2016 Season - Week #4

Miami Dolphins @ Cincinnati Bengals

                                    1         2         3         4         FINAL

MIAMI                       7        17        3        14        41

CINCINNATI             0       10        3         6         10

CINCINNATI – Thursday Night's Color Rush affair was more of a one-sided washout and was over by halftime as the Miami Dolphins (4-0) continued their dominating start to the season with an emphatic 41-10 thrashing of the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Miami defense once again stole the show allowing only 33 rushing yards while sacking Andy Dalton 5 times on the night.
Byron Jones took at tipped Dalton pass 42-yards to the house late in the first half to give the Dolphins defense a touchdown scored for a 4th consecutive game.
"When we get our hands on the ball, we are looking to go all the way," Jones said. "Every day we practice that man, we are trying to stop you and outscore you."
For the season, Miami has scored 37 points on defense and through the special teams return game while allowing only 51 total points on the year. 
"People give us flack for our lack of a passing game," Adam Gase said. "But with the way this defense is playing we can afford to pound the run game, wear teams down, and rely on our D to get the ball back or put points on the board themselves."
On offense, Miami relied heavily on Chris Ivory for the short week. 
Ivory finished with 166 yards rushing with a pair of long touchdown runs.
"We like to spread the love each week," Ivory said. "Sometimes it's Thomas (Rawls), other times it's Duke (Johnson). It was my turn tonight."
Miami will take their undefeated act home to face the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

Seattle Seahawks @ New York Jets

                                    1         2         3         4         FINAL

SEATTLE                 7        16         0        7         30

NEW YORK              0       13         13     11        37

NEW YORK – For all the heat head coach Todd Bowles has been facing, you cannot fault him for lack of effort.
Sitting in the locker room down ten heading into what seemed to be another second half of misery, Bowles took fate into his own hands. 
"I'm not an alarmist or someone who overreacts," Bowles said. "But it was time for a change."
Bowles gave an impassioned speech alongside defensive captain Joe Haden. The much-maligned coach informed his team that he would take over all defensive play-calling duties moving forward. 
"It had to be done," Bowles said. "I told the offense their only job was to not (expletive) turn the ball over anymore."
The result: New York outscored the Seattle Seahawks 24-7 over the final two quarters as the Jets (1-3) picked up their first win of the season 37-30.
"We needed this," Haden said. "It's on now."
Haden, who boasted to the media about becoming the league's best safety after his mid-week position change, picked up his first interception of the season during the second half turnaround.
Not to be lost in Bowles' defensive takeover was a dominating performance by the New York ground attack led by emerging star David Johnson.
For the day, Johnson rushed for 204 yards with three touchdowns on only 19 carries.
"I've been begging for this all year," Johnson said. "We got the big fella KB (Kelvin Benjamin) out there blocking like he's Zach Martin. Our o-line has got pride too and that's something we gotta keep leaning on."
Sam Bradford, after being acquired in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles Monday, struggled mightily with three first half interceptions but settled down with two second half TD passes to go along with his 16-22, 200 yard performance.
"I'm still learning the offense," Bradford said. "But I want to be a quarterback in this league and I'd love to be here long-term. My job is to get this team to the playoffs."
The Jets will look to make it two in a row as they head to undefeated Pittsburgh Sunday afternoon.

Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots

                                    1         2         3         4         FINAL

BUFFALO                  7         7         7         0         21

NEW ENGLAND      7         3         7         25      42

FOXBOROUGH – As the team sat at 2-1, only one week away from getting Tom Brady back under center, the New England Patriots (3-1, 1-1 AFC East) shocked their rivals from Buffalo (3-1, 1-1) 42-21 at home Sunday.
Quarterback Brandon Doughty did not turn the ball over, a point of emphasis all week by head coach Bill Belichick, and shockingly outplayed Pro Bowler Aaron Rodgers throughout the night.
"They said some things during the week that could be viewed as disrespectful," Doughty said. "I think Rex (Ryan) was having fun calling me Shannon Doherty or something. Coach (Belichick) is big on us letting others say stuff during the week while we just get ready to play."
The afore-mentioned Rodgers played his worst game as a professional (and perhaps ever) with a combined seven turnovers (six interceptions and a fumble lost). 
All night Rodgers seemed out of his element and unable make throws the league has come to expect from the future Hall of Famer.
"Obviously a lot went wrong," Rodgers said. "But look, we aren't going to quit. I was taking shots there at the end. I'm not a stats guy. Until there are zeroes on the clock, we'll keep fighting."
The biggest beneficiary of Rodgers' rough night was rookie Cyrus Jones.
The Alabama standout ended with three interceptions - two of those being returned for touchdowns.
"Coach is going to kill me for this," Jones said. "But I don't see what all the hype is about A-Rod over there. Deshaun (Watson) was way better than him (Rodgers) when I played him. I think I played like two or three better QBs each year in the SEC."
When asked about Jones' comments, Bill Belichick was less than impressed with his rookie corner's words.
"Cyrus could be out of this league in two years," Belichick said. "I'm pretty disgusted with him talking about a Hall of Fame caliber player like that to be honest. I will work with him (Jones) to not get too big a head over make a few plays tonight so he can turn football into a sustainable career."
Buffalo will look to get back on track as they travel west to face off against the Los Angeles Rams in the LA Coliseum. 

Week #4 AFC East Preview

Miami Dolphins @ Cincinnati Bengals
In last year's AFC Wild Card round, the Bengals were humbled and humiliated by the eventual Super Champions from Miami 50-14. To a man, each Cincinnati player on the field for January's debacle have talked about that game as motivation heading into Thursday Night's clash.
"I hate them," Vontaze Burfict said. "I'm coming for them all - put me on offense too man, I'm ready."
Miami players have made little reference to last year's game and have instead focused on continuing their run of strong defensive play, holding opponents to 13.3 points-per-game to start the season.
"They can say what they like, but at the end of the day we are all pros," Courtney Upshaw said. "They are hungry, but so are we."
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Andy Dalton has a lot to prove after laying an egg again in last year's matchup. Look for him to finally take the 'next step' at home on Thursday Night. 
PREDICTION: Bengals win 31-30

Seattle Seahawks @ New York Jets
In an effort to keep his job for at least one more week, Todd Bowles worked with his general manager to shake up the NFL landscape. The Jets moved on from Ryan Tannehill while picking up Sam Bradford. The team also acquired wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin after dealing defensive line stalwart Kawann Short to the Cowboys. It was a busy week indeed.
"We are all on notice," Bowles said. "I could be fired at halftime. If you don't perform, you are gone, simple as that."
The Seahawks, in addition to traveling across the country, will also have the added difficulty of preparing for a team making a flurry of moves.
"We don't even know who will be on the field," Pete Carroll said. "There may have been a trade while we are talking in here."
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: New York's defense versus the porous Seattle offensive line. This has to be the week the Jets soar...right?
PREDICTION: Jets win 22-18

Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
In the much anticipated matchup against the bitter division rivals, Rex Ryan pulled no punches to start his press conference.
"Wait until their quarterback, whoever it is, plays a legitimate defense like ours," Ryan said. "They won't sneak by any longer playing those cupcake defenses."
To be fair, New England has faced Arizona, Miami, and Houston - all top defenses in the NFL, but Ryan's crew does add the ability to score points along with their stout defensive play.
Bill Belichick was very praiseworthy of quarterback Aaron Rodgers throughout his mid-week press conference.
"He is one of those guys that you can't fully prepare for," Belichick said. "He can do everything and it will be tough for us."
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Buffalo to hit the 'next level.' Despite their 3-0 record, the Bills have shown flashes of a team lacking the ability to play their game for all four quarters. Against New England (without Tom Brady), Buffalo has no excuses and should come out and make a statement.
PREDICTION: Bills win 35-17

Blockbuster Trade Alert!!!

Desperate times call for desperate measures. 
The Cleveland Browns and New York Jets were preseason darlings and supposed to be AFC contenders heading into the 2016 NFL season.
With both teams sitting at 0-3 and playing in equally embarrassing fashion, last year's blockbuster trade partners gathered in a pair of NFC teams to join in their NBA style trading fun.

The incredible trade details are as follows:

Cleveland Browns receive
QB Ryan Tannehill (from New York Jets)
2017 1st round pick (from Carolina)
2018 1st round pick (from Carolina)

New York Jets receive
QB Sam Bradford (from Philadelphia)
WR Kelvin Benjamin (from Carolina)

Carolina Panthers receive
QB Cam Newton (from Cleveland)
WR Jordan Mathews (from Philadelphia)
2017 1st round pick (from New York Jets via Miami)

Philadelphia Eagles receive
QB Chase Daniel (from New York Jets)
WR Tavon Austin (from New York Jets)

More reaction from this monumental trade will follow as the entire NFL reacts. 

The New York Jets, in an attempt to get something in return for the soon-to-be-departed Pro Bowler Kawann Short, dealt the tackle to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2018 2nd round draft pick. 

2016 Season - Week #3

Arizona Cardinals @ Buffalo Bills

                                    1         2         3         4         FINAL

ARIZONA                  7        0         7         0         14

BUFFALO                  0       10        3         6         19

BUFFALO – In a potential Super Bowl preview the Buffalo Bills (3-0, 1-0 AFC East) outlasted the Arizona Cardinals 19-14.
Trailing 13-14 heading into the 4th quarter, Aaron Rodgers led his troops on a time-killing drive before hitting Luke Willson from 12-yards out to put the Bills up 19-14 (missed 2-point conversion).
"Luke (Willson) has been huge for us this year," Rodgers said. "But at the end of the day, this was on the defense - they came up huge and sealed the win for us."
Rodgers, despite his humility, finished with a near perfect passer rating on the day going 24-26 for 247 yards and 2 touchdowns.
But Luke Kuechly and his defensive teammates did in fact close the game out.
After a blown coverage leaving John Brown wide open for a 56-yard gain, Kuechly and company stood tall on four consecutive plays from within their own 10-yard line.
"To stop them from that close to end a game feels pretty sweet," Kuechly said. "I love my teammates, that felt great."
For the day the Buffalo defense allowed only 66 yards rushing and 223 yards through the air. This solid play from the defense allowed Rex Ryan to lean on Todd Gurley early and often.
"We simplified our offense getting rid of Greg (Roman)," Ryan said. "It goes Todd, Todd, Todd, Todd, throw."
The Bills next face their hated division rivals from New England in Foxboro.

Cleveland Browns @ Miami Dolphins

                                    1         2         3         4         FINAL

CLEVELAND           0         0         0       10        10

MIAMI                     13       13        7       10        43

MIAMI – If Cam Newton didn't have recurring nightmares of zombies wearing Dolphins gear, he will now. Newton's Browns were destroyed by the Miami Dolphins (3-0, 1-0) 43-10 Sunday in Miami.
"Man, they got me figured out," Newton said. "I got nothing to say."
Newton finished 19-30 with two interceptions and a fumble that was returned 91-yards for a touchdown by Miami's newly acquired cornerback Bashaud Breeland. 
"I was tired there at the end," Breeland said. "Defense was rolling today."
Calvin Pryor, who had a career game versus Newton last year, intercepted the first Browns pass of the game.
"We get all the pub," Pryor said. "But our d-line was the story. Courtney (Upshaw) had like 55 sacks man."
The angry and overly aggressive Miami defense ended with seven sacks on the day with 4.0 sacks credited to Upshaw.
Cleveland gained 241 yards total for the game (only 29 on the ground). 
With the multitude of turnovers and 3-and-outs coming their way, the Miami offense plodded down the field with a 3:1 run to pass ratio. The team ended with 187 rushing yards on the day.
"That's just us," quarterback Jacoby Brissett said. "We got those two long throws, one for a score, but for the most part we want to keep it on the ground."
The Dolphins have a short turnaround as they get ready for their Thursday Night matchup at Cincinnati.

New York Jets @ Kansas City Chiefs

                                    1         2         3         4         FINAL

NEW YORK              0         10       7          7        24

KANSAS CITY        0         10       7          24      41

KANSAS CITY – The New York Jets (0-3, 0-1) experienced yet another 4th quarter to forget as they fell to the Kansas City Chiefs 41-24 in Arrowhead Stadium Sunday afternoon.
With the game tied at 17 early in the 4th, Kam Chancellor provided his team with what seemed to be a game-changing play, causing a Jamal Charles fumble that was recovered by the Jets near mid-field.
However, two plays later, Ryan Tannehill stood strong in the pocket for a split second too long leading to a strip sack from Lamar Houston who picked up the loose ball and raced 48-yards for the go-ahead score.
"I'm devastated," Tannehill said. "Our defense kept us in there into the 4th quarter and I let my guys down again."
Chancellor seemed to be yelling some choice words Tannehill's way after the fumble as he headed back on the field.
"We will keep that in house," Chancellor said. "I just want to keep grinding with my defense and see if we can get us in the win column."
Runningback David Johnson broke through with a 61-yard score of his own in the 3rd quarter in what seemed to fully change the momentum towards the visiting side.
"It felt great to get that long one," Johnson said. "Hopefully coach will call my number more so I can help get our D some rest."
On the year Johnson, whom many tabbed as a breakout candidate, has carried the ball only 24 times. In his postgame press conference, Todd Bowles remained stoic, but is certainly feeling the heat after an 0-3 start. 
"This is a results based business," Bowles said. "A win is a win, and that is all we need right now. We will get it right."
The Jets get no breaks from the schedule-makers as they face the Seattle Seahawks at home this Sunday.

Week #3 AFC East Preview

Houston Texans @ New England Patriots
The 1-1 New England Patriots turned to quarterback Brandon Doughty last week after GJ Kinne suffered an AC joint injury in practice (with disastrous results). Now, facing a defensive unit with a healthy Jadaveon Clowney and that man named JJ Watt on Thursday Night Football, life only gets tougher for the Pats.
"Brady, Kinne, Doughty, whoever, we are coming to eat," Watt said. "I want to keep our train rolling through Foxboro."
With a date with 2-0 Buffalo looming in Week 4, Thursday night's affair with the Texans is turning into a huge game for New England's hopes of competing in the AFC East.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Houston's weapons against New England's secondary. DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller have been nearly unstoppable for the first 2-weeks. Can the Patriots secondary stop the dynamic duo?
PREDICTION: Texans win 27-13

Arizona Cardinals @ Buffalo Bills
After an epic late comeback against the reeling New York Jets, the Bills face an NFC Super Bowl hopeful in the Arizona Cardinals. 
Bruce Arians knows that his team faces a tall task heading to the northeast.
"Offensively they are one of the toughest teams I've seen in my time in the league," Arians said. "They are strong across the board. Don't sleep on that defense either."
Buffalo's defense doesn't often get the credit it deserves alongside the cavalcade of stars trotting onto the offensive side of the field, but Patrick Chung, Geno Atkins, Luke Kuechly and Clay Matthews like going relatively unnoticed.
"I feel like we can compete with anyone," Kuechly said. "We have All Pros at many different positions - the key is becoming a Super Bowl-type unit; We don't care about individual stuff anymore."
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Todd Gurley the anchor. Once Buffalo was able to focus on the run late in the 2nd half against the Jets, the writing was on the wall. This Bills team (now without offensive coordinator Greg Roman) must provide Gurley with opportunities to wear defenses down so that Aaron Rodgers can put people away. 
PREDICTION: Bills win 31-26

Cleveland Browns @ Miami Dolphins
Much has been written about the last time Cam Newton faced the Miami defense: Two fumbles lost, three interceptions, and a benching leading to a trade to Cleveland.
This South Beach sized stain on Newton's early legacy is not lost on the signal-caller.
"They got me last time and it's been on my mind every day since," Newton said. "I don't forget things - they were dirty. I'm coming for them."
The Dolphins have been able to enforce their will against Seattle and New England to start the year. A revenge date with Newton's Browns provides some intrigue to a matchup that looks a bit lopsided on paper.
"We don't take anyone lightly, especially with Cam (Newton) over there," Calvin Pryor said. "He's one of the best in the game and we have to be ready."
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Can Miami keep Cam in the pocket? If Cam is able to slide away from the pressue from the Dolphins, he can be lethal. An angry Cam Newton is someone no one wants to see.
PREDICTION: Browns win 28-24

New York Jets @ Kansas City Chiefs
For three quarters we finally saw what has been expected from the New York Jets: Dominance. 
If you polled the other 31 General Managers in the NFL, you'd unanimously get the Jets GM as the top scout and player personnel man around. 
The talent accumulated has yet to yield results on the field - leaving some to point fingers at head coach Todd Bowles.
"It's on me," Bowles said. "I need to improve along with the rest of our coaching staff to put players in the positions to win."
In an effort to do just that, Bowles hired newly available Greg Roman as an offensive quality control coach to assist with play-calling. 
Roman should help re-focus the team's rushing attack while simplifying reads for their quarterback.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Can Ryan Tannehill avoid the "big one" and copy the Alex Smith playbook of excellence? Although there have been rumblings that Jimmy Garoppolo's time to start is fast approaching, the storyline will remain the same regardless to whomever is under center: Protect the football. If Jimmy G is the man to do this, park Tannehill on the bench and find a trade partner ASAP. 
PREDICTION: Jimmy G & the Jets win 23-17

Twitter Reactions from TNF's Wild Contest

@AdamSchefter - Unbelievable all around - both teams playing to win at all costs
(Adam Schefter)

@LT_21 - WOW, I love you Rex - you are a gamblin' man!! #VEGAS?
(LaDainian Tomlinson)

@AdamSandler - Oh....my Jets
(Adam Sandler)

@J_No24 - THats why haden & smith arent true NO1s - knock that down man #truth
(Josh Norman)

@dariusrucker - Thanks @BruceAlmightee for the invite - front row for a classic!!
(Darius Rucker)

2016 Season - Week #2

New York Jets @ Buffalo Bills

                                    1         2         3         4         FINAL

NEW YORK              8       14         7         0          29

BUFFALO                  3        7        11       15         36

BUFFALO – A power outage delayed the start of Thursday Night Football's Color Rush affair. 
Once the lights came back on, the party began. 
Not a 'fun' party mind you, more like a heavily hyped rager that devolved into a couple of dudes fighting over the last of the chips and that one long-term couple arguing on the front steps before breaking up for the 19th time. 
Rex Ryan fired Greg Roman at halftime to "inspire" his team.
Aaron Rodgers failed in an effort to call a 4th timeout for his team as time expired in the first half leaving at least 3-points on the board. 
Todd Bowles, with a 3-score lead and time running out in the 3rd quarter, neglected to use his special teams unit, allowing a dead-in-the-rights Bills team to win one of the most questionably coached games (on both sidelines) in NFL history.
ESPN's Mark Schlereth, who was in the booth next to this reporter, noticed that seven of the nine 4th down attempts came inside a team's own 38-yard line. 
Schlereth quipped that it seemed as if "two angry 9-year olds were coaching the game like they were playing a video game at a sleepover." 
When the dust settled, the Buffalo Bills (2-0, 1-0 AFC East) stormed back to take out a devastated New York Jets (0-2, 0-1) squad 36-29.
Leading 29-10 deep in the 3rd, the Jets seemed to have the game squared away. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill had played in flawless fashion passing for 224 yards and two scores through three quarters.
His counterpart Aaron Rodgers was awful over the same timespan. 
Rodgers not only short-circuited at the end of the first half, but he also gifted Navorro Bowman a 45-yard interception return for a touchdown early in the 3rd on an ill-advised attempt to throw out of a sack.
"I can't explain it," Rodgers said. "I was the worst player out there for three quarters. The headsets were off and I got rattled and a bit upset. I'm glad we pulled it out."
On a 4th-and-19 from his own 29-yard line with 2:17 left in the 3rd, Rodgers waved off the punting unit and decided (on his own) to go for it.
"We were going to lose and I wanted one more throw," Rodgers said. "We made the play."
Rodgers heaved a Hail Mary throw towards mid-field and found a streaking Amari Cooper for a 45-yard gain. The team managed a field goal to put the score at 29-13.
"Even there (with the score 29-13) we should have finished them off," Bowles said. "That 4th down conversion there really got me - I figured if they got one with 19 to go, we could get one with just inches left; I was wrong."
After what should have been a simple three-and-out leading to a punt, Bowles opted to go for it on 4th-and-short at his own 37-yard line.
The attempt failed.
On the very next play, as time expired in the 3rd, Todd Gurley ran, untouched, 37-yards to make it 29-21 (Buffalo successfully converted the 2-point try).
In the span of 2:17 of game time, the Bills had scored 11 points and made it a game heading into the 4th.
When asked to comment on the Gurley run and failed 4th down attempt during his postgame press conference, Bowles stormed out of the press room, hurling a water bottle at an exit sign hanging above the door.
He missed the sign.
After stopping the Jets again to open the fourth quarter, the Rodgers led attack marched down the field with the All-Pro quarterback finding his tight end Luke Willson for a 17-yard score before converting another 2-point conversion.
Sitting at 29-29, all eyes were on Tannehill who had a chance to calm his team and take control of his opportunity to lead.
Instead, Tannehill went 0-for-2 on his final two pass attempts of the game with two interceptions.
"I blew it," Tannehill said. "I don't know anymore."
In the middle of Tannehill's pair of INTs, Todd Gurley took home another long (38-yard) TD run to seal the victory.
"Man, that was crazy," Gurley said. "I've never seen anything like that."
The Bills next host the Arizona Cardinals while the New York Jets will head to Arrowhead Stadium to play the Kansas City Chiefs.

Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots

                                    1         2         3         4         FINAL

MIAMI                       7         7        13        9         36

NEW ENGLAND      3         3         0         9         15

NEW ENGLAND – The Tom Brady-less Patriots (1-1, 0-1 AFC East) were no match for their rivals from down south at the Miami Dolphins (2-0, 1-0) dominated throughout during their 36-15 victory in Foxboro Stadium.
"Once again, they outplayed us," Bill Belichick said. "Over the past four (against Miami) Tommy's only gotten to see them for a half, so hopefully we come out better prepared with him when we get another shot in Week 17."
The Patriots last minute quarterback stand-in Brandon Doughty turned the ball over three times with two interceptions and a fumble (leading to a 36-yard scoop and score for the Dolphins Courtney Upshaw).
Even New England punter Ryan Allen threw an interception to Kyle Fuller on a fake punt attempt. 
"We wanted to play it pretty close to the vest," Adam Gase said. "We were really conservative early, I think we punted five times in the first - we knew we could wear them down."
Once the turnovers started piling up, the Miami rushing attack took over.
Chris Ivory, Thomas Rawls, Jalston Fowler and Duke Johnson combined for 268 yards on the ground for the Dolphins.
Rawls led the way with 122 yards on only eight carries. Ivory supplied the bulk of the workload with his 19 carries for 115 yards.
"We love sharing the load, honestly," Ivory said. "We are all just trying to do one thing: That's grind them down and get to that end zone - if we can bull someone over along the way, that's a bonus."
The Miami defense, in addition to their four takeaways, notched another 5.5 sacks on the day.
The Dolphins will finally play on home soil as they host Cam Newton and the Cleveland Browns Sunday in Miami. 

Week #2 AFC East Preview

New York Jets (0-1) @ Buffalo Bills (1-0)
A week after his team's flat effort against the Cincinnati Bengals, head coach Todd Bowles was in no mood to reflect and dissect the team's performance.
"I told you, we've moved on to Buffalo," Bowles said. "I'm not going to talk about it. Unless you have Buffalo questions, I ain't gonna be here for long."
The typically controlled Bowles reflected a disappointment that resonated throughout the Jets headquarters heading into their massive second week tilt against Buffalo fresh off their 28-24 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.
Early September games are typically never viewed as must-win, but an 0-2 start would damage New York's playoff aspirations. 
Rookie Jalen Ramsey highlighted the matchup most are pointing to as vital for Thursday night's contest essentially daring Aaron Rodgers to test the Florida State product.
"I'm not scared," Ramsey said. "Throw my way if you want to."
Rodgers and his head coach Rex Ryan have also promptly began to focus on Buffalo, refusing to look back at their come-from-behind road victory in Baltimore. 
Ryan, in a conference call leading up to the game, gushed about the play from the New York defensive line despite the Jets loss, particularly the play of defensive tackle Aaron Donald.
"They certainly got one of the best players right there," Ryan said. "The big monster."
Ryan will certainly lean on Todd Gurley in the run game, but many expect the Bills to test the edges of the New York defense based on the strength of the Jets front seven.
Although rumors have been flying, there seems to be no truth to the reports that quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo poses any threat to incumbent Ryan Tannehill who struggled mightily on Sunday.
"I wasn't good," Tannehill said. "I'll be better.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Sean Smith and Joe Haden to bounce back against father time. The veteran duo was viewed as a massive strength coming into the year, but both looked slower than expected against AJ Green and company. Expect a low-scoring affair with the turnover battle determining the outcome. 
PREDICTION: Jets win 20-17

Miami Dolphins (1-0) @ New England Patriots (1-0)
Let's be honest: 90% of football fans were hoping that the bland Miami running game would fall flat on their trip to the Pacific Northwest so that we would get a chance to see a more wide open attack to go along with the dominating Dolphins defensive play. But, after their emphatic 37-16 victory, it looks as if we are stuck with another season reading Good Housekeeping as Adam Gase keeps the playbook under wraps. 
"We're playing to win," Gase said. "That's what we're going to do. So get used to it."
As Tom Brady sits on the sidelines, GJ Kinne will get his second career start against another playoff contender after doing just enough to silence the Cardinals.
"To me, I thought I'd be in the CFL (Canadian Football League) by now," Kinne said. "I'm just living a dream."
Regardless to who is under center, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is focused on getting his team ready for a Miami squad that not only swept the regular season series versus New England, but who also knocked the team out of the playoffs in last year's AFC Championship game.
Belichick was certain his team could easily shift their focus from their opening weekend win against Arizona towards looking at figuring out the Dolphins.
"All you have to do is turn on our (last) game against Miami," Belichick said. "Sickening. I don't know if you got a chance to see that or not. Wasn't very good - bad coaching, bad playing, just bad period."
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: If New England can run the football, they may be able to get something going in the passing game with all their weapons on the outside. But it's GJ Kinne versus the defending champions.
PREDICTION: Dolphins win 27-10

2016 Season - Week #1

Cincinnati Bengals @ New York Jets

                                    1         2         3         4         FINAL

CINCINNATI            14       3         7         7         31

NEW YORK              6         3         0         7         16

NEW YORK – A pair of devastating Ryan Tannehill interceptions in the 3rd quarter (including one returned for a Bengals touchdown) doomed the home side from New York as the Jets (0-1) fell 31-16 to Cincinnati (1-0).
Tannehill started off well in the first half to keep his team close after Cincinnati shell-shocked the vaunted New York defense with two quick touchdowns to start the game.
"I was just as baffled as you all to be honest," head coach Todd Bowles said. "Our defense needs to play better than that and (Ryan) Tannehill can't make those mistakes if he wants to be our starter."
Despite boasting an offensive line full of potential future Hall of Famers with Marshal Yanda, Travis Frederick and Zack Martin, the Jets managed a paltry 31 rushing yards on the day.
"Yeah, I'm pissed off man," runningback David Johnson said. "We said a lot of things this offseason and none of that happened today. We need to run the rock."
A visibly frustrated Aaron Donald refused to talk to reporters after the game and will surely face a fine from the league.
"Our goal is to win the division and this didn't help us," safety Kam Chancellor said. "We have to buck up quick and not feel sorry for ourselves. We are a championship team. Week one is done, no looking back on this, it's just motivation and a learning opportunity now."
The Jets have no time to rest as they face a short week as they are scheduled to welcome in their division rivals from Buffalo (1-0) for Thursday Night Football.

Buffalo Bills @ Baltimore Ravens

                                    1         2         3         4         FINAL

BUFFALO                 7         7         7         7         28

BALTIMORE           10       14       0         0         24

BALTIMORE – A second-half shutout by their defense propelled the Buffalo Bills (1-0) to a 28-24 opening weekend victory over the Baltimore Ravens (0-1).
Newly acquired tight end Luke Willson proved to be a difficult matchup for the Ravens linebacking corps finishing with 8-catches for 131 yards and a pair of touchdowns. 
"It felt good out there," Willson said. "Aaron (Rodgers) kept finding me and the defense kept sitting back there to stop Amari (Cooper) and Travis (Benjamin). It was my turn today."
Fresh off his award-winning campaign from a year ago, runningback Todd Gurley picked up 151 yards rushing on 26 carries with a touchdown.
"Numbers...I don't care. We are 1-0," Gurley said. "Last year was nothing - we want that Lombardi. On to New York."
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers looked to have no rust after last year's injury with a 275 yard passing day to go along with the two TD strikes to Willson. 
Much was made in the postgame interviews surrounding John Harbaugh's decision to essentially dare the Bills to lean on Gurley in the running game by keeping his safeties deep all game.
"Don't question that," Harbaugh said. "You're a guy with a clipboard who probably never suited up a day in his life. We got beat by a better team and that's that."
The Bills suit up again in four days, once again on the road, where they face off with the New York Jets (0-1).

Miami Dolphins @ Seattle Seahawks

                                    1         2         3         4         FINAL

MIAMI                      7         16        7         7         37

SEATTLE                 3         6           0         7        16

SEATTLE – The defending Super Bowl Champions started 2016 much like 2015 ended, with a dominating 37-16 demolition of the Seattle Seahawks (0-1) in Seattle, Washington.
The Miami (1-0) ground and pound attack was alive and well with the team splitting carries between backs Chris Ivory, Thomas Rawls and Duke Johnson throughout the game.
Many pundits predicted that Miami's one-dimensional scheme would fail in year two (and with a new coach in Adam Gase). Writers lamented how the defense would not be able to keep up their takeaway pace or pressure on opposing quarterbacks once teams had enough film to gameplan around. 
All wrong.
"You know, it's one thing for you all (writers) to disrespect us, that's your job," safety Calvin Pryor said. "But look, they got us playing across the country on opening weekend in a non-primetime spot after winning the Super Bowl - that's crazy disrespect man. We want to not only win it all again, but to make enemies in every city throughout."
Pryor's 13 tackles and a 17-yard fumble recovery for a score led the way for a Dolphins defense that yielded only 34 rushing yards on the day.
Adam Gase was pleased with his team's efforts, including that of his rookie quarterback Jacoby Brissett who finished 6-8 for 198 yards passing with three touchdown passes.
"People have taken shots at us left and right - but our style works," Gase said. "It's a copycat league gentlemen - start copying."
The Dolphins next travel to New England (1-0) to take on the Tom Brady-less Patriots.