3GML Mock Draft 2.0

Here we are 1-month from free agency (time is flying!). With some new trades (and a few projected draft day deals sprinkled in), here is the 3GML Mock Draft 2.0!

1. Cincinnati - QB Joe Burrow (LSU)
2. Washington - DE Chase Young (Ohio State)
3. LA Chargers (TRADE #5 & #27) - QB Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama)
4. New York Giants - T Jedrick Wills (Alabama)
5. Green Bay - T Andrew Thomas (Georgia)
6. Detroit - CB Jeffrey Okudah (Ohio State)
7. Carolina - QB Justin Herbert (Oregon)
8. Arizona - WR CeeDee Lamb (Oklahoma)
9. Jacksonville - DT Derrick Brown (Auburn)
10. Cleveland - T Tristan Wirfs (Iowa)
11. New York Jets - T Mekhi Becton (Louisville)
12. Las Vegas - LB Isaiah Simmons (Clemson)
13. San Francisco - DT Javon Kinlaw (South Carolina)
14. Tampa Bay - QB Jordan Love (Utah State)
15. Denver - WR Jerry Jeudy (Alabama)
16. Atlanta - DE K'Lavon Chaisson (LSU)
17. Dallas - S Grant Delpit (LSU)
18. Green Bay - WR Henry Ruggs (Alabama)
19. Las Vegas - DE AJ Epenesa (Iowa)
20. Houston - WR Laviska Shenault Jr. (Colorado)
21. Philadelphia - WR Jalen Reagor (TCU)
22. Buffalo - WR Tee Higgins (Clemson)
23. New England - G Cesar Ruiz (Michigan)
24. New Orleans - WR Justin Jefferson (LSU)
25. Miami Dolphins - CB CJ Henderson (Florida)
26. Miami Dolphins - T Josh Jones (Houston)
27. Green Bay - CB Kristian Fulton (LSU)
28. Baltimore - MLB Kenneth Murray (Oklahoma)
29. Tennessee - CB Trevon Diggs (Alabama)
30. San Francisco - WR Brandon Aiyuk (Arizona State)
31. Minnesota - CB A.J. Terrell (Clemson)
32. Kansas City - MLB Patrick Queen (LSU)

3GML 2020 Offseason Team Needs

With the passing of another Super Bowl, NFL front offices are swinging their full attention to the 2020 off-season.  Each team will be taking an introspective look and identifying roster needs they must address in either free agency or the upcoming NFL draft.  New front offices will be hoping to turn around beleaguered franchises, while under the close scrutiny of ever increasing media attention. Given their history of success in the league, decisions by the 3GML general managers this offseason will be sure to draw high praise or loud criticisms from their new fanbases.  We will take a look at what team needs may be driving the decision-making for these franchises.

For each team, 3 positions of need will be presented and ranked by how “dire” of a need the roster holes are perceived by our analysts (me). These will be defined as “Explicit Need”, “Strong Need”, or “Probable Need”.  Other potential needs are also listed. Team strengths and depth will also be discussed as areas of little need, but per the old GM adage, “Don’t let a good player prevent you from getting a great player.”

Miami Dolphins - GM EP

The Dolphins GM started his offseason with a bang by trading their 27th pick for QB Cam Newton, despite having incumbent starter Jacoby Brissett on the books for a cool $21 million next year.  If Cam stays healthy, there is no doubt he is an upgrade over Brissett, but given the last few seasons, that is a big “if”. Regardless, we can wipe QB off the immediate team needs. As well, RB (Ingram/Fournette) is an area of strength, and the TE room is led by superstar George Kittle, who may be looking at a monster contract extension this offseason.  While OL depth is always a plus, the Dolphins O-Line boasts some solid starters, including ascending 2019 1st round pick Erik McCoy. The other side of the trenches could stand to be upgraded, but the edge position will become a strength if Shaq Barrett can repeat his success after a breakout campaign. The question will be whether GM EP is willing to pay the money to keep Barrett, who will likely command top dollar in free agency.  Assuming Barrett stays, we’ve identified the following top needs for the Miami Dolphins for the 2020 offseason:

Explicit Need: WR1

We know that GM EP loves the old-school power running game, but in today's NFL, a strong WR room is a must.  This WR group is led by Sterling Shepard, who is truly best suited in the slot. While Jakobi Meyers posted a strong rookie season, he lacks elite physical traits, posting a pedestrian 4.63s in the 40 (13 percentile) last offseason.  The rest of the room is rounded out by Keelan Doss and KeeSean Johnson - players who saw little action last season. This team needs a true alpha on the outside, who can start Day 1 and allow Shepard to operate out of the slot. With arguably the deepest WR class to grace the draft in years up for the taking, we anticipate the Dolphins will take a close look at WR options in the first few rounds.

Strong Need: LB

We go from one of the deepest positions in the draft to one of the shallowest.  Luckily, some options will be available in free agency. Either way, the Dolphins will be looking to upgrade their LB corps.  Presently, Raekwon McMillan and Jerome Baker hold down the outside, but only FA Josh Bynes is listed as Mike. McMillan could step into this position, but would leave a hole in the lineup without a strong replacement on the roster.  If the Dolphins are looking at LB in the draft, it is best they take one early, with targets like Oklahoma’s Kenneth Murray or LSU’s Patrick Queen (we expect Isaiah Simmons will go before Miami’s first pick) available in the 1st round. Free agency has several options, but it will depend on whether the Dolphins wish to pay for a position that has seen a recent uptick in annual average money.

Probable Need: CB

It was a toss up between OL or CB here, but we opted for CB for the same reason we see WR as a problem.  Miami’s CB group is headed by Desmond King, who does his best work in the slot. You could say the same for Taron Johnson and Siran Neal.  The Dolphins could use a true boundary defender, which would allow King to slide into the slot and do his best work. This draft will have a few good day 1 and 2 options for Miami, as the free agent market will look to get pricey with only limited top end talent available like Byron Jones or the aging Chris Harris.  Miami could also resign departing FA James Bradberry to help fill this need, but another outside defender would still be beneficial.

Other potential needs: LG, K

Houston Texans - GM TH

The Texans GM is in an unenviable position this offseason, having already committed top dollar to DE Trey Flowers and LB Myles Jack last season, and with impending contracts for Edge Jadaveon Clowney, and CB’s Darius Slay and Jalen Ramsey.  All 3 are expected to command top dollar deals, and it will get tight quickly for Houston’s cap space. But it is hard to argue against the talent at those positions. So it's a good thing the Texans are more than set at QB, with Lamar Jackson’s favorable rookie contract on the books for the next few seasons.  Throw in a strong RB squad (also mostly rookie contracts) and the picture looks brighter. We also know just how much Lamar likes his TE’s, and it’s hard not to like the upside of O.J. Howard (in an offense that actually will use him) and Jace Sternberger. Aside from these clear roster strengths, we’ve identified the following top needs for the Texans for the 2020 offseason:

Explicit Need: DT

You could argue safety here, but for us, it comes down to winning games in the trenches.  The Texans defensive interior is manned by solid NT Steve McLendon, and not much else. We know Trey Flowers slides inside in passing situations, but it is clear this team is hurting for DL depth.  There are a number of viable options in free agency that we expect GM TH will take a hard look at, but again, the impending cap situation may prove prohibitive. The draft has some top end talent with Auburn’s Derrick Brown and the Gamecocks’ Javon Kinlaw, but we expect both of these players will be gone in the top 15.  The DL depth in this class appears questionable, although the draft process has yet to fully playout. It will be curious to see how the Texans GM navigates this need over the next few months.

Strong Need: S

We stated before that safety could easily be seen as the top need, so it’s clear this position must be addressed.  The Texans traded the talented, but oft-injured FS Malik Hooker to the Chargers this offseason, leaving a big hole in his place.  Currently, the SS position could be manned by pending FA’s Eric Berry or Vonn Bell, the latter who is a solid, if unspectacular player.  Opposite of Bell or Berry, the Texans have last year’s draft pick Deionte Thompson. However, questionable instincts and durability caused him to slide in last year’s draft, and he did little in his rookie season to assuage those concerns.  Luckily, we expect 2 solid options (Alabama’s Xavier Mckinney and LSU’s Grant Delpit) will be within reach of the Texans first draft pick. It just depends on whether Houston will be willing to pull the trigger then.

Probable Need: OL

We went with OL in general here, because we feel that the left side of the Texans O-line could stand to be upgraded - both LT and LG.  It appears in stark contrast to the right side, which is held down by the mauling RT Orlando Brown, Jr. and solid RG Brian Winters, not to mention their last year FA acquisition C Matt Paradis.  The Texans have expressed interest in resigning LT Kelvin Beachum, who is an average starting tackle in the NFL, but we expect them to take a look at the decent tackle class in this year's draft.  At the moment, oft-injured G Forrest Lamp is pegged to fill the hole at LG created by Kelechi Osemele’s departure, which shouldn’t inspire much confidence. Unfortunately, this draft is weak at the top with interior OL, although there are some intriguing Day 2 options.  Top end free agents are also available with Joe Thuney and Brandon Scherff, but we expect the Texans GM will look elsewhere to fill the hole.

Other potential needs: WR, OLB

San Francisco 49ers - GM CD

San Francisco’s GM has been quiet this offseason, giving little clue as to what SF might do in free agency or the draft.  The latest playoff push has shown this roster is deep in several places, but weak in some critical positions. The 49ers boast arguably the deepest LB group, led by Demario Davis, and look to resign the perennially underrated Joe Schobert.  Behind them, the safety tandem of Derwin James and Marcus Williams form a rangy backend to the 49ers defense, with upcomers Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and Xavier Woods adding solid depth. The 49ers have invested heavily at the Edge position in the recent drafts (two 1st round picks in 2 years), so it is unlikely they will spend high draft capital at that position.  On offense, the RB duo of Kamara and Lindsay remain a strength. To aid in the running game, a significant portion of the Niners cap is tied up with the offensive line, which has slowly been upgraded over the last few seasons. Instead, we have identified a few glaring needs that may impact the 49ers ability to get back to the playoffs in 2020.

Explicit Need: QB

This is about as glaring as it gets.  Teddy Bridgewater was benched in favor of Marcus Mariota last season, after showing a propensity for turning over the ball.  Teddy will again be given a chance at starter, but it is clear he is nothing more than a game manager at best. The 49ers will need a more dynamic QB if they want to get the best out of Shanahan's system and keep up with the dynamic NFC West.  Free agency won’t be the answer here, since the team will likely need to pay Teddy decent money to keep him. It also appears the team lacks the draft capital to move in range of the top QB prospects. They will have to wait and see if options like Justin Herbert or Jordan Love fall to them at pick 13 (or in range for a trade up), or whether they wait and see what next year presents.  Either way, the long term QB situation is murky for the 49ers.

Strong Need: DT

Until this offseason, no one would have pegged DT as a strong need for the 49ers, but Damon “Snacks” Harrison surprised the football world when he announced that retirement was an option.  While the 49ers are excited for their young 3T Maurice Hurst, no solid replacement for Harrison is currently on the roster. Even if Snacks decides to come back, his age and recent injury history suggest it is time the 49ers start thinking about the future of their DL.  Look for the 49ers to address their DL in free agency or the NFL draft. At pick 13, Auburn’s Derrick Brown and SC’s Javon Kinlaw may be in consideration for the 49ers.

Probable Need: WR

This was a toss up between CB and WR, but WR gets the nod here after a strong season by CB J.C. Jackson.  The 49ers invested heavily at WR this last off-season, signing Julio Jones to a fully guaranteed contract and locking up Tyler Boyd after a breakout 3rd campaign.  While Jones is the clear X receiver, Boyd is best suited in the slot. This leaves the Z receiver position in question. For the last 3 seasons, the 49ers have lacked a true field stretcher to pair with Julio, and have trotted out the likes of Jermaine Kearse and Nelson Agholor with marginal returns.  With a very deep WR draft, the 49ers might look to finally get a deep threat to pair with Julio and open up the vertical passing game they have long desired.

Other potential needs: CB, DE

Green Bay Packers - GM SD

Up until recently, there weren’t many roster needs for the reigning 3GML Super Bowl champion.  As is often the case, a Super Bowl roster is hard to keep, with players looking to cash in on their recent success.  But this team has answers for many of the departing players. While star RB Gurley is out the door, a strong season by Kenyan Drake suggests little transition will be needed.  Recent draft capital has built a strong young interior OL led by the elite LG Quiton Nelson, and the left side is manned by the underrated LT Jake Matthews, who locked up for several more years.  The DL is coming off a monster year leading the league with sacks, with both Myles Garrett and Geno Atkins breaking league records. The 2019 3GML rookie of the year, MLB Devin Bush, brought a much needed presence to the middle of the defense, and shored up a previously weak area.  We should note that there has been some questions surrounding the future of the Packers Star QB Aaron Rodgers, who might be showing signs of regression with age. But this roster is still in win now mode, and Rodgers is still dangerous. Given that, we will look elsewhere for roster holes:

Explicit Need: RT

The departure of RT Ryan Ramczyk has left a massive whole in this talented O-Line.  We know that GM SD has spent a lot of recent draft capital to protect Rodgers and boost the Packers running game, and that practice has brought this team success.  Currently, David Edwards and Tyrell Crosby are the rostered replacement options, but the former is best at G and the latter a backup swing tackle. Given the pride GM SD puts in his offensive line, we expect the Packers to address this need high in the draft and / or in free agency.  With the 3rd pick in the draft, the Packers could have their choice out of the top trio of Jedrick Wills, Tristen Wirfs, and Andrew Thomas.  

Strong Need: WR

On the surface, this wouldn’t look like a need, but GM SD will tell you it has been for a while now.  Brandin Cooks and JuJu Smith-Schuster form a great 1A / 1B tandem, but there is little appealing talent behind them.  Last year's 3rd round pick, Hakeem Butler, had a lost season, and the remaining positions are filled by UDFA’s and a specialist (Tavon Austin).  To truly take this WR room to the next level, the Packers need a true X-receiver, allowing the speedy Cooks to stretch the field from the Z-position, and JuJu to get clean releases from the slot where he is most dangerous.  It is hard to imagine the Packers won’t look to take advantage of a deep WR draft and a plethora of Day 2 picks to address this long-standing need.

Probable Need: CB

At this point, team needs become a little less clear for the Packers.  You could argue TE, although with Kyle Rudolph at TE2 and Hunter Henry likely retained, the situation could be worse.  OLB springs to mind as well, as the position opposite of Zach Cunningham is a question mark. We settled on a CB instead.  CB1 is clearly locked up by the underpaid Casey Hayward. The Packers seem likely to resign Mackenzie Alexander, who has settled comfortably in the slot position after a rocky start in the league.  However, the other CB position remains unfilled. The Packers drafted the talented CB Greedy Williams, who fell to the 2nd round last year due to character concerns and an latent allergy to tackling.  He did not progress as hoped this last season, battling injuries and rookie growing pains. Greedy will need to show considerable growth over the next season to step into a full-time starting role in the Packers vaunted defense.  We expect that the Packers will be looking for a veteran presence in free agency to mentor the young CB and lock down the field opposite of Hayward.

Other potential needs: OLB, S

2020 3GML Mock Draft 1.0

1. Cincinnati - Joe Burrow, QB LSU

2. Washington - Chase Young, DE Ohio State

3. Green Bay - Tua Tagovailoa, QB Alabama

A huge risk with the 3rd pick in the draft for GM SD. The idea here is that Rodgers has begun to decline a bit with the past three seasons and while he’s coming off a 3GML MVP, his salary and below 90 rating may make him a valuable trade chip later. Tua has major injury concerns but coming off a championship, when its he next time the Pack will be anywhere near this high up in the draft? If they don’t take this opportunity now, will they have it again in the next decade? It’s a risk, and maybe a big one particularly with injury concerns. However, is it more risky to take one of the most accurate prospects ever, or to pass on him and hope you get another 3 or 4 more good years at 30+ million from Rodgers?

4. New York (N) - Tristan Wirfs, OT Iowa

5. LA Chargers - Andrew Thomas, OT Georgia

6. Detroit - Jeffrey Okudah, CB Ohio State

7. Carolina - Justin Herbert, QB Oregon

8. Arizona - Ceedee Lamb, WR Oklahoma

9. Jacksonville - Isaiah Simmons, LB Clemson

10. Cleveland - Jedrick Wills, OT Alabama

11. New York Jets - Jerry Jeudy, WR Alabama

12. Las Vegas - Laviska Shenault, WR Colorado

13. San Francisco - Derrick Brown, DT Auburn

The possible loss of Snacks Harrison is a major sticking point with this team moving forward. They have to consider the ridiculously talented Jordan Love here but instead they fill the team’s biggest immediate need other than quarterback with the best run defender in this year’s class. Brown is a game wrecker inside, and while Kinlaw has to be in play due to his pass rushing prowess, Brown provides upside in that regard as well. It’s a toss up but with the system in the Bay Area, getting someone who can fill Harrison’s massive shoes at 13 is a good move.

14. Tampa Bay - Javon Kinlaw, DT South Carolina

15. Denver - CJ Henderson, CB Florida

16. Atlanta - AJ Epenesa, DE Iowa

17. Dallas - Grant Delpit, S LSU

18. Miami - Kenneth Murray, LB Oklahoma

This might seem like a bit of a strange pick but after the top 4 tackles are off the board, the reach here might be a tad high and the need for the Chargers to add a LB is gigantic. They are weak at that position and to get a run and chase linebacker like Murray is simply too important in this division. Trying to stop KC for the next four or five years is going to be almost impossible unless you have one or two guys who can stop Travis Kelce. Adams and Murray could be the rare two men who could bracket and slow down the KC tight end. You have to draft to win your division first and foremost. 

19. Las Vegas - Kristian Fulton, CB LSU

20. Houston - Xavier McKinney, S Alabama

The Texans traded away their one starting caliber safety last week and now look to roll into next season with some combination of Deionte Thompson and an older vet. If that’s the case the defense won’t be able to cover and run the way they want. GM TH is known for having an attacking secondary at the safety position. He needs elite tacklers and defenders to make that scheme work. Currently it won’t work with the players they have there. While they will look almost certainly to upgrade at tackle as well, they do have right of first refusal on All League selection Kelvin Beachum and the rumor on the rumor mill is they will exercise that if the deal is even moderately team friendly. 

21. Philadelphia - Henry Ruggs III, WR Alabama

22. Buffalo - Tee Higgins, WR Clemson

23. New England - Brandon Aiyuk, WR Arizona State

24. New Orleans - Justin Jefferson, WR LSU

25. Miami - Jordan Love, QB Utah State

This is almost a dream scenario for the Chargers. They get one more year of Brissett to see what he is but then they get the true super high upside guy while not having to use their first pick on him. Love could really use a year to sit and they definitely need more weapons and in this scenario he likely gets both. Love is absurdly talented and with a high running style of offense, being able to get a guy with this type of arm strength and mobility to throw the deep ball and simply feed George Kittle is a great pick. 

26. Green Bay - Josh Jones, OT Houston

The team has to find a right tackle after losing the best on in the game in Ryan Ramcyzk. Jones was excellent at the Senior Bowl and while the Packers have a deal in place for the power run blocking Jack Conklin, Jones is a better pass protector. He may be a little out of position on the left side but he’s probably too important to pass up here without many other needs. The team gets its tackle and its quarterback of the future in this scenario.

27. Miami- Tyler Biadsz, OL Wisconsin

The team is a power running machine year after year and adding an interior lineman who can play all three interior positions is just too classic of a team fit. Biadsz will play guard in this scenario but adding him next to the OROY in the 3GML last year in McCoy creates an interior line that has the potential to be second to none the next decade in the league. Again this is simply drafting for scheme and division, to beat KC you have to pound the rock and keep them off the field, this accomplishes that in spades.

28. Baltimore - Curtis Weaver, Edge Boise State

29. Tennessee - Yetur Gross Matos, Edge Penn State

30. San Francisco - K’Lavon Chasson, Edge LSU

The team has to be at least tempted to take Fromm or Eason here but instead they pass after Love doesn’t fall into their laps. The 49ers are desperate for consistent edge pressure and absolutely have to come out of this draft with another edge presence. Burns was coming on strong last year until an injury slowed his progress. Adding the crazy athleticism of Chasson with Burns is a terrifying proposition. They need someone like him to chase around Wilson and the improving Murray in the NFC West.

31. Minnesota - Trevon Diggs, CB Alabama

32. Kansas City - JK Dobbins, RB Ohio State

BREAKING: Three AFC East GMs Hired To New Teams

In what was a shocking day of events, the general managers of three to the four AFC East teams were hired away by other franchises in the NFL.  The Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, and New York Jets have long held court with the rest of the league.  In fact, four of the last five AFC Championships have been between teams in the AFC East.  It appears the rest of the NFL had enough and if they couldn't beat the teams assembled by these men on the field, they were going to join them. Ultimately, three teams offered deals the GMs couldn't turn down.  Miami is the only operation that will remain under the same leadership moving forward.

General manager SD of the Super Bowl Champion Buffalo Bills has agreed to a new five year deal with the Green Bay Packers.  The NFL's oldest franchise is looking for a return to greatness and now has their man to lead them.
"We really did everything we could in Buffalo.  I'll never forget this 19-0 season, but I am excited about this new challenge and can't wait to start prepping for the draft." The GM said.
Rumors are swirling that Buffalo head coach Eric Bieniemy will be following the GM to Green Bay as the two have shown they are very successful together.

General manager TH of the New York Jets has been hired by the Houston Texans in an effort to maximize the talent already there.  Reports had the GM being frustrated with ownership in New York after being forced to slash salaries following the 2018 season as well as their decision to hire Adam Gase as head coach.
"I'm not here to comment on the past.  I had a wonderful time in New York and was lucky enough to bring a Super Bowl to the Jets organization.  I plan to do the same here in Houston." The GM said.
With Chad Pennington likely to stay behind in New York, the Texans have zeroed in on head coach Lincoln Riley of the Oklahoma Sooners to lead them.  All signs indicate he'll make the jump to the NFL.
In a bizarre moment at the introductory press conference, Gase, who was sitting with reporters, grabbed the microphone and asked the new GM, "Have you seen my car keys?"  He was quickly escorted out by security.

General manager CD of the New England Patriots will be moving across the country to take over the San Francisco 49ers.  San Francisco had been looking to steal the GM for some time now and finally put together an incentive package to get the deal done.  Word was the GM was frustrated with the image the Patriots still had in the public.
"We worked really hard over there to change the culture of that organization.  I would like to thank Mr. Nabisco for his trust in me to turn things around.  However, the chance to run a storied franchise like this was an opportunity I couldn't pass up.  I look froward to wearing my 49ers gear proudly."
Indications are the 49ers will keep head coach Kyle Shanahan in place for next season.

We'll see what this shift means for the NFL moving forward.  Regardless of the outcome, the 3GML is well positioned for the future.

2019 Season: Super Bowl LIV

ATLANTA 13
BUFFALO 44
Perfection.  The Buffalo Bills completed their magical season, becoming only the second undefeated Super Bowl Champion in the NFL's storied history.  Buffalo (19-0) left little doubt Sunday they were the best team on the field with a 44-13 drubbing of the Atlanta Falcons (13-5-1).
Todd Gurley exploded for 250 yards and 4 touchdowns en route to being named Super Bowl MVP.  The Falcons defense had no answers for Gurley who broke long run after long run.
"Man, this is the best feeling in the world.  Coach said we were going to have a run-heavy game plan and I just am so thankful for his trust in me.  I'm a Super Bowl Champion!" Gurley said in his post-game press conference.
Geno Atkins reminded everyone why he is the greatest player in 3GML history with 4.5 sacks in the biggest game of his career to date.
"Man, how do you top this?  I'm going to Disney World!" Atkins said on the field before he was mobbed by teammates.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers didn't have his best game but he was there when his team needed him, picking up huge third down after huge third down like he has all season.
"All that matters is the W.  This is my second one with the Bills and it feels really special.  We are going to be remembered forever.  This is the greatest team of all time." Rodgers said.
This marks the fifth year in a row, the AFC East has won the Super Bowl.  The rest of the league will have its eyes on these 4 GMs who have shown they are the class of the NFL.
As for the Bills, they go home tonight Super Bowl LIV Champions.

2019 Season: AFC Championship

NEW ENGLAND 13
BUFFALO 30
The Buffalo Bills (18-0) continued on the march to perfection with a 30-13 win over the defending champion New England Patriots (13-6).  In what was a rematch of last year's AFC title game, the Bills flipped the script this time around using a mix of a "bend but don't break" defense and timely third down conversions.
"It felt really good to get this one after the way last year went down." Quarterback Aaron Rodgers said. "I'm going to enjoy a nice scotch after this one and then get ready for the Super Bowl."
Rodgers was big when his team needed him to be, picking up two crucial third and longs and turning both into JuJu Smith-Schuster touchdowns.
"What's funny is those were both the same play." Smith-Schister said. "We liked what we saw when we got the first one so coach dialed it up again and they gave us the same look.  Huge throws by 12."
The defense had things going early when the Bills were up 13-0 late in the second, but New England (who was set to receive the 3rd quarter kickoff) was driving and looked ready to score right before the time ran out.  However, Marcus Mariota, who revived the Patriots season after a mid-season trade, made what was likely his biggest mistake of the season when he threw a 93 yard pick-six to Budda Baker to make it 19-0 at the half (Buffalo's two point conversion attempt failed).
New England wasn't about to lay down though, and when things looked bleak, Alvin Kamara took a 98 yard yard run to the house to make it 19-7.  After a Buffalo field goal made it 22-7, New England drove the length of the field and scored again to bring it to 22-13, but a crucial missed extra point in the snowy conditions left it a two-score game.  From there, the Bills put the game away for good.
While New England is disappointed they couldn't go back to the Super Bowl, they did take a 1-4 team that was left for dead to the AFC Championship game.  Coach Chris Petersen announced he was stepping away from the game at his press conference, stating "It's just become too much."  Where the Patriots go from here will be closely watched this summer.
As for the Bills, they head to Miami to take on the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LIV.

2019 Season: Divisional Round

NEW YORK JETS 6
BUFFALO BILLS 48
The Buffalo Bills (17-0) made quick work of the visiting New York Jets (12-6) Saturday afternoon 48-6.  The weather was the story early when a cold front brought ample amounts of snow, but the Bills changed that narrative to one of total domination.  Buffalo's defense got a stop early and Aaron Rodgers took the offense down the field for a touchdown.  The tone was set on that drive when the Bills offense decided to go for it on fourth down on the New York 15-yard line.  Buffalo was not going to take their foot off the gas.
"This is the playoffs.  We play to win." Coach Eric Bieniemy said. "Plus with the snow, it was really difficult out there for the kicking game."
The Bills defense kept the Jets out of the red zone the rest of the first half and the offense put New York to bed.  Rodgers was only asked to pass early on, completing all sixteen of his attempts for 184 yards and 2 touchdowns.  From there on out, the rushing attack wound the clock down and the score up.  Todd Gurley rushed for 103 yards and three touchdowns while Damien Williams added 71 yards and two touchdowns of his own.
New York was disappointed in their outing but did find a silver lining reflecting back on their season.
"Everyone doubted this team.  They said the roster wasn't good enough to compete." Coach Chad Pennington said. "For us to make the run we did, I'm proud of our guys."
As for Buffalo, they will host the AFC Championship game next week against New England as they continue their quest for a perfect season.

NEW ENGLAND 40
TENNESSEE 3
New England (13-5) continued their late season dominance by steamrolling the Tennessee Titans (10-7) on Sunday afternoon.
Tennessee moved the ball early and went up 3-0 before New England rattled off 40 straight points to earn a trip to take on the 17-0 Buffalo Bills next week in rematch of last year's AFC Championship game.
"One game at a time." Coach Chris Petersen said after the game.  "We've lost to [Buffalo] two times already this year.  Both games were really close late.  We just got to get over the hump."