AFC East Notebook: Gronkowski is back; Bills' defense dominates
Every Monday and Friday, theScore's NFL editors will bring you a roundup of everything you need to know from around the division with the AFC East Notebook.
New England Patriots
Gronkowski is back. Tight end Rob Gronkowski got back to his dominant ways in Sunday's win over the Chicago Bears and the Patriots offense turned in its best performance of the year as a direct result.
Brady quieting the critics. A slow start to the season had many questioning whether or not Tom Brady still has what it takes, but the veteran has appropriately responded with high-level play since that time.
Browner a welcomed addition. Sunday's game against the Bears was cornerback Brandon Browner's second in a Patriots uniform and his physical presence at the position is making a noticeable difference already.
Defense steps up without Jones. The expected month-long loss of pass rusher Chandler Jones was a significant blow to the Patriots' defense, but the unit saw several other players step up in a big way without him in the lineup Sunday.
Buffalo Bills
Defense dominates Jets. The Bills' defense led the way in Sunday's win over the Jets, forcing a total of six turnovers, including three interceptions of Geno Smith before he was benched in favor of Michael Vick.
Celebration costs Watkins. A premature celebration on his way to the end zone cost Bills rookie wide receiver Sammy Watkins what would have been an 89-yard touchdown.
Orton getting the job done. Kyle Orton may not be the flashiest quarterback in the NFL, but his hard work is making the players around him better and leading the Bills to wins.
Bills remain a mystery. Inconsistencies have plagued the Bills thus far, but impressive wins like the one they earned Sunday over the Jets have them in contention and still somewhat of a mystery team at the halfway point of the season.
Miami Dolphins
Defense shines in win. It may have been a closer game than many expected, but the Dolphins defense turned in a dominant performance to lead the team to a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
Offense struggles with consistency. Despite the win, the offense's inability to establish any sort of rhythm against the Jaguars' defense makes for a concern, as the unit was outscored by its own defense on the day.
Dolphins working on deep ball. The Dolphins have yet to take advantage of the speed Mike Wallace brings at the wide receiver position, but Ryan Tannehill threw two deep passes to him on consecutive plays Sunday, completing one for a 50-yard pickup.
New York Jets
Smith benched for Vick. Three early turnovers saw the Jets send quarterback Geno Smith to the bench for Michael Vick. After the game, Smith called the Jets' performance "atrocious."
Defense can't overcome offensive struggles. The Jets defense was far better than the final score indicated Sunday, but the unit was unable to overcome yet another poor performance from the offense.
Should the Jets tank? With the season quickly slipping away, would the Jets be better suited to lose the majority of their remaining games to ensure a higher selection in next spring's NFL Draft?