Preseason Takeaways: AFC EAST Week 2

By Paul Mainwaring

Week 2 in the AFC East gave Josh Allen some comfort, Jets Special Team issues, WR drops in Miami and the next guy who people will think can replace the GOAT in New England.

1. Beasley shows what he can offer to the Bills

For the Josh Allen fans, the performance of Cole Beasley will make them very satisfied. The former Cowboy had 5 catches on 5 targets for 44 yards, to help Allen and the first team offense score 10 points on their 2 drives. Accuracy has been an issue for Allen in College and the NFL, but adding a sure handed Slot Receiver will definitely help move the chains, and stop Allen tucking it and running as much. It is much easier to be accurate when you have receiver who can make space the way Beasley can. He will not make many flashy plays but his value will be in hopefully raising the consistency of this entire offense.

AFC East

2. Kicking issues in New York

After the shock retirement of Chandler Catanzaro last week the Jets were hoping that former Texas A&M kicker Taylor Bertolet would be the answer, but after his performance in Atlanta this week they may not be as sure. Bertolet missed two extra points and looked shaky throughout the Jets 22-10 win versus the Falcons. This should come as no surprise to the Jets really. Bertolet was inconsistent as a kicker for Salt Lake in the AAF, with missed kicks costing the Stallions at least one game. For a team who are going to need every advantage to get over .500 this year, a kicker missing extra points is an issue they could do without. 

3. Stidham making a name for himself

In his last game in College Jarret Stidham threw 5 TD’s for Auburn v Purdue in the Titans stadium. Saturday night in his return to the stadium Stidham showed he is very comfortable playing in Tennessee. Stidham moved the ball easily throwing for just under 200 yards (73% Pass Completion) and 1 TD. I would still expect Hoyer to be the back up Week 1 for the Pats but Stidham will be on the 53 and I am sure Pats fans are wondering if THIS is the guy who replaces Brady when he retires in 5 years. If not maybe they could trade him to Tennessee as he seems to like playing there so much?

4. Preston Williams back to earth with a bump

After his 4 catch for 97 yard performance in preseason Week 1, Preston Williams came back down to earth with 1 catch on 6 targets for 6 yards. Rosen started this week, and when the OL protected him, he looked to Williams a lot, but unfortunately drops plagued that link up. Rosen needs to get some chemistry with his receivers to beat out Ryan Fitzpatrick, and the performance of Williams in Preseason Week 2 will not help his cause.

5. NFLUK get hyped v2.0

Just when you thought Christian Wade mania has finished, he did this versus the Panthers

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Now just to pump the breaks a little on Wade it is worth noting that he has not played much on special teams or a pass blocker in these preseason games. It is extremely hard to make an NFL roster as a fourth running back if you are not playing special teams. The Bills essentially get to carry a free player for practice sessions this year by having Wade in the International Player Pathway spot, so they have no real reason to rush him onto the roster. What this means is that preseason might be as good as it gets for Wade in 2019.
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Paul Mainwaring

NFL Analyst

A former UKEndzone writer, Paul has been dragged out of an enforced retirement to give his thoughts on the NFL and anything elseĀ  he can slide past the editorial team.

Paul is most famous (infamous?) as Mainz one half of Waxing Lyrical. alongside his Partner in Crime Neil ‘Dutts’ Dutton.

Find him @Mainzey7 where all manner of sports are on the menu.

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