The Patriots won't play until Sunday night, but their chances for another AFC East title may have already increased.
Three key AFC East players went down with injuries during the early Sunday games, all of which could have serious implications for the 2012 season. Darrelle Revis left the Jets-Dolphins game with a non-contact knee injury and was ruled out for the rest of the game almost immediately. Revis' left knee buckled as he tried to reposition himself on an attempted tackle. The cornerback was down for a few minutes and held his head in his hand as he was being assisted to by trainers. The severtiy of the injury isn't known, but non-contact knee injuries always lead you to assume the worst.
CJ Spiller had been on a tear for the Bills before leaving their game against the Browns. Spiller landed awkwardly on his shoulder when Cleveland safety Usama Young landed on him after a reception. With Fred Jackson already out with a knee injury, Tashard Choice is the next man in line at running back for Buffalo.
Reggie Bush also injured his left knee today against the Jets. Bush was expected to be the key offensive piece on an otherwise shallow Dolphins team this year. Bush's injury didn't look as severe as Revis or Spiller's injuries; he was jogging on the sidelines during the second half. He was however ruled out for the remainder of the game.
All three are injuries to monitor throughout the day, week and season. Revis is the best player on that entire Jets team and losing him for the season would be disastrous for their playoff chances.
Spiller had looked like the most explosive player on the Bills, and possibly the entire NFL early in 2012. Buffalo is lucky to be getting another great RB back in Jackson, but having a two-headed running attack would have made that offense more potent.
The Dolphins have to hope Bush isn't out for long. They have two solid young backups in Daniel Thomas and Lamar Miller, but neither are as dependable as Bush has been the last two seasons.
Patriots fans will have to hope that the string of AFC East injuries stops Sunday afternoon and doesn't continue on into the evening.
