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Patriots' Writer Picks Jets over Bills in AFC East
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Ben Volin is not a Bill-iever when it comes to the 2023 AFC East division race.
The New England-based Boston Globe writer has tabbed the New York Jets to dethrone the reigning three-time division champion Buffalo Bills this fall.
"I'm putting the Jets ahead of the Bills. I'm buying the hype," said Volin during a June 1 guest spot on WGR's "Schopp and the Bulldog" radio show.
Volin predicated his opinion on the anticipated effect that Aaron Rodgers will have on the Jets' offensive output.
"They [the Jets] just literally had the worst passer rating, the worst team passer rating in the NFL [last season]," said Volin. "They had the worst quarterback play. They don't need Top 5 quarterback play. They just need okay quarterback play and that will be a very good team with a lot of young talent."
Gang Green's collection of passers combined for a 75.0 quarterback rating in 2022, ranking last out of 32 teams. The Green & White's 56.9 team completion percentage was also the lowest mark on the circuit.
Rodgers, who accounted for a 91.1 rating while completing 64.6 percent of passes last year, should be able to invigorate the offense, according to Volin.
"I really do think that one player, specifically a quarterback, makes a difference," said the senior NFL scribe. "I know that Rodgers wasn't the same last year, but I just think there was a lot going on. He obviously was pretty ticked off at his management [in Green Bay]. I just think Rodgers is gonna be refreshed and invested in the team this year with something to prove."
Count Volin amongst the ranks of those who believe the Jets were only a quarterback away from title contention.
"[The Jets were] really feisty last year. The defense is really young and fast and aggressive. Their offense, they have some good playmakers, all these high draft picks over the years," said Volin.
The Jets showed postseason potential during head coach Robert Saleh’s second season at the helm, jumping out to a 7-4 overall record. Unraveling due to a multitude of factors, primarily, instability at quarterback, Gang Green lost its last six games on the schedule.
Saleh’s defense finished the 2022 campaign as the NFL’s fourth-ranked unit (311.1). New York allowed the fourth-fewest points (316) on the circuit.
"As long as Rodgers avoids the mistakes, I really like the Jets this year. So, I am buying the hype on them," said Volin.
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