During the month of August, the Last Word on Sports NFL department will be breaking down every division in the league by position. This article contains a position-by-position breakdown of the AFC East offenses. The breakdown will contain “the best” at each unit followed by “the rest” in descending order
2021 AFC East Breakdown by Position: Offense
Quarterbacks
The Best: Buffalo Bills
Without a doubt, quarterback was the most obvious pick on offense. Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills has gone from having all the tools to be franchise quarterback to being a legitimate MVP candidate by the end of year three. As he enters his fourth season, not only does he add Emmanuel Sanders to his receiving corps but sees the return of offensive coordinator Brian Daboll.
The Rest: New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets
The New England Patriots rank second because of the known around Cam Newton. Whether or not it is him or Mac Jones starting, the Patriots have a great offensive line giving their quarterback plenty of time to throw. The same cannot be said about Tua Tagovailoa with the Miami Dolphins, who does not have a fort blocking up front for him. Tagovailoa’s weapons are upgraded, thus leaving one to be optimistic about a year two jump. Meanwhile, for the New York Jets, they will have unproven rookie Zach Wilson under center in 2021.
Running Backs
The Best: New England Patriots
One of the weaker position groups in the division, there are no running backs that will grab headlines. Each team employs more of a committee back than not. The Patriots have a group that looks to bounce back after an uneven 2020 performance. Nevertheless, Damien Harris averaged over five yards a carry. Sony Michel is back healthy, James White returns, and Rhamondre Stevenson looks like the second coming of LeGarrette Blount.
The Rest: Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets
Behind the Patriots are the Bills, who with Devin Singletary and a healthy Zack Moss should improve on the ground. In Miami, Myles Gaskin performed well last season, but with Malcolm Brown in the fold, who knows how their running back room will unfold. And again, who will be blocking for them? Lastly is the Jets, who will rely on Tevin Coleman coming off the worst year of his career and Michael Carter – a rookie fourth-round pick.
Wide Receivers
The Best: Buffalo Bills
Again, was this even a question? Stefon Diggs led the NFL in receptions and receiving yards last season and has solidified himself amongst the best in the game. Cole Beasley is one of the better slot receivers in the league, and Gabriel Davis flashed his potential as a rookie. Plus, as previously mentioned, Emmanuel Sanders is now in Buffalo too. This receiving corps will be a force to be reckoned with this year.
The Rest: Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, New England Patriots
This off-season, the Dolphins gave Tagovailoa all the weapons he could ask for. The team already employed the likes of DeVante Parker, Preston Williams, Albert Wilson, and more. Now, they add William Fuller V and Jaylen Waddle. If this group can stay healthy, they make up one of the deeper receiving corps in the entire league.
For years, the Jets have lacked a number one receiver, let alone reliable guys at all. Last season, Denzel Mims, Braxton Berrios, and Jamison Crowder carried the way. This season they will be joined by Corey Davis off a career-year and second-round pick Elijah Moore. Both should be starting opposite one another sooner than later. Like the Jets, New England had an underwhelming receiving room last season. Enter Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne, who will look to open the field for the promising Jakobi Meyers.
Tight Ends
The Best: New England Patriots
On paper, this easily goes to the Patriots. Ever since the retirement, then departure of Rob Gronkowski, they have been trying to fix their tight end situation. So, it makes sense why they signed Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith during free agency. Both are in the upper tier at their position and will add an element to the Patriots passing offense that they have been lacking.
The Rest: Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Buffalo Bills
For the Dolphins, Mike Geisicki is one of the more underrated tight ends in the league. Entering a contract year, he hopes to have a career year before hitting the market. On the other hand, the Jets and Bills look to figure out their tight end situations this season. For the Jets, can Tyler Kroft, Chris Herndon, or Ryan Griffin emerge for Zach Wilson? For the Bills, can Dawson Knox finally piece it all together?
Offensive Line
The Best: New England Patriots
Earlier this off-season, the Patriots had their entire interior offensive line make the Last Word on Sports All-AFC East Offensive team. Between Michael Onwenu, David Andrews, and Shaq Mason, their interior alone could have put them in this spot. But the fact the Patriots have a tackle duo of Isaiah Wynn and Trent Brown makes this an easy selection.
The Rest: New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins
There is a chance a year from now though the Jets could give them a run for their money. Tackle Mekhi Becton and guard Alijah Vera-Tucker will form a terrifying left side in front of Zach Wilson. In Buffalo, the Bills have their own great tackle tandem in Dion Dawkins and Daryl Williams – both of whom inked extensions this off-season. Lastly is the Dolphins, who are truly banking on the development of their younger lineman.
Stay tuned for the 2021 AFC East Breakdown by Position: Defense.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
