AFC East Report: Week 4

With the exception of the 3-0 New England Patriots, who were scheduled the earliest possible bye week, the AFC East has finished its first quarter of the 2015 season. While things can change quickly in the NFL (just think back to last year), we can start to see which teams head in the right directions and which don't.

That being said, here's this week's edition of the AFC East Report.

2. New York Jets (3-1)

Week 4: win (27-14 against the Miami Dolphins, in London – Jets away game)

In 2014, it took the New York Jets 15 weeks to win their third game of the season. It took them only four weeks to reach that number in 2015. The Jets beat their divisional rivals from Miami by controlling the tempo when being in possession of the ball, while not letting the Dolphins' offense find its rhythm. New York's defense held its opponent to a mere 226 yards of total offense and did not allow a single 3rd or 4th down conversion on a combined 16 attempts. Furthermore, the unit registered two interceptions and three sacks (2.0 by Muhammad Wilkerson) and kept the game out of reach. While Miami's offense struggled, the Jets' didn't, gaining 425 yards. On a day quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (16/29, 218 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT) was unspectacular, running back Chris Ivory put the offense on his back and rushed for 166 yards and a score. Overall, the Jets called 43 running plays and just 29 passes. The combination of a strong run game and a stifling defense brings back memories of New York' 2009-2010 playoff runs. While it's early in the year, New York looks like one of the better teams in the AFC right now and could find itself back in playoff contention for the first time since those quasi-glory days.

To watch highlights of the game, click here.

3. Buffalo Bills (2-2)

Week 4: loss (24-10 against the New York Giants, in Orchard Park NY)

The Buffalo Bills, in the meantime, find themselves back at .500 after a mistake-filled performance against the visiting New York Giants: the Bills turned the ball over twice, missed a field goal and had two touchdowns called back because of penalties. Overall, Rex Ryan's team amassed more penalties (17 for 135 yards) than first downs (14). The team also gave up a 51-yard touchdown on a screen pass - during which Giants running back Rashad Jennings broke three tackle attempts - when it was still a one-score game midway through the fourth quarter. Due to Buffalo's mistakes, the team was unable to climb out of the 13-point hole the team found itself in at halftime. The offense, led by an uneven Tyrod Taylor (28/42, 274, 1 TD, 1 INT), tried to fight back late but a Giants four-down goal line stand as well as a Robert Woods (3/33 yds) fumble doomed any chances of a comeback. While the Bills' offense outgained its opponent, it was unable to make the critical plays - just like its defensive counterpart, which gave up three touchdown passes and couldn't consistently pressure Giants quarterback Eli Manning (20/35, 212 yds, 3 TDs, 1 INT).

To watch highlights of the game, click here.

4. Miami Dolphins (1-3)

Week 4: loss (27-14 against the New York Jets, in London – Dolphins home game)

Prior to the season, the Dolphins with marquee free agency signing Ndamukong Suh in the fold, were considered a force to be reckoned with in the AFC. Four weeks in, the team is among the worst in the conference and head coach Joe Philbin has been fired after another uninspired loss - this time at the hands of division rival New York. The Dolphins struggled on both sides of the ball: the defense once again failed to live up to its preseason hype, while the offense was anemic at times. The Ryan Tannehill-led (19/44, 198 yds, 2 TDs, 2 INTs) unit gained only 226 yards, went 3-and-out six times and was generally unable to keep drives alive, failing to convert a single 3rd (12 attempts) and 4th down (4 attempts). Miami actually ran the ball well (5.4 yds/carry) but called only 11 rushing plays. The defense wasn't much better than the offense, particularly against the run. The Jets rushed for 207 yards (4.8 yds/carry) and two touchdowns, while the defensive line was getting beaten at the point of attack. Overall, it was a day to forget for the designated home team, which now finds itself on the bottom of the AFC East standings, without a head coach and with a murky future ahead.

To watch highlights of the game, click here.