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The AFC East has a new leader: For the first time all season long, the New England Patriots sit atop the division thanks to their week six victory in New York. And while the team did not play a perfect game and fell down 14-0 early in the contest, it was still able to defeat the Jets 24-17 to improve its record to 4-2.
With that in mind, here's this week's installment of the AFC East Report.
2. Buffalo Bills (3-2)
Week 6: bye
3. Miami Dolphins (3-2)
Week 6: win (20-17 against the Atlanta Falcons, in Atlanta GA)
During their week six game against the Falcons, the Dolphins were able to copy the two AFC East rivals who last played the reigning NFC champions: Like the Bills, the Miami was able to win in Atlanta. Like the Patriots, Miami was able to erase a big deficit in order to come away victoriously. As a result, the team is now above .500 for the first time since its opening game in week two.
Things did not look rosy for the Dolphins early on, though. The contest started with the home team taking a 3-0 lead on its first possession. Miami answered with a punt before seeing the Falcons go up 10-0 on a 40-yard touchdown pass. Following a failed fourth down attempt, the Dolphins defense gave up another big play – a 44-yard run – that set up another touchdown for the Falcons.
Miami was able to finally drive into scoring range on its next possession but saw it end with a Jay Cutler (19/33, 151 yds, 2 TDs, 1 INT) interception. The pick set up Atlanta in good field position but the team failed to capitalize as it missed a 59-yard field goal attempt in the final seconds of the first half. Consequently, the Dolphins headed into the locker rooms “only” down 17-0. That's when the tables turned.
The first series of the third quarter saw Miami drive 75 yards in 15 plays to cut the deficit to 10 points, courtesy of a touchdown pass to wideout Kenny Stills (4/49 yds, 1 TD). Not only did the offense finally come to life, the defense did as well: It forced a quick three-and-out and gave Jay Cutler and company excellent field position. The unit took advantage and scored another touchdown – a pass to Jarvis Landry (8/62 yds, 1 TD) to make it a 17-14 ballgame. And the Falcons continued to implode.
Early in the fourth period, a fumbled snap on a punt set up a Dolphins field goal drive to tie the game. After another three-and-out, Miami took the lead on Cody Parkey's (2/2) second field goal of the day. With 2:30 left in the game it was on the Dolphins defense to deliver the victory – and deliver it did. While the Falcons were able to drive into field goal range, an interception by Reshad Jones sealed the deal. Miami therefore sits at 3-2 heading into its week seven game against the Jets.
To watch highlights of the game, click here.
4. New York Jets (3-3)
Week 6: loss (24-17 against the New England Patriots, in East Rutherford NJ)
Pats Pulpit is already in the process of covering the game:
Recap: New England far from perfect but still wins 24-17
Tom Brady sets NFL record for most regular season wins by a quarterback
Who gets the game ball for New England's 24-17 win?
Patriots vs Jets: Observations
10 things we learned during New England's 24-17 win
7 winners and 3 losers of New England's 24-17 win
Snap Count Report: Patriots at Jets
Patriots tailback Dion Lewis’ restoration on display vs. Jets
Controversial touchback ruling could have gone differently if Bill Belichick had gotten his wish
To watch highlights of the game, click here.