2018 Season: Wild Card Preview & AFC East Notes

NEW YORK JETS
After wrapping up their second consecutive AFC East crown and the AFC's top seed, the 15-1 New York Jets were able to spend some downtime together, resting up for what they hope is another Super Bowl run.
Head Coach Todd Bowles, who has been long rumored to step away from the club, regardless to how the season finishes, was seen on the Stanford football sideline during the New Year's Eve Sun Bowl game between the Cardinal and the PITT Panthers.
"I just love what David (Shaw) does here with his guys," Bowles said. "I know this (season) is the end for my time in the NFL, I'm itching to look at a bit of a slower pace and to plant some roots; Maybe at the college level."
Upon his return to team headquarters, Bowles and his squad will be watching to see which teams make it out of the Wild Card round before making their trek to the Gotham City.
"The road to the Super Bowl is through here," Lamar Jackson said. "I think we have proven we are up for any test - We welcome any challenge."

BUFFALO BILLS
After a Week #17 victory over the Miami Dolphins, the Buffalo Bills secured the AFC's #5 seed and a road matchup against the scuffling Jacksonville Jaguars on Wild Card weekend.
A top heavy AFC East feasted on all other AFC opponents allowing the Jaguars to limp into the playoffs with a losing record.
"We can't take anyone for granted," Aaron Rodgers said. "I know they gave up like 100 points the other week, but it's a new season now."
Leonard Fournette, who has been seemingly non-existent for the Jags the past four weeks, tried to pump his squad up with what seems to be an ill-advised guarantee.
"We're at home and we are going to win," Fournette said. "You heard it here first and I'll never waiver from that."
The -19.5 point underdogs would be the biggest dog in history to advance in a playoff game.
"A lot of times those barking dogs don't have no bite," Jamal Adams said. "He's my boy and all (both played at LSU), but man he's out there."

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
With a strong regular season finish, the Kansas City Chiefs, winners of the AFC West, earned the right to host the AFC's #6 seed from New England.
However, being more than a touchdown underdog at home, seems to be a bit of a slap in the face for a team boasting one of the better home field advantages in the NFL.
"Yeah it's a dig at us," Patrick Mahomes said. "I think we should be favored. But none of that matters once the game is on."
New England would have won any other AFC division this year, but being slotted in the strong AFC East put them as the last team in.
"Wild Card teams make runs all the time," Julio Jones said. "It starts Saturday and we'll see where the road takes us."

MIAMI DOLPHINS
The Miami Dolphins acted fast in their search for a new Head Coach. The team interviewed Don "Wink" Martindale (DC Baltimore Ravens), Rex Ryan (former New York Jets and Buffalo Bills HC) and Tony Dungy (former Indianapolis Colts and Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach) before announcing the hiring of Matt Campbell who has been the Head Coach of Iowa State from the Big 12 since 2016.
"I am thrilled at the opportunity," Campbell said. "Job number one is to build our staff and connect with our current players to ensure we are laying our foundation together."
Campbell also announced that Charles London would be his offensive coordinator and that Chris Hewitt would serve as the team's defensive coordinator.
London played runningback at Duke before spending time coaching RBs at Penn State University under Bill O'Brien. London then followed O'Brien to the Houston Texans before joining the Chicago Bears for the 2018 season.
Hewitt played collegiately for Rutgers before joining the New Orleans Saints for three seasons as a defensive back. In the professional coaching ranks, Hewitt has coached special teams and defensive backs for the Baltimore Ravens under John Harbaugh. He will be handed to the keys to a defensive backfield with good, young talent.

MVP Roundup: Week 15

This is when the season starts to get fun and the MVP voting starts to heat up. With 2 weeks remaining in the season it looks like the MVP discussion is down to 4 players. The Jets locked up back to back division titles in one of the most entertaining games of the season against the dynamic Texans and it gives their two main candidates a true boost. Dak continues to lead the NFL in passing yards and could account for 40TD’s this season. The two big time receivers both posted 300 yard games, Cooks in a game that saw him break the NFL record, and Hill in a game where he amassed 461 all purpose yards. Other candidates aren’t dead in the water either, with a 4 man panel voting and differing opinions, this season’s race will be decided on the 22nd.. just as it should be.


1. Dak Prescott, QB New England

He’s leading the NFL in passing yards, could come up with 40TD, almost every game he’s played has been tight, unlike the other 3 teams in the league, and even in his CPU loss Prescott put up over 400. He’s been very solid, spreads the ball around better than any other qb in the league, and also has 6 rushing scores. His team made the playoffs and he’s been very good. He’s had a couple duds in simulated games which is a big deal, don’t get me wrong. A dud in a game that certainly matters a ton week 16 likely will cost him major votes and maybe a plaque, if he goes out and posts big numbers against the Bills though, it’s his award from this voter.

2. Tyreek Hill, WR Jets

He has a big time chance to set the NFL receiving touchdowns record this season, which stood at 23, he has 22 now. The past few weeks he’s started returning kicks as well when his team needed a boost and he has 2 300 yard games this season. Hill has been the most important player on the NFL’s best team. His 2 touchdowns against the Bills early in the season and 460 yard all purpose games give him a boost over Cooks, as does the team record, but it’s close.

3. Brandin Cooks, WR Bills

Look he made what may be the biggest play of the year with his 88 yarder for a score in a sim. The game was tight and back and forth defensive battle until BC broke it open. He’s got a chance for the NFL yardage record by a receiver, and has put up more big time plays than anyone in the NFL. His team is a playoff team for the 3rd straight year and his consistency and big time plays are a big part. A big game against the Pats in what is shaping up to be a massively important game will be huge. He’s just below Hill because of team record, and the fact that in the huge matchup with the Jets he had as many penalties as catches, but it’s a tight battle now.

4. Joey Bosa, DE Jets

The last player I believe can truly win the award is the ultra consistent Bosa. He leads the division by a mile in sacks with 17.5 and has coupled it with playing the run exceptionally well all season, minus the Texans game where he did give up the edge a couple of times. He’s picked up at least one sack in 12 of 14 games including 5 of 6 sims. He has forced fumbles, caused mayhem and been arguably the leagues most consistent player regardless of position. His defense has a chance to set the all time scoring record and Bosa has been its best player. I’m not sure he can win the award, but he’s going to get a number of high end votes.

5. Marshon Lattimore, CB Pats

This is where the voting gets a bit murky for me. Lattimore leads the division in picks and it’s not just that he’s leading in that category it’s that his team has played more tight games and he’s made big plays in those games. He’s been a consistent playmaker for a defense that needed him to be, and when you look at overall value, which is what the award is supposed to be, it’s really difficult to say that Lattimore hasn’t been one of the most valuable pieces in the league.

6. Geno Atkins, DT Bills

He’s the easiest player in league history to vote into the Hall of Fame. He’s had a quietly outstanding year, and while it’s certainly not his MVP caliber campaign, it’s a dynamic and solid season. His team was really good against the run all season, keeping the Jets record breaking run close and maybe overtaking them and he’s the biggest reason. He’s great against the run, had a couple of sacks against the Jets in a huge sim and consistently makes plays. Other players get more pub, but to be honest in 3GML history right now, Atkins is the GOAT.

7. Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB Dolphins

He’s the defensive rookie of the year, leads the division in tackles, has 6 picks and quite honestly maybe would have been in the MVP discussion if Miami makes the playoffs. It’s tough to put someone on this list from a team that is out of conisderation, but I think Miami’s team had one player you ABSOLUTELY had to prepare for week in and week out and his consistency in a difficult season was tremendous, great player, great start to a career.

Others in consideration at this point:

Myles Garrett, DE Buffalo

Kenny Stills, WR Miami

Alvin Kamara, RB New England

Julio Jones, WR New England

Shaq Thompson, LB Miami

Jamal Adams, LB/DB Buffalo

Lamar Jackson, QB Jets

2018 Season: Week #14 (Live Tweet)

Here at 3GML headquarters, we often like to invite the community and NFL insiders to chime in during big games. This week, with the AFC East all playing against themselves in critical matchups, we're live-Tweeting today's games.
Our staff writer, Scoops Caligiri, will be @scoops. Look for @MiamiDolphins, @Patriots, @nyjets, @buffalobills, and others to join us.

1:00pm (ET) @scoops - We are underway here in Miami as the Dolphins look to create chaos
1:01pm (ET) @dariusrucker - don't make me cry
1:07pm (ET) @Patriots - Look at that bad man!
1:07pm (ET) @dariusrucker - crying
1:08pm (ET) @scoops - 65-yard TD run by Alex Collins; Dolphins Swiss cheese D, 7-0 Pats
1:09pm (ET) @KingHenry_2 - tryin to be me..
1:14pm (ET) @RealSkipBayless - Derek Carr is not good
1:22pm (ET) @dariusrucker - Let's Goooo
1:23pm (ET) @MiamiDolphins - Reshad Jones with huge INT - time to wake up 'Phins
1:29pm (ET) @scoops - After the INT, quick 3-and-out; Missed Myers FG 7-0 Pats
1:38pm (ET) @scoops - Dan Bailey FG to end 1st, 10-0 Pats
1:45pm (ET) @RealSkipBayless - Derek Carr is not good
1:45pm (ET) @DCarr8 - Yikes baby bro
1:46pm (ET) @scoops - Derek Carr with bad INT to SS Morgan Burnett
1:52pm (ET) @Patriots - Alex Collins show continues
1:53pm (ET) @scoops - Collins immediately makes Dolphins pay with 26 yard TD 17-0 Pats
2:05pm (ET) @scoops - Miami grinds out a FG, 17-3 Pats
2:13pm (ET) @KingHenry_2 - They are both going OFF
2:13pm (ET) @dariusrucker - Too much crying
2:13pm (ET) @scoops - Alvin Kamara with 55 yard TD run, Pats running away 23-3 (PAT blocked)
2:22pm (ET) @MiamiDolphins - An answer!
2:24pm (ET) @scoops - Carr to Albert Wilson TD to put team back in; 23-10 Pats
2:30pm (ET) @scoops - Game still in doubt at halftime, Dolphins get ball in 3rd
3:13pm (ET) @scoops - Rough start for both, back-to-back-to-back missed FGs
3:17pm (ET) @Patriots - We made one!
3:19pm (ET) @scoops - Dan Bailey with 45 yarder, Pats up 26-10
3:27pm (ET) @RealSkipBayless - Lsat chance here for Miami, 4th and 4
3:27pm (ET) @dariusrucker - It's over
3:28pm (ET) @scoops - Carl Lawson sacks Derek Carr on 4th down
3:40pm (ET) @scoops - Eric Ebron TD, Pats up 33-10
4:00pm (ET) @scoops - Two more garbage time TDs added for each, Final: Pats 40-16
4:02pm (ET) @MiamiDolphins - Patriots are still cheaters
4:03pm (ET) @Patriots - Stay classy
4:05pm (ET) @scoops - We'll now turn to the Buffalo/NYJ matchup; Hopefully it's closer
4:10pm (ET) @buffalobills - Here we go boys!
4:10pm (ET) @nyjets - Not worried
4:11pm (ET) @AdamSandler - It's our night
4:12pm (ET) @scoops - Geno Atkins with sack on Tannehill's first drop back
4:22pm (ET) @nyjets - Worth that first rounder@
4:23pm (ET) @AdamSandler - WooooH!!
4:23pm (ET) @scoops - Dion Lewis with a 12-yard TD run, Jets up 7-0
4:27pm (ET) @RealSkipBayless - Rodgers looks like Derek Carr
4:28pm (ET) @scoops - Kevin Byard with huge INT at midfield; No Gurley hurting
4:44pm (ET) @scoops - Ho Hum slugfest for Jets OLine leading to FG; 10-0 Jets
4:47pm (ET) @scoops - Drake looks badly injured; Down to 3rd RB
4:55pm (ET) @buffalobills - That's what we needed
4:57pm (ET) @scoops - Rodgers leads team to much needed FG, 10-3 Jets
5:12pm (ET) @SHAQ - LSU Baby; Jamal Adams is the GOAT
5:13pm (ET) @scoops - Adams with big sack to end first half scoring chance for Jets
5:29pm (ET) @scoops - Bills chipping away with opening FG in 2nd half, 10-6 Jets
5:48pm (ET) @RealSkipBayless - zzzzzzzzz, Captain check down Tannehill
5:55pm (ET) @scoops - Jets with another FG; 13-6 Jets
6:14pm (ET) @AdamSandler - Is Rodgers hurt?
6:22pm (ET) @scoops - Rodgers has struggled
6:28pm (ET) @nyjets - Dagger?
6:30pm (ET) @scoops - Tannehill to Crowder, huge 33-yard gain early in 4th on 3rd and long
6:38pm (ET) @scoops - Fairbain FG, 16-6 Jets
6:44pm (ET) @nyjets - Yes, this was the Dagger
6:45pm (ET) @scoops - Myles Jack with INT in Bills red zone
6:55pm (ET) @scoops - Tyreek Hill with the 12 yard TD reception, 23-6
7:04pm (ET) @buffalobills - Sadly, speechless; Good win
7:06pm (ET) @scoops - Joey Bosa with strip sack of Rodgers, game is over
7:27pm (ET) @scoops - Final: Jets 30-6 over Bills. Not the scoreline we expected

2018 Season: Week #14 Preview

MIAMI (FL) -- Week 14 of the NFL season has been circled on the calendars of many fans as Judgement Day in the AFC East. For the past three seasons, the Super Bowl champion has come from this division, and Sunday has a pair of matchups that have huge Super Bowl implications.

For starters, the New England Patriots (9-3, 1-2 AFC East) righted their ship with a victory over Minnesota last week and will look to bury their rivals from South Beach as the Miami Dolphins (8-4, 0-4) are staring the end of their season in the face.

"We know this is it for us," Minkah Fitzpatrick said. "If we want to continue our team's consecutive playoff streak, the playoffs start Sunday. It's win or be done for us."

Much-maligned QB and MVP candidate Dak Prescott opened up about the importance of Sunday's game for his team.

"I hear the chatter that some people believe we are not ready for prime time," Prescott said. "MVP, personal awards and things like that are meaningless. I believe in this locker room. We have a chance to separate ourselves from the field on Sunday and we aim to do just that."

Prescott will need to show that he can handle defensive pressure, which has caused him fits in his earlier AFC East games this season. The Dolphins are the NFL's top team as sacking the quarterback with 50 on the season. 

"We gotta be up in his face," Shaq Thompson said. "We want to make him (Dak) beat us."

Up in Buffalo, two teams who are clearly the top two teams in the NFL will wage war in an effort to secure the AFC's #1 seed and a clear path to the Super Bowl as the New York Jets (11-1, 4-0) take on the Buffalo Bills (10-2, 2-1).

Joey Bosa leads the NFL's #1 defense - A defense that may very well be remembered as the NFL's #1 defense of all time.

"All time means nothing if you can't win the whole thing," Bosa said. "We'll let history write our story after we do our job the rest of the way."

Buffalo also boasts a defense with all time potential, but have been overshadowed simply by playing in the same division as the much-heralded Jets defenders.

"You saw it last time we were at their house," Jamal Adams said. "Who was the better D that night? I can answer that for you. We got #12 back too. Just watch Sunday."

With the return of Rodgers, Buffalo has every right to be confident heading into a home matchup. Rodgers will look to mitigate the loss of All Pro Todd Gurley who looks to be out until the playoffs.

"Huge loss losing a guy like Todd," Rodgers said. "This is a playoff game for sure. The Jets are a strong team."

The curious case of Ryan Tannehill will play out on a main stage as the former Dolphin will look to continue his strong play in a hostile environment. 

"I'm just trying to keep us rolling," Tannehill said. "This is Lamar's team. I need to keep it going until he can get back out there."

2018 Season: Week #11

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 6 @ BUFFALO BILLS 50

ORCHARD PARK (NY) -- Aaron Rodgers returned with a bang as he led his Buffalo Bills (9-2) to a resounding 50-6 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday morning.

For the game, Rodgers finished a cool 12-19 for 355 yards and 4TD. With a strong running game, led by Todd Gurley's 139 yards on the ground, Rodgers found big plays via play action.

"It's a weird stat line to only complete 12 passes for that many yards," Rodgers said. "But our O-line let us pound the ground attack and hit them over the top."

Brandin Cooks, surely in line for an AFC Player of the Week honor, finished with 268 yards receiving and four TDs.

"Crazy day," Cooks said. "It was just there for me today."

Safety Jamal Adams again shined with nine tackles and a sack. The 2nd year man out of LSU has quickly turned into the face of the Bills defense next to Myles Garrett.

"We just need to keep representing the Blue and Red and good things will happen," Adams said. "We are starting to peak at the right time."

The Bills will next head to Miami to take on the Dolphins.

MIAMI DOLPHINS 30 @ INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 13

INDIANAPOLIS (IN) -- The surprising Miami Dolphins (8-3) rode a physical ground attack and another strong defensive effort past the Indianapolis Colts 30-13 Sunday afternoon in Indy.

D'Onta Foreman averaged 6.3 yards per carry to finish with 158 rushing yards on a day that saw his Dolphins defensive teammates again win the turnover battle 3-0.

Rookie Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick ended two Colts drives deep in Miami territory with interceptions while OLB Shaq Thompson sacked Andrew Luck four times.

"It's a true team out here," Thompson said. "That #29 kid is going to be special. I just want him to see the some postseason action too."

Miami has feasted on lesser opponents this season while falling flat against their AFC East foes with an 0-3 record in their division.

The team will hope to upend the surging Buffalo Bills next weekend at home. 

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 19 @ NEW YORK JETS 42

MEADOWLANDS (NY) -- The much anticipated first place matchup between the New York Jets (10-1, 4-0 AFC East) and the New England Patriots (8-3, 1-2) ended up as a blowout with the Jets winning 42-19.

Newly acquired QB Ryan Tannehill was electric with 348 yards passing and four TD passes.

"It's great to help this team," Tannehill said. "I was on the wrong side for most of my career; It's just nice to help out our guys."

Head Coach Todd Bowles called an aggressive gameplay that frustrated Dad Prescott throughout. Bowles also continued to throw late in the game in, what looked like an effort to run up the score. 

"It's a division game," Bowles said. "We want to leave no doubt."

The Jets will now have a short turnaround and will take on the Tennessee Titans.

The Pats will try to right their ship with a game against the Minnesota Vikings.

2018 Season: Week #10

BUFFALO BILLS 14 @ NEW YORK JETS 19

MEADOWLANDS (NY) -- With time running out late in the 4th, the Buffalo Bills (8-2, 1-1 AFC East) looked poised to close out the first place New York Jets (9-1, 2-0) to take over the division's top spot.

But a blocked punt off of the foot of Marquette King deep in Buffalo territory led to two late Jets scores and the eventual home team's 19-14 victory.

The main reason the Jets struggled was the tough loss of their MVP candidate signal caller as Lamar Jackson was forced to exit with a fairly significant injury in the 3rd quarter. Jackson is rumored to be out until Week #17 at the earliest.

"It hurts man," Jackson said. "We were clicking and I want to be out there with my guys."

Backup Ryan Tannehill did just enough to push his team over the finish line in this game with a pair of TD passes and an INT in the 4th quarter, but will he be enough to help the team earn their second consecutive AFC East crown.

For the Bills: They are expected to get their field general, Aaron Rodgers, back after the team's bye week.

Safety Jamal Adams, who has been outspoken through the season, was seen shouting and hyping teammates up in the locker room following the game referencing the team's upcoming Week #14 rematch as a chance to get back into the AFC East lead.

The Jets will also head into their bye week along with the rest of the division. 

MIAMI DOLPHINS 29 @ GREEN BAY PACKERS 26

GREEN BAY (WI) -- With overtime looming and following an embarrassing opening game with his new team, Derek Carr rallied his troops with a game-winning drive to lead his team past the Green Bay Packers 29-26 at Lambeau Field.

The Dolphins (7-3) battled back several times throughout behind the strong play of Carr who picked up 388 passing yards and a pair of TD strikes for the game.

"After last week, I wanted to show the guys I was here for them," Carr said. "Kenny (Stills) got open and I was fortunate enough to hit him in stride to put us in place at the end."

Stills finished the game with 174 yards receiving with six receptions and a TD.

Defensively, Rookie of the Year candidate Minkah Fitzpatrick was stellar with six tackles and two interceptions.

"We just want to get in the playoffs," Fitzpatrick said. "It's winning time now."

The Dolphins head to their bye week a game out of a playoff spot.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 30 @ TENNESSEE TITANS 38

NASHVILLE (TN) -- In a slight shocker, the Tennessee Titans upended the New England Patriots (8-2) 38-30.

Wesley Woodyard and company harassed the New England offense all night while Marcus Mariota led his troops over, around, and through what had been one of the NFL's best defenses through nine weeks of the regular season.

"It's a tough one to swallow," Dak Prescott said. "But we've got some resilient guys out here; We'll be OK."

To his credit, Prescott, a strong MVP candidate, kept his team alive throughout until his ill-fated INT on the final drive. For the game, Dak finished with 404 yards passing with 4TD.

The Patriots will now head into their bye week to prepare for a first place showdown with the New York Jets.

2018 Season: Week #9

NEW YORK JETS 34 @ MIAMI DOLPHINS 6

MIAMI (FL) -- We've grown accustomed to some great matchups over the years between the New York Jets (8-1, 2-0 AFC East) and the Miami Dolphins (6-3, 0-3). Sunday's game was not one of them as the Jets dismantled the Dolphins 34-6 in front of a silent Hard Rock Stadium crowd.

Derek Carr, rushed onto the field after an in-season trade from these same Jets, looked lost and confused against the Aaron Donald led pass rush. 

The Fresno State product finished with only 89 passing yards and was sacked twice by the afore-mentioned Donald.

"It was a statement game for us," Donald said. "This division is ours and we need to start putting these other teams away."

Without much need to get aggressive, rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson continued his MVP caliber season with 289 yards passing and 3 TDs to go along with his 131.4 passer rating.

For his efforts, Jackson earned yet another AFC Player of the Week award.

"It's go time," Jackson said. "The team made it loud and clear that it's my team moving forward by moving Derek (Carr). It's my job to show them they were right."

With Tyreek Hill facing double teams throughout, WR Jamison Crowder had his best game as Jet with 12 catches for 140 yards and a TD.

The Jets will now head home to take on the Buffalo Bills, who are still without Aaron Rodgers.

Miami will travel to the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field to take on the 1-7 Green Bay Packers. 

CHICAGO BEARS 10 @ BUFFALO BILLS 17

ORCHARD PARK (NY) -- When the 70,000 plus fans piled into New Era Field Sunday morning to watch their Buffalo Bills (8-1, 1-0) take on the Chicago Bears, they were not expecting to watch a rock fight, but that is what they got as the Bills squeaked out a 17-10 win over the visiting side.

Josh McCown improved upon his 4-pick night from last week with a turnover free game. 

Buffalo's defense led the way, stifling the Chicago attack throughout.

Sophomore Jamal Adams picked up a pair of INTs, including the game-clincher, to earn the AFC's Defensive Player of the Week honors.

"We just needed to get through today to get to the Jets next week," Adams said. "They have no idea who's coming for them. Be ready. You know what, I'm feeling like Broadway Jamal right now. We will win that game. I guarantee it."

Late in the third, with his team controlling the game, despite the score differential, head coach Sean McDermott inexplicably called for a fake field goal at mid-field with the Bears playing a base defense. It did not work.

"We tried to get too cute there," McDermott said. "It ended up not being cute at all."

The Bills will now take their winning streak on the road to battle the New York Jets. It's too early to tell if Adams' proclamation will help his team or provide extra motivation for the defending champs. 

GREEN BAY PACKERS 10 @ NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 24 (SNF)

BOSTON (MA) -- Dak Prescott and his squad did just enough to get past the reeling Green Bay Packers 24-10 on Sunday Night Football. The Patriots (8-1, 1-1) needed this win to get past last week's demoralizing first loss of the season. 

"We want to win every game," Prescott said. "Last week didn't work out, but we got one tonight and we hope to keep it moving next week."

Prescott finished with 234 passing yards and a pair of TDs on the night.

Defensively, the Patriots mixed up their coverages and confused rookie Josh Allen all night.

"Our coaches always put us in the right places," Morgan Burnett said. "Tonight it worked real well."

Burnett notched a clutch 2nd half INT to end a promising GB drive.

New England will now eagerly watch the Buffalo/New York game next week with an eye on regaining the top spot in the division down the line. The Pats will also head to Tennessee to take on the Titans.