AFC East Report: Week 7

The New England Patriots were able to solidify their lead in the AFC East after beating the visiting New York Jets 30-23. The team now holds a two point lead in the division and looks to extend it even further come Thursday night, when the Miami Dolphins travel to Foxboro.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves and revisit week 7 in the newest edition of the AFC East Report.

2. New York Jets (4-2)

Week 7: loss (30-23 against the New England Patriots, in Foxboro MA)

Pats Pulpit is already in the process of analyzing this game.

To watch highlights of the game, click here.

3. Miami Dolphins (3-3)

Week 7: win (44-26 against the Houston Texans, in Miami FL)

The Dolphins have been on an upwards trajectory ever since replacing Joe Philbin with Dan Campbell. Under the interim head coach, the team won its second straight game in blowout fashion – this time against the hapless Houston Texans, who were dominated in all phases of the game. The Dolphins won the contest in the first half by playing stifling defense and efficient offense. Miami's defense did not allow a first down on Houston's first seven possessions and even registered a pick-six in the process (by safety Reshad Jones). At that point, the home team led 35-0 after Ryan Tannehill (18/19, 282 yds, 4 TDs) had already thrown four touchdown passes – two to Jarvis Landry (5/83 yds, 2 TDs), one apiece to Rishard Matthews (3/75 yds, 1 TD) and Lamar Miller (250 yards from scrimmage, 2 TDs) – and the Texans proved that tackling is an essential skill of playing defense. Miller also added a rushing touchdown prior to halftime. Up 41-0, the team eased up in the second half. Still, Miami's offense finished with 503 yards (255 through the air, 248 on the ground) on just 59 plays (8.5 yards gained per play), while its defensive counterpart gave up 322 yards (4.1/play). Furthermore, the defense registered four sacks, one interception and was stout against both the run and the pass. Not all was perfect, though, as the Dolphins only converted 1 of 11 3rd-down-attempts and gave up four sacks.

To watch highlights of the game, click here.

4. Buffalo Bills (3-4)

Week 7: loss (34-31 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, in London - Bills away game)

Despite being down 28-3 midway through the second quarter, the Bills held a 31-27 lead with 5:20 to go in the game. All they needed was either a defensive stop or a successful two-minute drill by EJ Manuel (24/42, 298 yds, 2 TDs, 2 INTs) and the offense. The team couldn't come up with any of the two and lost its second consecutive game. The contest began relatively well for the Bills, who led 3-0 after the first quarter. However, the second period was all Jacksonville. The designated home team scored on its next two offensive possessions – and on the next two Bills' offensive possessions as well: down 7-3 early in the second quarter, Manuel was sacked and his subsequent fumble was returned for a score. On the very next play, the former first-round pick threw a pick-6. Four plays later, he threw another interception, which led to a Jaguars touchdown. The Bills fought back, though, and were able to score 26 unanswered points (among them a pick-6 of their own by safety Corey Graham) to take the above-mentioned 31-27 lead. While the comeback came close to being successful, the team was unable to do enough to beat the 1-5 Jaguars. The Bills turned the ball over four times, gave up four sacks and converted a mere 25% of 3rd down attempts. Despite outgaining their opponent (375-295), Buffalo made too many mistakes to eventually win the game. The team now enters its bye week in last place in the division and with lots of questions to answer.

To watch highlights of the game, click here.