AFC East Report: Week 11

The Patriots are well on their way to earn their seventh straight division title. In fact, the team has a chance to clinch as early as this Sunday (for more details, click here) – especially after week 11 went perfectly for New England in regards to their division title aspirations. Since the weekend didn't go as planned for the rest of the division, the Patriots are currently the only AFC East team holding a playoff spot.

Let's find out why, in this week's edition of the AFC East Report.

2. Buffalo Bills (5-5)

Week 11: loss (20-13 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. New York Jets (5-5)

Week 11: loss (24-17 against the Houston Texans, in Houston TX)

After losing against the Buffalo Bills last Thursday, the Jets needed a win in Houston to stay in good shape in the AFC's playoff race – they were unable to deliver. The game started slow and didn't see its first big play until midway through the second quarter. Down 3-0, Jets' safety Marcus Williams sacked Houston quarterback T.J. Yates (16/34, 229 yds, 2 TDs) and forced a fumble, which the second-year defender subsequently recovered. New York's offense – led by Ryan Fitzpatrick (19/39, 216 yds, 1 TD, 2 INTs) – couldn't capitalize on the takeaway and had to settle for a field goal to tie the game. Three series later, the Jets were down again after Darrelle Revis, who didn't finish the game due to a concussion, gave up a 61-yard touchdown pass to DeAndre Hopkins (5/118 yds, 2 TDs). The Jets were able to re-tie the game early in the third quarter, when Fitzpatrick found Brandon Marshall (5/47 yds, 1 TD) from 21 yards out, but found themselves down 14 two Texans possessions later. New York was able to get within a touchdown after a 6-yard scoring scramble by Fitzpatrick, but two late interceptions by the quarterback doomed any chances of a comeback. Overall, the Jets were outgained 364-267, lost the turnover battle (2-1) and converted a mere 21% of 3rd down attempts (3/14). Therefore, it is no surprise that the team finds itself at 5-5 and on the outside looking into the playoff race.

To watch highlights of the game, click here.

4. Miami Dolphins (4-6)

Week 11: loss (24-14 against the Dallas Cowboys, in Miami FL)

The Dolphins' already small playoff chances took another hit on Sunday. The home team actually had the first big play of the game, when Brent Grimes intercepted Tony Romo (18/28, 227 yds, 2 TDs, 2 INTs) late in the first quarter. Only three plays later, however, Miami quarterback Ryan Tannehill (13/24, 188 yds, 2 TDs, 1 INT) gave the football right back to the Cowboys – and more: his interception was returned 12 yards for a touchdown. Dallas scored another touchdown before the half but this time Miami was able to answer via a 12-yard pass from Tannehill to Jordan Cameron (2/21 yds, 1 TD). Dallas' first drive of the second half saw the momentum shift even further towards Miami, when rookie linebacker Neville Hewitt recorded the first interception of his career. While the Dolphins couldn't turn the pick into points, they eventually scored on their next offensive series: Tannehill connected with Kenny Stills (2/52, 1 TD) to tie the contest at 14. However, the tie lived but for a short time and the Cowboys regained the lead on the first play of the fourth quarter. The home team was unable to come back from the deficit and suffered its sixth loss of the season. It was a bad day for the Dolphins on both sides of the ball. The offense was unable to sustain drives (only 1 of 10 on 3rd down) and as a result was out-gained (386-210) and held the ball for only 21 minutes. Miami's defense, on the other hand, was too inconsistent to carry the team despite forcing two turnovers.

To watch highlights of the game, click here.