The New England Patriots ran over AFC East for nearly two decades. Now, the only thing they are competing for is a choice among the top 15 in the NFL’s 2021 Draft.
Life without Tom Brady did not go well for New England. Cam Newton had a few moments as a passer, like his performances against the Seahawks, Jets and Texans, but the defender only has five passing touchdowns, good for 34th in the league, in the year. Due to their fleeting struggles, the Patriots’ attack was quite one-dimensional for most of the year. It’s a big reason why the team is 6-8 and out of the playoffs dispute for the first time since 2008.
Buffalo Bills, meanwhile, won AFC East for the first time since 1995 and secured a playoff spot for the third time in four years after a 48-19 victory over the Denver Broncos. Buffalo’s attacking, defending and special teams are all playing well as the playoffs approach. At 11-3, the accounts are currently AFC’s No. 2 seed.
The changing of the guard occurred and was never more apparent than in ESPN’s promotion to Monday Night Football. When viewing the match between Buffalo and New England, several prominent clips are shown from the Bills, but the Patriots are not where they can be found.
Take a look for yourself.
Buffalo has been familiar with this type of treatment since the dry days of the playoffs, but it is a new day in East AFC. Realistically, this may be the new reality for the Patriots in the near future, until they find a long-term answer in the quarterback. Buffalo and Miami seem well placed to be near the top of the division in the near future.
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