AFC East Buzz: Belichick rumors, Bills in turmoil, Dolphins in prime position and then there's the New York Jets

What has happened to the AFC East?  The once mighty New England Patriots have fallen, the Buffalo Bills are looking for consistency, the Miami Dolphins don’t look so dominant against winning teams and the New York Jets are just trying to find some kind of offensive spark to make a playoff push.

Let’s start with those Patriots.  At 2-8 and at the bottom of the conference, a team that once dominated the AFC East, now look like one of those teams with no direction and certainly no answer at the quarterback position.  The fate of the team and how things have gone so far in the 2023 NFL season all rests in the hands of Bill Belichick who if he wasn’t who he was would and should be fired given the mess the team has become.

New England Patriots have a decision to make regarding Bill Belichick

Whether it be roster management, the regression of Mac Jones, the drama off-the-field with defensive backs Jack Jones and J.C. Jackson, this isn’t the Belichick Patriots fans are used to nor is it the Belichick that once struck fear into opposing teams.  Those days seem over but is it over for Belichick.

While the hot seat is getting hotter for Belichick, the rumors are swirling even more intensely over his next landing spot.  As NFL insider Dianna Russini wrote on Saturday, there is no question that a parting of the ways lays in the path between the Patriots and Belichick.

“Speculation continues to grow about the end of the partnership between the Patriots and Belichick,” Russini wrote over the weekend, as transcribed by WEEI. “In talking to those who have spent time around the Patriots organization and understand the dynamics between team owner Robert Kraft and Belichick, I don’t expect anything to be determined with so much season remaining. But if people I talk to had to bet, their money is on a mutual parting of the ways at the end of the season.”

As the season moves forward, there will be increased speculation over which franchises will be in line to scoop up the legendary coach.  Keep an eye on the Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Giants, Chicago Bears and an interesting team down in Tampa Bay who benefitted Tom Brady’s last ride in the NFL.

Wouldn’t it be fascinating if Belichick followed Brady’s path to the Buccaneers?