The New England Patriots have won their first divisional game of the season and defeated the visiting Miami Dolphins 31-24. Due to the win, the team still sits atop the AFC East with an unblemished 2-0 record. Patriots versus Dolphins was not the only divisional matchup in the AFC East this week, as the Jets were able to defeat the Buffalo Bills.
2. New York Jets (1-1)
Week 2: win (37-31 against the Buffalo Bills, in Orchard Park NY)
After losing on opening day, the Jets have won their first game of the season on Thursday Night Football. Just like last week, the team started well: it opened with a 15-play drive that took more than eight minutes off the clock and three points on the board. Even though the Bills responded with a touchdown, New York did not lose its rhythm and composure and was able to enter halftime up 20-10 after scoring on each first-half possession.
The Jets’ second half did not start as well as their first. The team’s 10-point edge turned into a 4-point deficit in not even four minutes; courtesy of the second long touchdown pass given up by the defense and a Brandon Marshall (6/101 yds) fumble returned for a score. Todd Bowles’ team fought back, however, and 17 unanswered points put the game out of reach for the home team.
New York played a solid, although at times inconsistent game on Thursday on both sides of the ball. The team did gain 493 yards of offense and was able to sustain drives regularly, going 8 of 13 on third down. Despite one turnover that was turned into a defensive score, Ryan Fitzpatrick (24/34, 374, 1 TD) and the offense did enough to score 37 points against a struggling Bills defense.
The Jets’ defense, which gave up 393 yards, looked very good for stretches but had some breakdowns in pass coverage: the team gave up touchdowns of 84 and 71 yards. Furthermore, the pass rush was not as consistent as it has been last week, while the Bills were able to rush for 4.5 yards per carry. Still, the unit was efficient on third and fourth down and allowed its opponent to enter the red zone only once.
To watch highlights of the game, click here.
t-3. Miami Dolphins (0-2)
Week 2: loss (24-31 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.
t-3. Buffalo Bills (0-2)
Week 2: loss (31-37 against the New York Jets, in Orchard Park NY)
After struggling on offense in week one, the Bills struggled on defense in week 2. The major problem for the unit was getting off the field as the visiting Jets were able to convert 61% of their third downs and gain 28 first downs during the game. This, in turn, allowed the Jets to hold a 39:12 to 20:48 time of possession advantage over the Bills.
The first drive of the day was a sign of things to come as Rex Ryan’s defense was on the field for 15 plays and over eight minutes before surrendering a field goal. Quarters one and two in particular were bad for the home team: it did not force a punt while simultaneously being unable to stay on the field long even when scoring. Buffalo’s first scoring drive, while ending in a 84-yard touchdown pass from Tyrod Taylor (18/30, 297 yds, 3 TDs, 1 INT) to Marquise Goodwin (2/112 yds, 1 TD), took only 1:25 off the clock.
The second half started better for the Bills, who found themselves in a 10-point hole at halftime. Another quick touchdown drive ending in a long scoring pass gave way to a fumble recovery, which Nickell Robey-Coleman returned for a score. However, Buffalo was unable to hold on to the lead as the team turned the ball over twice – once via turnover, once on downs – and could not stop the Jets from sustaining drives and scoring 17 unanswered points to put the game out of reach.
As a result of the 0-2 start, the Bills fired offensive coordinator Greg Roman. His unit was uneven the first two weeks but, at least against the Jets, did not receive a lot of offensive help either.
To watch highlights of the game, click here.