniel Hackett rebound? Can Mike Williams keep on the sector? Can Saleh dodge the firing squad?
Prediction: 11-6. The 13-year playoff drought involves an finish. The Jets seize their first division title since 2002. Rodgers performs 14 video games and Taylor wins two in his place. Corridor totals 1,600 mixed yards, Wilson snares 10 TD passes and the protection retains them in each recreation.
2. Payments
Coach: Sean McDermott
2023 file: 11-6 | O/U wins: 9.5
Key additions: WR Keon Coleman, WR Curtis Samuel, RB Ray Davis, QB Mitchell Trubisky, S Mike Edwards, DT Austin Johnson, LB Nicholas Morrow
Key departures: WR Stefon Diggs, WR Gabe Davis, S Jordan Poyer; S Micah Hyde, CB Tre’Davious White, C Mitch Morse, EDGE Leonard Floyd, DT Linval Joseph, DT Poona Ford, DT Tim Settle
First-and-goal: Josh Allen is the elite, dual-threat franchise QB. TE Dalton Kincaid is his younger Travis Kelce. OC Joe Brady will use Samuel as a jack-of-all trades. Coleman is a red-zone menace. Peter Schrager of “Good Morning Soccer” lists WR Khalil Shakir as a breakout candidate. RB James Cook dinner was a Professional Bowler in his second season. LT Dion Dawkins anchors a strong O-line. CBs Rasul Douglas and Christian Benford are greater than competent. DEs Greg Rousseau and A.J. Epenesa deliver the warmth.
Fourth-and-long: Diggs wore out his welcome and should get replaced. Morse left for Jacksonville and will probably be changed at middle by Connor McGovern. The secondary will miss the expertise of Poyer, Hyde and White. Can Dorian Williams step as much as partly fill the sneakers of LB Matt Milano (torn bicep)? Can 35-year-old Von Miller keep wholesome and bear in mind find out how to sack the quarterback? Can first-time DC Bobby Babich step up? Can PK Tyler Bass neglect the Scott Norwood comparisons following his 48-yard playoff Huge Proper?
Prediction: 9-8. Their four-year stranglehold on the division crown ends. Allen is within the MVP dialog, however the protection takes a step again.
3. Dolphins
Coach: Mike McDaniel
2023 file: 11-6 | O/U wins: 9.5
Key additions: TE Jonnu Smith, C Aaron Brewer, DT Calais Campbell, DT Benito Jones, LB Jordyn Brooks, LB Anthony Walker, CB Kendall Fuller, CB Siran Neal, S Jordan Poyer, DE Chop Robinson, OT Patrick Paul, RB Jaylen Wright, DE/OLB Mo Kamara
Key departures: WR Cedrick Wilson, G Robert Hunt, C Connor Williams, DE Andrew Van Ginkel, DT Christian Wilkins, DT Raekwon Davis, LB Jerome Baker, CB Xavien Howard, S Brandon Jones
First-and-goal: Tua Tagovailoa ($167.1M assured) likes McDaniel loads higher than he preferred former HC Brian Flores. McDaniel is an offensive and information convention whiz. And Tua definitely likes throwing to electrical WRs Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle and handing off to speedster RBs Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane (7.8 yards per carry). LT Terron Armstead wants to remain wholesome. Security Jevon Holland and CB Jalen Ramsey are elite. Go-rushing OLB Jaelan Phillips (Achilles) will probably be on a pitch depend early within the season. Campbell, 38, offers veteran management. As does Poyer. New DC Anthony Weaver replaces Vic Fangio. Kicker Jason Sanders (24-28 FGs) is reliable, as is PR Braxton Berrios.
Fourth-and-long: The O-line is a big query mark, most notably on the guard positions. The inside reads: Robert Jones, Aaron Brewer, Liam Eichenberg. EDGE Bradley Chubb (torn ACL) received’t be an early-season issue. Achane wants to remain on the sector. Can these guys win within the chilly late within the season?
Prediction: 8-9. Velocity doesn’t all the time kill, particularly within the chilly.
4. Patriots
Coach: Jerod Mayo
2023 file: 3-14 | O/U wins: 4.5
Key additions: QB Jacoby Brissett, RB Antonio Gibson, WR Okay.J. Osborn, TE Austin Hooper, OT Chukwuma Okorafor, G Nick Leverett, DT Armon Watts, ILB Sione Takitaki, S Jaylinn Hawkins, QB Drake Maye, WR Ja’Lynn Polk, OT Caedan Wallace, G Layden Robinson, WR Javon Baker
Key departures: QB Mac Jones, RB Ezekiel Elliott, TE Mike Gesicki, OT Trent Brown, C James Ferentz, LB Mack Wilson, CB Myles Bryant, CB J.C. Jackson, S Jalen Mills, EDGE Matthew Judon
First-and-goal: Final yr’s first-round decide, CB Christian Gonzalez (shoulder) performed in solely 4 video games however has thrilling potential reverse Jonathan Jones. Safeties Jabrill Peppers and Kyle Dugger are strong. Polk, a second-rounder, generally is a No. 1 WR. TE Hunter Henry generally is a red-zone safety blanket. RB Rhamondre Stevenson is on the lookout for extra explosive performs, and Gibson (172 profession receptions) will probably be busy out of the backfield.
Fourth-and-long: Invoice Belichick is gone, and Mayo is a rookie head coach. Offensive deal with is an issue. Brissett will maintain the QB fort till No. 3 total decide Maye is prepared. The receiving corps is subpar. Particular teamer Matthew Slater, a Belichick favourite, retired. DT Christian Barmore (blood clots) and Judon (traded to Atlanta) will probably be missed. Kicker Joey Slye received the job in coaching camp.
Prediction: 3-14. Rising pains for Maye. The offense is woefully bereft of difference-makers.
