In this series of 8 articles, I rank the quarterbacks from best to wost from each division. This one is going to focus on how the quarterbacks fared in the AFC East.
This is my opinion and I based this only off of 2019 performances.
1st – Tom Brady | 14th overall
2019 Stats – 4,057 yards | 60.8 pct | 24 pass TD – 3 rush TD | 8 INT | 1 FUM
I struggled putting Tom at #1 because of his decline this year. Then again, he didn’t have much to work with this year. Brady passed for over 4,000 yards and threw 24 touchdowns this season. He also lost only 1 fumble, so he’s still got his ball protection skills. It is unclear as to what the future looks like for the 42 year old, but many suspect he will stay in New England.
The choice is up to him because he is an unrestricted free agent. But if Brady were to return in 2020 with New England, they need to get him some help because he is not the quarterback he once was. However, if he went in another direction, it’s unclear if it will be a long term deal.
2nd – Josh Allen | 16th overall
2019 Stats – 3,089 yards | 58.8 pct | 20 pass TD – 9 rush TD | 9 INT | 1 FUM
There was an impressive amount of improvement in Year Two for the young quarterback. There were less mistakes and more production from him. Allen threw for over 3,000 yards and rushed for over 500. On top of that, he put together 5 game-winning drives (lead the league) and 4 4th-quarter-comebacks (led the league).
The dual-threat quarterback used his legs and flashed his speed at times to rush for 9 touchdowns. I’ve always been a fan of Josh Allen and what he can do with his arm and legs, so it should be interesting to see his development in 2020 to help the Bills push for the playoffs once again.
3rd – Ryan Fitzpatrick | 18th overall
2019 Stats – 3,529 yards | 62.0 pct | 20 pass TD – 4 rush TD | 13 INT | 2 FUM
Fitzmagic was in full force this year. Even with the acquisition of Josh Rosen in the offseason, head coach Brian Flores handed the keys over to the veteran quarterback. Despite him having nobody to work with other than Devante Parker, Fitzpatrick made the most of it.
The 15-year veteran threw for 3,500 yards and 20 touchdowns. Even with the worst pass protection in the NFL, he managed to put together five wins, including a stunning victory in New England during Week 17. It is unclear whether the veteran will return to start for Miami or if the team will go in a different direction. But I think he’s still got some Fitzmagic left in the tank.
4th – Sam Darnold | 24th overall
2019 Stats – 3,024 yards | 61.19 pct | 19 pass TD – 2 rush TD | 13 INT | 3 FUM
Darnold opened the season with mono, which put the Jets in a horrible position as they had playoff hopes. Once cured, he did have a strong finish to the season throwing for over 3,000 yards and 19 touchdowns.
He definitely improved from his rookie season and will continue to develop as the face of the Jets. The Jets have good players on the offense, but maybe the young star, heading into his 3rd year, will see less ghosts and more open players in 2020.
Going forward, I think the AFC East is going to be much more competitive and less predictable. The Bills have found a system that works and will try to dethrone the Kings of the East, while the Jets and Dolphins rebuild to stay in the division title race throughout most of the season.