AFC East Report: Week 8

At 7-0, the New England Patriots sit pretty atop the AFC East, especially after the second place Jets – one week after losing in Foxboro – lost their week 8 match-up in Oakland against the Raiders. That being said, let's take a look at this week's rather short version of the AFC East Report:

2. New York Jets (4-3)

Week 8: loss (34-20 against the Oakland Raiders, in Oakland CA)

After already having ruled out starting center Nick Mangold prior to the game, the Jets took another blow on their sixth offensive play of the contest. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (4/5, 46 yds) injured his non-throwing hand and had to leave the game (he came back for two snaps late in the fourth quarter). He was replaced by Geno Smith (27/42, 265 yds, 2 TDs, 1 INT), who looked exactly like he did during the first two years of his career: inconsistent. New York's passing game needed until the final two minutes of the first half to finally find some rhythm. Unfortunately for the team, they were already down 21-3 at that point, as the defense had a hard time trying to stop Oakland's offense. Overall, the unit gave up 451 yards, struggled against both the pass and the run, and was unable to challenge the Raiders on the line of scrimmage. The home team's defense, on the other hand, was able to put pressure on the Jets offense – which finished the day with 366 yards gained – and registered three sacks and six tackles for loss. With the defense struggling and the offense out of sync, New York was unable to come back from the early deficit. As a result, the team lost its second consecutive game and is now three games behind the division-leading Patriots. The Jets still hold the fifth sixth playoff seed, though.

To watch highlights of the game, click here.

t-3. Buffalo Bills (3-4)

Week 8: bye week

t-3. Miami Dolphins (3-4)

Week 8: loss (36-7 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.