Bills pull off an upset Authentic Cordarrelle Patterson Jersey , Jets lose to the Browns We are three weeks into the 2018 NFL season and the AFC East has been relatively disappointing so far: three teams have losing records, while a surprising 3-0 division leader has emerged. Let’s dig a bit deeper to how we got to this point in this week’s installment of the AFC East Report:1. Miami Dolphins (3-0)Week 3: 28-20 win against the Oakland Raiders, in Miami Gardens FLThe Miami Dolphins stay in the AFC East’s driver’s seat thanks to their best start since the 2013 season: the team was able to defeat the visiting Oakland Raiders 28-20 in a hard-fought game that ultimately saw the home team lose the battle in nearly every statistical category but limit its own mistakes. Therefore, Miami heads into its enormous week four meeting with the New England Patriots a perfect 3-0.The contest against Oakland started badly for Adam Gase’s squad: the Raiders drove 75 yards in a mere four plays to take a 7-0 lead with under two minutes off the clock. The Dolphins were unable to respond and after a three-and-out allowed the visiting team to again drive into scoring range. However, the defense was able to come up with a 4th-down-stop at the 1-yard line.As the offense kept searching for its rhythm, the defense made another big play when cornerback Xavien Howard (1 TKL, 2 INTs) picked off Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (27/39, 345 yds, 1 TD, 2 INTs). While Miami was unable to capitalize on the takeaway, the team was slowly shifting the field position battle in its favor and ultimately scored a game-tying touchdown on a 35-yard drive capped by a pass from Ryan Tannehill (17/23, 289 yds, 3 TDs) to Kenny Stills (3/61 yds, 1 TD).Oakland responded with two straight scoring drives to go up 17-7 late in the third quarter, but Miami was able to fought back: a pass from Tannehill to Jakeem Grant (2/70 yds, 2 TDs) brought the team within three points, before a trick play pass from wideout Albert Wilson (2/74 yds, 1 TD) to Grant gave the Dolphins their first lead of the day on a 52-yard catch-and-run. Miami was far from done, though.Only two plays after another interception by Howard, the Dolphins scored on a 74-yard connection between Tannehill and Wilson to go up 28-17. While Oakland was able to add another field goal, it was too little too late.To watch highlights of the game, click here.t-2. Buffalo Bills (1-2)Week 3: 27-6 win against the Minnesota Vikings, in Minneapolis MNThe winless Buffalo Bills were 17-point underdogs going into their week three meeting on the road against the previously undefeated Minnesota Vikings. However, the team showed that it was far from the squad bookmakers made it out to be by dominating last year’s NFC finalists 27-6. Buffalo’s first win of the season was a complete effort in all three phases of the game.Buffalo started the game very well. After receiving the opening kickoff, the team drove 75 yards in nine plays, with the final of which a 10-yard scramble into the end zone by rookie quarterback Josh Allen (15/22 http://www.newenglandpatriotsteamonline.com/tom-brady-jersey , 196 yds, 1 TD). Only three plays later, the Bills’ defense made a big play when Trent Murphy (2 TKLs, 1.0 SK, 1 FF) sacked Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (40/55, 296, 1 TD, 1 INT) to force a fumble that was recovered by Lorenzo Alexander (1 TKL, 1 FR).Four plays after the takeaway, the Bills went up 10-0. Three plays after the field goal, the defense forced another turnover when Jerry Hughes (1 TKLS, 1.0 SK, 1 FF) registered a sack-fumble that was picked up by linebacker Matt Milano (8 TKLS, 1.0 SK, 1 FR, 1 INT). This time, it took Buffalo only two plays to score: Allen connected with tight end Jason Croom (1/26 yds, 1 TD) to give the underdog a 17-0 lead not even 10 minutes into the game.Minnesota failed to respond yet again and after a punt saw the visitors go on another scoring drive – one that ended with Allen crossing the goal line on a 4th down quarterback sneak. With the Buffalo defense continuing its dominance over the opponent and the offense playing efficiently, the team was able to add another field goal before the half and enter the locker room up 27-0.The second half saw the Bills offense trying to run out the clock as well as possible, while Minnesota still had a tough time getting into any offensive rhythm against a stout defense. And even though the home team scored a late touchdown it was unable to turn its fortunes around and get blown out by the visitors.To watch highlights of the game, click here.t-2. New York Jets (1-2)Week 3: 21-17 loss against the Cleveland Browns, in Cleveland OHAfter a December 24, 2016 win over the then-San Diego Chargers, the Cleveland Browns had to wait for another victory 19 straight regular season games. Last Thursday, the streak was finally broken and an AFC East team was the unlucky team to fall to the Browns for the first time in 635 days: the New York Jets, who went into Cleveland for a Thursday night battle that saw the two highest-picked passers of this year’s draft go at each other.The game started as a defensive stalemate with neither team effectively moving the football down the field. Fittingly Womens David Andrews Jersey , the first big play of the night came on a punt: Jets linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis (1 TKL) deflected the kick at the line of scrimmage, and his team took over at the Cleveland 28-yard line. Five plays later, ex-Brown Isaiah Crowell (16/34 yds, 2 TDs) found the end zone from seven yards out to give New York a 7-0 lead.After forcing a defensive three-and-out, the visitors produced yet another scoring drive: marching 63 yards in 10 plays, Crowell scored for a second time to put the Jets ahead 14-0. To make matters worse for the Browns, starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor (4/14, 19 yds) had to leave the game with a concussion late in the second quarter. On came this year’s first overall draft pick, Baker Mayfield (17/23, 201 yds).Mayfield led his team to a field goal before the half but it needed a big defensive play midway through the third quarter before he and the Browns offense were in scoring range again: wide receiver Robby Anderson (2/22 yds) fumbled on a 17-yard reception, which set up another Cleveland field goal. One drive later, the 0-1-1 Browns were able to tie the game thanks to their first touchdown and a successful two-point conversion.With momentum on Cleveland’s side, the Jets responded with a field goal drive that took almost seven minutes off the clock in the fourth quarter. However, the Jets defense was unable to stop the Browns on the ensuing possession and instead allowed them to go 75 yards in 17 plays to a) take almost seven minutes off the clock themselves, and b) take a 21-17 lead. The Jets had two chances to drive for the win, but both series ended with interceptions by Sam Darnold (15/31, 169 yds, 2 INTs) the third pick of this year’s draft.To watch highlights of the game, click here.Week 2 Patriots vs Jaguars recap and final score: New England’s defense struggles during 31-20 loss The New England Patriots went on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars with the driver’s seat of the AFC on the line. However, the reigning conference champions struggled for most of the game and found themselves down 21-3 at halftime. New England showed some resiliency in the early second half but ultimately came up short: the Jaguars prevailed with a final score of 31-20 in their favor.New England Patriots at Jacksonville JaguarsFinal scorePatriots 20Jaguars 31Game DetailsDate: Sunday, September 16, 2018Kickoff: 4:25 p.m. ETLocation: TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville, FLSB Nation affiliate: Big Cat CountryTV: CBS, with Jim Nantz (play-by-play), Tony Romo (color commentary) Authentic Lawrence Guy Jersey , and Tracy Wolfson (sideline reporter)Patriots inactivesFor more information, please click here.Patriots startersOffenseDefenseLive trackerFirst quarterNew England wins the opening coin toss and surprisingly opts to receive the opening kickoff.Patriots’ first possession: New England starts the game well and moves the football all the way to the Jaguars 36-yard line. However, kicker Stephen Gostkowski misses a 54-yard field goal attempt wide to the right.Jaguars’ first possession: With great field position, the Jaguars are able to march 56 yards in nine plays and take the lead on a 4-yard touchdown pass from Blake Bortles to Donte Moncrief. Two plays before the touchdown, defensive edge Trey Flowers stays on the ground after suffering what looked like a concussion. 7-0 JaguarsPatriots’ second possession: New England’s second drive does not produce any results. Rookie running back Sony Michel is stopped in the backfield on a 3rd and 1 attempt and the Patriots have to punt.Jaguars’ second possession: Jacksonville again is able to march down the field, aided by a spectacular catch by Keelan Cole. The second-year wide receiver is also the one to catch a touchdown to end the drive: Bortles finds him from 24-yards out to give the home team a two-touchdown lead. 14-0 Jaguars Patriots’ third possession: New England faces a third down early during the drive but ultimately converts it. However, the team fails to have similar success on their second third down and opts to punt the football away by the end of the first quarter.Second quarterJaguars’ third possession: The Patriots’ defense finally is able to stop Jacksonville. While the Jaguars found success on the ground, the drive stalled after an offensive penalty set up a 3rd and 17.Patriots’ fourth possession: Starting at its own 6-yard line, New England’s offense holds the football for the next eight minutes – eventually ending in a 29-yard Stephen Gostkowski field goal. The Patriots generally move the football well on their 16-drive series but ultimately fail to come through in the red zone. 14-3 JaguarsJaguars’ fourth possession: With not even three minutes left in the second quarter, the Patriots defense allows Jacksonville to march 75 yards in 13 plays to score their third touchdown of the half. 21-3 JaguarsThird quarterJaguars’ fifth possession: After receiving the second half kickoff, Jacksonville marched right down the field again. New England had chances to get off the field twice on third down but was unable to do it. The unit was eventually able to do that in the red area, but not before half the quarter had already passed – and the Jaguars still added three points to their lead. To make matters worse, safety Patrick Chung is declared out with a concussion. 24-3 JaguarsPatriots’ fifth possession: New England goes nowhere on its first drive of the half and punts the football back to Jacksonville after a three-and-out.Jaguars’ sixth possession: Stephon Gilmore makes the Patriots’ first big defensive play of the game when he forces a fumble. Duron Harmon is able to recover it and set up New England’s offense near midfield.Patriots’ sixth possession: New England takes advantage of the takeaway and quickly drives down the field thanks to some solid running by Tom Brady (on third down) and Sony Michel. The drive ends with a seven-yard pass from Brady to Chris Hogan on third down. 24-10 JaguarsJaguars’ seventh possession: The Patriots defense again plays sound defense on the next drive, and forces a three-and-out and quick punt – one that sails just 33 yards.Patriots’ seventh possession: New England starts its final drive of the third quarter with a big screen pass to James White.Fourth quarterPatriots’ seventh possession (cont.): The Patriots’ possession stalls on 3rd and 4, and the team settles for a field goal. Stephen Gostkowski splits the uprights from 46 yards out to bring New England’s deficit to 11 points. 24-13 JaguarsJaguars’ eighth possession: Jacksonville’s next series also ends quickly: on the second play of the drive, Austin Seferian-Jenkins cannot come down with a pass and instead deflects it into the hands of Kyle Van Noy. Patriots take over at the Jaguars 25-yard line.Patriots’ eighth possession: New England can’t do anything with the takeaway as Tom Brady gets sacked on the drive’s third play and loses the football. The Jaguars recover and take over.Jaguars’ ninth possession: Luckily for the Patriots, their defense is able to deliver another stop: Stephon Gilmore stops a third down scramble by Blake Bortles and Jacksonville gets flagged on the ensuing fourth down attempt. Instead, the team punts and sets New England up on its own 9-yard line.Patriots’ ninth possession: New England starts the series with what initially looked like a close third down conversation. However, it is overturned after Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone challenges the spot. The Patriots decide to punt. Before that, the team almost draws Jacksonville offside but to no avail.Jaguars’ tenth possession: Jacksonville’s tenth drive is a short one: Blake Bortles throws to Dede Westbrook on a crossing route and the second-year man takes the pass 61-yards for a touchdown. 31-13 JaguarsPatriots’ tenth possession: A big run by Rex Burkhead and a screen pass to Cordarrelle Patterson set up a 29-yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady to Chris Hogan. 31-20 JaguarsJaguars’ eleventh possession: Jacksonville is able to run out the clock as the Patriots defense again allowed its opponent to move the football at relative will.Quick-hit analysisWhile New England had its moments in the third and early fourth quarters, the team played too inconsistent a game to challenge a near-perfect Jaguars team today. The development of the defense has to be particularly concerning: after a strong season opener, the unit struggled to defend crossing routes and keep quarterback Blake Bortles from extending plays with his feet. With the offense unable to get into a rhythm especially early on during the game, the defense failed to help keep the score close.
