AFC East Ground Games Continue Their 2023 Makeover

There have been a lot of headlines recently focused on one division and a pair of prominent free-agent additions. Earlier this week, the New England Patriots inked seven-year pro Ezekiel Elliott to a one-year deal. Later that same day, the New York Jets added four-time Pro Bowler Dalvin Cook via a one-year contract.

Both have outstanding NFL resumes. The moves have made life in the AFC East even more interesting for all four teams. However, the Bills, Dolphins, Patriots and Jets have all been busy tweaking their running attacks in one form or another for months. Elliott and Cook are big names indeed, but all four teams have been looking for more from their ground games better this offseason after a very shaky 2022.

Start with the reigning AFC East champions. Yes, Brian Daboll’s club finished seventh in the league this past season in rushing yards per contest (139.5). However, much of that comes from talented quarterback Josh Allen. He finished second on the team with 762 yards on the ground and led the Bills with seven rushing TD. Devin Singletary was the club’ leading rusher with 819 yards in 2022. He is now a member of the Houston Texans. Second-year pro James Cook and free-agent additions Damien Harris (Patriots) and Latavius Murray (Broncos) are key members of Daboll’s backfield.

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As for the other three teams, the Patriots (24th), Dolphins (T-25th) and Jets (T-25th) were near the bottom of the league in terms of rushing ranks. The additions of Elliott and Cook should no doubt help Bill Belichick’s and Robert Saleh’s squad, respectively.

A year ago, Miami added Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. from the 49ers via free agency and trade, respectively. That didn’t top general manager Chris Grier from using a third-round pick four months ago on Texas A&M standout De’Von Achane.

The AFC East has plenty of talent at the quarterback spot with Allen, Aaron Rodgers, Mac Jones and Tua Tagovailoa. However, keep an eye on who each of these players are getting the football to throughout the season.