A weird week in the AFC East division saw shock results as well as results which have become all too familiar in the last decade or so. The Buffalo Bills went 4-1 into their bye week, getting two weeks to prepare for the Dolphins who have struggled (an understatement) in the opening quarter of the season. All three of the other teams played in week 6, AFC East writer Max Hillman writes.
Patriots are Giant killers on Thursday Night Football
Giants by name only, New York were crushed by the reigning Super Bowl Champions, only scoring in the second quarter. The Patriots played differently to usual, not scoring a single offensive receiving touchdown. Instead Brady surprisingly rushed for two TD’s, not known as the most athletic QB of all time, could Christian McCaffrey have rushing competition? A good passing display despite no passing TDs by Brady helped the team progress down the field, 334 yards and an Interception got the win to help the Patriots progress to 6-0. The first 6-0 team and only one of two undefeated teams left in the league, showing despite all the offseason speculation, New England is still a force to be reckoned with. In terms of offensive performance, not too much else stood out. Sony Michel had a multitude of carries (22), rushing for 86 yards, while Julian Edelman caught 9 passes for 113 yards, averaging 12.6 yards per reception.
It was in fact the defence that perhaps sealed the game for the Patriots, not giving rookie Daniel Jones any time to make decisions, forcing him into 3 INTs (Harmon, Gilmore and Simon) while pressuring him into a sack by Kyle Van Noy. Blocked Punts and a forced fumble return for a TD (also by our breakout player prediction Van Noy) capped off the score for the Pats and left them leaving prime time as victors yet again. An extra few days rest for New England ahead of a divisional game against the Jets this week as they attempt to keep their undefeated record going as long as possible, ready for another push at the coveted Lombardi trophy.
Week 6 – Darnold and the Jets Soar against ‘America’s Team’
With Sam Darnold back for the first time since week 1, the Jets had a game on their hands against a Cowboys team that started the season well, but had gone off the boil in the last couple of weeks. All worries about the Jets QBs health after being out with Mono were waved away as the Sophomore in the league threw for an impressive 338 yards and two TDs off 23 completions. The receiving core of the Jets offence did its job. Robby Anderson aided fantasy owners with 5 catches for 125 yards and a TD, Crowder caught 6 for 98 yards, while Vet Demaryius Thomas brought in 4 balls for 62. Le’Veon Bell showed signs of shining again after a fairly quiet start to life in the Big Apple, racking up 50 yards and a TD, albeit from 14 carries. Overall the offence moved mechanically and was successful in breaking down the Dallas D.
The Jets defence was unable to bring down Dak Prescott or pick off any of his passes, but consistent pressure as well as a good tackling display meant the score stayed fairly low and helped the Jets secure their first win of the season. 8 tackles and an assisted tackle for Brian Poole stood out for the Jets. The D line containing 3rd overall pick Quinnen Williams also did its job, achieving a win for new Head Coach Adam Gase before they take on the undefeated Patriots in Week 7, could they pull it off? The rest of the division (and probably the league) hope so.
Week 6 Dolphins lose Tank Bowl 2019
Miami and Washington were both 0 win teams coming into Week 6, with the Dolphins coming off a bye being as rested as a 0-4 team can be. The extra week of preparation proved futile however as it was the Redskins that got their first win of the year in a tight fought game that looked like neither team really wanted to win (both wanting that #1 pick?). QB Ryan Fitzpatrick was brought into the game for the struggling Josh Rosen, almost managing to comeback for the win if it wasn’t for a Kenyan Drake last play of the game drop inside the 5. Fitz managed 132 yards and a TD (to Davante Parker) in his comeback attempt, helped by 40 yards rushing from Drake. TE Mike Gesicki was the top receiver in the game for the Dolphins with only 51 yards, summing up the offensive performance from Miami not just in the game but the entire season so far.
The defensive side of the ball wasn’t too successful either, getting overran by Case Keenum who threw for 2 TDs and Vet Adrian Peterson who ran for 118 yards. The positive the Dolphins can take out the game is at least they only conceded 17 points this week, less that most of their previous defeats. However that may be down more to the Redskins offensive inefficiency rather than any Dolphins defensive excellence. In week 7 Miami take on divisional rivals Buffalo, off to a good start (4-1) and fully rested off a bye, it will be a tough test for the team seeking their first win of the year, and new (old) starter Ryan Fitzpatrick.
(image courtesy of hogshaven.com)