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NFL Preview: 3 potential breakout stars from every AFC East squad

By David Ricuito

Sep 11, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) warms up before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) warms up before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 18, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) carriies the ball against Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Tyler Hall (37) in the second half at Allegiant Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Patriots 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) carriies the ball against Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Tyler Hall (37) in the second half at Allegiant Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Patriots 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

AFC East Team No. 2 — New England Patriots

DL Christian Barmore

RB Rhamondre Stevenson

EDGE Josh Uche 

Some thought that Christian Barmore would break out in his second season, but he only played 10 games due to a knee injury. In those games, he did show some flashes. In Week 17 and 18, the former Alabama star put together two very impressive performances.

Per Pro Football Focus, in Week 17 against Miami, Barmore had a sack, seven total pressures and a 90.8 defensive grade. In Week 18 against Buffalo, he had four total pressures and an 88.4 defensive grade. If the bowling ball defensive tackle can stack performances like this, he will have a very nice 2023 season.

Rhamondre Stevenson had a superb 2022 season himself. He racked up over 1,000 rushing yards, 400 receiving yards and six total touchdowns. In 2023, with Damien Harris gone and Bill O’Brien as the offensive coordinator, Stevenson should be set up for an even bigger role.

Josh Uche put up 11.5 sacks and 56 total pressures last season. These are great stats and look even better when you see he did that while only playing 38 percent of the defensive snaps. As a rotational pass rusher, those are about as good of stats as you could hope for. But if Bill Belichick thinks he can do more, he could really breakout into the next stage of development.

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