AFC East Report: Preseason Week 3

The New England Patriots, who traveled down to Charlotte to play the Carolina Panthers, improve to 2-1 by winning their third preseason game 17-16. The rest of the AFC East also had a successful week. Let's take a look.

Buffalo Bills (2-1)

Preseason week 3: win (43-19 over the Pittsburgh Steelers, in Buffalo)

The Bills entered the game having four quarterbacks compete for one job but only one would emerge as the winner: Tyrod Taylor (12/13, 122 yds). The 26-year old looked good not only with his arm but with his feet as well, rushing for a 20-yard score in the third quarter. While Rex Ryan's team will move forward with Taylor under center,t he other three quarterbacks looked good as well completing a combined 18 of 20 pass attempts for 273 yards and 3 touchdowns. Not only Buffalo's aerial attack looked solid, the rest of the offensive attack did too: the unit scored three rushing touchdowns, amassed 542 yards of offense and converted 78% of 3rd downs. The Bills' defense also had a good day, although it has to be pointed out that Steelers starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (2/4, 30 yds) only played two series, leading his team to one touchdown. Against his backups, the unit allowed only 11 points in three-plus quarters. Overall, Buffalo held its opponent to 229 total yards of offense and 27% 3rd down efficiency. One of the few negatives of the game was kicker Dan Carpenter, who missed a 52-yard field goal and an extra point.

To watch highlights of the game, click here.

Miami Dolphins (1-2)

Preseason week 3: win (13-9 over the Atlanta Falcons, in Miami)

Miami wins its first game of the 2015 preseason by beating the visiting Falcons 13-9, in a contest dominated by defense. The Dolphins did not allow a touchdown while giving up only 254 yards. Furthermore, the unit had six sacks and five tackles for loss. Atlanta's starting quarterback Matt Ryan (3/7, 49 yds) was sacked three times while he and the first-string offense scored only three points in four series. Miami quarterback Ryan Tannehill (15/19, 145 yds, 1 TD), who played all but one offensive series of the first half, had a better statistical day. With second-year receiver Jarvis Landry (5/84 yds) his favorite target, Tannehill was able to lead the offense to its only touchdown, a two-yard pass to Rishard Matthews (2/4 yds, 1 TD). When Tannehill and the first-team offense were not on the field, however, the unit had its problems and scored only two field goals in two-plus quarters. Overall, the offense gained 299 yards – the running game amassed a mere 75 (2.9/carry) of those, while the backup quarterbacks went a combined 9 of 15 for 103 yards with an interception.

To watch highlights of the game, click here.

New York Jets (2-1)

Preseason week 3: win (28-18 over the New York Giants, Giants' home game)

The annual preseason battle for New York was won by the Jets this year. Led by quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (9/14, 127 yds, 2 TDs), the first-team was able to jump to a 21-7 halftime lead, at which point most of the starters ended their nights. Fitzpatrick played mistake-free football in offensive coordinator Chan Gailey's well-balanced attack while spreading the ball to five different receivers. While the first-stringers looked good, the offensive depth players struggled and were unable to score in their two quarters of action. The sole Jets' second half touchdown was Walt Powell returning a punt 54-yards to give his team a 28-10 third-quarter lead. Gang Green's fourth touchdown came when cornerback Antonio Cromartie intercepted Eli Manning (12/16, 91 yds, 1 INT) late in the first half and returned the pick 59-yards for the score. Overall, the first-team offense allowed only one score – a one-yard touchdown run – and looked good against both the pass, giving up only 128 yards. Overall, the unit, which allowed 11 second half points, gave up 305 yards and allowed only 4 of 11 3rd downs to be converted. Rookie defensive tackle Leonard Williams left the game with a knee injury but reportedly only suffered a muscle strain.

To watch highlights of the game, click here.